Neil Dudley

Neil will never meet a stranger or a good cause he doesn’t want to champion. Inspired by Owen and Sandi Carlson’s legacy of giving, he jumped into Bacon Bash Texas with both boots. According to Neil, the real gift is simple: helping people feels really good.

Outside of Bacon Bash:

Christie Beyer

Christie came for the bacon and stayed for the mission. Supporting T1D kids and families has become one of the greatest blessings of her life. She’ll tell you that getting involved filled a space she didn’t even realize was there and brought a whole lot of joy with it.

Chrissy Lane

Chrissy was drawn in by the Carlsons’ heart and the mission behind Niki Warms the Cold. After meeting families impacted by Type 1 Diabetes, she knew this event could change lives and she was all in. She brings big compassion and even bigger energy every year.

Outside of Bacon Bash you can find Chrissy at  Pederson’s Farms.

Michael Clark

Michael is proof that even a birthday spent under a rain-soaked pop-up tent can spark a lifelong passion. He co-founded the Baconeers and rallied an army of friends. His motto: if it feeds people, brings community together, or supports kids, count him in.

Outside of Bacon Bash you can find Michael at Parker University.

Melanie Taylor

When Melanie’s son Ely was diagnosed with T1D, she learned quickly that life-saving tools like CGMs aren’t accessible to everyone. Now she’s on a mission to change that. She advocates fiercely for families, brings hard-earned perspective, and reminds us daily why this work matters.

Outside of Bacon Bash you can find Melanie at Boucher, Morgan and Young, a P.C. 

Owen Carlson

Owen carries the legacy of his daughter Niki and his niece Lexie into everything he does. What started as a blanket-giving mission has grown into a life-changing event for hundreds of kids and families. Owen shows up with gratitude, grit, and a heart big enough to warm half the state.

Outside of Bacon Bash you can find Owen and Sandi at Niki Warms the Cold. 

Sandi Carlson

Sandi lives at the heart of Bacon Bash Texas. Carrying Niki’s legacy forward, she and Owen have spent years putting warmth back into the world, literally and figuratively. Every blanket shared, every kid helped, every family supported is part of her deeply personal mission.

Outside of Bacon Bash you can find Owen and Sandi at Niki Warms the Cold. 

Cody Lane

Cody says he’s the “luckiest guy you’ve ever met,” and honestly, we believe him. He serves with purpose, joy, and a deep belief that helping one person matters just as much as helping one hundred. Bacon Bash is a blessing to many, but Cody swears it’s blessed him just as much.

Outside of Bacon Bash you can find Cody at Pederson’s Farms.