by Lance | Aug 3, 2023 | Parties, Dallas, Blog
The Family Place’s 10th Anniversary Gala Raised $260K To Support Survivors Of Family Violence
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
THE SETTING: ReuNight co-chairs Brooke Hortenstine, Margaret Stafford and Piper Wyatt, with honorary chair Joyce Goss, welcomed more than 180 attendees to the recent 10th anniversary gala, ReuNight, benefiting The Family Place at the Dallas Petroleum Club.
The Ray of Light theme dazzled the partygoers were escorted to the 13th floor, transformed into a stylish lounge, for cocktails, where they posed for photos at the BuDhaGirl step and repeat before taking in the beautiful view of the Dallas Arts District. Guests enjoyed cocktails, including a Caipirinha specialty cocktail, and canapés, such as black pepper profiteroles with fois gras mousse, Reglis Ova caviar tarts with hearts of palm and chives, and tapioca fritters, as they mingled and enjoyed the cool vibe by DJ RomiQ. At 7:45, the Gospel of Light Choir entered the room singing Oh Happy Day to lead guests to the 14th floor for the seated dinner and live auction. The doors were opened to the Constellation Room, which featured stunning décor by Todd Events and inspired by the event theme, Ray of Light.
THE VIBE: Tables were dressed in midnight blue linens with floral centerpieces in white and various hues of purple, while black lacquered bars with gold accents sprinkled throughout the space–all under the room’s signature hand-painted ceiling. Guests took their seats and began the first course of the three-course dinner curated by James Beard Semifinalist Chef Junior Borges, which included cured scallops with bonito cream, pickled ginger and finger lime vinaigrette, and laminated brioche, accompanied by Chloe Pinot Grigio.
The ReuNight co-chairs then took the stage for brief remarks followed by The Family Place CEO Mimi Sterling and Board Chair Harold Ginsburg. Patrons began their duo-entrees of Rosewood Wagyu tenderloin and King Crab “Oscar” served with asparagus, ramps and shishito peppers, along with Imagery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by a yuca and coconut cake with lime ganache, vanilla diplomat and coconut sable, inspired by Chef Borges’ grandmother, served with Mumm Brut Prestige. It was now time for the much-anticipated live auction! The Gospel of Light Choir returned to enthuse the audience with a soulful rendition of We Are Family. Partygoers then bid generously on seven fabulous packages offered with the live auction.
Following that, an inspiring video highlighting The Family Place’s Supportive Living Program was shared, with the program director taking the stage after the viewing, asking donors to dig deeper and support necessary services like the Supportive Living Program A spirited paddle raise ended the program to secure the evening’s goal of $260,000 raised during the night of the event.
THE NON-PROFIT: Funds raised at ReuNight will allow The Family Place to continue empowering survivors of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling, and skills that create independence, while building community engagement and helping families progress from fear to safety.
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.
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.
by societytexas | Jun 29, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 July August, Parties
Broadway Dallas Dinner Series Debuts With New Name
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Thomas Garza
THE SETTING: Recently, Dallas Summer Musicals announced a name change to “Broadway Dallas” as well as its 2022/2023 Germania Broadway Series Season at the opening of an exciting new Spotlight Dinner Series of fundraising evenings generously sponsored by PNC Bank. Ken Novice, Broadway Dallas President and CEO, served as host for the first Spotlight Dinner on the stage of Music Hall at Fair Park. The intricately curated program was imagined and executed by Hamilton A. Sneed of HAS Events.
THE STYLE: Starting in the elaborately decorated Music Hall lobby and in celebration of the upcoming show announcement of My Fair Lady, Act One had guests sipping on British-inspired cocktails paired with passed hors d’oeuvres. Riley Jones, a student from the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards program, entertained during Intermission with a solo performance of I Could Have Danced All Night. For Act Two of the evening, the attendees dined on a four-course meal inspired by the 2022-2203 Broadway Dallas season.
The evening concluded with the curtain lowering and rising again with an encore bow, lights, applause, and a champagne toast to celebrate the announcement of Moulin Rouge! as the theme for the Broadway Dallas Gala to be held in April 2023. Kathryn and Craig Hall will serve as honorary chairs.
THE PURPOSE: This intimate event series, filled with song, fun facts, and always a surprise or two, benefits artistic and educational excellence at Broadway Dallas, including programs in classrooms and throughout the community, serving more than 40,000 students and families each year. Interested patrons can select the dinners that entice them the most or subscribe to the entire series.
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by societytexas | Jun 29, 2022 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, 2022 July August, Parties
Women’s Council Of The Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden Hosts 34th Annual Mad Hatters Tea
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Danny Campbell, Thomas Garcia and Rob Wythe
THE SETTING: Claire Catrino, Mad Hatter’s Tea chair, Lisa Loy Laughlin, president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and honorary chair Laurie Sands Harrison welcomed chapeau-donned guests to the 34th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. This year’s theme, Dallas, encouraged the attendees to enjoy their own interpretation of how to represent the city in a hat or fascinator. Guests promenaded down a red carpet vying for coveted awards in various categories. This year’s judges included Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum CEO, Kim Noltemy, Barbara Bigham, Vanessa Logan, Amy Hofland, and Tanya Taylor, who was the featured celebrity designer.
THE STYLE: The afternoon’s program included an elegant luncheon service and a European-style fashion show produced by Jan Strimple Productions, which highlighted the styles of the spring season and featured designs by Tanya Taylor. Emcee Calvert Collins announced category winners to a rapt luncheon crowd. Marena Gault and Elizabeth Smith tied in the category of “Best Use of Botanical Components: Bluebonnets.” Prashe Shah won “Most True to Theme: Flying Horse,” and Dr. Linda Burk won “Best Big Over the Top Texas Hat: Everything is Bigger in Texas!” In addition, Venise Stuart was awarded “Best Fascinator: Uptown Girl,” Debbie McKeever’s table won “Best Group Hats: Dallas Dynasty,” Robert Wilson was bestowed “People’s Choice Award: Deep in the Hat of Texas,” and Sharla Bush and Terry Irby tied for “Best in Show: Don’t Mess with Dallas.”
THE PURPOSE: Since 1986, the primary goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding, and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived and funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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