RSVP Calendar

Taste at The Star 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:46:00 +0000

Friday, April 17, 2026

Ford Center at The Star | 9 Cowboys Way | Frisco, TX

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The event is for guests aged 21 and older.

Get tickets: https://ntfb.org/event/taste-at-the-star/

All attendance directly supports North Texas Food Bank’s Nourish the Future programs targeting child hunger, with last year’s event raising enough to provide nearly 2.5 million meals for children and families across our community.

Featured Restaurants

Beto & Son

Bird Bakery

Dee Lincoln Prime

Dee’s Table

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Empire Baking Company

The Glen

Hattie B’s

Haywire

La Duni Baking Studio

Legends at The Star

Lockhart Smokehouse Plano

Lombardi

The Mexican

Mexican Sugar

Mozzarella Co.

Musume

Nick & Sams

Portillo’s

Raising Cane’s

Renny’s Grill & Lounge, A Maguire’s Hospitality Concept

Salum

Sawaii Indian

Uchiko

Yelibelly Chocolates

Volunteer Opportunity: Love Your Neighbor Week at The Stewpot

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:41:00 +0000

VOLUNTEERING LOOKS GOOD ON YOU

Join Dallas volunteers from all over to serve neighbors experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Dallas community members will come together April 19–25, 2026, for Love Your Neighbor Week, a citywide volunteer initiative hosted by The Stewpot.

The week features more than 650 service opportunities across Dallas, including meal service, food pantry support and outreach programs. Special highlights include a Neighbor Talent Show on April 23 and a family-friendly All Ages Volunteer Day on April 25.

Volunteer activities take place at The Stewpot, The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas and additional sites.

Participation is free, with registration required at https://www.thestewpot.org/love-your-neighbor-week-2026

Weekly Schedule

Sunday April 19

Volunteer Opportunities Begin

Serving Meals at The Second Chance Cafe

Monday - Friday

Meals at the Second Chance Cafe

Food Pantry Volunteering

Thursday April 23

Streetside Showers

Dallas Neighbors Got Talent

Saturday April 25

All Ages Event

Meals at the Second Chance Cafe

Dallas Arboretum Transforms into an Open-Air Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:26:00 +0000

This spring, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will transform its 66-acre garden into the largest outdoor gallery of Hunt Slonem’s work ever produced. Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies features 28 installations and more than 100 works of art and debut pieces created for the Dallas Arboretum, all displayed throughout the garden and inside the historic Alex Camp House.

Monumental sculptures of bunnies, birds, and butterflies are placed throughout the landscape, where mirrored surfaces and bold color respond to shifting light. As visitors move through the garden, each installation reveals a new perspective, turning familiar pathways into moments of discovery.

Globally recognized neo-expressionist artist Hunt Slonem is known for his distinctive visual language of repetition, vivid color, and iconic animal imagery. His work has been exhibited in more than 80 museum collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Miró Foundation.

The Arboretum will mark the opening of the blockbuster exhibition with the inaugural Grand Garden Gala, chaired by Laurie Sands Harrison, on April 18. The evening will feature a seated dinner, live music, and dancing in the garden.

New for this exhibition, Twilight Nights featuring Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies, invites guests to experience the work in a different light, as fading daylight reshapes color, reflection, and expression. This exclusive evening experience is offered on select Thursdays and every Friday through Sunday from 6:00–9:00 p.m. as a separate ticketed event. A special public preview takes place April 25, with weekly programming beginning May 1.

Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies is included with daytime admission and is on display April 20 through September 30, 2026. A garden in bloom. A gallery alive.

Tickets and additional information are available at dallasarboretum.org.

Runway for Rise - Derby Themed Fashion Show

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:16:00 +0000

Purchase tickets here

2026 Fashion Notes Luncheon and Style Show

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Please join Honorary Co-Chairs, William and Anne Seanor, at the 12th anniversary of the Fashion Notes Luncheon and Style Show.

