Secure your tables and get your hats ready for Thursday, April 18, 2024 benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden

The word is out! Mad Hatter’s 2024 Luncheon Theme Reveal Party was hosted by Bonnie Shelby in her lovely home, welcoming over 150 guests to hear the scoop.
         

Mad Hatter’s Luncheon chair Allison Brodnax welcomed guests, along with Karen Sargent, Women’s Council president, as everyone enjoyed champagne, wine, and passed hors d’oeuvres in addition to a bountiful table of delicious charcuterie.
        

Karen began the presentation by thanking Bonnie for her generous hospitality and said that now is the time to set the stage for Mad Hatter’s 2024! She announced Barbara Bigham as honorary chair to a rousing round of applause. Barbara is a longtime supporter of the Women’s Council, chair of A Woman’s Garden 25^th Anniversary Kick-Off Birthday Party in 2021, a 2019-2020 Founder’s Award Honoree, 1995 Mad Hatter’s Tea chair, long-time supporter, former board member and dedicated volunteer.
        

Allison gave special thanks to Elizabeth Rois-Mendez and Brittany Davenport for chairing this evening’s soirée. She also thanked Elizabeth for her generosity in sponsoring the wines tonight. Other sponsors included Food Glorious Food, Gold Crown Valet, Top Tier Rentals, who donated all the rentals and linens and made a custom bar to match theme colors, and David Kimmel Designs who went over the top with the beautiful florals at the entrance and dining table, including centerpiece florals for the tall tables outside.
        

Encouraging everyone to mark their calendars for Thursday, April 18, 2024 for the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, Allison announced NorthPark Center as the sponsor of the fashion show which will include risers, lights, and music produced by the remarkable Jan Strimple Productions and always includes a few surprises.
        

Raising the curtain on the theme Commemorating the 36^th Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Gardens of Greece, applause filled the room as Allison presented the logo, an original artwork of a Grecian statue in a colorful garden by Barbara Elam, who had also created the artwork for the 2021 Mad Hatter’s Tea Out of Africa - Into the Garden, chaired by her daughter, Jolie Humphrey.
        

These Hat Categories were announced: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Olympic Games, Greek Mythology, Greek Life (sorority), Best Botanical Using Fresh Flowers and Greek Goddesses (group of 3 or more).
        

This fabulous party has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised assist with the development, growth and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum. 
        

Guests travel from all over the United States, planning their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, taking the theme as inspiration for their sophisticated, glamorous, and delightfully lavish hats, but to view the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.

The morning will begin with a Welcome Reception, a stroll in the gardens and a Silent Auction while the discerning hat judges take note of the Grecian-influenced interpretations of this year’s theme. Inside Rosine Hall, Hat Contest winners will be announced, which will be followed by the fashion show and then a delicious three-course luncheon.
        

Last year, just over 650 people attended the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon in a party spread over Rosine Hall and A Tasteful Place. This year, the cap on attendance is 500, as it will take place only in Rosine Hall. So, do not delay securing tables, underwriting and sponsorships now.
        

Sponsorships begin at $2,500. Patron Tickets start at $500. Visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/tua/  to purchase sponsorships or tickets or scan the QR code included in this release. Individuals who purchase a patron level ticket and up will be invited to a patron party at the Harlan Crow Library. Visit the website for more information www.wcdabg.org         

About the Women’s Council: Celebrating its 42^nd Anniversary in 2024.
Since 1982 the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. The support of over 500 members of the Women’s Council make possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  www.wcdabg.org

About A Woman’s Garden: Celebrating its 27^th Anniversary in 2024.
A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. Ablaze with color in every season, A Woman’s Garden is a living testament to the passion and vision of the Women’s Council founders and the boundless energy and devotion of its members whose commitment to creating a garden dedicated to the universal spirit of women across generations is realized in its inspired design. Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion and unwavering commitment of the women who came before us and those entrusted with its care now, and into the future.     

