The setting couldn’t have been more appropriate for the 2012 Cherish the Children kick-off party Wednesday night. Down a hidden-away street on the outskirts of downtown Dallas, Margie and Ray Francis‘ 82-year-old, stone cottage (okay, so 6,352-square-feet may be more than the normal cottage) was the setting for the display of the “pint-sized chairs and other pieces of whimsical children’s furniture” that will be part of the fundraising for the Dallas CASA benefit on Friday, April 13, at Northwood Club.
Throughout the home’s multi-level first floor, the most unique and charming wee furniture caught guests’ eye. One wooden chair was bulging with small stuffed animals. In one room was the perfect English tearoom set up including two beautifully upholstered yellow chairs with a table covered in matching tablecloth.
Like a good host, Ray not only took guests on tours of his home, he also strongly recommended items on the buffet table — especially the bacon-wrapped-date canapés. When chef (don’t call him a caterer) David Daniel was asked the secret to the wrapped-up dates, he concurred with others that the “sweet/sour combination” did the trick.
Last year’s chair Kristina Whitcomb and her husband Phillip, who donated a “Dallas Cowboys” bench signed by Roger “the Dodger” Staubach, took a pass on the food offerings. They had other plans. Seems it was “date night” for the Whitcombs, so they were headed to Avner Samuel‘s for dinner before heading home to their little ones.
Unfortunately, not all children have parents like Kristina and Phillip. CASA Executive Director Beverly Levy reported there are 2,000 children in Dallas, who are presently waiting for the courts to decide where they can live safely. Thanks to CASA, 600 volunteers take a 30-hour course to become advocates “for the best interests of abused and neglected children, helping these children have safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.”
Agreeing with Charlene Howell that Cherish the Children is a favorite event, Caroline Rose Hunt added, “Who will speak for the children? I know it can be challenging, but loves conquers all.”
Luncheon Chair Diana Hamilton thanked the Francises, the sponsors (Lisa and Kenny Troutt, Glazer’s Distributors, AT&T, ORIX Foundation, Rosewood Corp. and Ericsson to name a few) and CASA’s friends for attending the party. She reminded them that in addition to the sale of the furniture, actress Victoria Rowell, who was raised in foster homes, will be the keynote speaker.
Dallas CASA says
Thank you so much for attending Jeanne! You really captured the spirit of this gathering, and Caroline Rose Hunt’s words are so perfect for the occasion: “Love conquers all.”
For those who are interested in seeing the rest of the gorgeous children’s furniture, the luncheon will be held April 13 at Northwood Club.
Here’s the link for more information about the event and great pictures from years past: http://www.dallascasa.org/events/cherish-the-children-luncheon.html