★ PRESENTING SPONSOR KATIE AND HUNTER HILL ★
★ PRESENTING SPONSOR ★
KATIE AND HUNTER HILL
At ACE Scholarships Texas, we know every child deserves the chance to write their own story. We believe that changing education changes everything, and our scholarships help families choose the educational environment that best fits their children. Like any good country song, our journey is built on grit, hope, and the belief that opportunity can change the course of a life. Through the support of our donors, students across Texas are gaining access to the education they need to grow, succeed, and pursue dreams as wide as the Texas sky. Together, we are opening doors and building brighter futures across Texas.
Where: House of Blues, 2200 N Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202
When: Oct. 22, 2026 | 6:00 – 9:30 pm
Why: To hear an incredible performance and support scholarships for Texas children!
At ACE Scholarships Texas, we know every child deserves the chance to write their own story. We believe that changing education changes everything, and our scholarships help families choose the educational environment that best fits their children. Like any good country song, our journey is built on grit, hope, and the belief that opportunity can change the course of a life. Through the support of our donors, students across Texas are gaining access to the education they need to grow, succeed, and pursue dreams as wide as the Texas sky. Together, we are opening doors and building brighter futures across Texas.
Where: House of Blues, 2200 N Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202
When: Oct. 22, 2026 | 6:00 – 9:30 pm
Why: To hear an incredible performance and support scholarships for Texas children!
David Lee Murphy’s polished blend of neo-traditional country and mainstream rock flourishes made the vocalist a star in the mid-’90s. Murphy moved to Nashville with the hopes of becoming famous in 1983. For ten years he struggled in the Music City, honing his craft but never catching the attention of the music industry. By the early ’90s, he had gained a reputation in Nashville and in 1992 he signed with MCA Records. Murphy’s first recording was a contribution to the soundtrack of the Luke Perry rodeo movie Eight Seconds.
Out with a Bang, his first album, was released in early 1995. “Party Crowd” became the most-played song on country radio in 1995, and the record’s second single, “Dust on the Bottle,” spent two weeks at number one. Out with a Bang would go platinum and become the best-selling debut album by a male country singer for the entire year of 1995. The Academy of Country Music nominated him for Top New Male Vocalist.
Released in the summer of 1996, his second album, Gettin’ Out the Good Stuff, wasn’t quite as successful, although the single “The Road You Leave Behind” reached number 14.
Murphy released one last album for MCA in 1997, We Can’t All Be Angels, which generated minor hits in “All Lit Up in Love” and “Just Don’t Wait Around ’til She’s Leavin'” – before parting ways with the label.
Murphy released Tryin’ to Get There on Koch Entertainment in 2004, but spent the decade slowly shifting away from the spotlight to concentrate on songwriting. Over the next 15 years, many country artists recorded his songs– his big breakthrough arrived when Kenny Chesney took “Living in Fast Forward” to number one in 2006. Blake Shelton, Gary Allan, Blackberry Smoke, and Jake Owen all recorded his songs, but his other number one arrived in 2009 when Jason Aldean cut “Big Green Tractor.”
Murphy eased back into recording in 2018, signing with Reviver Records to release No Zip Code, which was produced by Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon. Murphy next surfaced on “Beer with My Friends,” a 2021 single by Shy Carter that also featured Cole Swindell; that year, he also appeared on “Red Dirt Clouds,” a collaborative effort by ERNEST, HARDY, and Ben Burgess.
Performing Artist
David Lee Murphy
David Lee Murphy’s polished blend of neo-traditional country and mainstream rock flourishes made the vocalist a star in the mid-’90s. Murphy moved to Nashville with the hopes of becoming famous in 1983. For 10 years he struggled in the Music City, honing his craft but never catching the attention of the music industry. By the early ’90s, he had gained a reputation in Nashville and in 1992 he signed with MCA Records. Murphy’s first recording was a contribution to the soundtrack of the Luke Perry rodeo movie “Eight Seconds.”
“Out with a Bang,” his first album, was released in early 1995. “Party Crowd” became the most-played song on country radio in 1995, and the record’s second single, “Dust on the Bottle,” spent two weeks at number one. “Out with a Bang” would go platinum and become the best-selling debut album by a male country singer for the entire year of 1995. The Academy of Country Music nominated him for Top New Male Vocalist.
Released in the summer of 1996, his second album, “Gettin’ Out the Good Stuff,” wasn’t quite as successful, although the single “The Road You Leave Behind” reached number 14.
