Neiman Marcus Downtown’s Zodiac Room has been the site of legendary occasions. From the late, great food doyenne Helen Corbitt ruling supreme with keepsake recipes to Bobby Short playing piano for Mr. Stanley‘s 90th birthday, it was most recently the scene of memories being shared at a luncheon on Wednesday, February 21, honoring the former Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Dallas Fashion Show and Luncheon chairs. And what stories they had to tell, including how the Zodiac Room had been the birthplace of the Fashion Show and Luncheon 30 years ago. Here’s a report from the field:
Traditions reigned as the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary luncheon honored former Luncheon Chairs at Neiman Marcus Downtown on Wednesday starting with the locale, the Zodiac, which was the site of the initial gathering of the original luncheon organizers 30 years ago.
Back then, Auxiliary President Ann Smith and Luncheon founder Margot Perot, recruited Barbara Charlton and Betty Harlan to initiate a new fund-raising event. They immediately recruited longtime Salvation Army supporter Joanie Slaughter to serve as honorary chair.
No one can recall, but perhaps the initial “power lunch” might have featured Neiman Marcus’s legendary chicken salad and orange mousse luncheon entrée.
Fast forward to the recent gathering as Neiman Marcus General Manager and Director Tim Adair hosted a seated luncheon in the Zodiac with many of the former Chairs and Underwriting Chairs in attendance. They enjoyed the aforementioned Zodiac entrée (including traditional chicken broth and popovers, of course) and were updated on plans for this year’s Fashion Show and Luncheon set for Tuesday, May 7, at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The luncheon was chaired by Kerry McStay.
The nostalgia and references to tradition continued with 2024 SAWA Fashion Show and Luncheon Honorary Chair Shelle Sills recounting the numerous times that Neiman Marcus has partnered with the Salvation Army, including multiple events at the downtown store, many of which were held during her multi-year tenure as vice president and general manager.
One senior luncheon guest recalled that Neiman Marcus was one of the few retailers that allowed the Salvation Army to have volunteer bell-ringers, collecting donations in front of the store, at a time when many shopping centers would not allow it.
Tim recalled “the thrill” he experienced, as a child, when he dropped coins in the ever-present red kettles at Christmastime. “It still feels good, to this date,” he said.
“Fortunately, the Red Kettle campaign volunteers are still welcomed at Neiman’s and there is not a better place to talk about fashion,” said 2024 Fashion Show Luncheon Chair Shannon Graham.
Shannon and Auxiliary President Candace Winslow were joined by North Texas Area Commander Major Dawn McFarland. They recognized Kathie King, who will receive the Margot Perot Service Award and updated guests including Jennifer Dix, Laura Downing, Susan Farris, Patti Flowers, Kimber Hartmann, Susan Hayner, Kim Hext, Ellen McStay, Kim Quinn, Carol Seay and Lisa Singleton.
For luncheon tickets or more information, please visit sawadallas.org.
* Photo provided by Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Dallas