Charitable partygoers, dressed in their best “magical chic” attire, found refuge from the cold Saturday night at the Empire Room in the Design District, where Resource Center Dallas threw its 17th annual Toast to Life fundraiser. Themed “Voodoo on the Trinity,” the affair was a feast for the senses.
For starters, the room was packed with artworks and other items up for auction, which patrons could bid on via mobile phone. Flavor-filled bites from such restaurants as Bridge Bistro, Truluck’s, R+D Kitchen, Salum, Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers and the Original Cupcakery soaked up the prosecco, Stoli vodka and Bud Light that flowed freely from several bars.
More stimulation came in the form of tunes curated by the incomparable DJ Lady Bunny, whose soundtrack of old and new favorites — from Michael Jackson to Beyonce to Pharrell Williams — kept guests hopping on the dance floor.
As if good eats, drinks and dance tunes weren’t enough, there were plenty of other activities to keep attendees — including emcee Ron Corning, Resource Center CEO Cece Cox and development director Cameron Hernholm, Barbara Houser, Anisha Mandol, and Chuck Steelman — engaged. Those included tarot card readings, face painting and a photo booth with glow-in-the-dark props. Prints from the latter went for $5 each — donations that went straight to Resource Center coffers.
Toast to Life, this year chaired by Buddy Mullino and Judy Sherman, benefits the programs and services of Resource Center Dallas, which empowers the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening families and communities, and providing transformative education and advocacy.
Since its inception in 1999, Toast to Life has raised more than $3 million.
Chuck Steelman, Lady Bunny, Ron Corning
