As if the streets around Dan Hunt‘s house for the Retina Foundation’s patron party weren’t already overflowing with valets parking cars on Thursday, May 1, Leigh and Bryce Williams‘ home nearby also was having cars lining up for blocks for SPARKtacular, a fundraiser for SPARK! Dallas. And just like SPARK! Dallas, where creativity has inspired kids for 10 years, the evening was filled with loads of fun, unique activities and yummy food. Here’s a report from the field:
On Thursday, May 1, where more than 160 guests arrived at Leigh and Bryce Williams’ home to support SPARK! Dallas at the fundraising event named SPARKtacular, which also happened to be the organization’s 10th anniversary. Dressed in spring chic outfits and bright colors, guests checked in outside as the sun was setting, getting their bid numbers and entered into the lovely art-filled home.
Vestals Catering served mini cheeseburger bites, mini al pastor taco bites, ancho pulled pork on a crispy grit cake along with a charcuterie spread over the artful table. The bars were buzzing as people sipped cocktails and listened to Matt Brooks play current and favorite hits on the guitar. Dessert was Andy’s Frozen Custard.
SPARK! Dallas Executive Director Meg Bittner welcomed everyone. “Thank you for coming. There are two questions I want to answer for you. First WHY— ‘Why we are here?’ We raise money for scholarships for free or discounted rates to help children take field trips to learn about creativity with hands-on activities. We see over 18,000 kids a year on field trips, birthday parties or pop-in playtime. Maybe we find that one Picasso in the group. That is our mission and we are making that happen. The second is, ‘How?.’ You are the how to continue the creative process who aren’t receiving it or having it as schools have cut back on art programs. We do our work with the support you provide through your sponsorship, donations and gifts. Thank you for helping us create that ‘spark’ in children.”
Co-Chair Nell Bush added, “Meg is the hardest worker, biggest champion, and it feels like this is the best spot for her with her love for kids and passion for SPARK! Dallas. We applaud the work of SPARK! Dallas and the difference it’s making in the lives of our children.” Nell later told another guest that she met Meg years ago in Florida when all of them had little children, and they have remained friends for three decades.
Co-Chair Carol Dalton, “Take a minute and bid on the fabulous items and donate. Have a fun evening, and celebrate art and SPARK! Dallas’ 10th anniversary. These items include a luxury trip, original artwork, and a private cocktail reception with catering. Additional items included SPARK! Dallas camps, a mystery art box and donations.”
Though Nell’s husband Co-Chair Shelby Bush attended, Sam Dalton was out of town. SPARK! Dallas Board Chair Senay Redda and members Allen Foss, Sandeep Yerapotina and Brittney Tanner worked the room with iPads in hand to enter in bids and donations.
Honorary Chair Sarah Losinger made the evening a family affair bringing her husband, Alan Losinger, their son John Losinger and his wife Laura Losinger and daughter Emily Canete and her husband Danny Canete.
At one creative station, attendees had their individual photos taken. Then, they matched them up with their birthday and colors to be added to an original artwork collage created for the event.
All in all, a great time was had by all who attended. To learn more about supporting the organization, visit https://sparkdallas.org/.
* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron
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