When word gets out that the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Young Friends are throwing a party, the young professional scene buzzes with excitement. And for good reason: This group has a track record of bringing in hot entertainment, great food and amazing auction items to help support this worthy cause.
This year was no exception, as hundreds of charitable YPs descended on The Foundry for a casual, cool concert featuring beloved Texas country crooners Reckless Kelly. Although this fundraiser has traditionally been a Friday night cocktail party and silent auction, current president Jenny Harris says the organization decided to blaze a new trail.
“We wanted to make sure we were keeping things fresh and fun, so this year we decided to shake things up and put on our dancing boots. Once Reckless Kelly was on board, we knew a laid-back Thursday night concert was the way to go.”
Event chairs Lizzie Duplantis, Margretta Wikert and Katie Crow welcomed guests to the eclectic outdoor venue to first enjoy appetizers and drinks while making their way around the silent auction tables. The list of items was a mile long, but our favorites included the Jackson Durham flowers-for-a-year prize and a trip to Vail. We may or may not have walked away with NorthPark Gold and valet passes. Oh the dangers of bidding while on assignment.
When it was time for Reckless Kelly to take the stage, partygoers grabbed a koozie of Texas beer and hit the dance floor for some toe tappin’ and two steppin’. Young Friends members went around to attendees — including Dan Harris, Julie Denham, Aida Reyna, Chris Talamantez, James Starcher, Stacy McElreath and Celeste Newton — to deliver cowboy hats, blinged-out glasses and other various party props.
The successful Foundry fête helped raise money and awareness to further Ronald McDonald House’s mission of meeting the needs of seriously ill children and their families.
Tiffany McNutt, Clay McNutt
