Dallas' philanthropic powerhouses came together at Fashion Industry Gallery for a night they won't soon forget: the UNICEF Experience.
An impressive host community — including Joyce and Tim Goss, Faisal Halum, Brian Bolke, Lynn and Allan McBee, Jessica and Dirk Nowitzki, and Mark Plunkett —welcomed attendees, who got first-hand accounts of children living in Syria, Uganda, Nepal, Nicaragua, Kenya and Malawi through exhibits showcasing UNICEF’s lifesaving programs.
Guests — including Anna-Sophia van Zweden, Rebekah Finley, Matt Meyersohn, Moll Anderson, and Sheryl and Eric Maas— observed three experiences at this year’s event:
- Protection Experience. Every day, 10-year-old child laborer Tara works at a stone quarry, breaking rocks for a few dollars a month. Guests saw a replica of the quarry where Tara works and how she is now gaining access to education through UNICEF’s programs.
- Water Walk. Rosie, a 12-year-old girl, used to wake up at dawn and walk a mile and a half to fetch water for her family from a creek. Despite all of her efforts, this water is unclean and dirty and puts her family at risk for disease. Attendees carried water to feel the weight of Rosie’s burden and learn about UNICEF’s WASH program.
- Emergency Response. Adla, a 15-year-old girl, and her family fled Syria suddenly, bringing only what they could carry. Guests walked through an emergency tent like those often used as a base for relief efforts during large-scale disasters and emergencies.
Chaired by Catie and Aaron Enrico, the event welcomed Caryl Stern, CEO and president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, who spoke about the importance of the organization’s global work on behalf of children and expressed her appreciation for the generous and ongoing support from the Dallas community.
Proceeds from the event support UNICEF’s lifesaving work for children around the world.
Catie Enrico, Aaron Enrico
