It’s not every day that tours of the Crow Library are personally conducted by Crow Library curator Sam Fore, but on Thursday, November 8, the guests of the Genesis HeROs got the royal treatment at the third annual An Evening with Gentle Men hosted by Genesis Women’s Shelter. An added treat was the pop-up Cigar Lounge with cigars and antique cigar boxes on display. And while no smoking took place in the library, the organization’s message was crystal clear — real men protect the vulnerable. Here’s a report from the field:
Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support hosted its third annual An Evening with Gentle Men on Thursday, November 8, at the Crow Library. Along with Event Co-Chairs Tiffany and Wade Jones and more than 50 host committee members, the room was filled to capacity with like-minded men and women who share a zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence. The event was presented by the Genesis HeROs (He Respects Others), a men’s group that allows gentle men a chance to become a part of the solution.
As guests entered the elegant, historical library of Harlan Crow surrounded by historical treasures dating back centuries, they were immediately transported to Old Havana. The cigar lounge, sponsored by The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated Inc., sprinkled in Cuban décor like fedora hats while offering attendees complimentary cigars.
And the cigars didn’t stop there – antiquated cigar boxes overflowing with succulents were arranged by Dallas Petal Pusher, providing vibrant pops of color in the centerpiece arrangements. Guests were welcome to explore downstairs for tequila-tasting (sponsored by Ashford Inc. and Casamigos Tequila) or mingle upstairs for rum tasting courtesy of Mary Bowman Campbell. To balance the plentiful supply of alcohol, passed black bean fritters and pork empanadas were in plentiful supply, along with a quesadilla station. The entertainment of the evening was James Gabriano and Friends; sponsored by Jennifer and Travis Armayor, the band filled the air with rumba-style acoustics complete with bongos. Attendees were encouraged to explore every nook and cranny of the library to view historical gems from figures like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower and Winston Churchill.
The evening included brief remarks, beginning with a warm welcome by Genesis Women’s Shelter CEO Jan Langbein. Guests gathered in the main library, while attendees on the second story peered over the balcony to hear her remarks.
Shortly thereafter, HeROs Board President Crayton Webb shared how men must be known as more than simply a part of the problem. He stressed having the tough, important conversations with his children, and encouraged attendees to do the same – not only should girls be taught how to protect themselves, but young men should be taught to respect and value women. The rest of the evening was turned back over for the guests to mingle and network and take in all the wonders of the library.
* Photo provided by Genesis Women's Shelter