The Monty Starblazer Award
My wish experience has indeed been a powerful ripple effect that
extended far beyond just me.
With huge hearts for wish kids, the multigenerational Montgomery family
(Renee and Keith, Ryan and Haley, Kelli and Reggie, Monty and Betty)
proudly established the first Starblazer Award at Make-A-Wish Texas
Gulf Coast and Louisiana.
Renee’s journey with Make-A-Wish began as a wish granter. She
experienced firsthand the profound joy that comes from helping grant a
child’s wish, igniting a longtime commitment to the mission. Renee deepened
her involvement behind-the-scenes and formed meaningful connections with
Make-A-Wish staff and wish families. Hearing inspiring alumni stories made Renee even
more passionate about wish granting, motivating the family to philanthropically support the chapter’s endowment and help launch a wish alumni gallery. In 2025, they experienced a profound loss with the passing of their family’s leader, Monty Montgomery, who was known for his deep love of family and zest for life. To honor his legacy, The Monty Starblazer Award was created to celebrate the courage, resilience and light of wish alumni. The family’s generosity and vision ensure that Monty’s spirit will continue to shine through the lives of wish kids and their families.
Meet the Award Founders: The Montgomery Family
Owen’s wish to be a celebrity guest picker for ESPN’s “College GameDay” in 2018 was a transformative experience that changed the trajectory of his life.
Meet the Award Honorees
Honoree 2025, Owen Gray I wish to be a celebrity guest picker on ESPN's "College Gameday" • wish granted, 2018 • genetic disorder
"
– Owen Gray, wish alum
When a community of caring WishMakers came alongside him to grant his
epic wish, it left an enduring impression on Owen, who often felt isolated
and consumed by the challenges of his genetic disorder. His wish provided
the resilience he needed to approach his treatment with hope, while also
rejuvenating his optimism to dream big.
As a direct result of his wish, Owen majored in media production and
sports broadcasting at the University of Houston. He sought volunteer
opportunities with “College GameDay,” and, coming full circle from
his wish, Owen now works contractually with the show and other
media outlets, including CBS Sports and Fox Sports.
Owen and his family actively engage with Make-A-Wish Texas
Gulf Coast and Louisiana as fundraisers, donors and volunteers –
and Owen has even put his video talents to work by filming the
chapter’s special events. “It created a wave of positive change that
touched my entire family and the community around us," Owen said.
Meet More Award Founders and Honorees
Meet More Award Founders and Honorees