OhSoCynthia.com Archives

HORSE SENSE

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 November December, Parties

Equest Hosts 41st Annual Blue Ribbon Ball

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Nate Rehlander

THE SETTING: More than 550 patrons attended the 41st annual gala benefiting Equest, held at Texas Horse Park. Partygoers arrived to a champagne wall and a blue ribbon-inspired carpet that ran the length of the horse barn aisle. Posing for photos along the way with some of Equest’s equine friends, attendees mingled and enjoyed light bites before checking in.

THE STYLE: Emcee Jody Dean took the stage to welcome all in attendance. The color guard from the American Legion Post 21 followed, with attendees reciting the pledge of allegiance before enjoying a beautiful performance of America the Beautiful by Jana Bell. Then, the Equest board chairman Julie Sherman took the stage to recognize the recipients of the 2022 Citation Award: Lane Cates and her husband Brad McLain. They were instrumental in helping Equest complete the Al Hill, Jr. Arena through fundraising and contract management. Former NFL Dallas Cowboys player Timmy Newsome was awarded the 2022 Equest Rider of the Year Award, given to clients who have achieved outstanding progress on their equestrian skill goals. The Youth Award went to Olivia McLean, the Adult Award to Jaime Moore, and Jimmy Dean was the recipient of the Veteran Award.

THE PURPOSE: The event’s co-chairs were Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade, and Elsa Norwood, while Leslie and Hawkins Golden served as honorary chairs. The evening raised more than $600,000. Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine-assisted learning therapies, and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping, and learning disabilities, as well as veterans who receive all of Equest’s services at no charge.

WHERE THE HEART IS

by societytexas | Oct 30, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 November December, Parties

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Hosts Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron

THE SETTING: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS), with its 2022 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show, Make a Statement, welcomed more than 450 attendees to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for the 38th annual fundraiser. Artist Rolando Diaz entertained guests by creating an original work of art live onsite, which was then available for purchase in the silent auction.

THE STYLE: Mistress of ceremonies Lauren Przybyl, Fox 4’s Good Day Dallas anchor, led the program. Susie Barnett was then announced as the 2022 recipient of the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award, given to a family or individual who is philanthropic in the community and has a “heart of gold” and a passion for LLS’ mission to help fight blood cancers. Dallas-native and renowned fashion designer Lela Rose was recognized with the 2022 ICON Award. The legendary Tom Landry was announced as the recipient of the 2022 Memorial Hero Award, which recognizes an individual in the community who has passed away and battled blood cancer. The Spirit of Tom Landry Character Award, given to a youth between 5–20 years old, who has battled blood cancer, was awarded to Amelia Dammen. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2021. The much-anticipated fashion show, produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple, featured models wearing this season’s fashions from Highland Park Village retailers.

THE PURPOSE: The luncheon’s chair was Lisa Loy Laughlin, and more than $570,000 was raised to support LLS’ mission of eradicating blood cancers. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS’ mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research worldwide, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

by societytexas | Aug 31, 2022 | 2022 September October, R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Parties

AWARE Affair 2022 Enlists Vintage Flight Theme

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Danny Campbell and Rob Wythe

THE SETTING: The Star Skyline Hangar at the Braniff Centre set quite the scene for the AWARE Affair 2022, Soaring to New Heights Fighting Alzheimer’s. The evening began with a VIP reception in the Star Skyline upstairs lounge, as guests were greeted with a display of vintage Braniff flight attendant uniforms from the collection of Deborah Brown. She was also dressed in one of the fashionable uniforms by the renowned designer Emilio Pucci.

THE STYLE: The event’s emcee was Scott Murray, and Myrna D. Schlegel received the Founder’s Spirit Award. Although Schlegel was unable to attend in person, she shared her thanks with a video message. The Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Cindy Marshall, who was also given recognition for her longtime support of AWARE in its fight against Alzheimer’s.

THE PURPOSE: This year’s event was chaired by Mari Epperson and Sharon Ballew. Biddie and Lee Roy Jordan served as honorary chairs. AWARE is dedicated to fighting Alzheimer’s disease by providing funding and support to programs, projects, and research provided by nonprofit organizations that actively help individuals affected by Alzheimer’s in Dallas and the greater North Texas area. Attendees included the Presenting Sponsor, William C. Seanor, AWARE president Karisti Julia, Josey and Craig Kennington, and Greg Osler.

IN LIVING COLOR

by societytexas | Aug 31, 2022 | 2022 September October, R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Parties

Children’s Cancer Fund Gala Supporters Raise Funds

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Thomas Garza and Tamytha Cameron

THE SETTING: Cancer patients, survivors, their families, and celebrities gathered recently for a fashion show, dinner, and dancing in support of the 2022 Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, Color Out Cancer, presented by Amazon at the Hilton Anatole Dallas. The event began with a silent auction and VIP reception, followed by the dinner and program that featured cancer survivors modeling their bravery, as well as fashions provided by Dillard’s.

THE STYLE: Roger Staubach and Trop Aikman, who have been involved with the Children’s Cancer Fund for 33 years and 23 years, respectively, were joined by Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, Dallas Stars legend Marty Turco, Nicky Hilton, Kathy Hilton, Stacey Bendet, Michael Good, a Blue Origin astronaut, Tyler Toney of Dude Perfect, and other celebrities as runway escorts for 20 pediatric cancer patients, ages 6-17.

THE PURPOSE: Amanda Schufeldt Dillard was the event’s chair, while Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman served as honorary chairs. CCF is one of the nation’s leading fundraising groups in support of local research in the treatment and prevention of childhood cancers. The evening and its generous donors raised more than $1.5 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. In the past five years, CCF has raised over $5 million for pediatric cancer research and Child Life services, which has created four additional endowments for Children’s Health.

PROVINCIALLY CHIC

by societytexas | Aug 31, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 September October, Parties

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.