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MySweetCharity Photo Gallery Alert!: The Turtle Creek Association’s 2025 Azalea Luncheon
While the proverb goes “April showers bring May flowers,” the deluge of rain and wind on Wednesday, April 2, had forced the Room To Grow Luncheon organizers to move indoors at NorthPark without a hitch. On the other hand at the same time, the Turtle Creek Association‘s Azalea Luncheon at The Joule Hotel wasn’t as lucky.
Despite the “know-before-you-go” instructions, guests faced all types of challenges just getting to the reception in the hotel’s Terrace.
But luckily things improved vastly for guests including Honorary Chair Mary Brinegar, Honorary Chairs Emeritus Ann Stuart and Deborah Stanford, Sue Krider, Karen Sargent, Carole Ann Brown and Allison Brodnax at the luncheon in the ballroom with fashions presented by Betty Reiter and Pockets and an apology to all by Turtle Creek Association President J.D. Trueblood for the earlier problems.
While the post is being finished, check out the fashions and faces at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.
JUST IN: Cotillion Club’s 81st Annual Gala May Have Raised $31K But It Netted $41K For Genesis
The 81-year-old Dallas Cotillion Club’s Gala “Havana Nights” on Saturday, April 26, at The Drey Hotel was a black-tie fundraiser benefiting Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support. Originally reports exclaimed that the event had raised $31K to help women escaping abusive relationships.
As the bean counters started slugging away at their abacuses, they discovered the raised amount wasn’t what would be the amount handed over to Genesis.
It turned out that the final amount on the check would be $41,000!
In addition to bringing back the VIP dinner prior to the night of partying, a highlight of the dinner was Genesis representative Samantha Parks, who talked about Genesis’ mission.
According to Cotillion Club President Caroline Keifer, “Bringing back the VIP Dinner was one of the most meaningful parts of the evening. Hearing directly from Samantha about the mission of Genesis Women’s Shelter reminded everyone why we come together—not just to celebrate, but to make a real difference in the lives of women and children in our community.”
Congratulations to Cotillion Gala Co-Chair Ali Hejny , Vice-Chair Jessica Rodriguez and Gala Silent Auction And Underwriting Chair Abby Burris.
* Graphic courtesy of Dallas Cotillion Club
JUST IN: 2025 Zoo To Do Kick-Off Was A Nocturnal Blast With Luscious Lips Terry
While some North Texans were over at Frisco’s The Star for the ACM Awards and peeps like Carole Braden headed to the Dallas Arboretum for Thursday night’s concert featuring Fleatwood MAC, the literal party animals like Dallas Zoo CEO Lisa New, Cindy and Chuck Gummer, Bill Braem, Diane and Hal Brierley, Ann Stuart, Pat and Charles McEvoy, Paul Ridley, Kim and Greg Hext and Carol and Don Glendenning were herding together tonight for the kickoff of the Dallas Zoo‘s 2025 Zoo To Do.
In digs that would be picture-perfect for a Williams-Sonoma photo shoot layout, 2025 Zoo To Do Co-Chairs Robbie Kruithoff and Ryan Ross opened their home for two legged guests, four-legged carnivorous lip-smacking Terry and feathered types to reveal plans for the Dallas Zoo fundraiser.
So, let’s just get to the top line with the details that were revealed.
The theme — “Nocturne” — is courtesy of Ryan’s creativity with the Dallas Zoo’s brain power. The inspiration was the “fleeting moments of tranquil stillness just after the sun dips below the horizon — a nocturne of color and stillness — just as the sun slips away, night awakens and all you want is to stay suspended in that glowing, dreamlike pause.”
How simply perfect, since Zoo To Do takes place as daylight seamlessly transitions into moonlight.
Part of the leadership team will consist of longtime Dallas Zoo gals Lois Finkelman and Joan Walne as honorary co-chairs and Mary McDermott Cook and Grace Cook co-chairing the host committee herd.
Oh, when is the big fundraiser taking place for the Dallas Zoo animal community? Saturday, November 1.
While there’s still an opportunity to sign up for the hosting committee and sponsorships, more coverage of tonight’s event will come in the days ahead.
Alas, MySweetCharity is just a step ahead of the news break. The website will go live as soon as the critters recover from all the fun and Robbie’s and Ryan’s dog sitters upstairs are relieved from the downstairs partying.
This post was just a share for folks to know how the 2025 Zoo To Do is going to be a treat, following the haunting night before (aka Friday, October 31).
