What: Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Under the Moonlight Gala
Where: 141 Manufacturing Street mixed-use development
The 411: Supporters of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas donned their cutest, most colorful spring dresses on May 5 for the Cinco de Mayo-themed fiesta, Bajo La Luz De La Luna.
Attendees gathered at sunset for the organization's first in-person gala since the pandemic pause. Chaired by April and Chad Cook, along with Holly and Paul Wittorf and honorary chairs Haylie and Bert Crouch, the event raised funds for RMHD, a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children who travel to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals.
Cinco de Mayo was the perfect way to bring back the beloved gala, said RMHD chief development officer Diane Fullingim.
“Up until 2020, the Under the Moonlight gala had been the pinnacle of our spring fundraising season, raising over $3.5 million for the House since 2005,” she said. “Getting to have the event in-person this year after such a long absence was an absolute blessing, and that excitement was palpable in the room."
Guests enjoyed the music of a mariachi band and noshed on authentic Mexican cuisine and sipped Osadía tequila tastings. The industrial space had been transformed by event producer extraordinaire Hamilton A. Sneed of HAS Events, with hundreds of bright tissue paper blooms, pinatas, colorful fringe, and sparkling lights.
A competitive auction included such fabulous items as a private suite for 21 at the Kenny Chesney concert at AT&T Stadium, a one-week luxury home escape in 30A Florida, and a VIP Mavericks basketball experience.
While exact figures were not made available, the organization says it "smashed" its fundraising goals.
Who: John Pool, Kelly Pool, Brandon Danna, Samantha Avila, Kathleen Kyle, Kim Cummings, Tresia Nwamadi, Sarah Sparling, Lee Anne Ulrich, Brittany Graft, Laura Petka, Leah Henry, Stephanie Lauck, Jenifer Valentine, Natalie Dossett, Caroline Gehan, Sheldon Arora, Jenny Hanlon, Nesta Murphy, Karra Hixon, Tricia Roos, Hilary Graham, Ashley Lyon, Megan Mattingly, Stephanie Brigger, and Lizzie Adsit.
Chad Cook. April Cook, Haylie Crouch, Bert Crouch, Holly Wittorf, Paul Wittorf
