The 500 guests at the Pot of Gold Lunch on Friday, May 5, at the Westin Galleria Dallas were literally on their feet for the Rainbow Days fundraiser. Not only did the adorable Rainbow Days children sing on stage, but tough love keynote speaker Coach Ken Carter rallied all with “an interactive message about determination, success and giving back to the community.” Here’s a report from the field:
Rainbow Days hosted its 26th annual Pot of Gold Luncheon at the Westin Galleria Dallas Hotel Dallas Ballroom on Friday, May 5. On this festive Friday afternoon, more than 500 supporters and guests gathered to raise a total of $232,428 for Rainbow Days through sponsorships, auction bidding, donations and individual tickets.
Held annually since 1997, the Pot of Gold Luncheon is a cheerful and celebratory fundraising event benefiting Rainbow Days’ mission and services. Each year, the luncheon features an inspiring keynote speaker, performances from the Rainbow Days children, moving program testimonials and silent auction bidding.
Guests enjoyed an engaging keynote address from Coach Ken Carter, who brought high energy to the luncheon with an interactive message about determination, success and giving back to the community. Coach Carter is a successful author, speaker and philanthropist who spreads his message of teamwork, accountability, integrity and leadership by speaking and presenting to over a million people all over the globe, including film stars and even the President of the United States – yet Coach Carter considers the greatest and most impressive audience to be the young adults, boys, and girls he can impact. Coach’s tough love and mentorship have helped students, such as “Cruz” from his namesake hit movie “Coach Carter,” who is now a top medical professional. Coach brings hard-hitting advice and leadership to succeed both on and off the basketball court. Coach Ken Carter held a book signing and meet-and-greet at the 2023 Pot of Gold Luncheon.
Rainbow Days’ CEO Tiffany Beaudine addressed the audience at the 2023 Pot of Gold Luncheon with remarks about the mission of Rainbow Days and the critical issues children in our community are facing. Tiffany reflected on the mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse and food insecurity issues that children and youth are facing and how Rainbow Days services tackle these issues with services to benefit children and youth with Adverse Childhood Experiences. Tiffany encouraged the audience that with partnership, we can build a brighter future for our youth.
Another highlight of the luncheon program included a performance by a group of current Rainbow Days program participants from a local shelter. In honor of the 2023 Pot of Gold Luncheon, local musician Tony Ballard composed an original song for the performance inspired by Rainbow Days’ Major Messages, which are: “I Am,” “I Can,” “I Have,” “I Will” and “I Believe.”
The 2023 Pot of Gold Luncheon was made complete with a heartfelt invocation by Reverend Ken Crawford from Northway Christian Church and Fox 4 Anchor Shannon Murray, who emceed the event.
This year’s event was made possible through the hard work, time and resources of the 2023 Pot of Gold Luncheon Committee members. Event leadership included Luncheon Co-Chairs Brittany and Caleb Bachelor and Auction Chair Abby Waterstreet.
Rainbow Days would also like to recognize the many sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make the 2023 Pot of Gold Luncheon a success. Featured here are sponsor levels “Silver” and above:
- Title: Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt
- Platinum Sponsors: Miramar Equity Partners
- Gold Sponsors: Katie and Netesh Anand, Citi, The Invitation Project, Thompson Coburn LLP and Jill and Dale Hurd
- Silver Sponsors: Beth Bedell and Texas Instruments, Bragalone Olejko Saad PC, Greenberg Traurig, Phyllis and John Horan, Mary Jo and James McKellar, Method360, Sky Island Capital and Texas Mutual Insurance Company
- Vaquero Private Wealth and Weaver
- Media Sponsor: Good Life Family
* Photo credit: Rob Wythe ** Photo provided by Rainbow Days