Since its founding in 1934, the Charity League of Corpus Christi has woven a legacy of dedication and impact across the Coastal Bend, championing causes that uplift and transform lives. Each season, the Charity League doesn’t just fundraise—it steps into the heart of its chosen charity’s mission, advocating, collaborating and raising awareness for the cause.
This year, the philanthropic powerhouse of 40 committed women has chosen to support the Corpus Christi Police Athletic League (CCPAL), a non-profit organization with a mission to empower and support youth through recreational and educational programs. Its goal is to prevent and reduce juvenile crime by providing a safe and inclusive environment where young people can develop essential life skills, build positive relationships and engage in constructive activities.
After the pandemic, many CCPAL programs shut down, and when current president Ron Zirbes took over, he inherited torn-down fields and defunct programs. “I’ve been working on this project for two years now to really rebuild it with partners like Driscoll Hospital,” Zirbes said.
Currently serving over 3,500 local youth each year, the organization’s dream to reach even more kids is becoming a reality. Funds raised by Charity League will help CCPAL finish out a new, turfed baseball and soccer field; rebuild the baseball concession stand; add batting cages, shade structures and security; purchase equipment for the facilities; enhance storage and outfit all participating kids, regardless of which sport they want to join.
Outside of recreational activities, Zirbes said his biggest focus is community engagement. “We want to get kids off the streets and active in sports. We want to show them there are other avenues to take in this life, so we offer mentorships with coaches, structure and support.”
Each year, Charity League receives applications from many deserving non-profits, all with important and worthy causes. After a thorough selection process, the group was elated to choose CCPAL.
“We felt this was the year for CCPAL,” shared Charity League president, KristenSterett. “We were impressed by the large involvement of police officers who are volunteering their own time to coach and recruit youth in our community. The awareness we can bring to CCPAL is just as important as the funds we raise. Educating the community on everything the organization offers, and plans to offer in the future, has been an invaluable opportunity.”
Charity League estimates its members have raised over $7.6 million for organizations across the Coastal Bend—a total that will continue to grow as this year’s fundraising culminates in the Annual Spring Style Show & Luncheon.
Charity League’s fundraising season reaches its pinnacle at the Style Show & Luncheon, an event eagerly awaited each year for its exciting theme and designer reveal. This week, in collaboration with Julian Gold – Corpus Christi, Charity League announced this season’s highly anticipated theme and designer selection.
The “Aura of Spring” theme will come to life with the expertise of Julian Gold – Corpus Christi’s store director, Alexa Gignac, who selected Tanya Taylor, a New York-based womenswear brand whose mission is to create clothing that inspires confidence, celebration and community.
“When we started planning this year’s show, we knew we wanted a designer who really captured that feeling of spring: fresh, romantic and full of life. Tanya Taylor came to mind right away,” Gignac said. “Her designs have this beautiful mix of color, movement and femininity that just radiates confidence and joy. The theme is all about renewal and that soft yet powerful feminine energy, and that’s exactly what Tanya brings to her collections. She designs for real women, and there’s such a sense of individuality and strength in her pieces that fits perfectly with what we wanted this year’s show to represent.”
As for what Style Show attendees can expect on the runway, Gignac said guests will be transported into a modern-day garden party with Taylor’s signature prints and colors styled with a dreamy twist.
“Lots of flowing fabrics, light movement and looks that make you feel inspired and confident,” she said. “We are also ecstatic to welcome Tanya Taylor herself to Corpus Christi. She is such an amazing designer, and we are thrilled to host her at Julian Gold.”
The Annual Spring Style Show & Luncheon will be held on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Hilliard Center. With 100% of proceeds from the event and the entire fundraising season benefiting CCPAL, it’s an opportunity to make a direct impact in the community. For details on Charity League of Corpus Christi, to donate, reserve seats or tables or secure a sponsorship for the Style Show & Luncheon, visit the website.
“I get lost for words sometimes,” Zirbes concluded. “Those ladies are so involved, and they have done so much good for our community. It’s an honor to now be a part of that. We make everyone our family when they come into our facility, and I’ve always said I want a first-class facility for these kids to come into. This allows us to bring that to them.”
