ROCKWALL, TX (June 12, 2026) Just hours before guests were set to gather for the 8th Annual For the Love of Lacie Backyard Benefit, rain threatened to wash away a beloved Rockwall County tradition. Instead, what unfolded on June 7 was an enchanting evening “Under the Stars” filled with live music, heartfelt memories, and extraordinary generosity.
Hosted by Mary Grace Frasier at her Rockwall home, the annual event honors the life and legacy of her daughter, Lacie Jo Frasier Bryan, while raising funds for the scholarship fund established in her name.
As skies cleared, a sold-out crowd gathered to enjoy legendary Bootsburgers, a private concert by Texas country music star Wade Bowen, and a shared commitment to supporting educational opportunities for local young women.
Bowen and friend-songwriter Nick Gardner entertained guests with an intimate acoustic performance. Before the music began, Mary Grace reflected on the loved ones whose memories inspire the event.
“Amazing Grace was played at Lacie’s graveside service in 2017,” she told the crowd. “And tonight, we also remember my husband Mike. He built what we’re enjoying here tonight. So we’ll bless the food with Amazing Grace for Lacie, then Wade will sing Everything Has Your Memory for Mike.”
One of the night’s most memorable moments came courtesy of a young entrepreneur with a big heart.
Eight-year-old Harper attended the event last year with her parents and learned about Lacie’s story and the scholarship fund created in her memory. Inspired to help, Harper set up a lemonade stand at this year’s benefit and donated all proceeds to the cause. By evening’s end, she raised $116 in lemonade sales. Then, with just two cups remaining, family friend and auctioneer Kevin Stanley energized the crowd by auctioning them off. Thanks to enthusiastic bidding and a private donor who agreed to match the winning bid, another $2,000 was raised!
The evening also celebrated this year’s recipients of the Lacie Jo Frasier Bryan Memorial Scholarship; Jolie Fecht, Kylin Bishop, Skylar Merrill, and Julie Lovell. Jolie and Kylin are legacy recipients, each having a parent or grandparent who graduated from Rockwall High School.
“Each year, these scholarships are a reminder of why we do this. Lacie’s legacy continues through supporting young ladies as they pursue their dreams, build their futures, and carry forward the values she lived every day—faith, determination, kindness, and love for her community and family,” Mary Grace shared.
Lacie passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. A sixth-generation Rockwall resident and RHS graduate, Lacie believed strongly in empowering women to become highly educated, self-sufficient leaders in their communities and professions, particularly in fields such as science and medicine.
Since 2019, the scholarship foundation has awarded 37 scholarships to RHS grads, helping young women pursue higher education while carrying forward the values that defined Lacie’s life. To learn more, visit fortheloveoflacie.org.
By Dawn Redig. Photos by Michelle Jones and BRN Media.
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