Murphy released one last album for MCA in 1997, “We Can’t All Be Angels,” which generated minor hits in “All Lit Up in Love” and “Just Don’t Wait Around ’til She’s Leavin'” – before parting ways with the label.
Murphy released “Tryin’ to Get There” on Koch Entertainment in 2004, but spent the decade slowly shifting away from the spotlight to concentrate on songwriting. Over the next 15 years, many country artists recorded his songs– his big breakthrough arrived when Kenny Chesney took “Living in Fast Forward” to number one in 2006. Blake Shelton, Gary Allan, Blackberry Smoke, and Jake Owen all recorded his songs, but his other number one arrived in 2009 when Jason Aldean cut “Big Green Tractor.”
Murphy eased back into recording in 2018, signing with Reviver Records to release “No Zip Code,” which was produced by Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon. Murphy next surfaced on “Beer with My Friends,” a 2021 single by Shy Carter that also featured Cole Swindell; that year, he also appeared on “Red Dirt Clouds,” a collaborative effort by ERNEST, HARDY, and Ben Burgess.
David Lee Murphy’s polished blend of neo-traditional country and mainstream rock flourishes made the vocalist a star in the mid-’90s. Murphy moved to Nashville with the hopes of becoming famous in 1983. For ten years he struggled in the Music City, honing his craft but never catching the attention of the music industry. By the early ’90s, he had gained a reputation in Nashville and in 1992 he signed with MCA Records. Murphy’s first recording was a contribution to the soundtrack of the Luke Perry rodeo movie Eight Seconds.
Out with a Bang, his first album, was released in early 1995. “Party Crowd” became the most-played song on country radio in 1995, and the record’s second single, “Dust on the Bottle,” spent two weeks at number one. Out with a Bang would go platinum and become the best-selling debut album by a male country singer for the entire year of 1995. The Academy of Country Music nominated him for Top New Male Vocalist.
Released in the summer of 1996, his second album, Gettin’ Out the Good Stuff, wasn’t quite as successful, although the single “The Road You Leave Behind” reached number 14.
Murphy released one last album for MCA in 1997, We Can’t All Be Angels, which generated minor hits in “All Lit Up in Love” and “Just Don’t Wait Around ’til She’s Leavin'” – before parting ways with the label.
Murphy released Tryin’ to Get There on Koch Entertainment in 2004, but spent the decade slowly shifting away from the spotlight to concentrate on songwriting. Over the next 15 years, many country artists recorded his songs– his big breakthrough arrived when Kenny Chesney took “Living in Fast Forward” to number one in 2006. Blake Shelton, Gary Allan, Blackberry Smoke, and Jake Owen all recorded his songs, but his other number one arrived in 2009 when Jason Aldean cut “Big Green Tractor.”
Murphy eased back into recording in 2018, signing with Reviver Records to release No Zip Code, which was produced by Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon. Murphy next surfaced on “Beer with My Friends,” a 2021 single by Shy Carter that also featured Cole Swindell; that year, he also appeared on “Red Dirt Clouds,” a collaborative effort by ERNEST, HARDY, and Ben Burgess.
Performing Artist
David Lee Murphy
David Lee Murphy’s polished blend of neo-traditional country and mainstream rock flourishes made the vocalist a star in the mid-’90s. Murphy moved to Nashville with the hopes of becoming famous in 1983. For ten years he struggled in the Music City, honing his craft but never catching the attention of the music industry. By the early ’90s, he had gained a reputation in Nashville and in 1992 he signed with MCA Records. Murphy’s first recording was a contribution to the soundtrack of the Luke Perry rodeo movie Eight Seconds.
Out with a Bang, his first album, was released in early 1995. “Party Crowd” became the most-played song on country radio in 1995, and the record’s second single, “Dust on the Bottle,” spent two weeks at number one. Out with a Bang would go platinum and become the best-selling debut album by a male country singer for the entire year of 1995. The Academy of Country Music nominated him for Top New Male Vocalist.
Released in the summer of 1996, his second album, Gettin’ Out the Good Stuff, wasn’t quite as successful, although the single “The Road You Leave Behind” reached number 14.
Murphy released one last album for MCA in 1997, We Can’t All Be Angels, which generated minor hits in “All Lit Up in Love” and “Just Don’t Wait Around ’til She’s Leavin'” – before parting ways with the label.
