Gambling for Good
Greer Garson Gala puts Cannes-style fun in fundraising
The Greer Garson Gala lured a crowd of well-dressed devotees to Omni Dallas for the annual fundraising fete themed "Evening in Cannes." Greeted by casino and auction tables, guests were encouraged to bid and gamble to help raise funds for the Woman and Infant Services in the Margo Perot Center at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas.
Once seated, NBC 5's Marc Fein welcomed guests and invited Texas Health employee and patient Sonya Manibusan to the stage. She talked about being diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with a baby. Manibusan moved the audience to tears and later lifted spirits as she told us about her daughter's healthy birth and the support of Texas Health.
Then a surprise 3D video featuring Greer Garson helped kick off a fund-to-cause challenge. In just three minutes, partygoers donning 3D glasses raised $28,000 for Texas Health.
After filling up on a decadent meal of lotus root salad, hoisin-marinated beef filet and chocolate pecan tart, honorary chairs Barbara and Stan Rabin,Sarah and James Larry, Shannon Fisher, Janet and Rich Fresquez, and Jay McAuley joined gala co-chairs Jennifer and Chris LeLash on the dance floor and waltzed to music by Hunter Sullivan.
Festive fundraisers Maggie Kipp, D'Andra Simmons, Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, LeeAnne Locken, Martha and Doug Hawthorne, Brian Gerber,and Misty Kimbrell carried on Cannes-style well into the night, with bidding, drinking and gambling for a great cause.