April 29, 2026

10:30 am to 1:30 pm

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

The morning begins with a fashion show and raffle followed by a luncheon. Stunning mother and children fashions will be modeled by members of the DSO Family.

Co-chairs Meredith, Amy, Anne (honorary chair), and Elizabeth

Proceeds from this event benefit the Dallas Symphony Association's Education and Outreach programs, including Young Strings and Young Musicians, which provide free instruments and free music lessons to children in the Dallas community.

This year’s Fashion Notes Designer Award Recipient is Mackenzie Brittingham.

Fashion Notes Design Award Recipient: Mackenzie Brittingham

A true Dallasite, born and raised in Highland Park, Mackenzie Brittingham has held a lifelong passion for the arts and fashion. She established her brand in the spring of 2016, bringing couture bridal fashion to future brides with a refined and highly personalized approach.

After more than a decade at Stanley Korshak Bridal, Mackenzie expanded into her own private atelier — an evolution of her brand that allows for a more intimate, design-driven experience. While growing her independent space, she continues to work closely with custom clients at Stanley Korshak, maintaining the longstanding relationships and elevated level of service that have defined her career.

Mackenzie specializes in luxury evening wear, designing custom gowns for mothers of the bride and groom, debutantes, and distinguished socialites. In 2018, she launched her Fur Collection. Her latest endeavor is her collection of exotic handbags. Designed with the same couture mindset, each handbag is meticulously crafted with exceptional materials and attention to detail.

https://www.mackenziebrittingham.com/

https://dallassymphonyleague.com/Fashion-Notes

NFNL ManKINDness Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:22:00 +0000

For more than a decade, the Men’s Advocacy Group of New Friends New Life has been engaging men in the fight against sex trafficking in our community. At our 2026 ManKINDness Breakfast, attendees will learn about the business of human trafficking, how North Texas is preparing for the world’s largest sporting event this summer, and the specific role that men can play in becoming a part of the solution. Panelists will include Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux, along with other civic and corporate leaders.

https://www.newfriendsnewlife.org/breakfast

NFNL Garden Soiree

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:19:00 +0000

This fundraising event, hosted by New Friends New Life Circle of Friends (COF) in partnership with Chefs for Farmers, offers an inspiring opportunity to connect, network, learn, and take meaningful action in the fight against sex trafficking through COF. Guests will sip on fine wines, savor chef-prepared bites, and enjoy live music by Goga. The evening will also feature decadent desserts from local upscale caterers and an exciting silent auction filled with exclusive items and experiences.

Purchase your Sponsorship and tickets today and invite a friend to join you!

Garden Soiree 2026 — New Friends New Life

The Pitch 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 02:23:00 +0000

In hectic, stressful times, we can all benefit from a little positivity. Luckily, in North Texas there are powerful stories of hope, ingenuity and forward progress happening all around us. And on Wednesday, April 29, at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, you’re invited to experience some of the good that’s happening right here in our community.

The Pitch, presented by Goldman Sachs and powered by PNC, is a unique and thrilling event that blends competition with community impact. For the audience and competitors alike, it’s an energizing evening that proves how, together, we can improve lives across our community.

How The Pitch Works

Five finalists from the Social Innovation Accelerator take the stage to pitch their bold ideas to improve education, income and health right here in North Texas.

The competition heats up and the tissues come out, as finalists share their moving stories of impact and inspiration.

Then YOU and the panel of judges help decide who will walk away with hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize funding and the coveted title of Social Innovator of the Year.

All the while, you enjoy delicious food, fun music, networking and more!

The Pitch is a night of exhilarating competition, moving stories of impact and unforgettable community spirit. It's just one of the ways United Way of Dallas encourages innovative new solutions to our community’s most pressing challenges—and we want YOU to be part of it.

https://unitedwaydallas.org/thepitch

2026 Cherish The Children Luncheon

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:16:00 +0000

Cherish the Children – Dallas CASA

The STUDIO Premiere Party Presented by amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:34:00 +0000

You’re invited to an exclusive first look at The STUDIO at our Opening Night Premiere Party celebration, Dwell with Dignity's largest annual fundraiser.

