For a first time in ages, Queenie was unable to attend the first choo-choo of the Trains at NorthPark benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. It was an early-stage cold and she wasn’t about to share it with anyone, especially adorable munchkins. So, she had one of her favorite elves do the following report from the field. . . or, in this case, shall we say the tracks:
“The Trains at NorthPark, presented by Bank of Texas, opened early on Saturday, November 23, in a bright new space on Level Two in the Nordstrom Wing between Sephora and Free People. For those who remember last year’s space, it’s right across the way.
“WFAA’s Colleen Coyle welcomed 300 supporters. ‘I am a meteorologist with WFAA, but I promise you that I didn’t bring this cool weather, but with the Trains opening up, we want it to feel like Christmas.’
“Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, thanked NorthPark and the trains co-chairs. ‘I would like to thank Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger, the wonderful staff at NorthPark, and so many others who have been our partners for the past 15 years at NorthPark. I would also like to thank our wonderful and hard-working Event Co-Chairs Claire Raggio and Courtney Westerburg.’
“Raggio and Westerburg tag-teamed and recruited many volunteers to sell railcars, to secure sponsorships, and to sell raffle tickets.
“By the way, the raffle tickets, which will be sold until Jan. 5, are a bargain, one ticket for $5, and 5 tickets for $20. The prizes include a Thomas the Train Set (donated by Trainworks, TW Design and valued at $4,200), $1,000 in NorthPark gold, a hotel stay/spa treatments at The Ritz-Carlton/Dallas along with dinner at Del Frisco’s. Raffle tickets are sold at the exhibit.
“Claire thanked Honorary Chairs, Lauren and Pat Arthur. ‘Through his company MHBT, Pat has supported The Trains at NorthPark and has also served on its board of directors. Lauren has been on the trains committee and served in various volunteer roles.’
“Courtney added, ‘We want to thank our Presenting Sponsor, Bank of Texas, as this is the 5th year for their generous support.’
“Bob White, Bank of Texas executive vice president, liked that the bank supports such a great event. ‘Bank of Texas believes in the important work that Ronald McDonald House of Dallas does caring for families whose children are getting treatment for their illnesses and injuries. The House serves as a calm place for them during this difficult time, and the trains helps raise funds to make it happen.’
“Coyle called up Kid Conductor Bishoy Megally whose father, Adel Megally, said a few words. ‘Thank you for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. We stayed for one year and three months, and Bishoy has had multiple surgeries.’ From Egypt, Bishoy was born with severe Kyphoscoliosis, abnormal front-to-back and side-to-side curvature of the spine. Since this surgery could not be performed in Egypt, the family searched the globe for a place to have the surgery, and they came to Dallas. The family has now relocated to the North Texas area, so they can be near the fine medical facilities.
“Bishoy and his brother, Fady, held up their whistles and blew them to open up The Trains at NorthPark.
“People poured into the bright new space to look for their personalized railcars. Shouts of ‘I’ve found it’ and ‘I think I see our railcar!’ were heard everywhere. If you want one of the personalized railcars, you can still order one online.
“Other children stayed in line to get their faces painted and have clowns make balloon swords before heading into the exhibit. NorthPark’s Lona Crabb showed her grandsons, Trevor and Cole Parrish, the exhibit.
“Colleen bought an early Christmas present for herself, a Nespresso coffee machine (the store opens at NorthPark this season).
“Jill and her family all had matching blue for Hanukah, and she talked about how her sister was handling Hanukah, while she was preparing the Thanksgiving meal.
“A special thank you to all the sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Bank of Texas, and the Platinum Baron Sponsors: NorthPark Center, MHBT Inc., Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater North Texas, Tom Thumb and Moroch.
“Be sure to roll on down to the exhibit many times between now and January 5. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 2 to 12) and senior citizens (65 and older). Children under 2 are free. Discount tickets are available at Tom Thumb ($1 off regular admission). More details on hours, early closings and railcars can be found at http://www.rmhdallas.org/trains/.”
* Graphic provided by the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas ** Photo credit: Steve Foxall
Juliette says
Please come visit and support such a great cause, families who need a warm home to stay when their child is hurt or seriously injured!