THE ARTFUL SET

THE ARTFUL SET

by | Feb 28, 2020 | 2020 March April, Parties, Dallas

AIN Art+Fashion+Community Event Highlights Dallas-Based Artists

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Danny Campbell and Marcus Perryman

THE SETTING: AIN (Access & Information Network) recently hosted a new event, Art+Fashion+Community, which was welcomed with open arms to a sold-out crowd with presenting sponsor AHF. It was a meeting of the minds that brought together an exhibition of the who’s who in the art and fashion world. Guests were treated to an array of photography, paintings, sculpture, and fashions from six local designers.

Models, poised on pedestals, were transformed into works of art in the Samuel Lynne Galleries. Designers included Project Runway alum Venny Etienne, Don Morphy, Julie McCullough, Amy Marshall, Loren Franco, and Arnulfo Villa. Amy Marshall’s collection took everyone’s breath away with her 1981 collection about the outbreak of AIDS in the community.

THE STYLE: Guests strolled through the gallery while being treated to hors d’oeuvres from Doug Boster Catering and drinks from Hell’s Half Acres vodka and Community Beer Co. Guests could also bid on one-of-a-kind T-shirts designed by artists including Tyler Shields, Cristi Meril, JD Miller and Project Runway darlings Daniel Esquivel and Lela Orr.

THE PURPOSE: The event was chaired by Lea Fisher, Ken Weber & JR Hernandez. For over 30 years, AIN been a leading healthcare resource for persons living with HIV and other vulnerable populations in the Dallas region. The organization serves over 2,000 diagnosed low-income men, women and youths by distributing over 140,000 rides annually to medical and social services. It also provides 25,000 hot meals every year through its nutrition program.

 

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FAMILY AFFAIR

FAMILY AFFAIR

by | Feb 28, 2020 | 2020 March April, Parties, Dallas

Annual ReuNight Event Upholds Mission Of Helping North Texas Families

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Celeste Smith and Jason Voinov

THE SETTING: The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek was the recent setting for the 7th Annual ReuNight for The Family Place. The event drew several hundred of Dallas’ most notable philanthropists, influencers, and sociables for a memorable evening of fun and fundraising that those on hand will not soon forget.

 

THE STYLE: The moment the cocktail-chic crowd entered the recently renovated grounds of this beloved Dallas landmark, guests knew they were in for a special evening. After posing for pictures on the step and repeat, partygoers engaged in a fun and engaging cocktail hour where VIP’s rubbed elbows and brimmed with anticipation for the night ahead. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to view the impressive array of silent auction items on display.

 

The action then moved into a stunning tent on the Mansion’s grounds complete with sparkling chandeliers that matched the energy of its patrons for the main program. After attendees were treated to words by the event co-chairs, they imbibed on a scrumptious, multi-course meal against the ambient backdrop of tunes by Ricki Derek and The Vegas Six. A spirited live auction followed where bidders had a chance to raise paddles for their favorite items. A special appearance by Elvis impersonator, Victor Trevino also entertained the crowd.

 

THE PURPOSE: ReuNight, co-chaired by Melinda Bell, Catherine Cox, and Natalie Lorio, with the Hallam family serving as honorary chairs, raised funds for The Family Place. The mission of the organization is to provide a safe space, counseling and skills for victims of bullying and domestic violence. Since 1978, The Family Place has served over 216,500 individuals in the North Texas region.

 

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TELL IT TO MY HEART

TELL IT TO MY HEART

by | Feb 28, 2020 | 2020 March April, Parties, Dallas

Taylor Dayne Headlines Fundraiser For Seventh Annual Unlikely Heroes Gala

By Cynthia Smoot         Photography by Thomas Garza

THE SETTING: More than 400 supporters gathered at The Ritz Carlton-Dallas for the seventh annual Recognizing Heroes Awards Dinner charity benefit. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening that featured a live musical performance by three-time GrammyÒ-nominated pop icon, Taylor Dayne, and red carpet arrivals with special guests. The exclusive VIP cocktail reception hosted by Melissa Rycroft, and a silent auction made the evening ever so special.

 

THE STYLE: Cassadee Pope, winner of The Voice, kicked off the evening with selections from her new album. Guests were then warmly welcomed by the evening’s hosts, comedian Anjelah Johnson and Real Housewives of Dallas personality, LeeAnne Locken. Rebecca Bender shared her very personal story of recovery. Unlikely Heroes CEO and Founder, Erica Greve, then announced the integration of Elevate Academy into the daily work of Unlikely Heroes and that in addition to expanding the program across the country, local in-person chapters of Elevate Extended launches this spring.  

