Record-setting rain couldn’t keep supporters away from the 5^th annual HARVEST on Friday, September 21 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.  Co-chairs Maggie Kipp and Melinda Knowles, with honorary chair Stephan Pyles, welcomed more than 450 attendees, in their “Garden Glamour and Galoshes” attire.  More than $191,000 net revenue was raised benefiting the North Texas Food Bank, which will serve over 570,000 individuals.

The evening began with a VIP reception for top sponsors in the Alex Camp House.  Patrons arrived and sipped wine courtesy of Rose Gold Rosé and Coquerel Wines, beer graciously donated by Ben E. Keith Beverages, and a specialty cocktail, the Blackberry Ginger Smash, featuring Casamigos Tequila. and noshed at exclusive food stations from Chef Pyles’ restaurants: Stampede 66 by Stephan Pyles, which featured wild boar tamales with Dallas Mozzarella Co. goat cheese, BBQ masa and smoked peach manchamantel sauce and Flora Street Café’s melon-rhubarb gazpacho with chipotle brioche crumble and yuzu-yogurt sorbet.  

VIP attendees also got first view of the silent auction and chance to bid on fabulous packages such as a Cartagena Package with four-nights in Historic Cartagena, including accommodations, sightseeing, 150,000 American Airlines Miles and a $500 Visa gift card; and the JLT Beverages, LP Luxury Flagship Level Suite at a Dallas Stars Home Game for up to 12.

At 7:00 p.m. DJ Lucy Wrubel pumped up the volume as partygoers continued to arrive and progress into the main tent, which had been constructed thanks to a savvy Dallas bride who’s wedding was planned for the following day.

This year’s moveable feast included 23 food stations featuring cuisine from Dallas top chefs and restaurants.  Highlights included: The Meat Shop chef Keith Browning’s miso glazed Wagyu short ribs with butternut squash risotto; signature cajun chicken by Chef Momo Sow of Le Bilboquet;  tuna, watermelon, herbs and fish sauce by chef Alex Astranti of Uchi Dallas & Uchiba’; Parigi chef/owner Janice Provost’s quinoa cakes with aji verdi; prime beef robata, blistered shishito peppers, red miso aioli by chef Jacob Williamson of Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck; Ritz-Carlton Dallas chef Juan Pablo Silva’s Albondiga meatball sliders; jalapeno bone broth by chef/owner Joanne Bondy of Stocks & Bondy; chicken liver parfait with crispy chicken skins and grilled sourdough by Chef Anthony Dispensa of The French Room; and award-winning handmade cheeses by Paula Lambert, Mozarella Co., served with artisan bread by Meader Ozarow’s Empire Baking Company. Dessert was definitely not forgotten with French macarons by chef/owner Tida Pichakron of Haute Sweets Patisserie, John Doumas of Pop Star’s all natural popsicles, specialty tarts by pastry chef Uma Iyer of Tart-a-licious, and chocolate almond butter cups, sweet potato cups, and Meyer lemon cups by Susan O’Brien of Hail Merry Snacks.

Mid-way through the evening, North Texas Food Bank president and CEO Trisha Cunningham gathered the crowd to welcome everyone and thank them for their support of the 5^th annual HARVEST, which will help the organization meet the needs of more than 570,000 food insecure individuals across North Texas.  She extended her gratitude to the many sponsors and donors who had made the evening possible, including top sponsors Vulcan Materials Company; NTFB’s Indian American Council; Alice and Bill Barnett; and Megan and Casey McManemin.  She also recognized the amazing duo Maggie Kipp and Melinda Knowles, event co-chairs, as well as the inimitable Stephan Pyles who served as honorary chair, underwriting chair Jen O’Neal and event founders and advisors Nancy Gopez and Kristi Bare.

The party then continued as posh patrons traded their galoshes for dance shoes, and hit the dance floor..  DJ Wrubel kept the vibe going, including an homage to the HARVEST date, September 21^st, with Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”  Revelers seen among the packed dance floor as they celebrated the successful night, included co-chairs Maggie Kipp and Melinda Knowles, chef Pyles, NTFB’s Trisha Cunningham., Casey Barber, Alison Pearl, Teffy Jacobs, Noelle Petty, Nikki Webb and Jody Bare.