About Mad Hatter’s: Celebrating its 36^th Anniversary in 2024.
In 1989, Carole Ann Brown chaired the first Mad Hatter's Tea to bring awareness to the Women's Council and the Dallas Arboretum. The tea was held in the Camp House garden for 100 ladies and raised $10,000. Over the years, Mad Hatter’s has been chaired by many notable Dallas ladies such as Linda Ivy, Barbara Bigham, Connie Carreker, Barbara Daseke and Patti Flowers. Honorary Chairs have included some of the most philanthropic names in Dallas history such as Annette Simmons, Gene Jones, Caroline Rose Hunt, Tincy Miller, Sally Hoglund, Dee Wyly, Margaret Crow, Nancy Rogers, Amy Warren, Patty Dedman Nail, Sherwood Wagner, Laurie Sands Harrison and Kim Hext.

Finally, it would not be a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party without the hats. The creativity at Mad Hatter’s over the years has been impressive. Ladies have been inspired to create millinery creations based on Royal Ascot, Run for the Roses, April in Paris, Steel Magnolias, Under the Tuscan Sun and even Garden by the Sea. We have seen the Golden Age of Hollywood, have come Out of Africa into the Garden, enjoyed a Wonderland of Fashion while having Tea with Alice and Majestic Mad Hatter’s –A Celebration of English Elegance.   

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
                                                          

Celebrating Its 35^th Year! Bryan’s House The Power of You 2023 Awards Luncheon Chairs Announces Awards Recipients and Mickey Rowe as the Featured Speaker

Join us on Monday, October 23^rd!

Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, chairs of The Power of You 2023 Awards Luncheon benefiting Bryan’s House, have just confirmed Mickey Rowe, author of Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Broadway Actor’s Transformational Insights, an autistic and legally blind person and founder of the National Disability Theatre, as the featured speaker at the October 23^rd luncheon at the Dallas Country Club.
        
In more exciting news, the luncheon, subtitled “Extraordinary things happen when kids with special needs are given wings to fly” presented by the Lone Star Monarchs, welcomes Hoyl Financial as the title sponsor.
        
“That means that 100% of each seat’s value, whether it’s at a certain underwriting level or ticket sales, will be matched by honorary chair, Stephen Hoyl’s firm, Hoyl Financial, so that all of those funds raised directly benefit Bryan’s House,” Regina said. “Stephen’s generosity is unmatched and certainly will make a great impact and a crucial difference in fundraising profits not only for the luncheon’s net profit, but for Bryan’s House, as well.”
        
Awards recipients in the following categories will join in a VIP reception just prior to the luncheon and include Accessibility Award: Santander Consumer USA; Clinical Partner Award: Broadway Cares - Equity Fighting AIDS; Community Award: Debra Villarreal; Corporate Award: Liberty Mutual Insurance; Philanthropist Award: Rose Family Foundation; Volunteer Award: Norco Mayflower Movers.
        
A limited number of Individual tickets begin at $300. Individual Butterfly tickets are $500 and VIP Butterfly Patron tickets are $1,000 and include varying benefits. Sponsorships and underwriting begin at $2,500 up to $25,000 with different levels and benefits. Visit the website for more details:  www.bryanshouse.org/luncheon/ or contact Diana Tellez, Development Manager at 214.559.3946 or email dtellez@bryanshouse.org

About Bryan’s House: The mission of Bryan’s House is to provide children with special needs and their families with trusted case management, educational, therapeutic, and medically-supported care.  www.BryansHouse.org

About Lone Star Monarchs:  To inspire and nurture the human spirit, as together, we build an effective network of individuals and organizations to support a broad spectrum of charitable organizations in Dallas and throughout Texas. Lone Star Monarchs’ (LSM) purpose is exclusively educational and charitable to connect people and enrich lives.

LSM welcomes all people who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities. We promote volunteerism and a spirit of service.

LSM has no paid employees. All contributions and funds raised go to LSM services and grants for our service partners.  www.lonestarmonarchs.org

Photos by Danny Campbell

Photo of Mickey Rowe, courtesy Mickey Rowe

Abraham Salum, owner and executive chef of Salum Restaurant, celebrates his Grand Reopening with A Night of Hope Dinner benefiting Bryan’s House. The evening begins with a cocktail reception followed by a very special four-course menu created by Abraham especially for this occasion. The evening includes an open bar, silent auction, and special announcements.

Chaired by David Andrews and Carlo Barone with Stephen Hoyl as honorary chair, the event is presented by Lone Star Monarchs. 

The silent auction is live now! Check out the offerings here.  