JUST IN: The Eugene And Margaret McDermott Foundation Gifts $500K To TACA
At Wednesday’s TACA Silver Cup Luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel, the plan was to honor 2025 Silver Cup recipients Gayle Halperin and Jim Nugent. While it was a glorious honor, the spotlight shifted to the announcement that The Eugene And Margaret McDermott was gifting an “historic $500K gift” to TACA.
The “largest single-year gift” to TACA in its 57-year history, it “will support the implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing TACA’s resilience and organizational infrastructure.”
In making the gift, Foundation Trustee/ McDermott granddaughter Grace Cook said, “My grandparents, Margaret and Eugene McDermott, believed that building a stronger Dallas wasn’t just an act of generosity — it was a responsibility. Supporting TACA honors that legacy and affirms our belief that creativity is one of Dallas’ greatest natural resources. This gift is an invitation to everyone who believes in the future of this city — to invest in the artists, organizations and ideas that will shape the Dallas we haven’t even yet imagined.”
Originally dedicated to the performing arts, TACA expanded its reach to include the visual arts.
As Donna Wilhelm Family President/Executive Director Of TACA Maura Sheffler said, “This donation is not only a historic moment for our organization, but a long-term investment in the sustainability and growth of TACA and our support of the arts in Dallas. It is a true testament of the generosity and dedication to our arts community.”
* Photo credit: Nate Rehlander
JUST IN: 2025 SAWA Fashion Show After-Sale Opens For Business Friday And Saturday
On the stiletto heels of yesterday’s Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show And Luncheon at the Meyerson, the fashionable fundraising is continuing on.
The silent auction for the 100 outfits that were on the runway has closed and the clothes are on their way to new closets throughout the area.
On the other hand, the loads of clothes that had been in the Chic Boutique are in transit to The Salvation Army Warehouse (9216 Harry Hines Boulevard) for the 2025 After-Sale that will take place on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
So, if you want to give yourself a Mother’s Day gift, head to the Warehouse and check out the gently experienced goodies. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a steal with your dream designer’s label?
New Friends New Life New Board Chair, Members And Supporting Board Chairs Revealed
North Texas' New Friends New Life has just rolled out its new board leadership and members. Succeeding NFNL Board Chair Jane A. Rose will be Dr. Cole Edmonson. In accepting the new role, Cole said, “I am honored and humbled to serve as the chair of the NFNL Board and to support the nonprofit’s … Read More...
Room To Grow Luncheon Fashionably Moves To NorthPark’s SouthCourt For Neiman’s Presentation
Despite April showers non-stopping North Texas on Wednesday, April 2, the 7th Annual Room To Grow Luncheon Co-Chairs Ashley O'Malley and Heather Winn, along with the NorthPark Center and Neiman Marcus crew, had seamlessly put Plan B into action. Instead of guests being surrounded by sculptures and … Read More...
JUST IN: Breast Cancer Survivor Carolyn Brown And Her Caregiving BFF Lindsay Ballotta To Co-Chair 2025 Celebrating Women
More great news from the North Texas healthcare community. Plans for Baylor Scott And White Dallas Foundation have been announced regarding the leadership, date and location for the 2025 Celebrating Women Luncheon. In past years Carolyn Brown has been an inspiration sharing her story of surviving … Read More...
JUST IN: The Moody Foundation Gifts A “More Than $100M” Grant For Future Children’s Medical Campus
Looking ahead to the dynamic growth of North Texas, the momentum is surging ahead for the creation of a landmark undertaking for future generations that will replace the current Children's Medical Center, with a planned completion in 2031. With a staggering goal of $5B (that's "B' as in billion) … Read More...
JUST IN: The Hoblitzelle Foundation Adds Three New Members To Its Board
Back in the early 1900s, North Texas was ripe for young entrepreneurs planting their seeds of empire building. Carrie Marcus Neiman, her husband Al Neiman and Carrie's brother Herbert Marcus opened a store with all things "ready-to-wear" in clothes in downtown Dallas called Neiman Marcus. John … Read More...
2025 Preservation Park Cities Home Tour Is The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift
With Mother's Day approaching on Sunday, May 11, it's the perfect time for a unique gift for the lady in your life. Instead of a bottle of perfume or a bouquet of flowers, think out of the box. In fact, go beyond that box to a mansion of delight — the Preservation Park Cities Home Tour presented by … Read More...