Celebrating its 35 years of supporting youngsters with health challenges ranging from the early days of AIDs to today’s mental disabilities, the Bryan’s House Luncheon on Monday, October 30, at a “local country club” had all the elements of inspiration, with unique auction items like an Andre Yabin jacket, deserving awards and keynoter Mickey Rowe, who truly understands the challenges facing youngsters and their families. Here’s a report from the field:
You may have seen Mickey Rowe on Broadway in the play “Amadeus” or read his book, “Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Broadway Actor’s Transformational Insights.” This talented and popular actor, author and speaker is an autistic and legally blind person and founder of the National Disability Theatre. He was also the featured speaker at The Power of You 2023 Awards Luncheon benefiting Bryan’s House.
Just prior to the luncheon, Co-Chairs Regina Bruce and Carla Russo announced the Wisdom’s Hope Awards, presenting awards to these recipients who were attending the event:
- Accessibility Award: Santander Consumer USA, represented by Suzanne Massey,
- Community Award: Debra Villarreal and
- Volunteer Award: Norco Mayflower Movers represented by Sylvano Leyva and Donna Martin.
Award recipients who were unable to attend included
- Clinical Partner Award: Broadway Cares – Equity Fighting AIDS,
- Corporate Award: Liberty Mutual Insurance and
- Philanthropist Award: Rose Family Foundation.
Inside the ballroom, the chairs welcomed the crowd as they gathered to celebrate 35 years of Bryan’s House stellar service to children with special needs in the DFW community. After an informative and compelling video, celebrity emcee Rebecca Lopez, a nine-time Emmy Award winning senior reporter, WFAA-TV, welcomed Belong Disability Ministry at Highland Park United Methodist Church Director Stephanie Newland, who was also a speaker co-sponsor, as she shed light on the ministry at HPUMC, its accomplishments and overview of the program. She also led the invocation and luncheon was served.
Joining in the luncheon were Bryan’s House founder Stephanie Held, Board Chair Dr. Keith Mankin, Underwriting Chair David Andrews, Auction Chair Elizabeth Smith, Esé Azénabor, Nicole Blythe, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Rose Kaur, Christina Menendez-Pettibone, Joe Pacetti, Steven J. Roth, Kelly and Geoff Schorr, David Wagner and more.
The chairs had more exciting news: The luncheon, subtitled “Extraordinary things happen when kids with special needs are given wings to fly” presented by the Lone Star Monarchs, welcomed Hoyl Financial as the title sponsor.
“That means that 100% of each seat’s value, whether it’s at a certain underwriting level or ticket sales, will be matched by honorary chair Stephen Hoyl’s firm, Hoyl Financial, so that all of those funds raised directly benefit Bryan’s House,” Regina said. “Stephen’s generosity is unmatched and certainly will make a great impact and a crucial difference in our fundraising goals for this vital nonprofit.”
Rebecca recognized the Host Committee, and sponsors including CAPTRUST, Regina Bruce and John Pickett, Microsoft, Gensler, Santander Consumer USA, BDO USA, LLP/Carla and Joe Russo, Bryan’s House Board of Directors, Holland & Knight, Jeanne Lewis, Ron McCallum and Associates. Special mention was given to Posh Cakes by Shane Morgan for the fabulous 35th Anniversary cake; Andre Yabin, Informal Modeling Sponsor; Printing and Signage Sponsor The UPS Store on Lemmon Avenue; Graphic Arts by Kristi Eakin Designs, and Kate Weiser Chocolates. Media sponsors were PaperCity Magazine and People Newspapers.
Dr. Mankin thanked everyone for their continued support, and it was time to cut the cake! Joining Stephanie Held on stage as she cut the ceremonial cake were Dr. Mankin, Steve Hoyl, Regina and Carla.
Auctioneer John Rieger took the stage and conducted a spirited live auction, including a special appearance by Marty Turco of the Dallas Stars and owner, Kingsville Beer, who joined Chef Kent Rathbun on stage as their live auction package of a Backyard BBQ for 10 at Chef Rathbun’s home sold four times. Other packages included a Dallas Stars VIP Meet and Greet; Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin Tournament entry fee for a team of four, which sold twice; Broken Bow magical weekend, which sold three times; Wine Reception at Samuel Lynne Galleries, which sold twice; and Escape to Breckenridge. A paddle raise met a matching donation of $50,000.
Introducing featured speaker Mickey Rowe, co-sponsors Kelly and Geoff Schorr, representing Schorr Law Firm PC, said that we all can learn from Mickey to embrace our differences. In a compelling and heartfelt presentation, Mickey said that as an autistic child, he made up his own sign language in a desperate attempt to communicate and struggled mightily with personal relationships. Growing up and graduating from college, he earned income as a street performer and finally made it to Broadway in his first role and the first autistic actor to play the lead role in the play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” He said he is better because of his autism and that people with disabilities are the best creative problem solvers because they have had to be creative their entire lives. He said when we are able to help each other, we are giving the world a huge gift. After he concluded by saying, “Jump in and advocate for yourself,” the entire crowd answered with a resounding standing ovation. As everyone was leaving, many lined up to speak with Mickey as he signed copies of his book.
To learn more about Bryan’s House, visit the website for details at www.BryansHouse.org.
* Photo credit: Danny Campbell