What: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas fundraiser
Where: The home of Troy and Capa Aikman
The 411: Capa and Troy Aikman opened their home to a who's who of Dallas philanthropists for a private dinner and performance by country music star Jason Aldean — all to benefit United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
As the chair of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ 2017-2018 annual campaign, Aikman is helming the efforts to raise funds to support the organization's focus areas of education, income, and health in North Texas.
Aikmans hosted their first private fundraising event for United Way in their new home, which marked the culmination of his chairmanship. Celebrity chef Kent Rathbun prepared a gourmet dinner for guests who included United Way CEO Jennifer Sampson, Deedie Rose, Barry Andrews, Barbara and Jim Lentz, Natalie and Mike McGuire, Ellen and John McStay, Nancy Perot, Rod Jones, Annette Simmons, Jerry Fronterhouse, and many more.
The intimate dinner took place in the Aikmans' luxurious garage, which had been transformed into a beautiful dinner setting by event designer Jason Valdivia. After the last course was served, Sampson took to the stage to thank Aikman for his dedication.
“For those who know Troy, they know he is very thoughtful about his commitments,” she said.
Aikman then expressed gratitude to Aldean and his wife, Brittany, for making the trip from Nashville. He also thanked Aldean’s tour manager, Jake LaGrone (who is a close friend of Troy’s and who arranged the performance), as well as Sampson and her team.
“Get aligned with smart people who know more than you, then good things will happen," he said. "United Way is a great example of that.”
The evening concluded with an acoustic set by two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year Aldean, who performed his most notable hits — including “You Make It Easy” and “A Little More Summertime” — pausing to share personal stories in between each song.
May has been a busy month for Aikman. On May 8, he unveiled plans for his eatery, Troy's, which is scheduled to open at Texas Live! in Arlington in late summer.
Who: Lynae Fearing, Barry Andrews, Jeff Busby, Andrea Busby, Gwen Parker, Doug Parker, Edward Sampson, Stacey Walker, Reid Walker, Kit Sawers, David McAtee, Cristy McAtee, Daren Lesley, Angela Lesley, April Anthony, Mark Anthony, Bob Woods, Cynthia Hayes, Alan Motsenbocker, Anne Motsenbocker, and Stephen Giles.
Troy Aikman, Capa Aikman
Fly By Midnight.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Carter Brown.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Landon Richie.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Liliana Villarreal, Kelley Robinson, Brandon Wolf, Dustin Vyers.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Cynt MarshallPhoto by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Jason Lamoreaux and Black Tie Dinner beneficiaries.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company