The Mad Hatter's Tea Benefits the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden

TOOTSIES in Preston Center hosted the Mad Hatter’s Tea 2020 Reveal Party which included many surprises, including announcing the theme, “The Art of Chic,” unveiling a beautiful logo created by longtime supporter and graphic artist, Lynn Dealey.
        
Women’s Council president, Venise Stuart and Mad Hatter’s Tea chair, Patti Flowers greeted the stylish crowd as they arrived, offering champagne and hors d’oeuvres as models made the rounds dressed in fashions coordinated with the theme in colorful shades of green contrasted with classic black.
        
After welcoming everyone, Venise turned the announcements to Patti, who thanked Nerissa von Helpenstill and Dustin Holcomb from TOOTSIES, for their generous hospitality in hosting this evening’s event and for continuing their sponsorship of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Fashion Show, which will be produced by the renowned Jan Strimple.
        
Before unveiling the logo, Patti announced Robin Carreker as honorary chair and shared a lovely dialogue of her vision of A Woman’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum, a beneficiary of Mad Hatter’s Tea. She said A Woman’s Garden is very chic, elegant, green, colorful like a painting and that the movement is like a ballet in a garden to the music of nature.
        
Calling Lynn to the front, Patti and Venise unveiled the absolutely gorgeous logo of a very chic woman dressed in a green and black fascinator, with a bodice to match and a gown of flowing black, holding a hat and entwined with ivy. As applause filled the room, she pointed out the design elements incorporated into the bodice and ivy which represent the different aspects of A Woman’s Garden she had previously mentioned: ballet shoes representing dance, musical notes, leaves and a painter’s palette and brush.
        
Celebrating its 32nd year, Mad Hatter’s Tea The Art of Chic happens on Thursday, April 16, 2020. It has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised grow and maintain A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum. Over 450 guests travel from all over the United States, planning their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – many in wild and wonderful over-the-top hats - but to view the glorious springtime displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.     
          
The event includes champagne reception, professionally staged and choreographed fashion presentation featuring fashions sponsored by TOOTSIES followed by a seated luncheon under elegantly draped tents. Hats are judged in different categories. Winners are announced at the fashion show and strut the runway.
        
Individual Patron tickets begin at $350.00. Sponsorships and underwriting will be available through the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org   soon.

Beneficiary:  Founded in 1982, the Women's Council supports the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman's Garden. A Woman's Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women, and dedicated to the universal spirit of women.  All financial support for A Woman's Garden comes from the fundraising efforts of the Women's Council.          

For photos from past Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties and more information, visit the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org

Updates:    For updates and photos, visit the Mad Hatter’s Tea Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MadHattersTeaLuncheon         

Media Sponsor: My Sweet Charity. 

About TOOTSIES: Housed in a vast 20,000 square foot space in the Plaza at Preston Center, TOOTSIES is a modern full line specialty store offering the very best dresses, denim, ready to wear, shoes, handbags and jewelry.  TOOTSIES is a one stop shop known for exceptional service and on-site personal styling in addition to their curated collection of designers including A.L.C.  Aquazurra, Brandon Maxwell, Cinq a' Sept, Self Portrait, Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. 
                                               

* Photos by Dana Driensky

Mark your calendars for Monday, May 11, 2020             

Ellen McStay, Honorary Chair | Kim Hext, Chair

 The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary 2020 Fashion Show and Luncheon Announcement Party was celebrated and hosted by Stanley Korshak at the Crescent. 
        

Kim Hext, Fashion Show and Luncheon chair was joined by Crawford Brock, owner of Stanley Korshak, greeting guests as they arrived, along with Major Barbara Rich and Major Jonathan Rich of The Salvation Army North Texas Area Command.
        

