The night of Saturday, April 13, was pure perfection for North Texas. The area’s moderate temperatures filled patios and walkways with guests in shades and shorts. But over at Gilley’s Dallas, Operation Kindness CEO Ed Jamison and Board Chair Scott Wilson were welcoming 200 guests to the Hope Gala — the annual spring fundraiser for Operation Kindness. The event featured an evening of dining, dancing, live music and auctions to support the mission of the Carrollton-based, no-kill animal shelter.
At a reception in the Gala’s Animal Adoption Lounge, the most adorable little cats and dogs were meeting-and-greeting guests in hopes of making a love connection. Of course, the biggest draws were the puppies and kittens. Guests soon learned about a relatively new development regarding the kittens, like nine-week-old gray kitten Paddy, who’d arrived at the organization’s headquarters before his eyes had even opened. Immediately he had been taken to Operation Kindness’ state-of-the-art, kitten neonatal clinic.
Keith Hallock had his hands full trying to get gray-haired Goldy to pose for a photo. But Keith, who admitted to being an “all-around animal lover,” had underwritten the neonatal clinic’s funding because he recognized the need. Now, with kitten season getting underway, the neonatal facility was prepared for a good workout.
Keith added that with the new clinic in place, it might be possible for the feline area to be reconfigured to handle the growing need.
Speaking of meow success stories, volunteer Tracy Hayes was showing off photos of art team Christy Coltrin‘s and Brad Oldham‘s new adoptee, for whom Tracy had played matchmaker.
As guests began moving into the dining room, Volunteer of the Year Dallas St. Clair told how his involvement with Operation Kindness had begun with his adopting a black mutt from the facility. Following his generous donation to the Operation Kindness Pet Food Pantry, the pantry will be named in his honor.
Soon enough it was time for dinner including a choice of vegan entree or a braised beef short rib and chicken breast, potatoes and vegetables, creme brulee or Dr Pepper chocolate cake, which guests enjoyed along with the Sinatra-esque musical stylings of Ricki Derek and the Vegas 6.
Jamison then addressed the crowd and Landon Waddle and his Cowboy Auctioneer team put up for bid offerings ranging from a two-night staycation at The Adolphus hotel to a six-day vacation in Belize, while the pups and kitten snoozed after working the reception.
As an act of “kindness,” departing guests were delighted to see a Biscuit Bar with treats for them to take home for their cats and dogs. Even better than a mint on the pillow.