Nothing can keep the Friends of Wilkinson Center home when it comes to fundraising for The Wilkinson Center. And their annual Spirit of Taos was a perfect example. Here’s a report from the field:
Hosted by the Friends of Wilkinson Center, The Spirit of Taos took place at The Lot in Lakewood. This event sold out despite the earlier torrential downpour that swept Dallas and took out several power lines leaving many without electricity. More than 200 millennials and baby-boomers needed to escape their cabin fever so they dusted off their Taos chic attire and braved the weather to support Wilkinson Center.
The event kicked off with a cocktail hour from 7-8pm that featured margaritas and hors d’oeuvres like quesadillas, mini pimento cheese sandwiches, tostadas and chicken flautas. Guests were welcomed by Anne Reeder, Executive Director of Wilkinson Center and Spirit of Taos event chairs, Sloan Looney Dix and Stephanie Taylor.
A seated dinner followed with southwest-flavored food from The Lot and dessert by Emporium Pies. Special remarks were made by Honorary Co-Chairs and long-time Wilkinson Center supporters Emily and Jack Dunn and Cindy and Gary Weed. Guests like Sherry and Gary Stevener, Anne and Terry Connor, Laura Reeder and Andrew Johnson listened and danced throughout the evening to tunes from Frank in the Middle and Downtown Fever.
The silent auction featured unique items like a weekend at a luxury resort in Taos, New Mexico and a Matthew Trent tourmaline necklace. The raffle put together by Missy Huber and Cathy Brittingham Saxon included custom made Olsen-Stelzer boots and a cooking collaboration at the Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Farms in Blanco, Texas.
If you weren’t interested in what the silent auction or raffle had to offer, there was also a Kendra Scott station set up where mystery jewelry boxes were sold for $50/per box. Each box contained a piece of jewelry that ranged in value from $50-$120. KeoPix Photobooth was set up to commemorate the evening with photos and funny props.
We are so grateful for everyone who came out, supported and had a great time! We could not have done it without our loyal constituents. The money raised from this event allows us to continue to provide pathways out of poverty for our clients. Until next year….
* Photo credit: Lisa Means