More than 350 guests basked in the gorgeous Dallas weather for “First Anniversary Adventures, A Celebratory Soiree for Adults in a Child’s World,” aka the first birthday party for the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum.
Co-chairs Bettina and Dan Hennessy welcomed guests as the Booker T. Washington Jazz Combo, under the direction of Bart Marantz, played an impressive set that sent wonderful music throughout the 8-acre scientific garden. First stop for partygoers was the beverage station at the plaza, followed by the Oasis rooftop garden for gourmet apps.
Then it was time for dinner, where guest of honor Kay Bailey Hutchison, who had served as honorary chair of the capital campaign to build the garden, expressed her thanks for a glorious first year.
“This garden is world-class,” she said. “What you all have done is amazing. What you have done all these years is amazing. When people come to Dallas and visit the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, I’m going to make sure they come to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.”
After everyone had indulged in dinner, dessert and a celebratory toast, attendees — including Rory and Howard Meyers, Brian Shivers, Kaki Hopkins, Myrna and Bob Schlegel, and Joyce and Dr. Linus Wright — received lighted toys and glow necklaces to remind them of the fun they had at the garden. These, of course, were appropriate party favors for a 1-year-old’s birthday.
The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden was designed to connect children with nature. The garden is funded with support from the City of Dallas and private and corporate donors.
Myrna Schlegel, Bob Schlegel
