As drenched North Texans tried their best to rise above the swamp-like conditions, all types of scenarios were underway on Wednesday, April 24. Arriving passengers at Love Field discovered their vehicles on the lowest level of the parking garage A had become stagnant submarines.


On the other hand, fundraisers rose to the occasion. Philanthropist Sherwood Wagner was an old pro at the Mother Nature rain-on-my-party situation. It was just three years ago almost to the day – April 26 – when her outdoor dinner party for Dallas Symphony Gala kick-off was called short due to weather conditions that included straight-line winds.

But on this evening, she had second guessed weather conditions and prepared her Preston Hollow home to accommodate the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s 60+ Southern Savour Supper patrons like Dallas Symphony Orchestra CEO Kim Noltemy, Mari Epperson, Carole Ann and Dick Brown, Nancy Labadie, Minnie Caruth, Venise and Larry Stuart, Susan and Tom Stanzel and Melissa Lewis. It was a prelude for the following Sunday’s Southern Savour Supper fundraiser at Amanda and Brint Ryan’s estate.
Leave it to Sherwood to have the southern touch from the start with Rhett Butler (or, at least, a life-sized cut out) at the top of the mansion’s winding staircase that was trimmed with roses and a jazz quartet at the base.
Guests then were advised that just past the dining room filled with food and the living room, the party seemed to be taking place in the bedroom, where they discovered DSOL President Lisa Loy Laughlin and Southern Savour Supper Co-Chairs Renée Querbes Farren and Bettina Hennessy.
Bettina clucked that her husband, Dan Hennessy, wouldn’t be on hand for the patron party due to a case of kidney stones. Ironically, Bettina’s dad, the late Dr. Elgin Ware, had been a urologist.
Casey says
Sounds like Sherwood, “did it again!”
Tickles to no end that she flawlessly handled such a large group in her bedroom
…She should date more…
Thank you for another delightfully descriptive article, you always have the best take on all events. Reading your accounts are every bit as fun as actually attending-Bravo!