As the evening came to a close, Cunningham took the microphone one final time to bid the crowd “good night.”

5^th annual HARVEST attendees included:  Chef Stephan Pyles, honorary chair; Co-chairs Maggie Kipp and Melinda Knowles; Jen O’Neal, underwriting chair; Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO, North Texas Food Bank; Janie and David Condon; Mark Knowles; Jack Pratt; Elizabeth and Eric Gambrell; Jennifer Lake and Richard Harper; Amy Turner; Lisa and Marvin Singleton; Nancy Gopez; Nikki and Crayton Webb; Kameron Westcott; Lora Farris; Kindred Roach and Brett Gray; Rachel and John Michell; Natalie Chu; Deb Young and Chris Barrett; Carmen and Trammell Hancock; Doris Jacobs; Alison Pearl; Kathryn and Gentry Beach; Casey Barber; Max Trowbridge; Susan Farris; Kunthear Mam-Douglas and Scott Douglas; JB Hayes; Allison Lent; Terra Najork; Jana and Hadley Paul; Katherine Coker; Heather Randall; Samantha Wortley; Teffy Jacobs; and Jennifer and Chris LeLash.

For more information, visit ntfb.org/harvest.

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary in Dallas announces that Elizabeth Gambrell, community volunteer, will serve as chair of the 2019 Fashion Show & Luncheon on Tuesday, May 7, 2019. 

“Proceeds from the fashion show and luncheon will provide hope to the hungry, homeless, friendless and so many others in crisis in our community,” remarked Elizabeth Gambrell, event chair. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with a wonderful group of volunteers to help make positive change in this way and look forward to the event at our new venue.”

The 27th annual event will be held for the first time at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, in the Dallas Arts District. Event highlights will include an opening reception, silent auction, a first view of the runway collection and shopping in the Chic Boutique, where gently worn or never worn designer clothing and accessories donated by some of North Texas’ best dressed and finest retailers are available for sale. Attendees will enjoy a runway fashion show styled and produced by Jan Strimple Productions, featuring donated and new couture clothing which can be bid on following the show. Afterwards, patrons will enjoy a seated lunch and final bidding on silent and runway auction items.

The shopping will continue May 10-11 at the annual WEARhouse Sale, which is open to the public and includes both new and donated items at deep discounts. The sale is held annually at The Salvation Army’s Christmas and Disaster Center located at 9216 Harry Hines in Dallas. Hours are 10:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on May 10 and 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on May 11. 

Since its inception in 1993, The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon has raised over $ 10 million to support services provided at 14 local Salvation Army facilities. 

 The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary 2019 Fashion Show & Luncheon will be held on May 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, located at 2403 Flora Street in the Dallas Arts District. Sponsorships begin at $5,000 and individual tickets are $300; both will be available beginning November 1, 2018; individual tickets will be available closer to the luncheon. For information contact The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, 214.637.8121 or dfw.auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org or visit

Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation^SM celebrated the 10^th annual Suits for Shelters collection with a “Think Pink Launch Party” at Tootsies on Thursday, July 11, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.  Hosts Maleiah and Ryan Rogers were joined by more than 150 partygoers for the annual event to kick-off a month-long collection of new and gently used women’s professional attire for local domestic violence shelters. 

Upon arrival, attendees, many dressed in pink attire, enjoyed cocktails and light bites while perusing the fashions at Tootsies.  Models wearing the coolest trends in assorted hues of pink posed on pedestals throughout the store.  

Also on display were five of Mary Kay Ash’s most memorable formal gowns that she had worn at Mary Kay Inc.’s annual Seminar.  Attendees were wowed by her petite frame, and the glamorous gowns that featured sequins, glitter and lace. Many of Ash’s gowns can be viewed in the Mary Kay Museum located in the Mary Kay building, while others are pristinely stored to preserve their integrity. 

