Mark the calendar, grab your tickets, and get gussied up in boots, bling and blue jeans because you are cordially invited to the Special Forces Charitable Trust Second annual Denim & Diamonds gala. This premiere charity event will take place on June 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Carolina Barn. The rustic, yet elegant and beautiful venue is located at 7765 McCormick Bridge Road in Spring Lake.

Up & Coming Weekly caught up with Sierra Cortez, the event manager, to discuss the motivation and mission behind the Denim & Diamonds gala.

Mrs. Cortez said, “The mission of SCFT is to enrich the strong family bonds and support all programs that enrich the well-being of the Green Beret community. SCFT is all about supporting the family and events like Denim & Diamonds help raise the necessary funds to financially and professionally enhance the command's family resiliency initiatives.”

During our conversation she referred to the Green Berets as the “quiet professionals.”

We asked Mrs. Cortez to elaborate, “Being a spouse of a Green Beret I know first-hand the sacrifice my husband makes to protect America’s interests. So, when he’s not on a mission in some obscure location, he prioritizes family and plays an integral part in the community.”

Cortez directed me to a quote on the SCFT website that says, “The strongest people make time to help others, even when they are struggling themselves.”

According to the SCFT website, there are currently seven Special Forces Groups, two of which are National Guard Special Forces, which are headquartered in seven states: Washington, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Colorado, Utah and Alabama. The National Guard Special Forces Groups also have subordinate units in 17 states. Special Forces units are also located in Okinawa, Japan, and Stuttgart, Germany.

As we talked in jest about rhinestone studded jeans that would make even Elvis envious, I asked what can we expect at the Denim & Diamonds gala? This high-energy, jeans-preferred affair will bring together philanthropists, patriots, and purpose-driven partiers, for an evening of fun which funds an amazing mission. From line dancing to boot-scoot boogying with Green Berets, this gala will have the whole town talking.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/denim-diamonds-tickets-630899446227. Besides having the time of your life, the perks for purchasing a ticket includes enjoying casual and delicious bites from Two Brothers Catering. Then enter into the enchanting “Bar-Garden” featuring sips from such establishments as the Southern Pines Brewing Company, Weldon Mills Distillery, Charlie Mikes Pub, Hatchet Brewing Company, Bell Tree Tavern, Adams Beverages of North Carolina, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and more.

Entertainment for the evening will include live music and dancing with Trey Friddle and his band, silent auction Items, the famous Bling-Ring Raffle and much more. For more information on Trey Fiddle, visit https://treyfriddle.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available at https://revenue-usa.keela.co/denim-and-diamonds-2023 What better way to bolster local roots than to sponsor an evening amongst neighbors and fellow patriots. Sponsorship levels range from $2,500 to $10,000.

Feelin’ Fancy? Diamond VIP tables are available for guests who want to grab your best denim-dressed buds and dance the night away.

Upcoming SFCT Events In North Carolina

The 4th annual SFCT Celebrity | Green Beret Tactical Challenge will be held on Dec.13 to 14 on Fort Liberty’s Range 37. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for teams from the U.S. Army Special Forces and the national celebrity communities to unite and compete in precision marksman skills, tactical movement and physical endurance.

SFCT’s Inaugural Golf Tournament Carolina Trace information will be posted on https://www.specialforcescharitabletrust.org/events#calendar-2ce3dff7-de22-42c5-84dd-4f48e7daf700-event-c86e4970-a2d6-4998-ade1-44193537f277

The SFCT office in Southern Pines is located at 677 S Bennett Street. They serve the greater Fort Liberty area with a heavy presence in Moore County. Any sponsorship or donations made to the Special Forces Charitable Trust goes toward supporting families, raising awareness and uplifting the Green Beret community.

For more information, visit https://specialforcescharitabletrust.kindful.com