One Dallas backyard sure does see a lot of charitable action. Faye Briggs once again opened up her luxurious abode, this time to Dress for Success supporters for the Light the Runway fundraiser themed “Garden Party Rocks.”
At this stylish affair, philanthropic guests — including Yvonne Crum, Shona Gilbert, Dawn Marie Mellon and Rhonda Sargent Chambers — were treated to bites by chef Martita Jara of Home Made Simple, signature cocktails by Deep Eddy vodka and Sauza tequila, Paciugo gelato, Fluffpop gourmet cotton candy, and HotPoppin’ gourmet popcorn.
Although everyone arrived thinking the fashion show was the afternoon’s only entertainment, event chair Janet Fresquez had a trick up her sleeve. Out of nowhere, a flash mob broke out to the tune of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Fresquez — along with son Jarrod, professional dancers and certain guests — had been practicing for weeks, unbeknownst to attendees.
Emcees Scott Murray and D’Andra Simmons Lock also delighted guests. But perhaps most important, one deserving Dress for Success client received the inaugural Katydid Award, named for the one of the organization’s biggest supporters, Katy Messersmith Maddox. The prize package included a skincare package from mPulse and $1,000 in work attire from ReFabulous, Dress for Success Dallas’ resale boutique at Valley View.
The fashion show, produced by Harriet Kelly Gibbe, featured father-daughter duos and Dallas notables — Brian Geyer, Dr. Mark Deuber, American Idol season 7 finalist Jason Castro, Lisa Petty, Matt Gallagher, Rich Emberlin, Ryan Neufeld, Stubbs Davis, Teffy Jacobs and Vaughn Miller — who took the stage to showcase collections by Front Door Fashion, Q Custom Clothier, Rye 51, Warehaus and more.
The night commenced with an impressive set by local rock ’n’ rollers Dovetail, who played their new single, “Julie,” along with several originals and classic rock ballads by the Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac.
Light the Runway is biggest Dallas fundraiser of the year for Dress for Success, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women located in 110 cities across 12 countries. The professional clothing, employment retention programs and ongoing support symbolize the organization’s faith in every woman’s ability to be self-sufficient and successful in her career.
Shona Gilbert, Suraj Jagannathan, Prashe Shah
