Laura Wheat has been a very busy gal. In addition to being mayor of Westlake and having the family estate put on the auction bloc yesterday, she and husband Doug Wheat have joined up with Susan and Scott Salka to co-chair the Cancer Support Community North Texas’ first Red Tie Gala.
Providing “emotional and social support to people living with cancer and their families,” CSCNT is near and dear to the Wheats, who have both battled cancer and were a leading force in creating the nonprofit. Doug is a Stage 4 prostate cancer “thriver” and Laura has overcome breast cancer three times.
According to Laura, “Doug and I are so honored to have been asked to co-chair the first Red Tie Gala. We have such a long history with Cancer Support Community that in many ways this feels like a homecoming for us. This opportunity is extra special in that we get to work side by side with our good friends, Susan and Scott Salka. Together, we are hoping to make a difference in the lives of the many North Texans who are living with cancer.”
This undertaking is not the first project that has brought these two couples together. Doug is AMN Healthcare Services board chair and Susan is AMN Healthcare president/CEO.
As Susan said, “The caring approach that Cancer Support Community North Texas brings to patients and their families during the most critical times in their life is nothing short of inspiring. We are honored to co-chair this year’s Red Tie Gala to increase awareness and funding to expand and continue the important work of CSCNT. Together we make a greater and more positive impact!”
The Salkas and Wheats have arranged for the fundraiser to honor the Junior League of Dallas for “their extensive volunteer service and support of CSCNT.”
According to JLD President Brooke Bailey, “Since 2002, the Junior League of Dallas has proudly partnered with CSCNT. Our volunteers have been privileged to spend more than 54,000 hours helping support patients living with cancer and their families. We are greatly honored to be recognized by this amazing organization.”
Scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the evening will include food stations on all four floors, three open bars, live music, a raffle and a live and silent auction.
Red Tie Gala’s lead sponsors are AMN Healthcare Services, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Amegy Bank, SunTrust Private Wealth, Locke Lord and Janet Moll and Dave Ashworth.
Sponsorships and tickets are on sale here!
Proceeds from the event will “provide the ongoing social and emotional support programs and services the organization provides at no cost to all impacted by cancer across DFW.”
As CSCNT CEO Mirchelle Louis explained, “Cancer support is the critical, missing link in cancer care. We are thrilled to celebrate the importance of what Cancer Support Community North Texas provides thousands of people every year at this landmark event and are grateful for the Wheats and Salkas for their passion for our cause.”
BTW, don’t worry about Laura and Doug leaving Westlake. They’re just moving down the road to their new nifty homestead.