Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay FoundationSM celebrated the 10th annual Suits for Shelters collection with a "Think Pink Launch Party" at Tootsies on Thursday, July 11, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Hosts Maleiah and Ryan Rogers were joined by more than 150 partygoers for the annual event to kick-off a month-long collection of new and gently used women's professional attire for local domestic violence shelters.
Upon arrival, attendees, many dressed in pink attire, enjoyed cocktails and light bites while perusing the fashions at Tootsies. Models wearing the coolest trends in assorted hues of pink posed on pedestals throughout the store.
Also on display were five of Mary Kay Ash's most memorable formal gowns that she had worn at Mary Kay Inc.'s annual Seminar. Attendees were wowed by her petite frame, and the glamorous gowns that featured sequins, glitter and lace. Many of Ash's gowns can be viewed in the Mary Kay Museum located in the Mary Kay building, while others are pristinely stored to preserve their integrity.
Always a hit, mystery boxes were available for purchase for $100, $250 and $500, featuring prizes of jewelry, local hot spots, fashion items and more, with all proceeds benefiting The Mary Kay FoundationSM. Raffle tickets were also on sale, with attendees buying their chances to win one of three prizes: a $100 Tootsies gift card and a Mary Kay gift basket; a $500 Tootsies Gift Card and a Mary Kay Gift Basket and the grand prize a $100 Tootsies gift card and a $5,000 contribution in the winner's name to the domestic violence shelter of their choice, donated by Maleiah and Ryan Rogers.
At the appointed time, partygoers gathered upstairs for brief remarks. Ryan Rogers, board of director and chief investment officer for Mary Kay Inc., welcomed all in attendance and thanked them for their support of the Mary Kay Foundation and their continued commitment to end domestic violence. He also thanked the Foundation's community partners and beneficiaries, as well as long-time partners Tolleson Wealth for their sponsorship of the evening, media partner WFAA-TV and Tootsies, the evening's host.
Rogers shared that the Mary Kay Foundation donates more than 97 cents from every dollar it receives to its programs focused on ending domestic violence and furthering research for cancers affecting women. He then asked everyone to give generously as well by purchasing a raffle ticket or mystery box, or making a direct donation to the Foundation. In closing he raised his glass to the crowd in appreciation of their generosity and ongoing support.
WFAA-TV's Cynthia Izaguirre followed with additional thanks and a last-call to purchase raffle tickets. Izaguirre then reminded everyone that donations of professional clothing to local domestic violence shelters would be accepted at Tootsies through August 4. She added that for many of the recipients of the clothing donations, it means a lot more than a suit; it's the ability to interview for a job and gain financial independence and the outfit that gives her the look of confidence to break free from abuse.
The much-anticipated raffle winners were then announced with Kris Johnson the lucky grand prize raffle winner. Johnson chose The Family Place as the designee for the $5,000 donation.
As the celebration came to an end, guests were gifted Mary Kay's Timewise Miracle Set 3D, including a 4-in-1 Cleanser, Day Cream with SPF 30, Eye Cream and Night Cream, along with a Don't Look Awaycompact mirror.
Since 2009 the Suits for Sheltersprogram has donated more than 20,000 professional items to local domestic violence shelters.
The Mary Kay Foundation was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. Since the Foundation's inception, it has awarded nearly $44 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and more than $26 million to cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. More than 97% of each donated dollar goes to the missions. To learn more about The Mary Kay Foundation, log on to www.marykayfoundation.orgor call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).
Community Partners of Dallas will host its 25th annual Back to School Drive, benefiting abused and neglected children in Dallas County. Now through August 31, CPD along with individuals, organizations and businesses throughout Dallas will collect new school supplies and will prepare nearly 3,500 children to start school with age appropriate school supplies and uniforms.
In addition to supplies, such as scissors, colored pencils, glue sticks, markers, and construction paper, CPD especially needs backpacks, pencil sharpeners, block erasers, manila paper and pencil pouches.
Those interested in supporting the Back to School Drive can do so through in-kind or monetary donations through August 31. All donations can be delivered to Community Partners of Dallas' Central location, 1215 Skiles Street in the Wilson Historic District or visit www.communitypartnersdallas.org for additional supply drop off locations.
For a full list of school supplies needed, visit www.communitypartnersdallas.org or contact Corinne Karp at 214-624-7588.
