Philanthropy Notes

Dallas friends get in the spirit of giving at festive porch party

Philanthropy Notes

Dallas friends get in the spirit of giving at festive porch party

Young Friends of Wilkinson Center committee at the 2016 Spirit of Taos.Photo by Eric Priddy
Karrie Cato, Caitlin Hyatt, Mike Hyatt, Will Walters, Bob Cato, Nick Peterson, Catherine PetersonPhoto by Eric Priddy
Babo Crain, Sloan Looney Dix, Meridith Zidell, Stephanie TaylorPhoto by Eric Priddy
Sian Hardie, Susan Hardie, Danielle HardiePhoto by Eric Priddy
Ali Ledbetter, Joe Dewbre, Christina Dewbre, Meridith NeillPhoto by Eric Priddy
Alex Andrea Cohen, Ashtyn Avina, Rorie Vogel, Matt ThorntonPhoto by Eric Priddy
Scott Johnson, Beth Johnson, Danny Matlock, Sara Matlock, Linda SikesPhoto by Eric Priddy
Matt Muckleroy, Nick Higdem, Liz Stutts, Babo CrainPhoto by Eric Priddy
Annie Reeder, Steve Saxon, Cathy SaxonPhoto by Eric Priddy
John Ammons, Kathy Koons, Reyn Longino, Joe Longino, Fran Riggs, Michael RiggsPhoto by Eric Priddy
Wendy Whittington, Fred Duffy, Carlin MorrisPhoto by Eric Priddy
The Spirit of Taos 2016 was held outside at The Lot.Photo by Eric Priddy
Frank in the Middle and Downtown Fever performed.Photo by Eric Priddy

What: Spirit of Taos presented by Friends of Wilkinson Center

Where: The Lot

The 411: More than 300 people rocking cowboy boots packed the popular East Dallas hangout to support the Wilkinson Center. The Southwestern-themed evening kicked off with a margarita happy hour featuring tasty treats such as quesadillas, mini pimiento cheese sandwiches, tostadas, and chicken flautas. Executive director Anne Reeder and event chairs Sloan Looney Dix and Stephanie Taylor gave welcoming remarks before a full seated dinner replete with dessert from Emporium Pies.

Post dinner, Frank in the Middle and Downtown Fever provided the tunes while everyone bought raffle tickets and bid in the silent auction for items like a shoe autographed by Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki, a Florida Beach getaway, and gift certificates to top Dallas restaurants. Kendra Scott mystery jewelry boxes were also on offer for $60 each, and Flashbox Photobooth captured the memories.

The evening raised more than $120,000 for Wilkinson Center, which transforms the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect.

Who: Cathy Saxon, Steve Saxon, Meridith Zidell, Laura Ailshire, Kristen Johnson, Michael Graska, Meredith Diers, Kendall Angela, Hunter Heres, Kelli Mansfield, OJ DeSouza, Jenn Dolim, Tia Williams, and Kay Weir.

fundraisers

Matcha News

Dallas TikTok star Keith Lee crafts matcha drink for flood relief

Keith Lee hoists his special matcha drink. Instagram

The devastating floods that swept across Central Texas on July 4 are bringing out all kinds of charitable endeavors — and that includes a limited-edition beverage from Dallas' favorite TikTok food influencer Keith Lee.

Lee, a social media sensation whose online food reviews have benefited hundreds of small restaurants, is partnering with Dallas-based La La Land Cafe on a special drink: Called the La La Land X Keith Lee Latte, it's a matcha drink in which 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards Kerr County flood relief.

La La Land is the coffee chain founded in Dallas in 2019 with a mission to provide opportunities for fostering youth and individuals in need. It now has 10 locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, plus three in Houston and six in Southern California.

The new Keith Lee Latte will consist of double ceremonial matcha, with secret syrup, matcha cloud, a whole fresh strawberry, flaky salt, and matcha powder. (Lee can be seen enjoying the beverage in this video.)

Matcha is the Japanese green tea powder that has experienced a surge in popularity, appearing in everything from drinks like the matcha latte to desserts like matcha mousse.

Keith Lee Latte is a matcha drink.Instagram

Lee, who relocated to Dallas in 2024, has been on a matcha kick ever since he tried it in Chicago, which he says "led me down a rabbit hole," and it has become his trademark drink. In May, he visited seven cafes across DFW in search of the perfect matcha in town, and that included La La Land, where he ordered a matcha with almond milk.

He also has a charitable history, including a special visit he made to Taste Project in Fort Worth to donate $4,000 to support the nonprofit's mission to fight food insecurity.

The Keith Lee Latte will be available at all La La Land cafes beginning Friday July 11, for a limited time only. From July 11-27, 100 percent of all proceeds will support flood relief efforts in Kerr County - "a community in our home state that’s hurting," La La Land Cafe says.

media weather celebrities

Featured Event