Join us on April 9th from 7:00–9:00 PM, with a special VIP & Host Committee Hour from 6:00–7:00 PM, and shop the collection before doors open to the public. Be the first to discover deeply discounted, designer furnishings and décor, all while making a meaningful impact.

The STUDIO (formerly Thrift Studio) is more than a shopping event. As Dwell with Dignity’s flagship fundraiser, it provides one-third of the operating revenue that powers our mission. Through thoughtful interior design, we provide the stability, comfort and pride needed to change the course of the lives of the families we serve.

Your presence and participation make this work possible. We would be honored to celebrate the evening with you.

RSVP here.

The STUDIO Art + Color Party

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:33:00 +0000

Join Dwell with Dignity and Texas Counter Fitters on Thursday, March 12 to celebrate the 2026 selected artists for The STUDIO (formerly Thrift Studio) and get first access to one-of-a-kind art.

Enjoy live music, cocktails, bites, and a silent auction while discovering beautiful works displayed on exotic stone at Texas Counter Fitters’ Stone Campus.

A $25 entrance donation is suggested.

RSVP here.

Volunteer Opportunity: St. Andrew Prom Closet

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:41:00 +0000

Signup Now Open | February 24-28 & March 2-7

Know a girl who is going to prom and needs a dress? Appointments are available March 3-7 for the shopper. Each shopper must be present to select her own dress and accessories and may have one guest. A volunteer will assist each girl throughout the process. Signup today!

Prom Closet relies on volunteers for various roles of all levels of physical capability, including check-in desk and check-out desk, personal shoppers, dressing room assistants, and set-up and tear-down crew members. Volunteers for shopping days must be 18 years or older and out of high school. All adult volunteers must complete a background check. Upon registration, you will receive an email within 24-48 hours asking you to complete the background check.

https://standrewmethodist.org/prom-closet-volunteer/

2026 Aware Affair: Boots, Buckles, and Brain Health

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:54:00 +0000

Saturday, April 11, 2026

7:00 p.m.

Gilley’s Dallas

1135 Botham Jean Blvd

Dallas, TX 75215

Cocktails & Silent Auction | Brain Games | Seated Buffet Dinner |

Live Auction & Paddle Raise | Line Dancing and more!

EVENT CHAIRS

Katie & Neal Doherty

Heidi & Cole Snadon

ENTERTAINMENT BY

Breckenridge Band

HONOREES

Jack and Janet Broyles, Founders Spirit Award

Mari Epperson, Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award

C’Mone Wingo, Inaugural First Responder Award

Tickets and more information:

AWARE Affair — AWARE North Texas

38th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 22:32:00 +0000

Mad Hatter’s Tea chairs Reagan Pace and Sheridan Reeder gave two clues about the upcoming tea’s theme in the invitation’s design featuring Andy Warhol’s pop art and location of the Reveal Party: The Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University. Art!

Chaired by Kristen Kocis and Rosie Shahkarami, the event began as partygoers filled the room and enjoyed wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres while discovering who was working on which committee and exchanging stories about past Mad Hatter’s events and speculating on the theme of the 2026 event.

When the time came for the big reveals, Reagan and Sheridan first thanked Kristen and Rosie for chairing this evening’s event and sponsors Vestals Catering, The T Shop Lakewood for the florals, Susie Kwiatkowski, Susie HK Fine Art for the original artwork and Beth Dunham, Dunham Designs for the logo design. As a big surprise, they revealed that Jan Strimple will be returning to produce the fashion show, as she has done for the past many years.

Then came the big reveal! The theme is The Art of the Garden.

