Thursday, October 29, proved to once again return Thursday to its status as the busiest day of the week. Earlier in the day there were The Dallas Opera’s First Sight luncheon and fashion show at the Winspear and Mosaic’s 5th Annual Partners and Possibilities Luncheon at the Addison Conference and Theatre Center north of town. That was just the warm up for the evening’s activities that included the 2015 David Wiessman Bridge Builder Award Dinner at The Adolphus Hotel co-chaired by Holly Deason and Blaine Nelson and honoring Ron Haddock. Even Fort Worth was buzzing with the NewDay Services for Children and Families at The Cendera Center!
But back in Dallas, there was still fun and fundraising going on.
16th Annual Mission Ole
Despite being within a hair’s breadth of October 31, the Trinity River Mission fundraiser’s 16th Annual Mission Ole could have easily been mistaken for a Halloween dress rehearsal. Evidently Chair Greg Nieberding recognized the growing popularity of “Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead)” and deemed it to be the theme for the gathering at 3015 at Trinity Groves.
Against a wall was a presentation of art that was in keeping with “The Day of the Dead” tradition in which “alters” are created as a tribute and celebration of the life of a deceased loved one. The artwork contains such things as the person’s favorite things like food, pets, musical instruments, etc. On this occasion the alter was filled with artwork honoring Donna Graham, who founded Trinity River Mission.
One highlight of the evening was the ballet folklorico performance by Trinity River Mission students. Not only were they adorable in their colorful costumes, they knew how to do a showstopping presentation to the delight of their parents and guests like Cindy and Gary Turner, Paige McDaniel and Joanna Clarke.
Still another memorable moment was TRM grad Carina Torres, who went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance. She told of the importance TRM had in her life. A little later in the evening Carina, who is a founding member of Nicolay Dance Works in Huntsville, returned to perform a solo dance.
The evening was such a hit that they’ve already reserved 3015 at Trinity Groves on Thursday, November 3, for the 17th Annual Mission Ole.
Stars & Stripes Film Festival Patron Party
North of the Dallas North Tollway at Lisa and Clay Cooley’s spread, the sponsors of the Stars & Stripes Film Festival were filling the mansion to talk about the upcoming fundraiser for Sons of the Flag. While some guests chose to ride the Cooley Cart from the estate’s entrance to the residence, others decided to walk along the drive past the tennis court and pond and over the bridge to the front door. Shoot! It was such a gorgeous night, why not?
With SOTF Founder/President/CEO Ryan Parrott greeting folks like Pam and Vin Perella, Lynn and Allan McBee, Christie Carter and Pam Busbee at the door, Festival Co-Chairs Tanya and Pete Foster were talking with vets and going over details of the November 12-15 festivities at the Angelika plus the lunch on Friday, November 13, at the Dallas Country Club with Gen. Tommy Franks.
Midway through the evening, the Cooley staircase was put to use to tell about the upcoming film festival. From it Ryan told the history of Sons of the Flag and how it really started with his meeting Ret. Capt. Sam Brown, who suffered third-degree burns over 30% of his body.
Ryan and Director of Development Mary Meier even got David Sargent of Stripe-A-Zone to get up on the staircase and tell how important it was for his company to be the presenting sponsor of the festival.
BTW, the opening night will not only feature “Zero Dark Thirty,” but Seal Team Member/native Texan Tyler Black will be on hand.
Also on hand was Dallas Film Society Artistic Director James Faust, who helped curate the collection of films. He was also looking forward to the DFS’s The Art of Film on Friday, November 20, at The Space on Oak Lawn with Isabella Rossellini.