Since 1989, Community Partners of Dallas has ensured safety and restored dignity and hope to abused and neglected children by providing crucial resources and support to the caseworkers of Dallas County Child Protective Services. Community Partners of Dallas provides items such as winter coats, diapers and formula, holiday gifts, school uniforms, personal hygiene products, food and more, to send the abused children in our community the message that someone does care. Please visit www.communitypartnersdallas.orgfor more information.
The Women's Auxiliary of The Salvation Army announced that $710,000 was raised at the 2018 Fashion Show & Luncheon, presented by businesswoman and philanthropist Anne Davidson and held May 9 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Event Chair Lisa Singleton, along with honorary chair Michal Powell, were joined by nearly 600 attendees for the 27th annual fundraiser, proceeds from which will fundimportant programs and services provided by The Salvation Army throughout the Metroplex. This year, a significant amount of funds raised at the event will be earmarked for programs that serve children and youth who are affected by poverty and find themselves in one of the organization's youth programs.
Upon arrival, guests mingled as they shopped the sale of the season in the Chic Boutique, filled with gently used or new fashions and accessories from some of Dallas finest retailers including Forty Five Ten, Betty Reiter, Tootsies, Neiman Marcus and more, as well as gently worn or never-worn clothing donated by some of DFW's best dressed, with brands such as Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, Escada, DVF, and Carolina Herrera – all at a fraction of their value. The silent auction was also the place to be with guests bidding on coveted items such as Sue Gragg Precious Jewels earrings and handbags donated by Bag Snob's Tina Craig, including a hot pink mini Chanel and a red rock stud Valentino bag.
Attendees then proceeded into the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall for the much-anticipated program and fashion show. Lisa Singleton welcomed everyone and thanked the many Auxiliary and committee members who worked tirelessly on the event, racking up more than 2,500 volunteer hours. She recognized honorary chair Michal Powell, presenting sponsor Anne Davidson and the Gene and Jerry Jones family for their support of the luncheon and ongoing support of The Salvation Army.
She also announced a very special guest in the audience, former First Lady Laura Bush who has been a longstanding supporter of The Salvation Army. And lastly she recognized Colonels Sharon and Ronnie Raymer, The Salvation Army Divisional Leaders for the state of Texas who where in attendance.
Major Barbara Rich, DFW Metroplex Commander, followed by leading the audience in prayer. She then shared the impact of the work The Salvation Army does in the community, including its many children's and youth programs.
Betsy Willis, Women's Auxiliary President, took the stage to present the2018 Margot Perot Service Award to Jan Pickens. Named after Auxiliary co-founder Margot Perot, the award is presented to an Auxiliary volunteer who has gone above and beyond in service and support to The Salvation Army. Pickens has served as an auxiliary member for over 20 years and a Salvation Army board member for 18 years. Additionally she has chaired the Doing the Most Goodfall luncheon for four years, as well as the Women's Auxiliary Fashion Show and Luncheon, in addition to serving on the luncheon advisory committee for more than 14 years.
After heartfelt gratitude by Pickens, Margot Perot took a few minutes to honor her dear friend and long-time Salvation Army supporter Ruth Altshuler, who passed away earlier this year. With photos from her many years of service highlighted onscreen, Perot shared touching memories of Altshuler's more than 40-year commitment to The Salvation Army and the Dallas community through her volunteerism, leadership and financial generosity.
Singleton then returned to introduce Dallas' Tina Craig, digital innovator and founder of one of the first fashion blogs, BagSnob, as well as brand ambassador, consultant, designer, and stylist, collaborating with the most venerable brands including Cartier, Valentino, Dior, Estée Lauder, Victoria Beckham, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and many others. Tina shared her expert eye with the audience citing the top trends for spring, which included pants for all occasions, art-inspired graphic prints, pastels, head to toe matching, itty bitty mini bags, great fanny packs and classics like top handle totes, before introducing the Fashion Show portion of the program.
The show, produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple and featuring nearly 100 looks of barely worn or never worn generously donated from Dallas's best closets, newly acquired looks from global luxury brands sold in Dallas, and pieces from a variety of Dallas based designers. For the first time, this year's show featured six original gowns created exclusively for the show from designers Abi Ferrin, Alex Stone, Antonio Wingfield/The Fashion Opera, Bladi Duran, Nardos Design and Patti Flowers. The runway looks were available for bidding following the show.