 

THE PURPOSE: Since 2011, Unlikely Heroes has rescued hundreds of children, and their journey to freedom starts in one of their six restoration homes located around the world. The experienced Unlikely Heroes teams are on the ground in the United States, Mexico, Thailand and the Philippines, providing the very best in restorative care, safe housing, education, life skills, medical care, counseling, stability and love to every single child for whom they care.

 

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TO THE MOON

TO THE MOON

by | Feb 28, 2020 | 2020 March April, Parties, Houston

Museum of Fine Arts Houston Celebrates Art of the Islamic Worlds Gala 

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson and Wilson Parish

THE SETTING: Over 375 guests arrived at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston for the biennial Art of the Islamic Worlds gala held in Cullinan Hall. The Events Company elegantly set the tables with navy shantung silk linens, acrylic ghost chairs, and delicate, white floral arrangements artfully comprised of orchids, calla lilies, and hydrangeas.. Complementing this year’s theme of Under One Moon, projections of the night sky with a prominent moon, which continually transformed from full to crescent throughout the evening, were also displayed on the walls surrounding the seated dinner.
THE STYLE: After MFAH Director, Gary Tinterow, made the welcoming remarks, City Kitchen served a delectable three-course seated dinner. For dessert, guests enjoyed a trio of a rose-petal rice pudding shooter, an apricot bar with black cherry, anise, and candied ginger compote, and a bittersweet chocolate and soft cardamom truffle with pistachio crumble, cinnamon-scented mascarpone, and an espresso cookie. Entertainment during dinner was provided by a special performance by Ziya Azazi: Dervish in Progress. Following dinner, guests danced the night away to the sounds of DJ Senega.
THE PURPOSE: This year’s gala raised a total of $945.000 through ticket sales and donations. Members of the Executive Gala Committee served as hosts of the black-tie event, including Rania Daniel, Zeina Fares, Vahid Kooros, Sima Ladjevardian, Sultana Mangalji, Franci Neely, Cenk Ozdogan, Sabiha Rehmatulla, Aliyya Stude, and Monsour Taghdisi, along with underwriters The Honorable and Mrs. Hushang Ansary, Jaleh and Bruce Sallee, Rania and Jamal Daniel, and Mona and Andrew Sarofim.

 

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BELLO ITALIANO

BELLO ITALIANO

by | Feb 28, 2020 | 2020 March April, Parties, Houston

Festari’s Una Notte Event Hosts Annual Event Supporting Houston Area Women’s Center

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Daniel Ortiz and Quy Tran

THE SETTING: When over 600 guests attended the annual Una Notte in Italia, A Night in Italy, “celebrity” men’s fashion show and gala where philanthropic men and local athletes walk the runway on behalf of the charity, they knew they were in for a treat. The foyer and ballroom at the Omni Houston Hotel were draped in all things Italian, including elaborate topiaries, vines, candelabras, and a stunning backdrop on the runway with a handsome, contemporary image of Michelangelo’s David. Vibrant red roses and seasonal greenery provided beautiful framed photo ops as guests entered the gala before the big night.

THE STYLE: The fun-filled fête began with a lively cocktail hour that was complete with silent auction and premier bar along with specialty tequilas provided by Riazul. Once guests were seated in the ballroom, the handsome gents took to the catwalk in fabulous fashions provided by Rudy Festari of Festari for Men. The stellar line-up included Drs. Kota Reddy and Matthew Harbison, attorneys James Lassiter and Kent Schaffer, restauranteur Ben Berg, jewelers Tony Bradfield and Kevin Black, businessmen Rick Perez, Danny Brown, Nick Merchant, Bill Baldwin, and Pablo Delgado, to name a few.

The finale featured Houston Texans players Cullen Gillaspia, DJ Reader, and Justin Reid and Astros pitcher Lance McCullers and Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell, as confetti and roses were thrown from the cheering crowd. Guests then enjoyed a multi-course Italian meal complete with Italian wines, of course, as the live auction began. To close the evening’s activities, guests made their way to the newly renovated Black Swan club within the hotel to dance the night away.

THE PURPOSE: The evening was emceed by television anchor Dominique Sachse, and was co-chaired by Rachel Bagwell and Sneha Merchant, with Debbie Festari serving as honorary chair. This year’s event raised close to $400,000 on behalf of Houston Area Women’s Center, an agency that provides hope and healing from the effects of domestic and sexual violence.

 

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