The chairs then had a final surprise to reveal, Anne Stodghill, a former Mad Hatter’s Tea co-chair and longtime Women’s Council supporter, was announced as honorary chair. Paige Elliott is president of the Women’s Council.

The 38th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea happens on Friday, April 24, 2026 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Secure your reservations and learn more about the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, membership benefits, trips, parties in private homes, garden tours and more at www.wcdabg.org

2026 Above the Clouds Awards Dinner Celebrating Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:41:00 +0000

Mark your calendar for May 16 at the Renaissance Hotel Legacy West in Plano, Texas.

Join Live Like Knox Foundation for an inspiring evening celebrating kindness and honoring graduating seniors who truly Live Like Knox.

The night will feature keynote remarks from Dr. Zac Bauermaster, The Principal Who Went Viral, and DeMarcus Ware, Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2023) and Super Bowl 50 Champion.

Table and sponsorship sales open February 13.

Live Like Knox Foundation – Kindness Carries On.

Rack it up! Mahjong Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:09:00 +0000

Rack it up! Mahjong Fundraiser

February 19, 2026

5:30-8:30 p.m.

Children's Health is excited to announce the 5th Annual Mahjong Fundraising event that will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Dallas Country Club!

Players will enjoy an evening of their favorite game all while benefiting the important work of Children’s Health and the patients and families they serve.

Sponsorships are available for purchase now!

Secure your table here.

Volunteer Opportunity: St Andrew Prom Closet

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:52:00 +0000

Prom Closet Shopping Dates:

February 24-28 and March 2-7

Approximate Shopping Day Shift Times:

Weekday Shift 1 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Weekday Shift 2 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. (Fridays end at 7:00 p.m.)

Saturdays 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

You may volunteer for multiple shifts in a day and multiple days.

There is a required orientation at the beginning of each shift.

https://standrewmethodist.org/prom-closet-volunteer/

Send a Valentine and Spread Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:38:00 +0000

This Valentine’s Day, join us in sharing kindness in a simple but meaningful way!

On February 14, the Live Like Knox Kindness Krew will host a Valentine’s Day party for children at Jonathan’s Place, celebrating children currently in crisis care.

As we prepare for the celebration, we’d love to include something extra meaningful — your words.

Send a custom Valentine filled with words of love, joy, and kindness. Your message will be delivered during their Valentine’s Day visit — a reminder that these kids are seen, valued, and supported by our community.

It doesn’t take much to make a moment matter.

A few thoughtful words.

A small gesture.

A spark of kindness.

Send your Valentine by February 12th and help us spread Knox’s legacy of kindness and joy.

Use this form to create a short, kid-friendly Valentine message filled with words of love, joy, and kindness. Your message will be printed and shared to help bring beary big smiles.

Cherish the Children Luncheon Supporting Dallas CASA

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:36:00 +0000

You’re Invited: The STUDIO Art and Color Party

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:11:00 +0000

Join Dwell with Dignity at Texas Counter Fitters’ Stone Campus for a night of celebration as they unveil the selected 2026 artists for The STUDIO (formerly Thrift Studio).

The artists' works will be presented on premium stone canvases before they are featured in interior designer vignettes during the run of The STUDIO.

This is your first chance to preview and purchase the incredible art before it goes on sale to the public.

Early access to preview and purchase original artwork

Live music, cocktails, and bites

Complimentary valet parking provided

Bring friends and family to enjoy an evening where art, color, design, and community intersect, all in support of Dwell with Dignity’s mission.

A $25 entrance donation is encouraged.

RSVP here

Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Annual Beacon of Hope Luncheon to Feature Steve Burns, Original Host of “Blue’s Clues”

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:06:00 +0000

Steve Burns, best known as the original host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” will be the featured speaker at Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 17th Annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Omni Dallas Hotel (555 S. Lamar St., Dallas). Burns will present “The Cost of Showing Up Happy: Burnout and the Wisdom of Asking for Help.”

The luncheon is the first fundraising event of Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year.

