The event benefitted Wesley-Rankin Community Center and was presented by Texas Capital Bank 

The second annual A Taste of West Dallas presented by Texas Capital Bank and benefitting Wesley-Rankin Community Center wasn’t the only party happening on a recent Sunday by the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge at Trinity Groves.  Guests also ran across the Halloween Safe-Tacular for Kids and Pets celebrating first responders at the Ronald Kirk Bridge and Felix H. Lozada, Sr. Gateway, which created a festive mood for all.

        
Ready for a fun time with friends and family, A Taste of West Dallas VIPs were honored at a reception on the rooftop terrace at Saint Rocco’s New York Italian, which overlooked the festival below. After enjoying hors d’oeuvres, wines and refreshments, everyone enjoyed the fabulous fall weather on their short stroll across the street to the main event at World Master Chef Sharon Van Meter’s 3015 at Trinity Groves.  

        
Co-chairs and event founders Mari and Don Epperson and Kay and Duncan Fulton joined supporters frompresenting sponsor Texas Capital Bank,honorary chairs Jane and Pat Bolin, Katrina and Houston Bolin and Mary Katherine and Ross Bolin, friends and families of underwriters and sponsors as over 400 supporters gathered to savor sips – beer, wine and tequila -  along with sweet and savory bites from these West Dallas chefs, restaurants and breweries:  3015 at Trinity Groves, Amberjax, Cake Bar, La Estrella Y Familia Bakery, Legal Draft Beer Company, Odom’s BBQ, Peticolas Brewing Company, Pura Vida Tequila, St. Rocco’s New York Italian, Steam Theory, Taquero and Whiskers Fish and Burgers.

Welcoming the crowd, Mari thanked the host committee and media sponsors The Park Cities News and My Sweet Charity. Duncan introduced Shellie Ross, Wesley-Rankin’s Executive Director who gave heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support and shared an overview of the organization’s mission and their programs which create an intelligent pathway for students to achieve their ambitions in education, regardless of their financial circumstances.  In addition to children and youth, Wesley-Rankin supports adults through Adult Academy courses and senior citizen programming.   Together, the Center bridges gaps in the inequities of education, the arts and mental health. The Center believes that everyone deserves a fair chance to reach his/her potential.

        
Joining in the tasteful gathering were Presenting Sponsor Texas Capital Bank, Diamond Sponsors Pat and Jane Bolin, Erin and Billy Young; Platinum Sponsors Kathryn and Stephen Arata, Deanna and Jack Brown, Pam and Phil Bush, Kay and Duncan Fulton, Kama Koudelka and Lisa and Mac Tichenor.

        
For more information about Wesley-Rankin Community Center and its programs, visit the website: http://www.wesleyrankin.org

Wesley-Rankin Community Center History:
In 1902, the “Devil's Doorstep” was in need. Known today as West Dallas, this area was once ruled by the Bonnie and Clyde gang. When most people chose to never enter the neighborhood, Hattie Rankin did not think twice. Her presence with the mother of a gangster during his execution led to the future of a community center. She walked the streets of the neighborhood, grieving with those in crisis and celebrating victories. Hattie's belief in West Dallas, combined with her unwavering support, connection and enrichment has continued for 116 years through the life of the United Methodist mission, the Wesley-Rankin Community Center.

* Photos by Dana Driensky