The Women’s Auxiliary of The Salvation Army announced that $710,000 was raised at the 2018 Fashion Show & Luncheon, presented by businesswoman and philanthropist Anne Davidson and held May 9 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Event Chair Lisa Singleton, along with honorary chair Michal Powell, were joined by nearly 600 attendees for the 27th annual fundraiser, proceeds from which will fundimportant programs and services provided by The Salvation Army throughout the Metroplex. This year, a significant amount of funds raised at the event will be earmarked for programs that serve children and youth who are affected by poverty and find themselves in one of the organization’s youth programs.
Upon arrival, guests mingled as they shopped the sale of the season in the Chic Boutique, filled with gently used or new fashions and accessories from some of Dallas finest retailers including Forty Five Ten, Betty Reiter, Tootsies, Neiman Marcus and more, as well as gently worn or never-worn clothing donated by some of DFW’s best dressed, with brands such as Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, Escada, DVF, and Carolina Herrera – all at a fraction of their value. The silent auction was also the place to be with guests bidding on coveted items such as Sue Gragg Precious Jewels earrings and handbags donated by Bag Snob’s Tina Craig, including a hot pink mini Chanel and a red rock stud Valentino bag.
Attendees then proceeded into the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall for the much-anticipated program and fashion show. Lisa Singleton welcomed everyone and thanked the many Auxiliary and committee members who worked tirelessly on the event, racking up more than 2,500 volunteer hours. She recognized honorary chair Michal Powell, presenting sponsor Anne Davidson and the Gene and Jerry Jones family for their support of the luncheon and ongoing support of The Salvation Army.
She also announced a very special guest in the audience, former First Lady Laura Bush who has been a longstanding supporter of The Salvation Army. And lastly she recognized Colonels Sharon and Ronnie Raymer, The Salvation Army Divisional Leaders for the state of Texas who where in attendance.
Major Barbara Rich, DFW Metroplex Commander, followed by leading the audience in prayer. She then shared the impact of the work The Salvation Army does in the community, including its many children’s and youth programs.
Betsy Willis, Women’s Auxiliary President, took the stage to present the2018 Margot Perot Service Award to Jan Pickens. Named after Auxiliary co-founder Margot Perot, the award is presented to an Auxiliary volunteer who has gone above and beyond in service and support to The Salvation Army. Pickens has served as an auxiliary member for over 20 years and a Salvation Army board member for 18 years. Additionally she has chaired the Doing the Most Goodfall luncheon for four years, as well as the Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show and Luncheon, in addition to serving on the luncheon advisory committee for more than 14 years.
After heartfelt gratitude by Pickens, Margot Perot took a few minutes to honor her dear friend and long-time Salvation Army supporter Ruth Altshuler, who passed away earlier this year. With photos from her many years of service highlighted onscreen, Perot shared touching memories of Altshuler’s more than 40-year commitment to The Salvation Army and the Dallas community through her volunteerism, leadership and financial generosity.
Singleton then returned to introduce Dallas’ Tina Craig, digital innovator and founder of one of the first fashion blogs, BagSnob, as well as brand ambassador, consultant, designer, and stylist, collaborating with the most venerable brands including Cartier, Valentino, Dior, Estée Lauder, Victoria Beckham, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and many others. Tina shared her expert eye with the audience citing the top trends for spring, which included pants for all occasions, art-inspired graphic prints, pastels, head to toe matching, itty bitty mini bags, great fanny packs and classics like top handle totes, before introducing the Fashion Show portion of the program.
The show, produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple and featuring nearly 100 looks of barely worn or never worn generously donated from Dallas's best closets, newly acquired looks from global luxury brands sold in Dallas, and pieces from a variety of Dallas based designers. For the first time, this year's show featured six original gowns created exclusively for the show from designers Abi Ferrin, Alex Stone, Antonio Wingfield/The Fashion Opera, Bladi Duran, Nardos Design and Patti Flowers. The runway looks were available for bidding following the show.
Guests then proceeded to the seated luncheon: tomato and sweet red pepper gazpacho, paired with pecan crusted chicken breast, Arcadian harvest greens with sliced fresh oranges, dried apricots, goat chees and a white citrus balsamic dressing followed by dessert of chocolate layered torte.
Since its inception in 1993, The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheonhas raised over $10 million to support services provided at 13 local Salvation Army centers.