Murphy released Tryin’ to Get There on Koch Entertainment in 2004, but spent the decade slowly shifting away from the spotlight to concentrate on songwriting. Over the next 15 years, many country artists recorded his songs– his big breakthrough arrived when Kenny Chesney took “Living in Fast Forward” to number one in 2006. Blake Shelton, Gary Allan, Blackberry Smoke, and Jake Owen all recorded his songs, but his other number one arrived in 2009 when Jason Aldean cut “Big Green Tractor.”
Murphy eased back into recording in 2018, signing with Reviver Records to release No Zip Code, which was produced by Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon. Murphy next surfaced on “Beer with My Friends,” a 2021 single by Shy Carter that also featured Cole Swindell; that year, he also appeared on “Red Dirt Clouds,” a collaborative effort by ERNEST, HARDY, and Ben Burgess.
Silent Auction
Bella Monte Lodge
Escape to Bella Monte Lodge, a luxurious 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath mountain retreat with stunning Breckenridge views. Enjoy shuttle access just steps from the door and a scenic trail into downtown. Relax in the private hot tub, gather around the fire pit, or unwind in the steam shower after a day of mountain adventures. Your stay includes 6 nights and 7 days – perfect for a getaway with your favorite people. Stay is subject to mutually agreed-upon dates. Peak season and blackout dates apply.
Market Value: $10,000
Starting Bid: $3,500
Dormie Network Membership
Experience golf at its finest with a one-year membership to Dormie Network, featuring access to seven award-winning private clubs across the country. Enjoy exceptional golf, luxury lodging, first-class hospitality, and exquisite chef-prepared cuisine.
Opening Bid: $20,000
Package Value: $33,000
Joshua Creek Ranch Hunting Getaway for Two
Treat yourself and a guest to the ultimate outdoor getaway at Joshua Creek Ranch, includes a guided half-day upland bird hunt, a round of sporting clays, luxurious overnight accommodations in a deluxe Creekside room, exceptional dining, and gun rentals.
Opening Bid: $1,100
Package Value: $3,100
Signed Jon Flaming Print
Renowned Texas contemporary Western artist Jon Flaming has created a special artwork for the ACE Texas Charity Concert. You will have the exclusive opportunity to bid on one of three unique colorways, each printed on high-quality 30″ x 40″ paper, signed by Jon Flaming, and professionally framed. Known for his bold, modern interpretations of cowboy and small-town life, Flaming’s work has been featured at the Amon Carter Museum and in publications including Architectural Digest, Texas Monthly, and D Magazine.
Opening Bid: $1,500 per print
Each Print Value: $2,500
Sip, Sparkle & Savor
Indulge in the ultimate experience of style, dining, and wine! This fabulous package includes a $250 gift card to Frenchie-Dallas, a stunning matching Kendra Scott necklace and bracelet, plus a memorable wine tasting for 8 guests and a full case of wine from Spicewood Vineyards.
Opening Bid: $450
Package Value: $1,250
Spruce Creek Lodge
Gather your favorite people for an unforgettable Colorado getaway! Enjoy a 6-night stay in a stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom mountain retreat in Blue River, Colorado. Located just 5 minutes from Breckenridge, this spacious home offers the ideal combination of alpine seclusion and convenient access to skiing, outdoor adventures, dining, and shopping. This beautiful mountain home is your perfect base camp. Stay is subject to mutually agreed-upon dates. Peak season and blackout dates apply.
Market Value: $10,000
Starting Bid: $3,500
ACE 101
Building the Future
Education Freedom Tax Credit
Sponsorship Seating
Thank you to our sponsors!
Presenting Sponsors
Katie & Hunter
Hill
Platinum Sponsors
Senator Ted Cruz & Heidi Cruz
Gold Sponsors
Silver Boot Sponsors
Amy & Alex
Black
Lisa & Jim
Day
Haynie & Paige
Mayhew
Matt and Cindy
Reding
Bronze Belt Sponsors
Monika & Bill
Anderson
Jordan
Beck
Jenny & Jon
Birnbrey
Christen & Drew
Horner
Jamie & Elliot
Gerson
Stephanie & Sam
Glazer
Ken & Mamie
Jones
Traci & Sean
Owen
Susan Jenkins & Duane
Rusten
The Reed
Family
Jeannette & Keith
Wagner
Katie & Mike
Wylie
Natalie & Blake
Zale
