From boots to wide-brim fedora hats, the Friends of Wilkinson brought Taos to the Ninth Annual Spirit of Taos on Friday, October 14, at On the Levee. Spirit Co-Chair Shannon Hanberry and Ashley White left nothing to chance with Ernesto’s Music Mariachi Band greeting guests at the door and The Jimmy Stadler Band packing the dance floor.
In addition to the supper, silent auction and Stadler sounds, Shannon and Ashley along with Wilkinson Center Executive Director Anne Reeder Corley also reminded the guests the purpose of the event was to carry on the mission started 40 years ago by Reverend Clayton Lewis. Here’s a report from the field:
The Friends of Wilkinson Center president Ellen Estee, along with Event Co-Chairs Shannon Hanberry and Ashley White, were joined by more than 170 attendees including Kara and Marc Janni, Holly and Drew Ross, Anne and Terry Connor, Meridith and Jeremy Zidell, Heather and Chris Gilker, Katie and Skip Skipworth, Ann Damele, Katy Lopez, Caitlin Hyatt, Karrie Cato, Ida Gleaton and Linsday Morris at the ninth annual Spirit of Taos on Friday, October 14, at On the Levee in the Dallas Design District.
Ernesto’s Music Mariachi Band played as partygoers arrived in their Taos-inspired attire. Once inside, guests mingled
and placed their bids in the silent auction, while enjoying passed bites, signature cocktails and sounds by The Jimmy Stadler Band.
At the appointed time, guests took their seats as Shannon and Ashley took the stage to welcome attendees and to introduce emcee Jenny Anchondo, host of CW33’s “Inside DFW with Jenny Anchondo.” Anchondo added her gratitude to all in attendance and recognized the co-chairs, as well as Ellen, who was seated nearby.
The Jimmy Stadler Band continued playing as partygoers dined on a delicious dinner of cumin and coffee rubbed filet medallion topped with queso fundido served over black bean puree and grilled market vegetables, followed by dessert of sopapilla cheesecake with honey drizzle, homemade whipped cream and fresh berries.
Jenny then returned to the stage and recognized the evening’s sponsors, including Sewell, Kastl Law, P.C., SHM Architects, Rue, Cohen Electric, Veritex Community Bank, Premier Concierge, American Airlines, Central Market/HEB, Brinker International, Clark Hill and “PaperCity.”
Wilkinson Center Executive Director Anne Reeder Corley took the stage and added her thanks to all for their ongoing support of the organization’s mission. She shared that 40 years after Wilkinson Center was founded, the organization continues to serve families facing critical life challenges, including food insecurity, lack of education, economic instability, unemployment and underemployment. The agency’s formula for success is: case management, a compassionate staff, dedicated volunteers and effective individualize programming – all free of charge.
A video followed which celebrated 40 years of Wilkinson Center, which was founded in 1982 when Munger Place United Methodist Church’s then past Reverend Clayton Lewis saw a child digging in a dumpster for food and resolved to do what he could to help his neighbors in need. The poignant video included archival photos and interviews with Reverend Lewis’ sons Jim Lewis and Mark Lewis, Sande Wilkinson Ford, daughter- in-law of Ruby Wilkinson for whom the Wilkinson Center is named, former executive director Brian Burton and others, as well as a look at Wilkinson Center today.
The live auction then got underway with auctioneer Wes Poole of Murad Auctions working the crowd for top bids on amazing packages, including: a long weekend for up to three families at a Cedar Creek lake house; a five-night stay for up to eight at a Texas beach house; a two-night getaway to The Blake Hotel in Taos, New Mexico complete with 100,000 American Airlines miles; and a pair of diamond huggies earrings in with intricate lace designed hanging charms donated by Cook Diamonds. The final bidding was an opportunity for attendees to consider an additional donation as a “Gift of Love” to Wilkinson Center, with various levels funding items such as food for a week for a family of five, GED test fees for three students, food for Wilkinson Center Food Pantry for a month and job training for 10. Paddles were raised across the room as the crowd kept the bidding going in support of Wilkinson.
A surprise item was added at the end during a round of “Last Hero Standing,” with one lucky winner leaving with a pair of turquoise and diamond earrings by Lara Smith/Halo Jewelry.
* Photo credit: Nate Rehlander
Anne Reeder says
Thanks so much for this great article about Spirit of Taos. We are so grateful for your support.