More than 300 guests recently joined Alex Flores and Tyler Leung Young, co-presidents of Young Friends of the Wilkinson Center, at the seventh annual White Party, held this year at the Empire Room.
Themed "Havana Nights," the fundraiser invited attendees to don white-hot attire while grooving the night away on a glossy white dance floor to tunes from DJ Jason Wiggz.
Sponsors and VIPs arrived at 9 pm for a private cocktail reception, walking a posh white carpet into the sleek party space, which featured signature bars and a CultureMap photo booth. Early arrivals enjoyed lite bites and signature cocktails such as gin punch and a lemonade sparkler with blueberries.
At 10 pm, additional partygoers arrived and the VIP lounge area opened for sponsors and their guests, complete with sleek white lounge furniture and bottle service for each table.
Wilkinson Center executive director Anne Reeder mingled among the guests, thanking each personally for their support of this year's fundraiser.
Spotted among the crowd were former Dallas Mavericks player Shawn Marion, Brad Gregory, Rachel Sargent, Hannah Sargent, Enri Zhulati, Adam Evers, Nikki Bloxton, Henry Masters, Stephanie King, Gina Slater, Patricia and Mark Monfrey, Branden Muhl, Britain Muhl, Jason Friedman, Ilona and Eric Friedman, Hunter Heres, Finley Haislip, Chris Senn Jr., Chris Senn Sr., Laura Reeder, Kristen Graska, and Ram Vasudevan.
As the party continued, Ruthie's Rolling Cafe arrived outside for late-night grilled cheeses, and the nearby Topo Chico station offered bottles of its sparkling water.
The Young Friends of Wilkinson Center was established in 2012 and has raised over $650,000 since its inception. Ranging in age from 23 to 40, the Young Friends are a group of dynamic YPs who have dedicated their resources and creativity to empowering Wilkinson Center clients to become self-sufficient and improve their lives.
Since 1982, Wilkinson Center has provided hope for a brighter future for thousands of Dallas County families in crisis. Through the combination of food, education, and jobs, families are stabilized and become contributing members of the community.
Naomi Wright, Summer Rodriguez, Carrie Crutchfield
