STANDING TALL

STANDING TALL

by | May 1, 2022 | 2022 May June, R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Parties

Annual Destiny Award Luncheon Benefits St. Philip’s School

 By Cynthia Smoot                    Photography by Tim Heitman

THE SETTING: More than 1,200 guests filled the Landmark Ballroom at the Downtown Dallas Hyatt Regency recently for a big personality…and even bigger cause. St. Philip’s School and Community Center welcomed Basketball Hall-of-Famer and cultural icon Shaquille O’Neal as its guest speaker for the 22nd annual Destiny Awards luncheon. It featured a comedic and heartfelt conversation between O’Neal and NBA Champion and former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson. O’Neal shared that excellence is not a singular act with St. Philip’s students, who also performed at the luncheon. Also, Dr. Bobby Lyle was honored with the Mona & David Munson Humanitarian Award for his outstanding commitment to the school.

 

THE STYLE: Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, no one stood taller or caused greater excitement than the guest of honor. Before the luncheon, O’Neal greeted fans and engaged in a quick game of hoops with the St. Philip’s students. He also toured a dynamic student showcase that included sports trivia, the math of basketball, and more. It was no surprise the event was packed with friends of St. Philip’s, donors, and sponsors from across the metroplex.

 

THE PURPOSE: Pete Chillan served as the event chair. The St. Philip’s School and Community Center luncheon raised more than $1.2 million. These funds will facilitate the expansion of St. Philip’s School in the 2022-2023 school year. St. Philp’s mission is to develop each student’s mind, body, and soul. The school is committed to excellence in academics and community service.

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STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

by | Feb 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 March April, Parties

Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI Dallas) Hosts Night Of Stars Gala


By Cynthia Smoot     Photography by Thomas Garza and Danny Campbell

THE SETTING: Over 250 fashionable guests packed the Thompson Hotel ballroom downtown for the Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI Dallas) annual Night of Stars gala, themed Iconic Glam. Designer extraordinaire Naeem Khan was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion. In addition, Jonathan Adler was awarded the Career Achievement Award in Design, Gray Malin was awarded the Career Achievement Award in Photography, and Dee Lincoln was awarded the Career Achievement Award in Business.

THE STYLE: Chic supporters, dressed to the nines, with pandemic protocol in place, included Sam Saladino, Steve Kemball, Elizabeth Savetsky, Lele Sadoughi, Ese Azenabor, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Heidi Dillon, and Daniella Bell. Master of Ceremonies James Aguiar hosted the star-studded annual event, while the organization’s Chuck Steelman deftly guided the live auction of luxury items. The evening included a cocktail reception, a fashion show featuring the Naeem Khan Spring/Summer 2022 collection produced by Jan Strimple, and an after party at Kessaku.

THE PURPOSE: The event was chaired by Ken Weber of Martini Consignment and Richard Rivas of TONI&GUY. Fashion Group International, Inc. provides a high-profile forum to promote the fashion business by hosting events that educate and facilitate the exchange of ideas by giving back to the community. The evening raised funds for the organization’s student scholarships.

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EVERY INCH THE HERO

EVERY INCH THE HERO

by | Feb 28, 2019 | 2019 March April, Parties, Dallas

Recognizing Heroes Gala Benefits Unlikely Heroes

By Cynthia Smoot       Photography by Thomas Garza and Cooper Neill/Getty Images

THE SETTING:  Recently Unlikely Heroes held their 6th Annual Recognizing Heroes awards dinner and charity benefit  at The Ritz-Carlton hotel. The elegant evening began with an exclusive VIP cocktail reception hosted by LeeAnne Locken and Melissa Rycroft Strickland.

THE STYLE:  The evening’s keynote speaker was survivor leader, Rebecca Bender. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening featuring a live musical performance by multi-platinum country musician Sara Evans, Emily West (America’s Got Talent Season 9) and Pia Toscano (Netflix’s Westside, American Idol).

Awards were given to Cathy De La Paz, Carrie Wright, Elle Snow and Alan Schonborn for their tireless work in advancing global human rights and outstanding efforts to stop human trafficking. The audience roared with applause when Austin Hurst of Hurst Capital announced that he was pledging a one million matching grant that will rescue 200 kids and give them full restorative care for a year. 

THE PURPOSE: Since 2011 Unlikely Heroes has rescued hundreds of children and their journey to freedom starts in one of their seven restoration homes located around the world, including a restoration home for children rescued from slavery in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.

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RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

by | Jan 28, 2019 | 2019 March April, Parties, Dallas

Fashion Group International Dallas Toasts Style Star

By Cynthia Smoot        Photography by Shana Anderson, Danny Campbell and Thomas Garza

THE SETTING: Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI Dallas), celebrated its annual Night of Stars gala recently at the historic Adolphus Hotel. This year’s event, themed There Are No Rules, celebrated fashion risk takers across the world. The evening of glamour and excitement honored individuals and business leaders for their contribution to fashion and related industries.

The 2018 Night of Stars honorees include English fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes for a Lifetime Achievement Award, Los Angeles-based ready-to-wear designer Johnson Hartig of Libertine for his career achievement in fashion, Gonzalo Bueno for his career achievement in interior design and the skincare maven Tata Harper for her career achievement in beauty.

THE STYLE: The evening, hosted by James Aguiar, began with a champagne reception where many of Dallas’ most fashionable mixed and mingled. Once inside the ballroom, guests enjoyed a fashion show by Libertine and the presentation of awards. Downstairs at the French Room Bar after the gala was the place to be at the official after-party to celebrate and admire the state’s thriving fashion scene.

THE PURPOSE: The event was chaired by Heidi Dillon. Fashion Group International, Inc. provides a high-profile forum to promote the fashion business by hosting events that educate and facilitate the exchange of ideas by giving back to the community.

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