2022 Partners Card Co-Chairs Andrea Cheek, Wynne McNabb Cunningham, Hannah Fagadau, Lisa Hewitt and Honorary Chair Paula Davis kicked off the 30th anniversary of The Family Place fundraiser with a luncheon at NorthPark’s Eataly on Friday, October 28. To inspire guests to get in the 10-day spending mood, they arranged to have NorthPark Luxury Ambassador Kimberly Schlegel Whitman present a showcase of NorthPark fashions. Here’s a report from the field:
The rain could not keep the loyal Family Place supporters away from this fall fashion preview event to kick off the first day of the 30th anniversary Partners Card. The Dallas-based family violence agency and NorthPark Center hosted the exclusive luncheon and fashion presentation on Friday, October 28, at Eataly Dallas in NorthPark Center.
Inside the beautiful and airy space at Terra, guests were welcomed with Prosecco and Aperol Spritzes to sip on while mingling prior to the start of the seated luncheon. Guests took turns taking photos in front of the beautiful purple and lavender flower wall at the entrance, with Partners Card Co-Chairs Andrea Cheek, Wynne McNabb Cunningham, Hannah Fagadau, Lisa Hewitt and Honorary Chair Paula Davis joining in for the photo opportunity.
As attendees, including Stacy Rasansky, Jessica Prescott and Lindsey Jacaman made their way to their seats, they were greeted by a complimentary gift at their place setting of a free facial from Partners Card retailer Neiman Marcus.
NorthPark’s Fashion and Lifestyle Ambassador Kimberly Schlegel Whitman came to the microphone and welcomed the almost 100 guests to the festive lunch to celebrate the start of Partners Card. “We are so excited to have you all here to celebrate, indulge in a beautiful Italian lunch, and inspire your shopping lists for the fall season,” Whitman said.
Whitman then introduced the brands Anine Bing, Fabiana Filippi, Maje, Sandro and Scanlan Theodore, which would be showcased during the fashion presentation to help inspire guests’ shopping lists for the fall season.
Whitman then introduced The Family Place CEO, Mimi Crume Sterling, who greeted the room, saying, “I’m so excited that today we kick off ten great days of shopping to help families create brighter futures at The Family Place!”
Sterling spoke to the group about the legacy of Partners Card over the past 30 years and its impact on The Family Place, with proceeds supporting survivors of domestic violence within our community. “Partners Card is a truly unique event that empowers our supporters to save money and save lives,” Sterling said.
Sterling then recognized this year’s co-chairs and thanked them for their leadership, which she said was invaluable to the success of this year’s campaign. Sterling then recognized Sally Johnson, one of the original Partners Card chairs, who was also in attendance. “Thank you so much, Sally, for your hard work 30 years ago; what a legacy you have created for The Family Place,” Sterling said, which was met with a round of applause from all guests, including past Partners Card Co-Chairs Caroline Snell Wagner, Jane Wallingford and Rachel Osborn.
She thanked Partners Card’s presenting sponsor Bank of Texas for its support and then thanked NorthPark Center, Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger, Eataly, Neiman Marcus and all the NorthPark retailers participating in Partner’s Card for partnering with them on this event and for being such faithful supporters of Partners Card and The Family Place. “We feel lucky to have this Dallas institution in our corner,” Sterling said.
Guests enjoyed the delicious, multi-course seasonal Italian lunch, provided by Eataly Dallas. This included antipasti dishes Insalata di Barbabietole, Arancini and Mozzarella e Zucca, all served family style. For the main course, each person enjoyed their own plate of Risotto alla Zucca before digging into the shared plates of Tagliata di Manzo and Pollo Affumicato brought to each table.
As each course was being served, guests like Sharon Lee Clark, Nancy Johnson and Nerissa von Helpenstill surveyed the fashion presentation that included elegant female models wearing styled looks from NorthPark Center retailers previously mentioned. Each model walked throughout the space stopping at each table, reminding guests that all outfits showcased are 20% off with a Partners Card.
The fashion presentation kicked off with a sneak peek at the brand-new store, Anine Bing, which is opening at NorthPark and will be the first and only one in North Texas. Anine Bing combines Scandinavian simplicity with American energy to help build your everyday wardrobe. Fabiana Filippi was up next, whose “Made in Italy” authenticity was very fitting for the Italian luncheon. Sister brands Maje and Sandro were next to be showcased and are described as the definition of French-girl chic. Whitman was personally wearing Sandro to the day’s event. The presentation closed with Australian luxury fashion brand, Scanlan Theodore, another new store at NorthPark that Whitman announced is hosting a grand opening event with their founders on Wednesday, November 9, and invited guests to inquire if they are interested in attending.
After the last model concluded her walk throughout the restaurant and guests enjoyed their Tiramisu Classico, Partners Card Event Chair Andrea Cheek announced the raffle winner of a limited-edition Pearl Card. She then welcomed everyone to an after-party, where guests, including Megan Pharis, Brooke Bailey, and Jennifer Tobin, segued to the Neiman Marcus beauty section to kick off an afternoon of shopping throughout NorthPark Center with their Partners Cards, replete with champagne. Each guest left with a copy of the October issue from media partner “PaperCity Magazine” in their car when checking out at the valet.
NorthPark Center is the top shopping destination for Partners Card, with over 75 retailers participating this year. NorthPark has also been a longtime supporter of the Partners Card campaign and sponsored the special 30th anniversary Pearl Card. Purchasers of the Pearl Card will receive tons of perks, including complimentary valet parking at NorthPark for a year.
Partners Card takes place this year from Friday, October 28, through Sunday, November 6. For $75, shoppers can purchase a Partners Card or, for $500 a limited-edition Pearl Card, granting them a 20% discount at retailers and a 10% discount at restaurants during the 10-day event. The purchase of a $75 Partners Card pays for one night of safety for a survivor of family violence at The Family Place, and a Pearl Card purchase provides one week of safety. Additionally, 100% of a Partners Card purchase directly supports The Family Place programs and services to end family violence. Partners Cards can be purchased at www.partnerscard.org.
* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron Photography