Last year, Fallon Wynne Way and a group of active young community leaders resurrected one of Dallas' most cherished charitable events: the Yellow Rose Gala. Originally founded in 1986 by Way's mother, Dee Wynne, the gala raised funds for multiple sclerosis research and quickly became one of the city's most prominent social events.
It was discontinued in 2001, when Wynne's own battle with MS made planning and executing the gala too much. But in 2015, less than a year after Wynne had passed away from complications of the disease, Way announced that the Yellow Rose Gala would be returning in 2016. That event would have brought a smile to Wynne's face, as once again charitable Dallasites enjoyed a fabulous party while donating to a very worthy cause.
This year's Yellow Rose Gala promises to be even more spectacular. Scheduled for April 8 at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel and produced in partnership with Southwestern Health Resources, the evening will include delicious cuisine, live and silent auctions, and entertainment from Motown legends The Temptations.
The theme is Going Global!, which is a nod to YRG's partnership with the International Progressive MS Alliance. 100 percent of the evening's net proceeds raised directly fund MS research through this new global initiative, which is breaking down international barriers to fund the best and most promising research, no matter where it exists.
Guests can expect to get lost in the cultural bazaar decor, which will highlight multiple countries through interactive features from partners such as Sugaire, Nespresso, and Yellow Rose Distilling.
As in years past, the live and silent auctions will feature an impressive array of treasures and experiences. For example: an Argentina dove hunt and top of the line Beretta shotgun, lustrous jewels from C.M. Yater and Sons and Carter Malouf Private Jeweler, a five-star Chilean fishing trip, and many more one-of-a-kind items.
Not only will guests get to groove to "My Girl," "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," and "The Way You Do the Things You Do" when The Temptations take the stage, there will also then be a concert from energetic dance band Manhattan and an afterparty, with tunes being spun until 2 am.
Three generations of the Eugene and Mary Ann Smith family will be honored for their years of unrelenting support in finding a cure for MS. That includes not only the memory of Eugene and Mary Ann Smith, but also their children — Fay Sheehan, Ann Barbier-Mueller, and Bragg Smith III — and grandchildren.
Walker Bateman IV is the recipient of this year's Dee Wynne Courage Award, which will be presented to him by emcee Lauren Przybyl.
For more information about the Yellow Rose Gala Foundation, visit www.theyellowrose.org or call 512-842-ROSE. To purchase tickets to this year's gala, visit www.theyellowrose.org/buy.