About Salum Restaurant:   Dallas' contemporary American restaurant, is celebrating 16 years of trendsetting cuisine. Chef and Owner Abraham Salum is a graduate of New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont, and continued his education by working in kitchens in France, Belgium, Mexico and the United States. His vision is to create a restaurant that sets standards rather than follows them. Salum is committed to becoming a food and beverage destination that is celebrated by its guests, distinguished by food that is extraordinary, and an attentive professional staff that is well educated on cuisine and wine.

From Abraham Salum, Owner and Executive Chef: A few months ago we experienced extensive water damage caused by an awning which was ripped off of the building in a storm. The awning was thrown up on the roof, creating a hole that allowed water to pour into the building. The damage was wide-ranging and resulted in our having to close the restaurant. We have since repaired the damage, completely refurnished the interior and are honored to support Bryan's House with A Night of Hope Dinner celebrating our Grand Reopening.  

From David Andrews, Co-Chair: Abraham paid his entire staff during the time Salum was closed. Not only did he pay employees’ salaries, but he compensated his staff for what they normally would have made in tips, too! I have known Abraham for about 15 years and he has ALWAYS given back to the community more than most. That is why Carlo and I wanted to host the dinner at Salum - to support him in return for the way he has supported the community!

https://www.salumrestaurant.com/

About Bryan’s House: The mission of Bryan’s House is to provide children with special needs and their families with trusted case management, educational, therapeutic, and medically-supported care.  www.BryansHouse.org

About Lone Star Monarchs:  To inspire and nurture the human spirit, as together, we build an effective network of individuals and organizations to support a broad spectrum of charitable organizations in Dallas and throughout Texas. Lone Star Monarchs’ (LSM) purpose is exclusively educational and charitable to connect people and enrich lives.

LSM welcomes all people who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities. We promote volunteerism and a spirit of service.

LSM has no paid employees. All contributions and funds raised go to LSM services and grants for our service partners.  www.lonestarmonarchs.org

 * Photo by Danny Campbell

Join the Dallas Historical Society on Sunday, April 23rd at Klyde Warren Park for the Centennial Community Celebration presented by Pegasus Bank from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

This free-to-the-public event will highlight and celebrate our great city, state and local organizations. Live performances by local cultural groups and artists, specially curated exhibit from the Dallas Historical Society Collection, Fun Dallas Pop Ups and Activities, Games and Giveaways, Dallas’ Best Food Trucks.

VIP Garden Sponsor is Downtown Dallas Inc. Klyde Warren Park is a sponsor. Karl Chiao is executive director of the Dallas Historical Society. Dr. Roy Washburn is board chair. 

Run of Show beginning at 2:00 p.m.:

* Welcome by Pegasus Bank and Dallas Historical Society Video

* Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company: 30-minute workshop immediately following their performance

* Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts: Mimes and dance performances.

* Welcome by Pegasus Bank and Dallas Historical Society Video

* South Dallas Concert Choir

* Dallas International Film Festival

* Cara Mia Theater: 30-minute workshop immediately following their performance

* Welcome by Pegasus Bank and Dallas Historical Society Video

* Broadway Dallas

* Closing: Karl Chiao, Executive Director, Dallas Historical Society

Booths:
* African American Museum of Dallas

* Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts:  Mimes and Face Painters

* Broadway Dallas

* Café Momentum

* City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture

* Dallas Childrens Aquarium will have a reptile exhibit

* Dallas Historical Society Centennial exhibit

* Dallas International Film Festival

* Dallas Police Department

* Denton County Office of History and Culture

* Fair Park First

* Fletchers Original Corny Dogs

* Frisco Roughriders

* Little Big Tex will be making a live appearance

* Old City Park will feature a craft

* Plano Heritage Farmstead will have a traveling trunk featuring historical items

* Texas Rangers Division and Department of Public Safety will have a traveling trunk featuring historical items

Information and more details at: https://www.dallashistory.org/programs/special-events/

he Dallas Historical Society: Whether someone is new to Dallas or a native Texan, the Dallas Historical Society offers programs and exhibits that educates and informs visitors about their home city and reveals insights and little-known facts that one might be unable to grasp from history books alone, especially with the museum’s newest permanent exhibit. Ongoing events include brown bag lectures, Evening With programs, and the Deep Vellum series along with the very special exhibit honoring Texas’ independence, the interactive Texas Liberty Forever: The Battle of the Alamo diorama by Tom Feely. Join in discovering more about Dallas and take part in one or more of these wonderful programs. Visit the website for more information at www.dallashistory.org

The Dallas Historical Society: Celebrating Its Centennial Year In 2022

 The stories of Dallas are shared each day at the Dallas Historical Society through the three million items that comprise our archives and artifact collections. Established in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society collects, preserves, and exhibits the unique heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire future generations.

