South Texas Charity Weekend Celebrates Another Milestone Year

By Caroline McAllister  Photography by Marie Langmore and Marks Moore

THE SETTING: Over 300 guests from across the state and country traveled to Kingsville, at the heart of South Texas’s vast native lands, to celebrate Carter Smith, being honored as the 2024 South Texan of the Year. Guests enjoyed fine dining and exclusive shopping experiences from around the world while steps away from the legendary King Ranch’s working horses milling in green pastures. The RK Group transformed a section of pasture to serve as the headquarters for this special celebration.

THE STYLE: The South Texas Charity Weekend festivities kicked off with a Friday night cocktail reception. Not only did this evening serve as the welcome to new and old friends alike to South Texas, but it also provided guests with the opportunity to unique shopping opportunities featuring the best of the best when it comes to belts, boots, hats, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and leather goods. On Saturday, guests chose between quail hunting on the legendary King Ranch, a guided tour of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center and Garden, or a shooting clinic with instruction from world-class instructors Charlie Wilson, Bill Massey, and Raye Massey. A traditional cow camp lunch allowed guests to experience some of South Texas’s best local fare. The pinnacle of the weekend took place Saturday evening when guests gathered to celebrate Carter Smith as the 2024 South Texan of the Year. This award is presented annually to recognize individuals whose exemplary leadership, unselfish service, and generous contributions have made a difference in the lives of the citizens of South Texas. Smith is a worthy recipient, having served his entire career focused on Texas conservation.

Until last year, Smith was Executive Director for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), where he was responsible for 3,300 employees in areas including state parks, inland and coastal fisheries, wildlife management, law enforcement, fishing/hunting/boating, and outdoor education/outreach. He was particularly active in the areas of private lands conservation, state park funding, acquisition of additional state park and wildlife management areas, children in nature initiatives, myriad fish and wildlife conservation issues, and coordinating the state’s conservation response and investments along the Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon Incident. In addition, he worked closely with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation to leverage significant private philanthropy with public resources to advance state fish, wildlife, and park-related conservation priorities. Prior to his role at TPWD, Smith was the Texas State Director for The Nature Conservancy, where he led the Texas team in protecting important habitats in areas like the Devils River, the Edwards Aquifer, the Laguna Madre, and the Davis Mountains.

A native of Central Texas, Carter holds a B.S. from Texas Tech University and an M.S. from Yale University. He has served on numerous conservation-related boards and advisory councils, including as Chairman of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and President of the Southeastern and Western Associations of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He is a member of the Texas Order of St. Hubertus, the Boone & Crockett Club, and a lifetime member of the Texas Bighorn Society, the Dallas Safari Club, and the Houston Safari Club. He serves as a board member of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust Foundation, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. Smith was named an outstanding alumnus by departments at Yale University and Texas Tech and has been honored by the Texas Wildlife Association, the Audubon Society, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, the Harvey Weil Foundation, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for lifetime achievement in conserving fish, wildlife, and natural resources for the public trust. He resides in Austin with his wife, Stacy, and their son, Ryland, where they attend Woodlawn Baptist Church. They actively manage and enjoy their farm and ranch holdings in the Hill Country, North Texas, and Central California. Smith is an avid bird and big-game hunter, fisherman, and general outdoors enthusiast.

Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner provided by Rosemary’s Catering. As is tradition, Tio Kleberg made a memorable entrance when it came time to honor Smith, when he entered dressed as the Texas Tech mascot, The Masked Rider, while the Texas Tech fight song played loudly. Dr. Fred Bryant (2017 South Texan of the Year) introduced Smith and shared some fond memories of having Smith as a student at Texas Tech. Smith was presented with a beautiful watercolor painting of him in the field created by South Texas artist Mark Kohler. Following the award presentation, the evening then shifted to a live auction with treasures one can only find at a South Texas Charity Weekend. On Sunday morning, guests gathered for a farewell breakfast at the King Ranch pool house, surrounded by the history of the Main House.

THE PURPOSE: South Texas Charity Weekend, Inc., which raised a little over $1.2 million this year, benefits the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg, and HALO-Flight. The 2025 South Texas Charity Weekend will be held on January 24-26, 2025. For more information, visit SouthTexasCharityWeekend.org.