ReuNight Fundraiser Benefits The Family Place With French Country Theme By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron, Nate Rehlander and Hal Samples
THE SETTING: It was an enchanting Evening in Provence theme for a limited one hundred seventy-five guests at the annual ReuNight fundraiser benefiting The Family Place, the Dallas-based family violence agency and largest such service provider in Texas. At the Nasher Sculpture Center Garden, the gorgeous al fresco setting for the evening, guests mixed and mingled amidst exquisite contemporary art to bring awareness to and raise money for ending domestic violence. DJ Steffi Burns entertained guests as they meandered throughout the gardens and socialized on the chic lounge furniture.
THE STYLE: For dinner, guests strolled to the elegant outdoor dining setting that included architecturally chic floral décor created by Bryan Long of Grey Gardens Florist, which also complemented the art on display throughout the gardens. Each place setting was accompanied by a small piece of handmade art and a hand-tied bundle of lavender made by a child at The Family Place. After sponsors were thanked, Wolfgang Puck Catering served a delicious meal for the evening. During the dessert and French cheese course, Wendy Lambert with Lambert Auction Company led a spirited yet intimate luxury live auction, which included six fabulous packages. The evening concluded with an energetic paddle raise, enhanced with matching gifts by two anonymous donors. Through these donations alone, The Family Place raised enough funds to provide 3,027 nights of shelter beds for the men, women, and children of domestic violence who they serve.
THE PURPOSE: ReuNight’s co-chairs this year were Marisa Howard, Roni Proter Kelly, and Max Trowbridge, along with Shelle Sills serving as the honorary chair. The Family Place is the largest family violence service provider in Texas, with three emergency shelters providing 177 shelter beds each night, including the state’s only shelter for men and children, and three counseling centers with services being provided in English and Spanish.
