The Gingerbread Stroll, presented by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, will celebrate eight years this holiday season with its annual exhibition and silent auction of gingerbread houses created by some of Dallas’ top pastry chefs.  

On display in Highland Park Village, November 16 through November 30, 2018, attendees can stroll between select retailers to view and bid on beautifully decorated gingerbread houses, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Community Partners of Dallas. 

“We are so excited to celebrate the eighth year of the Gingerbread Stroll, and are immensely grateful for the ongoing support of Highland Park Village, our many retail partners, and of course the talented chefs who create our magical gingerbread houses,” remarked founder Christine McKenny.  “And we are so delighted to designate stroll proceeds for the next two years to Community Partners of Dallas and the children they serve.”

Added Paige McDaniel, president and CEO, Community Partners of Dallas, “The Gingerbread Stroll has become a holiday highlight for so many and we are honored that Community Partners of Dallas has been selected as the beneficiary for 2018 and 2019.  The funds raised from this event will help support our new facility which opens in 2019, and specifically one of our night response visitation rooms, which provides a warm and loving place for children taken into protective care by Child Protective Services as they await their transition to their safe placement.”

Featured hotels, pastry chefs and artists for this year’s stroll include: pastry chef Leigh Gibson at A Sweet Life; BIRD Bakery team from BIRD Bakery; pastry chef Winter Lockwood-Frank of Charlie’s Burgers and Street Tacos; artist Christine Van Pelt and head chocolatier Rocio Estrada and team from Chocolate Secrets; and chocolatier Sirenia Sanchez and director Carolyn Hudec and team from Chocolate Secrets; pastry chefs Shirley Chavez and Hilda Muirhead from Hilton Anatole; resident gingerbread house expert Julie Price at Hotel Crescent Court; pastry chef Saju Meppidayil and executive chef Hermann Hiemeyer of Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion; Le Gourmet Baking Team; pastry chef Kristina Kent of Omni Dallas Hotel; Gingerbread House Master Creations by Kristen Schweiger & Team; pastry chef Sam Cade of Cade’s Cakes; and pastry chef Arielle Sutcliffe of Pastry Works. 

Highland Park retailers that will showcase the elaborate gingerbread houses are: Beretta Gallery, BIRD Bakery, Bistro 31, Draper James, ETRO, goop, JAMES PERSE, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Leggiadro, MARKET Highland Park, Robert Talbott, Roller Rabbit, Royal Blue Grocery, THE TOT, Trina Turk and VERONICA BEARD.

Dallas residential real estate agent Christine McKenny founded the Gingerbread Stroll in 2011, with the hopes of bringing the community together to raise funds for local children’s charities. Each year, a different charity is selected as the beneficiary of 100 percent of the proceeds.  Since its inception, the Stroll has raised more than $91,000.

This year’s Gingerbread Stroll is made possible by the following sponsors:  Amy Koellner; Providence Lane Window Coverings; BABY B'AIR Flight Vest; Balekian Hayes, PLLC; Candy's Dirt; Mary Dinkins, The Dinkins Team, Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc.; Dr. Gary E. Alhaldef, DDS, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry; Highland Park Village; HUB International Personal Insurance; Christine McKenny of Allie Beth Allman & Associates; Jim Mueller, Verner Brumley Mueller Parker; Republic Title, Park Cities; Retail Plazas, Inc./The Olyan Family; TATUM BROWN Custom Homes; Trammell Crow Company; Woolery Associates, Interior Design; and Bread Winners.

For more information about The Gingerbread Stroll, please visithttp://sellingdallas.com/gingerbreadstroll.

Jubilee Park & Community Center hosted a special reception for donors and supporters at the home of Kathy and Harlan Crow on September 19.  Jubilee Park CEO Ben Leal was joined by more than 100 guests as they mingled while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Crow family’s library.

At the appointed time, David Martin, board chair for Jubilee, and Bill Addy, a co-chair for Jubilee’s 20^th Anniversary Gala last year,  gathered the crowd and thanked Kathy and Harlan Crow for their support of Jubilee and for opening their home for the evening’s festivities.

Following, CEO Leal,announced key findings from Jubilee’s revolutionary Specialized Student Support (S3) Program, which is designed to increase accessibility of its award-winning summer and afterschool programs for children with learning differences.  The S3 Program was the focus of Jubilee’s 20^th Anniversary, which raised a net amount of more than $1.5 million dollars.

Leal said, “So many children in Southeast Dallas struggled with special learning needs and just weren’t getting the help they deserved, and with your help, Jubilee stepped up to fill this gap.”

He shared that the pilot cohort of seven students included a significant disparity in diagnoses and resources depending on a child’s school, and a significant opportunity for impact by focusing on dyslexia interventions.  Parent empowerment trainings were so helpful that they have been expanded to all parents in Jubilee’s programs, which directly serves 400 children.

He also revealed that core components of Jubilee’s new strategic plan, including values, revised areas of impact, and upcoming programs for the next five years, which will include coalition-building among surrounding neighborhoods, expanded programs for senior citizens, a home repair program, workforce certificates, and the first full cohort of the S3 Program.

Leal then referenced signage throughout the space, which reviewed results, detailed next steps, and thanked lead sponsors of Jubilee’s work, including Lydia and Bill Addy, Crow Holdings, Winnie and Davis Hamlin, ISN Software Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, The Moody Foundation, New Breeze Foundation, Park Place Dealerships, the Perot Foundation, Stemmons Foundation, and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.

In closing he said, “We have lots more to share about the five-year plan, including maximizing the use of our campus, bridging the gap between middle school and higher education, and acting as a conduit for resources into the greater Southeast Dallas area.  For tonight, we hope you’ll feel informed and engaged with Jubilee as we enter this next decade of service.”

Reception attendees included: Maria and David Martin, chair, Jubilee Park & Community Center board of directors; Cesar Reyna and Ben Leal, CEO, Jubilee Park & Community Center; Bill Addy, 20^th Anniversary Gala co-chair; Marilyn Augur; Tom McConnell; Delilah and Sam Boyd; Kathy Crow; Winnie and Davis Hamlin; Bea and Walt Humann; Paul Polanco and Roberto De la Cruz; Amanpreet and Matthew Randazzo; Jeff and Darrel Rice; Annadele Ross; Nancy Shutt; and Nancy and Jim Skochdopole.

For more information visit jubileecenter.org.

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).