Things were red and hot at The Warwick Melrose Hotel with jazz babies kicking up their heels and raising funds for Cancer Support Community North Texas‘ Red Tie Gala on Saturday, November 11. With guests like Rosemarie Ewton, Doug Hawthorne, Brittany Solomon and CSCNT CEO Mirchelle Louis sporting touches of red, an aerialist suspended in the center of the ballroom and Vow To Dance professionals dancing on a mirrored dance floor, the evening was a festive one. But not everything was fun and games. At one point there was a tip of the hat in honor of Veteran’s Day and a presentation of 20 patients who’d not only benefited from the CSCNT, but also represented thousand of others that had, too. Here’s a report from the field:
Cancer Support Community North Texas (CSCNT), the leading non-profit providing mental health and social support to people living with cancer and their families across North Texas, hosted its 3rd Annual Red Tie Gala on Saturday, November 11, at The Warwick Melrose Hotel.
CSCNT CEO Mirchelle Louis, along with Red Tie Gala Co-Chairs/oncologists Dr. Gill and Sharon Kirkpatrick and Dr. Lalan and Shelly Wilfong, were joined by nearly 350 attendees at the 1920’s-themed gala, with proceeds supporting the thousands of North Texas patients and their families and caregivers that CSCNT serves each year.
The evening began with a VIP reception for top sponsors, which included cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, including Thai chicken satay on skewers, shrimp BLT on a brioche coin and mini polenta cake with braised beef and sweet onion confit. A highlight was entertainment by an amazing aerialist in “Roaring 20s” glam, positioned in the center of the room on a ring, who captured the attention of all as lauded Texas band Signed Sealed Delivered performed.
As all guests arrived, the ballroom doors were opened where partygoers mingled while enjoying cocktails and placing bids in the silent auction, which featured one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Raffle tickets were also for sale for a chance to win a MacBook, an iPad and a NorthPark gift-and-valet card. Delicious tapas stations featured gourmet flatbreads, salads, smoked salt and herb crusted prime rib, and a mac and cheese martini bar. The dance floor was filled with 1920s-themed professional dancers from Vow to Dance inspiring guests to step into the Fox Trot, Charleston and Shimmy, among other dances.
At an appointed time, former WFAA Good Morning Texas host and CSCNT long-time advocate Hannah Davis took the stage to welcome everyone to the 3rd annual Red Tie Gala. After taking a moment to recognize all of the veterans in attendance in honor of Veterans Day, she reminded attendees that their support ensures that CSCNT can provide mental health support groups, nutritional and exercise classes, educational seminars, on-site support for children of cancer patients and so much more because “no one should have to face cancer alone.”
CSCNT CEO Louis followed to thank all in the room for their support of this year’s event, including the co-chairs, National Cancer Support Community CEO Debbie Weir (former Dallas M.A.D.D. CEO) who flew in for the event, and many generous sponsors, especially presenting sponsor Woot! The co-chairs then joined her on-stage to add their gratitude and to share their own personal involvement with CSCNT.
Davis returned with auctioneer Dean McCurry who played the ever-popular game of Heads and Tails with the crowd, with two lucky guests winning $100 each. He then got the bidding going for six fabulous live auction items. Top bids went to an exclusive private dinner for 10 by Red Tie Gala guest and Urban Rio Restaurants Managing Chef Salvatore Gisellu (who was joined by wife Jeanne-Marie Gisellu), a chef- and villa-included week in the hills of Tuscany for 12 people, and several trips to Positano and the Amalfi Coast.
Following the auction, Louis was joined onstage by individuals representing the thousands served by CSCNT every day. After a poignant slide show and nearly 20 CSCNT participants joined her on stage, two young dancers performed an interpretive dance in honor of the cancer patients and caregivers on stage. McCurry then returned to host a spirited paddle raise for support of CSCNT’s programs.
Davis took the stage one last time with Louis to conclude the program. The party then continued with music by Signed Sealed Delivered, professional dancers from Vow to Dance – leading guests in swing-style dances, bidding in the silent auction and more.
Lead sponsors of the 2023 Red Tie Gala are: Woot!, Grant Thornton, Katten Muchin, Texas Oncology, Texas Regional Bank, Southwest Diagnostic, AECC, Eisai, Shelly and Dr. Lalan Wilfong, Sharon and Dr. Gill Kirkpatrick, Rosemary and Maynard Ewton and Dave Ashworth and Janet Moll.
For more information, visit CancerSupportTexas.org.
* Photo provided by Cancer Support Community North Texas