A sense of excitement filled the shop as everyone joined together for the announcements. Major Barbara Rich welcomed the crowd and gave a brief overview of The Salvation Army in North Texas. She then introduced the Women’s Auxiliary president, Margaret Hancock, who is a second-generation supporter of The Salvation Army and has previously served as event chair with her mother-in-law. Margaret thanked Crawford for his generosity in hosting tonight’s event, which had been rescheduled from a few weeks before due to the tornadoes’ heavy impact on the community. Crawford had donated all of the food from that event to the local fire station’s first responders.
        

Kim thanked everyone for their support in kicking off the Women’s Auxiliary 2020 Fashion Show and Luncheon “Giving in Style.” She announced long-time volunteer and community leader Ellen McStay as honorary chair. Then in presenting the Margot Perot Service Award, Kim noted the recipient is also a former Fashion Show and Luncheon chair and has been a tireless supporter of The Salvation Army and its many programs serving the community, announcing Carol Seay as the honoree.
        

Encouraging everyone to join in the May 11, 2020 Fashion Show and Luncheon, Kim said the morning would begin with shopping in the Chic Boutique and recognized TOOTSIES as a partner. There will be bidding on silent auction items, some exclusive to this event. Everyone will be seated for brief remarks, tributes and a presentation followed by a fabulous runway fashion show produced by Jan Strimple Productions featuring new and gently worn couture fashions from some of the most prominent closets in Dallas and bidding ensues! Then luncheon will be served in the elegant surroundings of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Media sponsors as of November 15^th are WFAA Channel 8, PaperCity, Downtown Business News and My Sweet Charity.
        

Individual tickets begin at $300 and have a limited availability. Underwriting begins at $3,000. Visit the web site at  www.bidpal.net/sawadfw, call 214-637-8121 or email  dfw.auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org
        

About The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary:              The Dallas Women's Auxiliary is the local expression of a world-wide movement that seeks spiritual redemption and social rehabilitation of those it serves.  It functions as a fundraising and volunteer service group and have many projects and programs that can satisfy an eagerness to volunteer. 

All members are volunteers who are passionate and dedicated to serve others. There are many committees that can help you find your passion including mass mail, back to school, angel tree, kettles, Santa sacks or serving victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. 

Feed your passion and volunteer at one of the many activities throughout the year. We focus on children and families when we fill backpacks with school supplies, stuff small gifts  in our Christmas Santa Sacks, or provide a meal to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. We support our Veterans and distribute lap blankets to those living in the VA Residential Center. We support sobriety and provide birthday cakes to families celebrating monthly milestones in recovery. We embark on the Spirit of Christmas and volunteer at the NorthPark Angel Tree, help with gift distribution at The Salvation Army Christmas and Disaster Center or ring a bell at an iconic Christmas kettle.  For those who love fashion, you can sort and inventory donated couture clothing and accessories for the annual Fashion Show & Luncheon or volunteer at the Fashion Show After Sale.  All of these projects make a difference while having fun and fellowship with others who value your time and support. 

The ladies of the Women’s Auxiliary have a good time, work hard, and believe in the branding of "Doing the Most Good."   dfw.auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org  

Photos by Dana Driensky.

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

The Auxiliary of Nexus Recovery Center Holiday Bazaar Features Specialty Selections from a Wide Variety of Vendors

 Mark your calendars now for Saturday, November 16, 2019

Mark your calendars now for TheAuxiliary of Nexus Recovery Center’s Holiday Bazaar which happens on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 3701 Euclid from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Ann Alford is chair.        

One of the first holiday bazaars of the season, there will be fine jewelry, gifts, artworks, specialty foods, beautiful clothing and holiday decorations from a wide variety of vendors. Everyone will enjoy fun holiday shopping, good fellowship, tasty treats and a fabulous raffle in support of the Nexus Recovery Center.  Vendors include Designs by Alyson, Aransas 100% Natural Skin Care, Archipelago Design, Binichic, Deborah Gaspar Jewelry, Ergo Candles, Infused Oils & Vinegars, Ken’s Man’s Shop, Stella & Dot, Stone Legends, 2 Shea Boutique, Toni’s Toffee, Becerra’s Tamales, Bynder Leather Goods, Ann Alford Ceramics, Diana Bandoh Pearls, Liana Yarckin Watercolors, Pharao Jewlery, Texas Brisket Biscuit and many more.

