Once again Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation‘s 2018 Yellow and Black Tie Gala proved fundraising could be fun from playing “Heads and Tails” to bidding on live auction items. But it wasn’t just an evening of games, dining and dancing. It also recognized the success of Methodist Richardson. Here’s a report from the field:
After the heavy rains, it could not have been a more perfect evening for Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation’s Yellow and Black Tie Gala on Saturday, October 20. It was as if the Gala’s Honorary Co-Chairs Clay Harrison and Dr. Parin Makadia had willed the rains to cease for this glittering evening, where tuxedos and chic gowns graced the red carpet entrance. Nearly 600 guests gathered in the spirit of philanthropy to party the night away at the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel, for what became one of the most successful Galas in the MRMC Foundation’s history.
The evening started with a cocktail reception, with guests, such as Mikito Kiname, getting into the action with the “Heads or Tails” game! During the evening program, auctioneer Andrew Bost, raised more than $50,000 in just a matter of minutes during the MRMC Foundation’s “Call for Compassion.” This was followed by a spirited live auction, during which Dr. Sam Bibawi and Dr. Richard Benson battled for one-of-a-kind live auction items, such as an exclusive dinner at Fearing’s, 79 carat sapphire earrings, and trips to Africa, Iceland, Napa, and much more! Guests, including Judy and Max Martin and Sandra and Kevin Miller, were riveted by the Call for Compassion video, which told the story of a grateful patient, Mary Jessen, and her road to recovery from a life-threatening meningioma, and her neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Oh.
The Foundation bestowed the Legacy Award to one of its longtime supporters, Ericsson Inc. Ericsson has been a valuable partner of the Foundation since 1989, with 21 Ericsson employees again volunteering for this year’s Yellow and Black Tie Gala. Barbara Baffer, VP of Industry and Government Relations for Ericsson North America, graciously accepted the honor from Methodist Richardson Medical Center President Ken Hutchenrider and Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation’s Board Chair Richard Ramey.
The evening was capped off with a casino after-party, where guests such as Levi and Loretta Davis chanced their luck and enjoyed the merriment of the occasion.
* Photo credit: Kristina Bowman
Yemishtha Rutnam says
Thank you for your wonderful coverage of our event Jeanne! We appreciate your support.