Power Philanthropy
St. Jude blockbuster gala brings in a million bucks for kids battling cancer
More than 1,000 Dallasites, dressed in their best cowboy chic attire, showed up for the Evening Under the Stars gala held at the Omni Dallas hotel, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. And when we say “showed up,” we mean raised-$1 million-to-advance-cancer-research kind of “showed up.”
Under the direction of event co-chairs Cindy and Charlie Feld, guests enjoyed cocktails, a seated dinner, and live and silent auctions. The evening’s honorees, Diane and Mike Gruber, received special recognition for their tireless efforts in the war against childhood cancer and all they have done to help St. Jude throughout the years.
As if raising $1 million weren’t enough reason for guests — including Micki and Mayor Mike Rawlings, Lynn McBee, Kent Rathbun, Craig Dismuke, and Holly and Dave Brooks — to get up out of their seats and bust a move, a lively performance by Duck Soup was just what the crowd needed to end this evening on the dance floor.
Following the gala, more than 250 young professionals celebrated the cause at the third annual after-party, where they were treated to entertainment by DJ Pete Mash, an additional silent auction, and, of course, an open bar and tasty hors d’oeuvre.
Events such as these happen year after year to fuel cancer research on behalf of St. Jude, which ensures that children’s families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food during their ordeal.