Event at The Williams Ranch benefits grieving families through First Touch Family
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — A heartfelt and family-friendly event is coming to The Williams Ranch on Saturday, May 17. The Hope Grows Here Spring Family Festival, hosted in partnership with First Touch Family, is more than just a day of fun—it’s a day of purpose, hope, and healing for families navigating the unimaginable grief of child loss.
Bringing the Community Together for a Cause
Founded by Chrissy Cogdell, First Touch Family is a Huntsville-based nonprofit offering grief support and tangible resources to families who have lost a child—from miscarriage to adult children. The festival helps fund these efforts while also creating a space for families to find encouragement and community.
“We just try to meet families where the need is,” Cogdell said. “That’s been everything from rent, food, and animal care to simply showing up at funerals or helping plan them. We’re there when the casseroles go cold and everyone else has gone home.”
Family Fun with Meaning
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes bounce houses, horseback rides, train rides, exotic animals like camels and ostriches, catch-and-release fishing, and carnival games. Admission includes most attractions, while some rides and add-ons are available for an additional fee.
Memory tents will line the event to honor children who have passed away. Each tent will include a family-hosted carnival-style game, giving parents a chance to remember their child in a joyful way. “It’s a good way to honor our own children in a fun, family-friendly environment,” said Cogdell.
Evening Auction and Dinner
The evening portion of the festival includes a live auction led by popular local auctioneer Ray Burgess and features items like Astros tickets and guided fishing trips. Silent auction items will be available throughout the day. VIP dinner tables are still available for purchase, with proceeds going directly to support First Touch Family’s ministry.
Jasper the Cow Dog Steals the Show
A unique highlight of the day is a live cattle demonstration by Matt Nichols and his trained border collie, Jasper. Nichols, a full-time cowboy, horse trainer, and deacon at Anderson Baptist Church, uses Jasper’s incredible herding skills to present a powerful message about purpose and faith.
“He’s not a trick dog—he’s a working dog,” Nichols said. “But I use our demonstrations to share encouragement and connect people to the Gospel.”
Cogdell added, “We felt like Matt and Jasper were the perfect addition to bring a faith-based message to families who might not otherwise go to church. Kids relate to animals, and when Matt speaks, they listen.”
Support that Lasts Beyond the Festival
First Touch Family’s outreach begins with their “Blessing Box” ministry, which delivers Bibles and grief materials to families in crisis. But their work doesn’t end there.
“We recently served a family who lost a 16-month-old,” Cogdell shared. “And we continue to support parents who are decades into their grief. This is ongoing care, not a one-time thing.”
A Call to Action
Cogdell encourages the community to attend, donate, and share the message. “We’d be honored to serve any family who has experienced the loss of a child,” she said. “Even if you’re not sure we can help, just reach out. If we can’t do it, we’ll connect you with someone who can.”
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for the Hope Grows Here Spring Family Festival can be purchased online at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hope-grows-here-spring-family-festival-presented-by-the-williams-ranch-tickets-1244261853699
To learn more or support the mission, visit firsttouchfamily.org.