Always a hit, mystery boxes were available for purchase for $100, $250 and $500, featuring prizes of jewelry, local hot spots, fashion items and more, with all proceeds benefiting The Mary Kay Foundation^SM. Raffle tickets were also on sale, with attendees buying their chances to win one of three prizes: a $100 Tootsies gift card and a Mary Kay gift basket; a $500 Tootsies Gift Card and a Mary Kay Gift Basket and the grand prize a $100 Tootsies gift card and a $5,000 contribution in the winner’s name to the domestic violence shelter of their choice, donated by Maleiah and Ryan Rogers.

At the appointed time, partygoers gathered upstairs for brief remarks.  Ryan Rogers, board of director and chief investment officer  for Mary Kay Inc., welcomed all in attendance and thanked them for their support of the Mary Kay Foundation and their continued commitment to end domestic violence. He also thanked the Foundation’s community partners and beneficiaries, as well as long-time partners Tolleson Wealth for their sponsorship of the evening, media partner WFAA-TV and Tootsies, the evening’s host.

Rogers shared that the Mary Kay Foundation donates more than 97 cents from every dollar it receives to its programs focused on ending domestic violence and furthering research for cancers affecting women.  He then asked everyone to give generously as well by purchasing a raffle ticket or mystery box, or making a direct donation to the Foundation. In closing he raised his glass to the crowd in appreciation of their generosity and ongoing support.

WFAA-TV’s Cynthia Izaguirre followed with additional thanks and a last-call to purchase raffle tickets. Izaguirre then reminded everyone that donations of professional clothing to local domestic violence shelters would be accepted at Tootsies through August 4.  She added that for many of the recipients of the clothing donations, it means a lot more than a suit; it’s the ability to interview for a job and gain financial independence and the outfit that gives her the look of confidence to break free from abuse.

The much-anticipated raffle winners were then announced with Kris Johnson the lucky grand prize raffle winner.  Johnson chose The Family Place as the designee for the $5,000 donation.

As the celebration came to an end, guests were gifted Mary Kay’s Timewise Miracle Set 3D, including a 4-in-1 Cleanser, Day Cream with SPF 30, Eye Cream and Night Cream, along with a Don’t Look Awaycompact mirror.

Since 2009 the Suits for Sheltersprogram has donated more than 20,000 professional items to local domestic violence shelters. 

About The Mary Kay Foundation^SM

The Mary Kay Foundation was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. Since the Foundation’s inception, it has awarded nearly $44 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and more than $26 million to cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. More than 97% of each donated dollar goes to the missions. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation, log on to www.marykayfoundation.orgor call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).

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.

Cristo Rey Dallas announces Nancy Cain Marcus and Nelda Cain Pickens as co-chairs and Patty and Mark Langdale as honorary chairs of the 3^rdannual Grow the Grove fundraiser. Additionally, Liza and Will Lee, Maryann and Frank Mihalopoulos and Joyce and Larry Lacerte will serve as underwriting co-chairs, Alex and Ford Halbardier as entertainment chairs.

“We are so grateful to these extraordinary individuals for serving as our event leadership for the third annual Grow the Grove benefiting Cristo Rey Dallas,” remarked Kelby Woodard, president, Cristo Rey Dallas.  “With their expertise and  strong ties to the Dallas community, we know we are poised for our most successful fundraiser to date.”

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. at venue sixty five hundred, located at 6500 Cedar Springs Road, and will celebrate the service of the Honorable Mike Rawlings, City of Dallas Mayor.  Planning is just now underway for the event, but the denim to dresses cocktail party will include fabulous auction items and interactive, student-led displays. 

Proceeds fromGrow the Grovewill benefit Cristo Rey Dallas, an innovative high school located in Pleasant Grove that offers students who would otherwise not consider private school a rigorous college prep education paired with a valuable work study program.  

Sponsorships begin at $1,600. For more information, contact Lisa Brunts, lbrunts@cristoreydallas.orgor visit cristoreydallas.org.

About Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep

Located in Pleasant Grove, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep provides economically challenged students of all faiths with a college preparatory education enabling them to become men and women of purpose and service. Through a rigorous curriculum, integrated with a hands-on professional work experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life. cristoreydallas.org