Tornadoes were tipping through Oklahoma. Once again North Texas lucked out and avoided the hit while the folks north of the Red River took it. But nonprofit fundraising continued in North Texas with The Wilkinson Center’s Can Do! Luncheon taking place at Joyce and Larry Lacerte’s home that blends eye-popping splendor with family comfort including the children’s dining room table and the outdoor furniture. As Joyce put it, she wanted a home that grand kiddos would seek.
Keeping such a household ready for any occasion, the Lacertes have a brain trust for a house manager — Roxann Vyazmensky. In addition to exemplifying the Lacertes’ hospitality and being an Energizer Bunny Rabbit in making things happen, she’s Joyce’s sister.
Needless to say, the Can Do patrons were like kids discovering the two-story library/family room highlighted by a mammoth portrait of the Lacerte family over the fireplace across the way from the covered terrace overlooking Prather Park. For the keen of eye, there was even a huge chandelier in the entry hall with the names of the Lacerte children’s names.
As Hunter Sullivan crooned on the terrace before ducking out for a gig at the Dallas County Club, and guests like Pam and Vin Perella, Christie Carter, Carol Seay, Ann and Bob Dyer, Sara Martineau, Steve Saxon, Jane Murray, Jennifer Chandler, Sara Albert, Debbie Oates, Nancy Bierman, Linda Secrest and Alice Wright discovered a Central Market feast. In the dining room, the table was filled with charred baby lamb chops, fennel-citrus grilled prawns, baby spinach and strawberry salad tossed in citrus-herb vinaigrette, grilled verlasso salmon and assorted mini pastries, cookies and tarts. In the family room there was a table filled with assorted breads, crackers a chutney to complement the fruit and cheese with assorted dips and spreads.
Even the most dedicated dieters put swimsuit plans on a backburner as they filled plates.
Just before 7 p.m., Luncheon Chair Leslie Diers welcomed the guests including her mom Cynthia Melnick and her husband Bryan Diers and daughters Meredith Diers and Tracy Diers and recognized luncheon honorees — Communities Foundation of Texas, Carlin Morris and Tonya Howard, who wasn’t able to attend. Leslie also told of the support that U.S. Trust had provided as the presenting sponsor for the May 12th luncheon at the Dallas Country Club.
In addition to the seated luncheon, the Wilkinson Center will also be holding The White Party on Saturday, June 13, at Saint Ann. Each year this party provides that there are plenty of folks in town who want to fundraise and raise fun. According to Wilkinson Center Executive Director Anne Reeder* this year’s White Party kickoff at Hotel Zaza had around 1,000 and was spectacular.
* Editor's note: Anne's birthday is today - June 1!