      
There is no admission charge, but they do ask for a donation or gift card to help benefit Nexus Recovery Center.

      
Members of the Auxiliary make this community a better place by putting in countless volunteer hours each year, planning and implementing special events to raise money for Nexus.  Janina Solomon is president of the Auxiliary.

        
Membership in the Auxiliary is open to the public. Everyone is invited to join in its mission to support and promote the interests of Nexus Recovery Center, Inc. This mission is accomplished by building a strong and active membership, stimulating public awareness and helping in the financial support of Nexus’ services and projects

        
For more information, visit the web site http://www.nexusrecovery.org/holiday-bazaar
                                                                                                         

Mission Statement: The mission of Nexus Recovery Center is to serve as a link to sobriety, independence, and dignity for low-income women and their families affected by addiction. We inspire hope, offer respect, and honor the unique differences of female addicts. 

In 2018, Nexus served 1,969 women and teens and 341 children, including 64 Nexus born babies.

In March 2018, Forbes reported that drug overdoses are the leading cause of death from injury in the United States and that women are more susceptible to become addicted to drugs as a result of gender-specific issues. The Hartford Courant reported that women face a higher risk for an opioid addiction and women have significant barriers to receiving treatment. Because addiction takes hold of women faster and results in increased negative physical effects, women generally come to treatment for addiction in worse shape than men.  

Drug overdose deaths have outpaced motor vehicle accidents and gun homicides combined, killing Americans at a faster pace than the HIV epidemic did at its peak. The US consumes more opioid pain medication than any other country on Earth, and drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death in Americans under 50. These statistics have spurred multiple governmental entities to name this the defining epidemic of our generation.

Women-specific treatment is needed to accommodate gender-specific needs and barriers such as; child care, psychiatric problems, trauma induced by physical or mental abuse and increased inability to pay.

History: Established in 1971, by 1974, Nexus programs included therapy and life skills training and housed 17 women. In 1990 the facility relocated to a 12-acre campus in east Dallas to provide a wider array of services. The new space enabled Nexus to become a leader in treatment for women by allowing children to accompany their mothers into treatment. In 1991, Nexus expanded the adult women program to 40 beds. In 1993 because no treatment providers would accept pregnant or newly parenting teens Nexus began filling this service gap. In 1999, the Child Development Center was built to meet the needs of accompanying children. In 1997, Nexus opened a secondary site for outpatient services. In 2012 the adolescent program expanded to 30 beds.

Joint Commission accredited since 2006, a rare accomplishment in the non-profit sector due to the high standards required to earn and maintain. Nexus is committed to providing top-notch care for low-income women and their children.

* Photos by Dana Driensky.

Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society Landmarking Ceremonies:  Join us as these noteworthy homes are marked.
Addresses and approximate times are:

                   SATURDAY, October 5, 2019

10:00 a.m.     4421 Lorraine – Adeline & Francois Fournier

10:30 a.m.     3724 Amherst – Betty Taylor Cox

11:00 a.m.     3600 Lovers Lane – Lauris & Jay Massa

11:30 a.m.     3551 University Blvd – Sally & Christopher Pfeiffer

11:45 a.m.     3547 University Blvd. - Sally & Christopher Pfeiffer

12:00 p.m.    3516 University Blvd. – Marla & Mike Boone*

*Sandwiches, chips, cookies, soft drinks

The Mission of the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Marla Boone is PCHPS president.             

Membership in PCHPS is open to the public and includes such benefits as educational meetings in private homes, opportunities to become involved in the events each spring, including the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, the Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show, participate in the annual July 4th parade and more.

Funds raised help preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PCHPS archives at the University Park Library, fund the Society’s landmarking initiatives, award scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history and fund the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School.

Visit the website at www.pchps.org  for more information.