Four couples from Southeast Texas are vying for the title of winners of “The Not-So Newlywed Game,” the eighth annual fundraising event for Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast Texas to be held Thursday, Feb. 5, at Beaumont’s Downtown Event Center with doors opening at 6 p.m.
“The Not-So Newlywed Game” is a twist of the original “The Newlywed Game,” which was created in 1966 and went on to become TV Guide’s 10th Best Game Show of all time lasting nearly 50 years on TV.
How this version of the game works, couples are currently raising money and sponsorships. With every dollar raised per couple, that $1 equals one vote, which is available now online at sccset.org.
At the event, the couples will be on stage with game hosts and last year’s Not-So Newlywed winners Natasha and Colin Garrett, who will ask the couples multiple rounds of question. Right answers will then be factored in with the amount of money raised for the couples, which then added together will determine the winner. For questions that are not exactly right, they can then ask the judges for clarification, who will be Zena and Darrell Stephens and Sandra and Cary Erickson.
So, who are this year’s couples? Cindy and Jamie Dishman, Andrea and Taylor Neild, Angie and Gary Stelly, and Shelly and Carl Vitanza.
The couples are selected by a committee of board members, said Robin McCutcheon, president and CEO of Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast Texas, but many come by recommendations of couples who’ve participated in previous Not-So Newlywed games.
“Since we have services in Jefferson, Hardin, Orange Counties, we make sure that our couples are diverse and from the locations of our services,” said McCutcheon. “We also look for couples who are philanthropic in nature, community servants and those who love Southeast Texas.”
The Dishman are native Beaumonters and proud lifelong residents of the community that helped shape them. Over the years, they’ve built a life grounded in love, family, and a deep appreciation for their roots. Together, they have raised two wonderful children who have grown into amazing adults, and now we’re enjoying one of life’s greatest gifts – being grandparents to three beautiful grandchildren who bring endless joy and energy into their lives.
“Andrea was my hairdresser out of high school,” said Taylor Neild.
Those first haircuts took place in the summer of 2002, which just happened to follow Taylor’s graduation from West Brook High School. Andrea, a year older, was working on her cosmetology degree at Lamar State College Port Arthur.
They dated for 18 months before getting married, and it was pretty apparent this was a relationship that would last.
The young couple’s family grew up quickly as Andrea became pregnant with their first child, Emily, three months after the wedding. Taylor Jr. and twins Cole and Carter soon followed, all within four years.
Gary and Angie Stelly are proud lifelong residents of Orange and have been happily married for 35 years. Their deep roots in the community are reflected in their active involvement and dedication to local causes and events.
Angie is a retired healthcare professional, having worked for 30 years as an ultrasound and x-ray technician. She is a graduate of West Orange-Stark High School and Lamar University. Her caring nature and commitment to helping others have extended beyond her career, as she continues to be a warm and supportive presence in the lives of her family and friends.
Gary, a graduate of Orangefield High School and Lamar University, has been the owner and operator of KOGT for the past 35 years. Through his work in local radio, Gary has played a vital role in keeping Orange County informed with timely news, weather updates, and sports coverage.
Shelly and Carl Vitanza met on a blind lunch date arranged by a mutual acquaintance, a realtor who happened to be working with both of them and sensed a perfect match. Over lunch, Shelly quickly learned two important things: Carl could dance, and he knew his way around a toolbox.
A few dates later, including a spin across the floor at the Dixie Dance Hall, Carl showed up at Shelly’s house – toolbelt in tow – to install blinds in her dining room. Ten months later, the two were married on a beach in Maui.
Now, 21 years later, they still love to dance, stay active, and cheer on their kids – from the sidelines of sports fields to the front row of dance recitals.
Carl is patient, kind, and ever optimistic; Shelly affectionately calls him “rainbows and unicorns.” Shelly, on the other hand, is passionate and driven, a project-loving taskmaster who enjoys cooking, entertaining, and keeping life full of flavor. Together, they balance each other perfectly and share a love of travel, laughter, and life’s little adventures.
Individual tickets to the event start at $100 while sponsorships are still available from $300-$10,000. Tickets, voting, sponsorships and donations can all be done online at sccset.org.
This year’s event will also honor United Way of Beaumont & North Jefferson County, United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County, and United Way of Orange County.
“The leadership and board of directors of these organizations continue to rise above in their commitment to the behavioral health of Southeast Texas,” said McCutcheon. “Not only with grant programs, but volunteers and other services. Our footprint in the community continues to grow because of those three organizations.”
Those who attend the evening can enjoy a wine and liquor pull, champagne wall that will end with a diamond giveaway, silent auction, appetizers, full dinner and open bar.
“Because of last year’s event, we were able to provide over 800 services,” said McCutcheon.
Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast Texas is a behavioral health nonprofit that provides counseling and wellness services throughout Southeast Texas. Their goal is to create a community in which people are living mentally healthy lives.
Founded in 1984, the SCC has proven to be a vital resource for individuals and families in need, offering counseling services to low-income families who might otherwise go without essential care. SCC has played a pivotal role in helping Southeast Texans recover from trauma, navigate mental health challenges and repair relationships within families, couples and organizations.
“If you have health insurance, we bill your health insurance and you pay your copay,” explained McCutcheon. “We take both Medicare and Medicaid. We don’t turn anyone away.”
SCC also has school-based services and recently created services for first responders.
“More than 60% of our clients are under the age of 18,” said McCutcheon. “We have also seen a 5% increase in the 20 to 40 age group. Some are uncertain about college and career paths. It’s the big three – stress, anxiety and depression. Transitioning into adulthood has been very difficult the past few years. They were 15 years old when we had the pandemic, so we want to address relationship issues and concerns that they may have.
“We want the community to see our work in a one-on-one space. Whether that be through counseling or social services, we want to create a mentally well community.”