When the Cancer Support Community North Texas announced that its annual 2024 Red Tie Gala was going to have a flighty “Golden Age of Flight” theme, with the fundraiser taking place at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, the guests dressed for the occasion. That’s why gents and gals in vintage pilot and flight attendant uniforms like Cynde and Rick Coulson, Jeanne-Marie and Salvatore Gisellu, Jessica and Ken Harris and Sharon and Gill Kirkpatrick looked right at home on Saturday, November 2.
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 4th Annual Red Tie Gala presented by Woot! on Saturday, November 2, at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Here’s a report from the field:

CSCNT CEO Mirchelle Louis, along with Red Tie Gala Co-Chairs Robert “Bob” Bunnett and oncologist Dr. Korie Flippo, M.D. and her husband Matt Tribolet, were joined by more than 250 attendees to the Golden Age of Flight-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 in the mezzanine for top sponsors, which included cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, including coconut crusted shrimp with Thai chili sauce, mini caprese stacks with marinated mozzarella, and beef tenderloin crostini with Boursin and roasted red pepper. A highlight was entertainment by an amazing aerialist in a sparkling 50s jumpsuit, 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 like Presenting Sponsor’s Kent Steward and Evan Black, Martha and Doug Hawthorne, and arrived with some like Jessica and Greg Salcida, Stefani and Chris Forsythe and Robin and Chuck Corbin donning vintage flight attire and 1950s glam mingled amidst the classic planes while enjoying cocktails and placing bids in the silent auction, which featured one-of-a-kind items and experiences. A wine pull grabbed attention and raffle tickets were also for sale for a chance to win a Samsung QLED 85” Quantum Smart TV. Delicious tapas stations featured a gourmet pasta station, herb crusted beef tenderloin carving station, ahi tuna and chicken picatta small plates, and a farm-to-market table with assorted salads and local vegetables and accompaniments.




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 4th Annual Red Tie Gala. She reminded attendees that their generous support ensures that CSCNT is critical for providing mental health support groups, nutritional and exercise classes, educational seminars and so much more – especially at a time where institutional healthcare funding has affected so many nonprofits, including CSCNT.


CSCNT CEO Louis followed to thank all in the room for their support of this year’s event, including the co-chairs, 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. Louis then presented this year’s Thrive award to Helen Steele Bowles, founder of “Brighter Magazine,” a Dallas-based lifestyle magazine serving the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of women affected by cancer. Bowles shared her gratitude and inspirational story of what inspired Brighter with guests.
Davis returned with auctioneer John Beasley who played the ever-popular game of Heads and Tails with the crowd, with one lucky guest winning a Slim 14” Laptop. He then got the bidding going for ten fabulous live auction items. Top bids went to an Ultimate Sports Fan package with suites at the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks for two games and all of the trimmings, a week-long stay at a private Croatian villa with a private pool for eight people, and several trips to Tuscany and Argentina for dove hunting.
Following the auction and before the final “Raise the Paddle,” the lights were lowered and Louis shared a powerful video featuring several CSCNT participants who shared the life-changing impact the organization has had on their lives. Following the video, two CSCNT participants with metastatic cancer patients, who are also now best friends, joined Louis on stage and shared personal, heart-wrenching testimonials to a nearly silent room. They represented the thousands served by CSCNT every year. Beasley then returned to host a inspired 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 leading guests in dancing, bidding in the silent auction and more.
Lead sponsors of the 2024 Red Tie Gala are: Woot!, Grant Thornton, Katten, Dave Ashworth and Janet Moll, Southwest Diagnostics, Advocate Media, KJ Custom Screens And Outdoor Living, Syndee Stiles, Sharon and Gill Kirkpatrick, Rosemarie and Maynard Ewton, Texas Oncology, Frisco Chapel Creek Friends. and so many other generous individuals and organizations.
For more information, visit CancerSupportTexas.org.
* Photo provided by Cancer Support Community North Texas