 Housed at the Hall of State in Fair Park since 1938, DHS presents these collections through education programs, exhibitions, tours, access to research materials and workshops. 

 Among the three million historical artifacts at DHS are such treasures as Sam Houston’s handwritten account of the Battle of San Jacinto, the only known original Juneteenth document, James Fannin’s watch, and Santa Anna’s spurs. The DHS collection houses over 10,000 bound volumes and receives more than 1,500 research requests annually.

 Each year, the Dallas Historical Society is visited by over 160,000 people and serves more than 20,000 students through guided tours and educational programming at the Hall of State, as well as outreach programs at schools. Visit the website for more information at www.dallashistory.org

Join us as we celebrate past and ongoing missions!

Amy and Dr. Evan Beale, chairs of the LEAP Global Missions 2023 Gala On The Road Again, invite the community to join in the gala on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Dallas Country Club and learn more about the nonprofit as they share news of past and ongoing mission trips, including their most recent trip to Ukraine, awards, recognitions, updates on future plans. The evening will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a three-course seated dinner. Linda Hardison is honorary chair.
        

LEAP is dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ.
        

Founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Craig Hobar, LEAP Global Missions volunteers have performed close to 10,000 surgeries on patients (mostly children) from 24 countries.    LEAP is committed to developing long-term relationships with our patients, their communities, and other partners involved in our missions. By returning to the same countries, we are able to build trust, offer ongoing education, and continue caring for those who need long-term medical services.
        

Despite pandemic related challenges and travel restrictions, LEAP has continued to adapt and has found ways to keep serving those in need. For example, in Zimbabwe, LEAP funded clinics for local medical professionals to perform craniofacial surgeries; in India, a lifesaving oxygen generator was purchased; and in Belize, funding has begun for a new hospital pediatric wing.
        

Most recently, Dr. Steve Orten and Dr. Craig Hobar traveled to Ukraine and helped perform surgery at two pediatric hospitals and a military hospital. Under the direction of Drs. Hobar, Orten, and Chris Conner, LEAP Global Missions will soon unveil a collaboration to provide ongoing surgical support and training.
        

Host committee includes Julie and Craig Beale; Haylie and Bert Crouch; Margaret and David Danielson; Alexis and Dr. Rich Derksen; Mary Clare Finney; Hillary and Eric Gilbert; Dr. Michael Lee; Denise and Ray Nixon; Linsey and Ryan Nixon; Tracy and Dr. Steve Orten; Michelle and Dr. Tripp Parker; Allison and Robb Parks; Lauren and Cullen Thomason; Bunny and Michael Tibbals; Adair and Clark Webb; Monica and Leland White.         
        

Individual tickets are $500. Sponsorships and underwriting are also available starting at $5,000. Tickets can be purchased online here: leapgala2023.givesmart.com  Visit the LEAP Global Missions website for more information here: www.leapmissions.org/gala 

Or scan the QR code below in the photos to purchase tickets:

About LEAP:        LEAP is dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ.

Founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Craig Hobar, LEAP Global Missions volunteers have performed close to 10,000 surgeries on patients (mostly children) from 24 countries.

LEAP is committed to developing long-term relationships with our patients, their communities, and other partners involved in our missions. By returning to the same countries, we are able to build trust, offer ongoing education, and continue caring for those who need long-term medical services.

Despite pandemic related challenges and travel restrictions, LEAP has continued to adapt and has found ways to keep serving those in need. For example, in Zimbabwe, LEAP funded clinics for local medical professionals to perform craniofacial surgeries; in India, a lifesaving oxygen generator was purchased; and in Belize, funding has begun for a new hospital pediatric wing.

Most recently, Dr. Steve Orten and Dr. Craig Hobar traveled to Ukraine and helped perform surgery at two pediatric hospitals and a military hospital. Under the direction of Dr. Hobar, Dr. Orten, and Dr. Chris Conner, LEAP Global Missions will soon unveil a collaboration to provide ongoing surgical support and training.

Learn more by visiting the website at www.leapmissions.org 

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