A “red front door” has had quite a history in different cultures. For the Chinese it is “the gateway of feng shui and a symbol of luck, health and money.” In early America, “if a family had a red front door, tired travelers traveling by horse and buggy would know that the home was a welcoming place to rest.” During the Civil War in the Underground Railroad, runaway slaves would see a red door as a sign of a safe house. While Scottish homeowners “would paint their front door red to signify that they had paid off their mortgage,” the Irish believed it “warded off bad spirits.” During Queen Victoria’s time, when she ordered people to paint their doors black, the Irish rebelled by painting theirs red.
In Collin, Dallas and Tarrant counties, the red door has come to symbolize the non-profit Cancer Support Community North Texas (CSCNT), where people living with cancer and their families can receive emotional and social support.
According to CSCNT CEO Mirchelle Louis, “We have an ever-growing, loyal base of people who rely on us across all three of our clubhouses in DFW. Our goal is to ensure that base continues to grow — that anyone in need of support walks through our red doors.”
To support its programs CSCNT’s Third Annual Red Tie Gala fundraiser will take place on Saturday, November 11, at The Warwick Melrose Hotel Dallas.
Co-chairing the Roaring 1920’s-themed gala will be two North Texas oncologists/hematologists and their wives — Sharon and Dr. Gill Kirkpatrick and Shelly and Dr. Lalan Wilfong.
As Lalan explained, “The emotional and practical support Cancer Support Community North Texas provides patients with cancer and their families is critical. I encourage all of my patients to seek support with CSCNT, which is why Shelly and I feel compelled to advocate for this great organization through the Red Tie Gala.”
In addition to an evening of signature cocktails, fine dining and music provided by the Jordan Kahn Music Company, there will be professional dancers from Vow To Dance Studio on hand to “teach” and inspire guests to swing dance.
Gill added, “Sharon and I are honored to be a part of this great event. Together, through our support of Cancer Support Community North Texas, we are hoping to make a difference in the lives of the many North Texans who are living with cancer.”
Already on board are lead sponsors woot!, Grant Thornton, Janet Moll and Dave Ashworth, Syndee Stiles, Vow To Dance, Absolute Entertainment and Branching Out Events.
Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $50,000 and are available here. Tickets are going for $225 for individuals and $400 for a couple.
* Graphic/photo provided by Cancer Support Community North Texas