Jus before the work week got underway, the cars were headed toward 3015 at Trinity Groves on Sunday, October 21, for “A Taste of West Dallas.” With Chef Sharon Van Meter at the helm, the fundraiser for West Dallas’ Wesley- Rankin Community Center had already scored a home run with its sold-out status. Here’s a report from the field:
It was a sold out crowd at World Master Chef Sharon Van Meter’s 3015 at Trinity Groves last Sunday night celebrating “A Taste of West Dallas” benefiting Wesley-Rankin Community Center. Chaired by Mari and Don Epperson along with Kay and Duncan Fulton, this first-time event brought in over 400 supporters with Texas Capital Bank as presenting sponsor.
A Trinity Groves pioneer, everyone remembers Chef Van Meter as being one of the first to land at Trinity Groves and creating her special event venue just across the bridge and it is going strong!
The evening began with a VIP reception, DJ, tasting of sips – beer, wine and tequila – and savory bites from these chefs, restaurants and breweries in West Dallas: 3015 at Trinity Groves, Amberjax Fish Market Grille, Beto & Son at Trinity Groves, La Estrella Bakery, Luck – Local Urban Craft Kitchen, Oak Highlands Brewery, Odom’s Bar-B-Que, Pura Vida Tequila, Saint Rocco’s New York Italian at Trinity Groves, Snappy Catfish, and Steam Theory Brewing Company.
After Mari Epperson thanked the host committee, media sponsors The Park Cities News and My Sweet Charity, Duncan Fulton introduced Shellie Ross, Wesley-Rankin’s executive director. Shellie spoke about its latest initiative, the Wesley-Rankin Scholars Program, in partnership with the June Shelton School. The Shelton School is the largest independent school worldwide for intelligent students with learning differences. Volunteers and staff meet students for three hours each Saturday to use teaching techniques in audiology, speech and reading.
Joining in the sips and tastes were presenting sponsor Texas Capital Bank and an anonymous Angel Sponsor, other sponsors included Kathryn and Stephen Arata, Effie and Brian Dennison, Jane and Pat Bolin, Elizabeth and Carl Cross and Lisa and Mac Tichenor .
Wesley-Rankin programs create an intelligent pathway for students to achieve their ambitions in education, regardless of their financial circumstances. In addition to children and youth, Wesley-Rankin supports adults through Adult Academy courses and senior citizen programming. Together, the Center bridges gaps in the inequities of education, the arts and mental health. The Center believes that everyone deserves a fair chance to reach his/her potential. Visit the website for updates: http://www.wesleyrankin.org
* Photo credit: Dana Driensky