On Tuesday, February 21, Chi Omega alumnae of all ages gathered at Dallas Country Club to honor beneficiary organizations of the 2016 Chi Omega Christmas Market and announce the total funds raised by the highly anticipated annual event.
Attendees enjoyed sips and lite bites before Chi Omega Alumnae of Dallas President Diane Brooks took the stage to kick off the reception. After warmly welcoming everyone and thanking Carol Heller and her daughter Debbie Myers for hosting, she invited 2016 Market Co-Chairs Amy McAleavey and Mandy Escobedo to the stage to share the final amount that would be awarded to local charities, the Chi Omega Educational Foundation, the SMU Endowed Scholarship Fund, and collegiate scholarships.
“Last year, the Dallas-area Chi Omega alumnae made a bold pledge of $258,000 to our 2016 beneficiaries,” said Mandy Escobedo. “Tonight, we are so proud to announce that we have continued Chi Omega’s strong tradition of giving and greatly exceeded our pledge by raising $320,000 for these organizations, which are making such a remarkable impact in our community.”
“The total amount raised at the 2016 Market is a 24 percent increase from our set goal and allows us to fully fund our wonderful beneficiaries,” added Amy McAleavey.
After the ceremonial unveiling of the oversized presentation check, Jane Porter and Eloise Meachum took the podium to invite representatives from each beneficiary organization to the stage to share how their organization is making an impact in the community and to receive a check from the alumnae association.
Beneficiary representatives who addressed the audience included: ChildCareGroup President Tori Mannes, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support CEO Jan Langbein, Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas® President Scotty Landry, New Friends New Life Advancement Director Jennifer Yarbrough, Promise House CEO Dr. Ashley Lind, Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas Executive Director Margie Wright, Trinity River Mission CEO Dolores Sosa Green, VMLC (Vickery Meadow Learning Center) Development Director Cathy King and Southern Methodist University Associate Director of Student Affairs Development Arlene Manthey.
The Chi Omegas also presented several collegiate scholarships to outstanding and active members in chapters across the state. Recipients included Grace Carter of the Iota Chapter at The University of Texas, Barrett Cole of the Alpha Alpha Chapter at the University of North Texas, Karrington Slaydon of the Xi Kappa Chapter at Texas A&M University and Elizabeth Wallace of the Theta Kappa Chapter at Baylor University.
To conclude the evening, Alex Bjornnes was announced as chair of the 40th annual Chi Omega Christmas Market, which will take place November 15-18, 2017, at Centennial Hall in Fair Park.
“I’m deeply honored to be a part of this incredible tradition of generous giving,” said 2017 Market Chair Alex Bjornnes. “Giving back is so deeply embedded in the fabric of Chi Omega, and over the past 39 years, our Dallas-area alumnae association has given back $7.76 million to our community through the annual Christmas Market. We are truly thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to grow this number and exceed all expectations and goals again at the 2017 Market.”
About Chi Omega Christmas Market
Now in its 40th year, Chi Omega Christmas Market offers a unique shopping experience with gifts for every age. More than 10,000 shoppers come to the Market each year to shop from more than 180 handpicked vendors from around the country, transforming Centennial Hall in Fair Park into a luxury gift marketplace. Shoppers will enjoy a wide variety of hard-to-find items, including jewelry, home décor, women’s fashion, toys, holiday décor, food and drinks, items for entertaining, linens and original art. From the traditional to the fashionably chic and hip, there is a gift for everyone on your list at the Chi Omega Christmas Market. For more information please visit www.ChiOmegaXmas.org.