Steve Burns

As the implacably happy, beloved host of “Blue’s Clues,” Steve Burns was the guy who sang, danced and cheerfully bolstered children’s self-esteem. What most don’t know is that he was doing so with undiagnosed severe clinical depression. He will talk about the following:

· What is the cost of forcing joy?

· How can one maintain peak-level achievement and be completely burned out at the same time?

· And once it’s all over, how do you re-engage with your own life when the tank is completely empty?

Burns will share lessons from his own struggles as “the happiest depressed person in North America” and how he has learned to apply the messages he shared with an entire generation.

The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon supports Grant Halliburton Foundation’s work to provide education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health. Event sponsorships and underwriting range from $600 to $25,000. Individual tickets go on sale in February for $250. To learn more and to purchase a sponsorship or underwriting opportunity, visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.

Amy and Michael Roseman and Meredith and David Camp are the 2026 Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon co-chairs. The founding luncheon chair is Barb Farmer.

Amy and Michael Roseman, Co-Chairs

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said, “Steve helped shape how generations of children learned about curiosity, kindness, and problem-solving. We’re honored to hear his honest story and how those same values continue to guide his approach to mental health today.”

Meredith and David Camp

Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to nearly 350,000 students, educators, parents and professionals, thanks to funds raised from the Beacon of Hope Luncheon.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Texas youth ages 10-24 (CDC). The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon aims to bring focus to the vital work needed to educate the North Texas community on adolescent mental health and suicide prevention. Through its work in North Texas schools and communities, Grant Halliburton Foundation aims to change this reality as it works to promote awareness and understanding of teen and young adult mental health and to prevent suicide.

About Steve Burns

Steve Burns is best known as the original host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” where he spent seven surreal years solving mysteries with a cartoon dog and a talking mailbox. Then he disappeared. On purpose.

Since then, Steve has released indie rock albums, toured with The Flaming Lips, wrote the theme song for “Young Sheldon,” been a host and storyteller for The Moth and currently hosts the new podcast “Alive with Steve Burns.” In 2021 and 2024, he went massively viral by quietly breaking the internet with a heartfelt message to a generation of now-grown-up viewers.

Dallas CASA’s CASAblanca Casino Party

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:17:00 +0000

UPDATE: CASAblanca is officially SOLD OUT!

Email Asheley Jantz to be added to the wait list: ajantz@dallascasa.org

The Dallas CASA Young Professionals will host the annual CASAblanca casino party on January 30 at The Adolphus Grand Ballroom from 8pm to midnight. CASAblanca will feature casino games, dancing, cocktails, appetizers, prizes and fun, all amidst a winter wonderland theme with snow machines, themed drinks and a silent auction.

The casino party will include blackjack, craps and poker tables and a roulette wheel. A pianist will open the evening, followed by The Special Edition Band, who will have guests hitting the dance floor. All proceeds benefit the children served by Dallas CASA. Tickets and sponsorship are available at https://www.dallascasa.org/dallas-casa-events/casablanca/

CASAblanca is hosted by the Dallas CASA Young Professionals, a vibrant group of volunteers whose mission is to increase awareness of Dallas CASA while providing charitable and social opportunities for people ages 21 to 40. Event co-chairs are Matthew Brown, Bayley Irish, Vivian Satterfield and Hayward Woodmansee.

Donations Needed: St. Andrew’s 17th Annual Prom Closet Scheduled for Feb. 24 – March 7, 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 21:43:00 +0000

The fairy godmothers of The St. Andrew Prom Closet announce that the 17th Annual Prom Closet is scheduled for Feb. 24 - 28 and March 2 - 5, and 7, 2026, at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano. Girls from ANYWHERE in need of a prom dress are invited to select a dress and accessories - all at no cost. To make these dreams possible, the community is invited to donate dresses (sizes 0–30), jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps to help complete every girl’s prom look for her special night.

