The Spirit of Taos Chair Ellen Estee decided to kick off the annual Wilkinson Center fundraiser with a party in its East Dallas hood on Thursday, August 22. And she had the perfect place to do it — her Lakewood home. Among the surprises that she shared with the crowd was news that the sixth annual Spirit of Taos would be held at The Hall on Dragon. Here’s a report from the field:
The Friends of Wilkinson Center hosted a kick-off celebration for the sixth annual The Spirit of Taos presented by Highland Capital Management on Thursday, August 22, from 6 – 8 p.m. at The Spirit of Taos Chair Ellen and Charles Estee’s Lakewood home.
Ellen, along with Honorary Co-Chairs Missy Huber and Melanie and Jim Myers, was joined by more than 35 attendees at the summer celebration in support of the Wilkinson Center’s upcoming fundraiser. As guests arrived, they mingled and enjoyed cool sips, including the evening’s signature “Ranch Water” served in mini Topo Chico bottles, and delicious Southwestern-inspired fare by committee member Katy Lopez.
Midway through the evening, Friends of Wilkinson Center President Meridith Zidell gathered the crowd for brief remarks and to extend her gratitude to the evening’s hosts. Ellen then followed to thank all in attendance for their support of the upcoming September 14 event, which will be held at The Hall on Dragon and will include cocktails, a seated dinner, a raffle, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment by Special Edition Band – all inspired by Taos, New Mexico. She encouraged all to purchase tickets or sponsorships, which are still available.
Wilkinson Center Executive Director Anne Reeder concluded by thanking the many sponsors and donors who have helped make The Spirit of Taos possible. She added that every dollar truly makes a difference as Wilkinson Center continues to transform the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect.
2019 Spirit of Taos sponsors are: Presenting sponsor- Highland Capital Management; Photo booth sponsor -Gordon Highlander; Raffle sponsor – SHOP Companies; Silent Auction sponsor – Newport Group Construction; Gift Card Pull – DuWest Realty; Live Auction sponsor – Rue; Appetizer sponsor – Cohen Electric; Mariachi sponsor – Republic Title; Band sponsor – Iberia Bank; and Kick-Off Party sponsor – SHM Architects.
Kick-off party attendees included Jeremy Zidell, Anne Conner, Kate and Will Walters, Pam Karlos, Laurann Caenaghi, Caitlin Hyatt, Cindy Weed, Lola Lott, Elizabeth and Eric Willis, Lisa Armstrong, Jeanne Athos-Adler and Mike Adler, Katie Peck, Katy and Josue Lopez, Emily and Jim Dunn, Kelley McMahon, Lara and Jesse Smith, Jenn McMillan, Stephanie Muckleroy, Carly Allen-Martin, Katie Peck and Tricia McQuinn.
The Spirit of Taos will be held on Saturday, September 14, from 7 p.m. to midnight at The Hall on Dragon, located at 1500 Dragon Street in the heart of the Design District.
Sponsorships range from $750 to $10,000 and tables of eight are $2,000, $4,000 and $8,000; patron tickets at $250 each and individual tickets at $200. For information contact Wilkinson Center Event Manager Andrea Jones at [email protected] or visit https://www.thewilkinsoncenter.org/events/category/the-spirit-of-taos/.
* Photo credit: Nate Rehlander