While some folks were trying to recover from an overdose of turkey, cranberries and stuff(ing), the second Lonestar Charity Two-Step was high-stepping the following Saturday. Here’s a report from the field:
Lonestar Charity Co-Founder Ben Siegel with Event Co-Chairs Reagan Beck and Margaret Hardage welcomed over 260 party goers to Gilley’s Dallas for the second annual Lonestar Charity Two-Step on Saturday, November 28. Event proceeds benefit Bryan’s House, a non-profit organization serving children with medical or developmental needs and their families by providing specialized child care, respite care and social services.
Upon arrival, DJ’s Jennifer Miller and Paul Parades provided a cool vibe as partygoers mingled while enjoying cocktails and an hors d’oeuvres buffet. As guests played the casino tables, Highland Park grad Jillie Kerwin and her band took the stage for a lively performance, including some of her own original songs.
Following her set, co-founder Siegel welcomed attendees and thanked them for their support of Lonestar Charity Two-Step, the second annual event that encourages philanthropy in college students. Lisa Genecov, president, Board of Directors for Bryan’s House followed to share the mission and services provided by the non-profit agency, as well as thanked Lonestar Charity for selecting their organization as the beneficiary for the evening.
Co-chairs Beck and Hardage then added their thanks to the event committee, advisors and sponsors, before turning things over to auctioneer Louis Murad. Murad got things started with a fun game of “Heads or Tails” with the winner receiving a new Apple TV and a $200 Mr. Mesero gift card. The live auction followed with competitive bidding on items including two courtside seats adjacent to the Dallas Mavericks bench with a parking pass donated by the Charlie McKinney family; a delicate gardenias sterling silver and 18-karat yellow gold necklace courtesy of deBoulle; an Argentina dove hunt, which had two winning bidders; and a signed Jerry Jeff Walker guitar.
Iconic Texas country singer and songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker immediately followed with attendees dancing to his classic hits. DJs Miller and Paredes then returned to keep the party going until midnight.
As the evening came to a close each patron received a commemorative T-shirt as a thank you for their support.
* Photo credit: Wiley Williams