While Dallas CASA‘s Parade of Playhouses entered its final days of eye-catching and head-turning at NorthPark, their builders and sponsors were being celebrated at Design Within Reach across the way from Eataly Thursday night.
For the Design Within Reach crew, it was an especially big night because the event was the company’s first one of its kind allowed since the pandemic started. As for the guests like KDC Senior VP David Fisk, Mavs’ Chief Marketing Officer Iris Diaz, Beverly Dealey and Dallas CASA Board Chair Corey Anthony with his wife Priscilla Anthony and Board members Christie Carter and Beth Cholerton, it was a great chance to catch up on the past year and plans for getting out of town.
Late arrival Crest Cadillac/Infiniti/Volvo Car Czar Mike Brosin arrived solo. His wife Jana Brosin had been spending time in Colorado, while Mike had been working on his swing at area golf courses. But that would all change the next morning when he would catch a flight to join Jana in Florida.
Another person who was heading out of town the next morning was Pam Busbee, who was driving back to her Santa Fe digs. She reported that she had recently been babysitting her grandkids while their parents were out of town. Her secret to successful grandkid management was setting down the rules with her charges upon her arrival. For most folks that might seem too simple. But Pam has the command of a general heading into combat, so the youngsters followed her orders to the “t.”
Upon hearing Pam’s grandparent tale, Dallas CASA’s Jill-of-All-Talents Rosanne Lewis, who growing up had six siblings, recalled how her grandmother took care of the seven kids while their parents headed for a quick vacation to Europe. The only problem came when the parents’ return was delayed for a week. When the couple did return, grandma’s bags were packed and her car was ready for a quick getaway.
Midway through the evening the program got underway thanks to Mike LaValle (aka Dallas CASA President/CEO Kathleen LaValle’s husband), who wrangled guests to the presentation and away from the bar and delicious buffet of caprese on a stick, mini-avocado toast, maple bourbon glazed meatballs, everything spiced hummus and fig goat cheese bits.
Kathleen told the group how even before the Dallas CASA team knew whether they were going to be able to display the playhouses in NorthPark, the builders had signed up to participate. When she recognized KDC for serving as the presenting sponsors, KDC Executive VP Kurt Petersen was heard to add that it was an easy choice.
She also pointed out that in addition to hosting the Parade, NorthPark had promoted it via a digital sign on the Tollway.
Kathleen finished her brief talk inviting guests to return to the buffet and check out the wine pull that was going for $25 per bottle with bottles ranging from $30 to $100. Within minutes, the bottles were being pulled.
It’s not too late to take a chance on winning one of the mini-mansions. You can easily go online and snap up a ticket for $5 or five for $20. The drawing is taking place virtually this Sunday afternoon.
BTW, Parade of Playhouses annually results in the greatest response for new CASA advocates to get involved. Thanks to these volunteer advocates’ work in the community and courts, “thousands of children find safe, permanent homes. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers served 3,374 children in Dallas County.”
* Photo credit: Rosanne Lewis
Kathleen LaValle says
All of us with Dallas CASA are beyond grateful for your coverage of an event that does so much to educate our community about the opportunity to become volunteer child advocates. Go to: dallascasa.org