Guests then proceeded to the seated luncheon: tomato and sweet red pepper gazpacho, paired with pecan crusted chicken breast, Arcadian harvest greens with sliced fresh oranges, dried apricots, goat chees and a white citrus balsamic dressing followed by dessert of chocolate layered torte.
Since its inception in 1993, The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheonhas raised over $10 million to support services provided at 13 local Salvation Army centers.
The Nature Conservancy in Texas announces more than $317,000 was raised at the 2018 Dallas Spring Party, held on Friday, April 13, 2018.
Held at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, over 300 guests attended the annual fundraiser, which supports conservation initiatives through the state of Texas. The evening began with a reception on the Ginsburg Plaza. Partygoers mingled as they enjoyed cocktails, including the evening's signature cocktail, Bee's Knees, courtesy of Tito's Handmade Vodka, and hors d'oeuvres. A highlight was a surprise visit from a duo of flamingos from the Dallas Zoo, who entertained party guests before dinner.
At the appointed time, attendees progressed into Rosine Hall for the seated dinner. Guests enjoyed a salad course of tomato-cucumber rosette with baby arugula and French tarragon vinaigrette, with Laura Huffman, state director of The Nature Conservancy in Texas, following with a brief welcome and a thank you to all in attendance, including statewide sponsor of event, Mary Kay Inc.. She also took a moment to recognize this year's honorary chairs, Emily and David Corrigan, before sharing updates on protection highlights throughout the state of Texas by The Nature Conservancy.
Dinner continued with an entrée of beef tenderloin with wild mushroom demi and duo of potato galette and spring asparagus followed by a dessert trio of lemon meringue, chocolate mousse with truffle Chantilly and carrot cake petit fours.
Huffman returned to introduce the featured guest speaker, Joel Sartore, a photographer, speaker, author, teacher, National GeographicFellow and regular contributor to National Geographicmagazine. Sartore enthralled attendees with his wit and visual images of some of the most endangered and rarest species on the planet as part of his work on National Geographic's The Photo Ark: A World Worth Saving, a 25-year project to save species and habitat.
Following remarks, patrons returned to the plaza for post-dinner cocktails and hot beignets.
Dallas Spring Partyattendees included, Laura Huffman, state director, The Nature Conservancy in Texas; honorary chairs Emily and David Corrigan; Lyda Hill; Suzanne and David Holl; Jane and Pat Bolin; Terry and Steve Casey; Mary and Bo Howard; Ruth Mutch; Ann and Matt Schooler; Vera and Bob Thornton; Joyce and Les Coleman, Susan and Joel Williams; Peggy Dear; Suzanne and Enrico Bartolucci; Suzanne and Stuart Guthrie, Betty Regard; Trisha Wilson and Jeb Terry; Laura and Simon Whiting; and JoAnne and Tony Roosevelt.
For more information about The Nature Conservancy in Texas, visit www.nature.org/texas.
Joel Sartore is a photographer, speaker, author, teacher, National GeographicFellow and regular contributor to National Geographicmagazine. Most importantly he is an avid conservationist who began the ambitious National GeographicPhoto Ark project 11 years ago in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. Since then, he has visited more than 40 countries in his quest to create this photo archive of global diversity. To date Sartore has captured over 7,500 images of wildlife, putting him over half way to reaching his goal of documenting 12,000 unique species.
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. We address the most pressing conservation threats at the largest scale. Thanks to the support of our more than 1 million members, we've built a tremendous record of success since our founding in 1951, including the protection of more than 119 million acres of land and thousands of miles of rivers worldwide.
Since 1964, The Nature Conservancy in Texas has been committed to protecting our state's sweeping landscapes, from rugged coastline to winding rivers to rich longleaf pine forests. With an expansive network of scientists, staff and partners, The Nature Conservancy is on the front lines, protecting the lands, waters and coasts that we all depend on. Our ambitions are bold, and our commitment unwavering. By 2020, we seek to have an unprecedented 1 million acres in Texas in conservation. We will protect the freshwater systems that provide drinking water to 25 million Texans. And we will restore healthy fisheries, reefs and shorelines in critical locations in the Gulf of Mexico.