The Dallas skyline was the backdrop and an enchantingly beautiful center-of-room Christmas tree was the centerpiece for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Farewell Founder’s Luncheon Honoree Reception December 5. In addition to Honorary Luncheon Co-Chairs Lucy Billingsley and Doug Curtis, Co-Hosts hosts Joleen and Jim Chambers welcomed DBDT Founder Ann Williams, luncheon honorees Andy McCarthy, Herdercine Nash and Linda Todd, as well as DBDT Board members Gilbert Gerst, Georgia Scaife, Mark Cooks, Petre White, Paulette Turner and JeAnna Parker. Here’s a report from the field:
Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) patrons gathered in the home of Joleen and Jim Chambers to be the first to honor three longtime supporters of the 41-year-old dance company. DBDT Founder Ann M. Williams announced the final Founder’s Luncheon would pay tribute to Andy McCarthy, Herdercine Nash and Linda Todd, three outstanding North Texans who have substantially supported the organization. Herdercine Nash has been a DBDT board member since 1988 and helped launch the luncheon 22 years ago as a fundraiser for the organization. Andy McCarthy has been a supporter for over 25 years, serving on the Board during the 1990s and recently giving a leadership gift to support a resident choreographer. Linda Todd has been a Board member for more than two decades and supported the renovation of DBDT’s home, the Historic Moorland YMCA Building, by underwriting the elevator installation.
Between the twinkling lights of the Dallas skyline and the Christmas tree, it was the perfect setting for the honoree reception during the holidays. A brisk northerly wind did not stop some guests from stepping out on the balcony to take in the breathtaking view of downtown Dallas and the Dallas Arts District.
DBDT supporters started the luncheon 22 years ago as a way to honor Founder Ann Williams, while supporting what is now the oldest continuously operating dance company in Dallas. The luncheon will highlight the legacy and extraordinary service of Ms. Williams to Dallas and the field of dance. Ms. Williams thanked attendees for the various ways they had supported Dallas Black Dance Theatre over four decades. She also thanked Michelle R. Thomas, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations for JPMorgan Chase, for the bank’s eighth consecutive year as a presenting sponsor and Gilbert Gerst, Senior Vice President of Community Development Lending and Investments for Bank of Texas, for the bank sponsorship of the honoree reception.
Seen chatting at the reception, longtime DBDT and facility partners Doug Curtis of AT&T Performing Arts Center and Lucy Billingsley of the Billingsley Company, who are serving as honorary co-chairs, as well as Rev. Lelious Johnson and Kimberley Runnels, the luncheon General Chairs. Fox 4 News Anchor Clarice Tinsley will preside as Mistress of Ceremonies.
Chef Carlos Whitfield served up his unique twist of hors d’oeuvres. There was the spicy Shrimp Cocktail Mazatlan that Chef Carlos describes as a fusion dish with influence from Italy, Spain and Mexico. Cucumbers complemented the combination, neutralizing the heat of chili peppers. Chef Carlos also created a decadent dish featuring roasted salmon topped with cured salmon. Herbs and veggies were folded into beef meatballs that had a holiday flavor combining cranberry glaze and barbeque sauce.
If you would like more information on how to sponsor or purchase a luncheon table on Wednesday January 17, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, contact [email protected].
* Photo credit: Maegan Hoffman ** Photo credit: Derrick Waiters