On Oct.  22, the Young Life Gala took place in Southfork Ranch in Allen. Southfork Ranch is where the Ewing Family lived in the television series, “Dallas,” and they opened their doors at 6:30 p.m. Young Life was celebrating its 75th year of success with HGTV star Clint Harp.

“It’s one of those things that you get drawn to and once you’re in it you just love it,” Young Life participant Macie Kester said. “The relationships I have built and having that ‘something’ to look forward to every Monday…you just get to be who you are.”

Young Life is a Christian program where students come together to meet and bond with one another. It began in the early 1940s when the founders realized that in order to understand a teenager’s perspective on life, they have to be present in their world.    

“It’s like an adventure…just fun and accepting,” Kester said. “When you walk in it’s just this big rally and we talk about going to different places everywhere…it’s just really fun.”

During the gala, there was a dinner, a cash bar, a silent auction, music, a raffle and a bid on one of Harp’s tables, which he made from scratch.  Harp also shared his story on how he decided to give up his job in medical sales and pursue his dream to make his own furniture. Now, Harp is seen on HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” and owns Harp Design Company in Waco. The money earned from the gala will go to the Allen and Lovejoy Young Life programs.

“Some people go and they’re not Christians, but they go and get to hear 10 minutes about God, and them hearing about that is awesome,” Kester said. “Anyone can come. It’s based off of adventure and God, and God is cool…a lot of people come and it’s really just a beautiful thing.”