And They're Off
Derby-loving Dallasites don fancy finery at treasured fundraiser
About three weeks after Dallas' society set pulled out all the millinery stops for the Mad Hatter's Tea, they showed there's more than one fabulous chapeau in their wardrobes at Turtle Creek Conservancy's 11th annual Day at the Races.
Fascinators, fedoras, and everything in between bobbed about Arlington Hall, where more than 500 guests assembled to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports: the Kentucky Derby.
But they were also there to raise funds for the the beautification, maintenance, and development of the 80-year-old Arlington Hall and the Turtle Creek Park.
Junior Conservancy co-chairs Ryan and Kelly Kirkham, community chair Dean Driver, and honorary chairs Lynn and Peter Dauterman welcomed guests as they mingled over lawn games in the Goff Formal Garden, posed at three different photo stations, danced to the Taylor Pace Orchestra, and had the chance to participate in Pick UR Pony "wagering."
They dined on Southern-inspired cuisine, such as shrimp and grits, shrimp cocktail, fried green tomatoes, traditional Hot Brown open-faced sandwiches, and a build-your-own biscuit bar. There were, of course, Woodford Reserve mint juleps, along with a GH Mumm Champagne bar pouring refreshing bubbly.
At the live and silent auctions, bids flew for items including a one-week stay in a private San Miguel de Allende villa, dinner at Fine China, a staycation at the Statler Hotel, a breathtaking helicopter ride over Dallas, and a trip to the Woodford Reserve Distillery (to name a few).
At 5:26 pm, everyone gathered to watch as Country House won the controversial 145th Kentucky Derby, but each guest walked away knowing they were a winner for supporting the Conservancy.