A most fashionable soirée was chaired by Sharon Ballew and hosted by Allison Brodnax, Luncheon Chair of the KidneyTexas, Inc. Runway Report 2025 Luncheon and Fashion Show, in her lovely Preston Hollow home featuring announcements for the Friday, September 26, 2025 luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas.
The buzz was all about the exciting news, logo and theme reveal as Mari Epperson, President of KidneyTexas, Inc., welcomed guests saying the nonprofit is celebrating its 26th year. She welcomed Presenting Sponsors Anne and William Seanor and announced Donna and Herb Weitzman as Honorary Chairs. Anne is a steadfast board member and supporter of KidneyTexas. She and William are also loyal supporters of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Texas Health Resources. Donna has been dedicated to the fight against kidney disease for many years. She was president of KidneyTexas, Inc. in 2022 and just last year, she received the Sue Goodnight Award for her extraordinary service and commitment to the organization.
After a lively round of applause and congratulations, Allison gave special thanks to Sharon for chairing this evening’s event and thanked Preston Hollow Catering for underwriting the delicious food, which included a sumptuous charcuterie spread, hot hors d’oeuvres, mini sandwiches and gourmet bites.
Sharing the scoop on the upcoming luncheon and fashion show, Allison said that the morning will begin with a champagne reception followed by an always entertaining fashion show produced by Robyn Chauvin featuring the latest styles by NorthPark Center, followed by a delicious luncheon prepared by the executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas.
Literally flipping the cover off the huge original artwork, the fashionable French-inspired logo created by the talented Beth Dunham was revealed.
Allison said, “This year’s theme is The French Connection. We will be celebrating the life-saving collaboration between French and American doctors in the fight against kidney disease. This collaboration traces back to visionaries like Dr. Jean Hamburger of France, whose early work laid the foundation for kidney transplantation, and Dr. Willem Kolff, whose dialysis innovations transformed treatment options worldwide. Today, research teams from institutions like INSERM in France and the National Institutes of Health in the US continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.”
Anticipating a sell-out, Allison encouraged everyone to claim their tables, buy their tickets, underwriting and sponsorships for the event now, since over 100 tickets have already been sold. Capacity is 400.
Parting favors were delicious macarons packaged with a QR code to buy tickets. Everyone was also encouraged to contact Reservation Chair, Briana Pearson, with any questions.
With heartfelt gratitude, Allison thanked her host committee of over 100 members strong and everyone who attended this evening’s event saying, “Thanks to you, we are going to be able to improve the lives of children and adults living with kidney disease in North Texas” and emphasized that all funds raised stay in North Texas and benefit Texas Health Resources Foundation, Children's Medical Center Foundation, Baylor Scott and White Dallas Foundation, Camp Reynal and Southwest Transplant Alliance.
Sponsorships are $5,000 and up. Individual Patron Level Tickets are $1,000 and $500. Purchase here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/G4L/
Visit the website at http://www.kidneytexas.org, email info@kidneytexas.org or call 214-891-0896.
Mission Statement: The purpose of KidneyTexas, Inc. is to provide funding to improve the methods of treatment, the search for a cure and prevention of kidney disease and other kindred or contributory diseases; and to develop more adequate provision for the care of persons suffering from such diseases.
Statistics: Debilitating kidney diseases impacts approximately 35.5 million people in the United States today. Groups at high risk include African Americans, Hispanics, senior citizens and people with diabetes. In Texas as of 2023, there are over 50,000 people on dialysis and 8,294 people on a transplant list. There were 2,394 kidney transplants in Texas in 2022.
History: Since 1999, the dedicated volunteers of KidneyTexas, Inc. have worked in tandem with our generous underwriters to raise $5 million for local efforts to improve the ability to diagnose and manage kidney disease.
Each fall KidneyTexas, Inc. hosts its Luncheon & Fashion Show in an effort to raise money for designated beneficiaries and awareness for a disease that affects millions of people each year. The success of this event depends heavily upon the contributions and dedication of our Dallas business and community leaders. Your support is crucial to the success of our mission.
Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio