Kids at Heart

These Dallas YPs make an impact in a child's life through philanthropic fun

Dozens of young professional philanthropy groups in Dallas are devoted to championing a variety of good causes. One of the most noteworthy among them is the Crayon Club at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, which supports the institution’s mission to provide exceptional care to thousands of children every year regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

From fantastic events to educational programming and volunteer opportunities, Crayon Club brings together individuals who want to make a positive impact on their community, network with other young leaders and have a great time in the process.

There is never a dull moment with Crayon Club. Members are invited to summer socials, networking events, shopping opportunities and hospital-wide affairs. In addition to these fun get-togethers, Crayon Club also hosts a few larger events throughout the year.

Crawfish Boil
As a fun, relaxed way to kick off the spring fundraising season, Crayon Club hosts the third annual crawfish boil on Thursday, April 2, at newly opened Rodeo Goat in the Dallas Design District. Expect all the crawfish and fixings you can eat, plus live music. Tickets are $15 for members for $20 and non-members.

Character Breakfast
As with most Dallas YP groups, Crayon Club hosts a signature benefit event. But these budding philanthropists eschew cocktail dresses and suits in favor of capes and tights — superhero tights, that is. Crayon Club’s annual Character Breakfast brings together families from across Dallas-Fort Worth for a magical meet-and-greet experience for kids of all ages, complete with superheroes, team mascots, princesses and more. Set for June 27, this special breakfast includes an autograph session, silent auction, photo booth, face painting and much more.

Summer Colors
Crayon Club members join other TSRHC supporters on July 30 at Summer Colors, a silent art auction. Entering its seventh year, Summer Colors offers the Dallas community a chance to support Texas Scottish Rite while being exposed to some of Dallas’ most exciting up-and-coming artists. Guests mingle over hors d’oeuvre while bidding on original artworks. Auction proceeds benefit the hospital.

Truck or Treat
Another Crayon Club favorite is the annual Halloween extravaganza, Truck or Treat. This party features some of Dallas’ most delicious food trucks, live entertainment, lawn games and spooky treats. This year’s event takes place at the hospital on October 22.

An Educational Evening with Crayon Club
Crayon Club membership also offers the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in pediatric orthopedics and research from an unparalleled team of TSRHC experts. This educational evening, on a TBD date in August, is a wonderful way to learn more about TSRHC and to introduce new friends to the hospital. The evening includes hospital tours followed by dinner and a speaker from the TSRHC staff.

Volunteering
Many Crayon Club members will tell you that as much as they love the events, volunteering makes their experience that much more meaningful. Crayon Club members volunteer in events around the community, such as the Dallas Marathon and TSRHC’s Farm and Ranch Day in Reverchon Park. They also spend time with patients at the hospital. There is nothing quite as special as seeing the resilience and joy in a child’s face.

Visit Crayon Club online at TSRHC.org/crayon-cl ub or Facebook.com/CrayonClub to learn how to become a member. 2015 is going to be an exciting year, and we hope you will join us in the fun.

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has been caring for children since 1921. TSRHC treats children with orthopedic conditions, such as scoliosis, clubfoot, hand disorders, hip disorders and limb length differences, as well as certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders such as dyslexia. Please visit us online at TSRHC.org or Facebook.org/tsrhc or call us at 214-559-5000 for additional information.

Crayon Club kicks off the spring fundraising season with a crawfish boil.

Photo courtesy of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Crayon Club kicks off the spring fundraising season with a crawfish boil.

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Hot to trot

Equest Dallas patrons pony up record $700K at blue ribbon-worthy ball

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

A sold-out crowd of 570 supporters stampeded into Gilley’s Dallas on April 25 for the 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala. The Western-chic affair, always one of the most highly anticipated galas of spring, would have a record-breaking night.

Co-chairsKristin and James Hallam and honorary chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor welcomed patrons decked out in cowboy boots and hats to Gilley's, which had been transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest by event designer Steve Kemble. A “disco saddle” centerpiece even hung from the ceiling.

Emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton welcomed the crowed with a hearty "yee haw!" Equest founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her an Equest organization legend. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client.

New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to underscore Equest’s mission to provide equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling (much of it free of charge) to children, adults, and veterans. He shared the nonprofit's bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment.

His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord with the crowd, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and patrons did that in spades. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles stridently, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. Bidding got fast and furious live auction packages that included fabulous trips (with destinations such as France, Antigua, and Montana) and more. The most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Murad - ever the showman - auction off his own sparkling jacket. It fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber (who clearly loves a good statement piece).

In total, the gala raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history. The Blue Ribbon Ball's proceeds go directly to equine-assisted therapies and other services provided by Equest; for more information, visit the organization's website.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

After a night of sipping, dining, and fundraising, patrons tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the evening, were Donna Weitzman, Nancy Greenbach, Natalie Taylor, Therese Rourk, Anne Seanor, Courtney Conley, Maggie Spiegel, Tyler Bridges, Lea LaFortune, Lee and Paul Michaels, Ryan and Kelly Casey, Christina Eubanks, Megan Pharis, Julie Bagley, Laura Johnson, Parker and Katy Brooks, Sharon Lee Clark, Max Clark, Jordan Glasgow, Anna Gresham, Khaki Christopher, Jessie Dornak, Jeff Netzer, Lynn McBee, Sarah and Trey Pederson, Luis Araujo, Amy Green, Kayten Elder, Sila Grogan, Melissa Placet, Tayler Reiter, Danny and Tanya Rice, Tina and Michael Beasom, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.