The 18th Annual Pot of Gold Luncheon raised over $250,000 in support for Rainbow Days’ programs and services. More than 600 attendees gathered at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas to celebrate the luncheon and silent auction.
Guests left feeling inspired by keynote speaker, Jeannette Walls, New York Times Best Selling author and a true testament to overcoming adversity to achieve optimal success. “Jeannette’s nomadic childhood of living out of the family car or in rundown houses with her siblings, alcoholic father and mentally unstable mother, as captured in her memoir, is similar to the situations of many of the children we serve,” said Cathey Brown, Founder and CEO, Rainbow Days, Inc.
This year’s luncheon also included performances by Dallas' own children’s entertainer, Eddie Coker, who delivered two energetic songs – Say Hello and I Believe – alongside the children of Rainbow Days performers. Guests were moved by the song, I Believe, based on Rainbow Days’ major messages and written specifically by Mr. Coker to celebrate Rainbow Days’ positive impact.
Luncheon Co-Chairs and Southlake residents, Brooke Andrews and Karen Currie, led a team of committee members who helped make the luncheon a success. Attendees helped raise much-needed financial support through an extensive silent auction led by Auction Chair, Nicole Williams with the support of the auction committee. The auction brought in more than 225 packages, and thanks to the donations of 200+ local businesses and individuals and through the purchases of generous patrons, Rainbow Days raised over $35,000 through this year’s silent auction.
Cathey Brown spoke with mother-daughter-duo, Jennifer and Rachel Arthur, who are participants in the Rainbow Days programs and currently living in one of Dallas’s homeless shelters. Speaking to the event’s theme, “Every Child is a Story yet to be Told,” Cathey asked Jennifer and Rachel to share about their story and the journey that brought them to Rainbow Days. Prior to the interview, the audience viewed the FOX 4 News clip that featured Rachel and Jennifer in a story highlighting the excitement surrounding going back to school.
Special thanks to the patrons and other important individuals who made significant contributions: Todd Whitthorne, President, ACAP Health, who has served as emcee for nearly 15 years and JM Productions, who donated their creative talent once again with music accompaniment throughout the luncheon.
Sincere gratitude to this year’s major sponsors ($3,000 and up): Diamond: Nancy Ann Hunt; Platinum: Compatriot Capital, Mary Kay Inc. Gold: Colleen & Bob Baillargeon, Citi, Kara & Peter Gehan, Jones Day, Krystal Clear Audio-Video, ORIX Foundation; Silver: Advanced Resources, Bank of Texas, The Dallas Morning News, HP Kids Read, Mary Jo & James McKellar, Julie & Greg Pascuzzi, Venise & Larry Stuart, Thompson & Knight.
Rainbow Days offices are located in the Park Cities. For more information about Rainbow Days, please contact Cathey Brown, Founder & CEO, at 214-887-0726, catheyb@rdikids.org or visit the website at www.rainbowdays.org.