“We’re calling on our community to help make prom dreams come true by donating dresses and accessories,” said Kathy Moore, organizer of the St. Andrew Prom Closet, which provides a unique shopping experience for young women who might otherwise be unable to attend prom. “Start the New Year by cleaning out your closet and bringing us your gently used dresses, shoes, jewelry, and handbags! You can also purchase new items through our Amazon Shopping Link. Each year, we rely on the generosity of individuals, local groups, and businesses to make every girl’s experience truly magical.”

For shoppers, appointments are required to improve the overall experience and minimize wait times. Online registration for shoppers as well as volunteers begins January 26. Each shopper must be present to select her own dress and accessories and may have one guest, age 16 or older. A volunteer will assist each girl throughout the process, and there will be 40 shopping spots per each 90-minute time slot.

Prom Closet, a service of the St. Andrew Methodist Women, provides prom attire to more than 1,300 high school girls each year. While the need is great, the impact the dress makes on the girl and her family is immeasurable. When Prom Closet first began in 2009, 35 girls from local high schools received dresses and accessories. In 2025, 1,323 girls from 322 schools and 110 school districts received dresses and accessories. Over the years, Prom Closet has welcomed girls from across Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma as well as exchange students from France, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Thailand. A total of 1,324 volunteers came together last year to help make prom dreams come true.

“For the St. Andrew Methodist Women, the Prom Closet truly is a year-round labor of love,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor of St. Andrew. “What began as a small outreach has grown into a remarkable ministry that blesses more than 1,300 young women and their families each year. The dedication of these women—and the many volunteers who join them—goes far beyond organizing dresses. They create an environment where every girl feels loved, valued, and beautiful. Their faith and compassion shine through in everything they do.”

All donations may be dropped off at St. Andrew, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., just inside the church’s north entry doors on a designated dress rack. Look for the covered walkway leading to the entrance and see the website for specific drop-off hours. To sign up to volunteer, shop or find out more information, visit standrewmethodist.org/prom-closet. For any questions, call the Prom Closet informational hotline at 469-385-1810, or email standrewpromcloset@gmail.com.

“Prom Closet needs many volunteers, and we hope you will consider signing up,” added Moore. “It is such a joyful and heartwarming place, and there are volunteer positions to suit every individual from set-up to check-in and check-out, to serving as personal shoppers for the girls. Join us!”

2026 Soup's On Luncheon Presented by HEB

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:44:00 +0000

Monday, February 2, 2026

Art Show: 11:00 - 11:30 AM

Luncheon: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Thompson Dallas, 1401 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202

2026 Chairs: Cory & Shane Bowen and Ashley & Danny Ellis

Keynote Speaker: Hailee Kaleem Wright

Soup's On is The Stewpot's annual fundraising luncheon and art show.

https://www.thestewpot.org/soups-on

“Living in Harmony” is the theme of next year’s luncheon which features keynote speaker Hailee Kaleem Wright, an actor, singer and songwriter currently starring in Moulin Rouge on Broadway. Raised in Houston, Hailee experienced homelessness at a young age and shares her journey to become a Broadway star. With philanthropy at the heart of her mission, Hailee continues to use her platform to uplift and inspire the next generation.

Proceeds from the luncheon benefit The Stewpot, which celebrated a 50-year milestone in 2025. The Stewpot loves and serves our Dallas neighbors, helping them overcome homelessness and poverty by providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, counseling and case management, rapid rehousing, medical and dental services via onsite partners, youth and family stabilization programs, as well as therapeutic and vocational activities.

As always, some of Dallas’ finest chefs are invited to join Chef Brian C. Luscher of 33 Restaurant Group, the force behind popular restaurant concepts including Suburban Yacht Club, Union Bear and Taverna Rossa to prepare the first course of the meal.

