It's a new era for Bryan's House, the unique Dallas resource and facility that has grown to annually serve 1,200 at-risk children and their families with special health, education, therapy, and family supportive service needs. And on hand to celebrate were more than 430 philanthropists, community leaders, and supporters at the annual Bryan's House luncheon and fashion show, held this year at Belo Mansion.
Chairs Rhonda and Fraser Marcus — along with daughter and Youth Ambassador Emmy Marcus — and honorary chair Hon. Senator Jane Nelson welcomed the guests to an afternoon of laughter-filled speeches and a runway showcase featuring Cat & Jack adaptive clothing from Target, all emceed by broadcaster Clarice Tinsley.
The luncheon provides annual funds to meet a huge gap in services for at-risk children with special medical, educational, and therapy services in North Texas, and 100 percent of funds raised go back to Bryan's House.
There was recognition for outstanding contributions as well, with Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Gensler, Linda Hall, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, John and Linda McFarland, and the Community Council all receiving the 2019 Wisdom Hope Award.
Spotted among the crowd were Martin Woodall, Betsy Cullum, Patsy Donosky, Barbara Brice, Nancy Greenback, Nancy Roe, Helen Irizarry, Louise Griffeth, Gary Garcia, Ryan and Troy McCuller, Robert Walker, Paige Nash, Stuart Newsome, Linda and Robert Hall, John and Linda McFarland, Eileen Nash, Kim Hext, Karen Foster, George Armstrong, Ken Sheffield, Mercedes Owens, Jesse Greenberg, Jean and Andy Raub, and Tiffany and Paul Divis.
This year's focus has been on serving more hidden children in the city, building capacity, and making sure diversity and inclusion are a part of everyday discussion and programming.
Looking ahead to the future, it was revealed that Bryan's House has formed new partnerships with global giants Ericsson, Microsoft, Starbucks, and RoboKind. The 2020 luncheon will be themed "Pathways to Inclusion," and feature guest speakers, a panel, cool AI technology, and more.
Honorary chairs for next year's event will be Betsy Kleinman and Dr. Lisa Genecov. The luncheon chairs will be announced in the fall, along with presenting sponsors.
