More than 350 guests turned up the volume at River Crest Country Club for a sold-out Rock n’ Roll celebration benefiting the Museum’s education programs
The sixth annual Desert Rose Luncheon raised approximately $300,000—and counting—for the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, bringing more than 350 guests together at River Crest Country Club on September 16 for one of Fort Worth’s most spirited philanthropic celebrations. Proceeds from the sold-out event directly support the Museum’s education programs, helping future generations discover the grit, grace and enduring legacy of the cowgirl.
Co-chaired by National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame Board Members Lorene Agather and Sainty Nelsen, this year’s luncheon went full Rock n’ Roll, transforming the ballroom into a backstage-meets-rodeo fantasy where rhinestones met rock legends and the Wild West collided with unapologetic rebellion. Inspired by the iconic energy of Guns N’ Roses, the experience paired red roses and moody lighting with leather fringe, vintage band tees, turquoise, mirrored surfaces and high-voltage fashion.
The room carried an unmistakably edgy energy, from novelty candy cigarettes at the tables and electric-guitar performances by Matt Gumley to tableside bottle-service moments for sponsors. Guests completed the transformation in their own interpretations of Rockstar Cowgirl attire, arriving in red leather, rose sequins, vintage concert tees and patent-leather cowboy boots.
“What made this year’s Desert Rose Luncheon so special was seeing every single guest fully embrace the theme. Our Fort Worth women leaned all the way in and went full rock and roll, from the fashion to the energy they brought into the room. It was such a wonderful testament to this community’s unwavering support of the Cowgirl Museum and to a cowgirl’s undeniable love of a great theme,” said Agather.
“The Desert Rose Luncheon has become such a special celebration of the strong, bold and extraordinary women who embody the spirit of the West, and it is truly an honor to help bring it to life each year,” said Nelsen. “This year, we turned up the volume, and seeing the room filled with incredible fashion, music, energy and, most importantly, people coming together to support the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame was beyond anything we could have imagined. Lorene and I are so grateful to our sponsors, vendors, committee and every single person who showed up for this Museum we love so much. We wanted the luncheon to feel unexpected, joyful and a little bit wild and Fort Worth absolutely rocked it. We can’t wait to celebrate again next year.”
The 2026 Desert Rose Luncheon was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Maverick Golf & Ranch Club, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott and longtime event sponsor Lucchese Bootmaker. The afternoon featured a high-energy fashion show and a curated shopping experience, with Lucchese boots appearing on the runway and Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott contributing statement looks that captured the modern Cowgirl spirit.
This year’s Preview Party welcomed more guests than ever before. Vendor Chairs Allie Turney and Kadee Blair led the marketplace curation and Preview Party planning, creating a wide-ranging shopping experience featuring Bauble Stockings; Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design; Camp Crafty; Chasseur; COLORES Collective; IOTA Vintage; Lela Rose; Lucchese Bootmaker; Lucky Gem Club; Orchid & Olive; Saint Coco James; Sapeyka; Southern Tribute; and Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott.
Notable guests included Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; Councilwoman Macy Hill; National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame Board Member Nicole Sheridan; Katey McFarlan; Ashley West; Ashley Robertson; Catherine Cartie; Southern Lady’s Melissa Smith; and Crystal Wise. Cowgirl Magazine, Southern Lady and Visit Fort Worth were also in attendance.
Throughout the celebration, guests were invited to look ahead to the grand opening of the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame’s expansion on November 7. The milestone day will begin with a Western parade through the Fort Worth Cultural District at 11 a.m., followed by the Museum opening to the public at noon. A centerpiece of the expanded Museum will be an iconic all-Western carousel on the second floor overlooking Dickies Arena.
Now in its sixth year, Desert Rose has become a signature Fort Worth gathering, known for pairing fearless fashion and immersive themes with meaningful support for the Museum. This year’s celebration carried that tradition forward at full volume, raising critical funds while rallying the community around the Museum’s next chapter.
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About the Desert Rose Luncheon
Now in its sixth year, the Desert Rose Luncheon is an annual fundraising event in Fort Worth benefiting the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame. The luncheon brings together more than 350 community leaders, tastemakers and supporters for a high-energy fashion show, vibrant annual theme and curated shopping experience. Funds raised support the Museum’s education programs and help inspire future generations through the grit, grace and legacy of the cowgirl spirit.
About Maverick Golf & Ranch Club
Maverick Golf & Ranch Club is a private residential community in Fort Worth from Discovery Land Company, offering luxury living and outdoor adventure. Planned amenities include a Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, spa and fitness center, children’s adventure center and family water park, fieldhouse and sports complex, as well as hiking, biking, fishing and an offsite Outdoor Pursuits program. The community will also feature an expansive culinary program, organic farm and family farm. To learn more and inquire about ownership opportunities, visit maverickgolfclub.com.
About Lucchese Bootmaker
Since 1883, Lucchese has crafted America’s boots for America’s icons for more
than 140 years. As one of the nation’s few true heritage craft houses, Lucchese handcrafts the majority of its boots in Texas, where uncompromising craftsmanship, integrity, and attention to detail have defined the brand for generations. Rooted in that legacy, Lucchese has evolved into a complete Western lifestyle brand, encompassing men’s and women’s boots and apparel, casual footwear, hats, accessories, and travel goods. With more than 30 retail locations across the country, Lucchese continues to deliver the craftsmanship, quality, and personal service that have distinguished the brand since its founding. A legacy made by hand, built to endure. For more information, visit Lucchese.com or follow Lucchese on Instagram @lucchese, Facebook @lucchesebootmaker and X @lucchese1883.
About Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott
Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott is a modern lifestyle brand rooted in the heritage, style, and enduring spirit of the American West. Born from life on the Yellow Rose Ranch, the brand reimagines authentic Western codes through a distinctly feminine point of view across jewelry, fashion, and accessories. Grounded in craftsmanship, confident self-expression, and meaningful connection, Yellow Rose brings the spirit of the West to life through distinctive products, experiences, and a culture of hospitality.
