After days of cold and wet weather, Wednesday, March 22, was this side of ideal with sunshine and temperatures in the upper 70s for the 2023 ReuNight Reveal Party. And what better place to hold the announcement for The Family Place‘s 10th annual fundraiser than Claire and Dwight Emanuelson‘s home overlooking Turtle Creek. In addressing the crowd that included The Family Place Executive Board Chair Harold Ginsburg, Melinda and Mark Knowles, Alysa Teichman, Joanne Teichman and Niven Morgan, Co-Chairs Brooke Hortenstine, Margaret Stafford and Piper Wyatt did indeed reveal the details for the Thursday, May 18, night of dining, wining and bidding, as well as a reminder of how the funds would be used to stop domestic abuse. Here’s a report from the field:
Just days after the beginning of spring, The Family Place’s guests enjoyed fabulous weather on the stunning patio of party hosts, Claire and Dwight Emanuelson, who had decorated their lovely home for Easter.
Upon entering the modern teak pivot doors, guests were greeted with glasses of French 75 and Edgar Cardiel‘s (the fabulous Zodiac Restaurant’s General Manager) famous cheeseburger sliders and twice-baked potatoes. After a lively cocktail hour filled with laughter, hugs and hellos, guests gathered for the reveal of the ReuNight 2023 honorary chair and celebrity guest, along with more information about the new venue. The Family Place’s CEO, Mimi Sterling, first welcomed guests to the ReuNight Reveal Party and expressed gratitude towards the Emanuelsons for hosting the evening in their exquisite home, as well as for their ongoing support of The Family Place.
She also thanked Neiman Marcus Downtown Catering for their delightful service, along with board members, host committee members, supporters, and sponsors in attendance. Turning to the ReuNight co-chairs, Mimi graciously acknowledged Brooke Hortenstine, Margaret Stafford and Piper Wyatt for not only coordinating the lovely evening, but for all they’re doing to create a memorable 10th anniversary of ReuNight, which will take place on Thursday, May 18.
Mimi shared that for 45 years, The Family Place has served the North Texas community by bringing brighter futures to survivors of family violence. As the largest provider of family violence services in Texas, serving nearly 20,000 people in 2022, the nonprofit’s programs include a 24-hour hotline, three emergency shelters, including the state’s only shelter for men and their children, a transitional housing program with 25 apartments, three counseling centers, two medical clinics, a dental clinic, and much more. And thanks to those in the room, as well as others supporting ReuNight, The Family Place can offer these services for free.
She then welcomed Piper to announce the honorary chair would be Joyce Goss, who is graciously offering her support of the 10th annual ReuNight. Joyce is not only a longtime supporter of The Family Place, but she co-chaired ReuNight 2018, co-chaired Palm Night in 2007, and previously served as chair of The Family Place Board of Directors. She’s currently a member of The Family Place Foundation Board, which helped raise $17.5 million for the Legacy Campaign to build Ann Moody Place.
Brooke followed up with the celebrity chef reveal. This year Meridien Dallas Executive Chef Junior Borges will collaborate with the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District chef to curate an innovative menu with wine pairings for an exceptional dining experience. Junior has most recently been recognized as a 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalist in the Outstanding Chef category, and Meridian has also been recognized by Robb Report’s The Best of The Best in 2022 for its Top 5 restaurants.
And last, but certainly not least, Margaret highlighted ReuNight’s venue, the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, a brand-new luxury hotel that will serve as the gorgeous backdrop overlooking the skyline of Dallas.
Margaret expressed sincere appreciation to Dr. Tiffany and Daniel Moon, whose family owns the magnificent new hotel, venue sponsors of the event. She also thanked Tiffany for her commitment to the mission of The Family Place as an esteemed member of the Board.
It’s clear to see The Family Place is surrounded by tremendous supporters. And they’re set to celebrate 10 years of ReuNight and 45 years of service, while continuing to raise funds to create brighter futures for survivors of domestic violence.
Support from this year’s event is critical as one in three Texans will experience domestic violence during their lifetime – one of the highest rates in the country. Sponsorships for ReuNight are available now from $5,000 to $50,000. Individual tickets priced at $1,500 will be available Monday, April 17.
To register for the event or become a sponsor, please click here or email [email protected] or call 214.443.7717.
* Photo provided by The Family Place ** Photo credit: Kathy Tran