This year’s roster of celebrity chefs includes Jeff Bekavac, Goodwins; J. Chastain, Sister, El Carlos Elegante and The Charles; Omar Flores, Casa Brasa, Even Coast and Muchacho Tex-Mex; Danyele McPherson, Leela’s Wine Bar; Misti Norris, Rainbow Cat and Leela’s Wine Bar; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastasia Quiñones Pittman, Oh Hi! Hospitality; Jeramie Robison, Thompson Dallas and Abraham Salum of Salum.

Each guest will also take home a commemorative soup bowl featuring artwork from The Stewpot artists and will have the opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces of art crafted by artists in The Stewpot Art Program as well as a book of recipes.

Tables and sponsorships are also available. Individual tickets for Soup’s On are $300. For more information or to purchase sponsorships and tickets, please visit soupsondallas.org. Complimentary valet parking is available to all guests.

Texas Women’s Foundation Celebrated 40th Anniversary with Award-Winning Actress Christine Baranski

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Jernigan) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:31:00 +0000

On November 14 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) celebrated its Ruby Anniversary Luncheon featuring Christine Baranski, an Emmy, two-time Tony, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk and American Comedy Award winner. The luncheon raised $840,000 in support of the Foundation’s mission, including more than $112,000 at the event itself.

Sofia Diaz, Miss Dallas Nicole Hill, Karen Hughes White

TXWF Board Chair Cris Zertuche Wong welcomed more than 950 guests including seven of the organization’s 11 living Founders. “We celebrate the nearly $90 million granted to women and girl-serving organizations in Texas and more than $25 million invested in research, advocacy and leadership programs for a total impact of $115 million on Texas women, their families, and their futures since the Foundation’s inception in 1985."

Debbie Branson, Cynthia Izaguirre, Madeline McClure

Wong thanked former Foundation leaders and Ruby Anniversary co-chairs: Gail Griswold and Brenda Jackson (1980s), Laura Estrada (1990s), Helen Frank (2000s), and Shonn Brown(2020s) and the sponsors.

Texas Women’s Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White added, “Help us build on the legacy of our Founders as we prepare for the next 40 years. Because, unlike our Founders, the challenges facing Texas women have not aged well. And the solutions have become increasingly complex. It will take all of us to create meaningful, lasting, systemic change that levels playing field for women – and in turn, creates a strong and vibrant Texas for all.”

Lynn Fisher, Renda Mathew, Laura Sands

Throughout the program, TXWF shared video clips of its Founders describing how a group of 19 dynamic and diverse women came together across varied backgrounds, beliefs and political ideologies to advance opportunities for Texas women and their families.

Karen Hughes White, Shonn Brown, Gail Griswold, Christine Baranski, Laura Estrada, Cris Zertuche Wong, Caren Lock

Shonn Brown, former Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, thanked and honored the Foundation’s Founders, including the 11 living Founders who served as the event’s honorary co-chairs:

· Susan Shamburger Bagwell

· The Honorable Harryette Ehrhardt

· Catalina E. Garcia, M.D.

· Frances Griffin-Brown

· Helen LaKelly Hunt

· The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison

· Madeline Mandell

· Patricia Meadows

· Gwendolyn Oliver

· CoYoTe PhoeNix

· Rebecca Russell Sykes

Brown also paid tribute to the Founders who have passed:

• Geraldine D. Beer

• Vivian Anderson Castleberry

• Maura Anderson McNiel

• Joy Mankoff

• Carmen Miller Michael

• Louise Ballerstedt Raggio

• Oeita Bottorff Theunissen

• Virginia Bulkley Whitehill

She announced that in honor of the 40th anniversary, interviews with several of the Funders will be included in a collection of 40 stories highlighting the passion, purpose and perseverance that have shaped TXWF’s impact.

Target women

Sabrina Thomas, the Group Vice President of Target and Speaker Sponsor, introduced Christine Baranski and Caren Lock, TXWF former board chair who moderated the conversation.

Caren Lock, Christine Baranski

Special thank you to speaker sponsor Target and The Suzanne Ahn, M.D. Speaker Endowment Fund.