The annual Yellow and Black Tie Gala was a magical experience for Methodist Richardson Medical Center at the Renaissance Dallas. In addition to having a magician to entertain the sold-out crowd on Saturday, November 9, a record-breaking half million dollars was provided for the Center’s Behavioral Health program. Here’s a report from the field:
North Texans really know how to celebrate a good cause. Nearly 700 guests came seeking a good time, and that’s exactly what they received at the Yellow and Black Tie Gala on Saturday, November 9, at the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel! With Honorary Co-Chairs, Levi and Loretta Davis at the helm this year, it was a record-breaking soiree in many ways – a sold-out crowd and a very successful fundraising night, with nearly a half million dollars raised for the Behavioral Health program at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. Once again, Skiles Group had provided its support as the Platinum Sponsor to ensure a successful event.
The evening started with a cocktail reception, where guests such as Mikito Kiname of Fujitsu participated in a roaming magic show. Magician Diamond Jim Tyler kept the crowd enthralled with his magic tricks, while guests got into the action with the “Heads or Tails” game for a luxury Inspirato vacation. The guests were in awe of the decor as they entered the ballroom for the banquet and evening program. During the evening program, guests got into bidding wars for one-of-a kind auction items such as an exclusive dinner for eight with celebrity chef Blythe Beck, an original Shemara Couture design, a private tour of the Arkenstone Gallery and a one-in-a-million quartz mine adventure, and an Unleash the “Fury” Sherman Tank experience!
Guests, including Judy and Max Martin and Dr. Stephen Mansfield, were riveted by the Call for Compassion video, which told the story of a grateful patient, Ashtyn Branum, and her road to recovery from years of substance abuse. The Branum family was in attendance to celebrate Ashtyn’s recovery.
The Methodist Richardson Medical Center is endeavoring to create a Chemical Dependency Partial Hospitalization Program, and the MRMC Foundation is seeking $2.3 million for this creation. Approximately 30 percent of individuals that have been admitted to the Emergency Room at MRMC this past year reported unhealthy drug or alcohol use. This program will provide critical support for patients dealing with substance abuse. While many facilities are closing down their behavioral health programs due to lack of funding, Methodist Richardson is at the forefront of fighting this disease and saving lives.
The Foundation bestowed the Legacy Award to longtime supporters Dr. Sam and Lisa Bibawi. Dr. Bibawi is the medical director of the Methodist Richardson Cancer Center and is an ardent supporter of the Foundation. The award was presented by Methodist Richardson Medical Center President Ken Hutchenrider and Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation’s Board Chair Richard Ramey. The night ended with a bang-up casino after-party, where guests partied the night away until midnight!
* Photo credit: Stacey Brooks
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