Philanthropy Notes
Legendary gala raises big bucks for Family Compass
More than 250 guests made their way to the Hilton Anatole for the 20th annual "A Legendary Evening" benefiting Family Compass.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by co-chairs Kristine Schwope and Heather Walther and honorary chairs Kelly and Marty Turco who invited them to enjoy cocktails while bidding on one-of-a-kind silent auction items.
Guests feeling particularly lucky bought chances for "Duff's Diamond Dig" containing prices like a men's Rolex, a dazzling ring made of yellow gold, rose quartz and white diamonds and a stunning necklace made of yellow gold, purple amethyst and white diamonds — all courtesy of Duff’s Fine Jewelry.
Guests were then seated as the evening’s mistress of ceremonies, WFAA's Colleen Coyle, introduced the impressive roster of the evening’s legends including voice of the Dallas Cowboys Roger Emrich, leading real estate reporter and consultant Candy Evans, the Dallas Arts District’s Catherine Cuellar, Community Foundations of Texas president and CEO Brent Christopher, president of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Jennifer Sampson and many more.
Family Compass executive director Jessica Trudeau welcomed patrons and announced the 2014 Spirit of Compassion Award recipients and long-time supporter of Family Compass, Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones.
Partygoers —including Maggie Kipp, JB Hayes, Meghan and Eddie Grothaus, Erica and Jesse Abercrombie, Diane and Ward Beaudry and Erin and Justin Strange— enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by coffee and dessert. As the cheesecake was being served, the live auction got underway.
Hot items on the auction block included a private dining experience for 10 prepared by chef David Anthony Temple, an evening at a Dallas Stars game in the alumni suite with Marty Turco, and a private dinner for 25 from restaurateur Mico Rodriquez.
As the live auction came to a close, partygoers put in their last minute bids in the silent auction before hitting the dance floor with entertainment by KellsWorld Music. As patrons prepared to leave, they were treated to a trio ofpampering products from Mary Kay.
The annual fundraiser raised over $212,000 in support of Family Compass programs, which help create a strong Dallas community by preventing child abuse and neglect.