It's a Jungle Out There

Savvy Survivor star secures reality TV pals for new Dallas fundraiser

A Dallas reality TV star has enlisted her Survivor pals to help with a new fundraiser. Missy Payne, star of Survivor San Juan del Sur (season 29), will host the inaugural “It’s a Jungle Out There” on August 29 at Lofty Spaces, to benefit the nonprofit Cheer 4 Life.

For the $150 price of admission, attendees can rub elbows with the following former Survivor contestants:

Natalie Anderson (Survivor San Juan del Sur, season 29 winner)
Nadiya Anderson (Survivor San Juan del Sur, season 29)
Max Dawson (Survivor Worlds Apart, season 30)
Tyler Fredrickson (Survivor Worlds Apart, season 30)
Mike Holloway (Survivor Worlds Apart, season 30 winner)
April Lewis (Big Brother, season 6)
Julie McGee (Survivor San Juan del Sur, season 29)
Keith Nale (Survivor San Juan del Sur, season 29)
Shirin Oskool (Survivor Worlds Apart, season 30)
Kelly Reminton (Survivor Worlds Apart, season 30)
Carolyn “Mama C” Rivera (Survivor Worlds Apart, season 30)
Renae Virata (Ready For Love, season 7)

During the event, the above Survivor celebs compete in challenges similar to those seen on the show. Spectators can place bets or buy a chance to compete alongside them.

In addition to dinner and Survivor-like antics, guests can expect live entertainment from Baylor Wilson, a rising Nashville star (and Payne’s daughter and fellow Survivor season 29 contestant), as well as performances by teens from area performing arts high schools, competitive club cheerleading and dance programs, and acrobatic troupes. From that you may have gleaned that this is a family-friendly event, although attendees must be at least 14.

No fundraiser is complete without a live auction, and among the items up for grabs that evening are tickets to attend the season 31 live finale, where the Survivor winner will be named.

Because it’s August in Texas, and some of this takes place outdoors, attire is “jungle chic,” which does not mean leopard-print stilettos, ladies. Organizers recommend dressy shorts, fancy camo tops, and sandals or sneakers. “Anything that screams ‘jungle’ will help you to look the part,” reads a release.

Beneficiary Cheer 4 Your Life provides opportunities for youth to participate in a variety of athletic, performance and service-based programs by offering financial assistance to those in need. The nonprofit believes that being a part of programs of this nature are hugely rewarding and will empower, inspire and motivate youth by giving them a chance to defy their own limits.

Survivor alumnae Missy Payne (right) and her daughter, Baylor Wilson, will be at a new Dallas fundraiser on August 29 called "It's a Jungle Out There."

Baylor Wilson and Missy Payne from Survivor season 29

Courtesy photo

Survivor alumnae Missy Payne (right) and her daughter, Baylor Wilson, will be at a new Dallas fundraiser on August 29 called "It's a Jungle Out There."

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Spreading the love

Dallas hearts open wide to raise $1M at St. Valentine's Day Luncheon

Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon honorary chairs Clayton and Ellen Kershaw with co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon

What: 2026 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show

Where: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

The 411: On Wednesday, February 4, 850 guests descended on the Meyerson for the 42nd annual luncheon benefiting Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). Themed "The Heart of the Fight," this year's event was co-chaired by Megan and Keith Conlon, with honorary chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw.

Guests were dressed in their Valentine's-inspired reds, pinks, and florals, and did more than just wear their hearts on their sleeve. They opened their hearts (and pocketbooks) wide to raise more than $1 million to fight blood cancers.

The event started with a champagne reception and silent auction for sports memorabilia, jewelry, trips, and more. The program was emceed by Clarice Tinsley of Fox4 in the concert hall and included remarks by Blood Cancer United chief medical officer Dr. Gwen Nichols, who underscored the life-saving mission of the organization.

$\u200b2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon$ Blood Cancer United executive director Leah Swanson, Spirit of Tom Landry Award recipient Vivian Haddad, Lara Haddad and emcee Clarice Tinsley.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

The inaugural Linda Somerville Memorial Hero award - named for co-chair Megan Conlon's mother, who died of a blood cancer - was given to Gene Palma and accepted by his wife Susan and sons Alex and Charlie.

Additional awards included:

The 2026 ICON Award to Lisa Cooley
The Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award to Kathi Shuford
The Spirit of Tom Landry Award to Vivian Haddad

The event's fashion show, produced by the Robyn Chauvin, showcased spring looks from Highland Park Village retailers and included committee members’ children modeling Valentine’s-inspired looks from LoveShackFancy.

A luncheon of chicken on field greens and red velvet cake or lavender panna cotta followed in the lobby, and a coffee bar was offered as the day concluded.

$\u200b2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon$

Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon honorary chairs Clayton and Ellen Kershaw with co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon

Who: St. Valentine's Day Luncheon co-founders Rusty Duvall and Janet Evans, Blood Cancer United executive director Leah Swanson, Peggy Sewell, Aaron and Brittain Ewert, Alison Malone, Kristin Hallam, Courtney Petit, Kate Cutshall, Marty Petet, Destin Shore, Meredith Ferrell, Megan Filgo, Bessie Doffermyer, Katie Walton, Jennifer Dix, Mary Martha Pickens, Elizabeth Conroy, Lacy Lange, Emily Isom, Sarah Oliver, Ellie Skidmore, Julia Jenevein, Kate Leyendecker, Victoria Snee, Caroline Chandler, Kristi Harbord, Suhani Patel, Abbey Jennings, Tatianna Brannen, Emily Bowlin, Lindsey Emanuelson, Dwight Emanuelson, Claire Emanuelson, Sterling Evans, Peyton Dowd, Sarah Malloy, Pam Dyer, Erica Armijo, Diane Scovell, Allie Beth Allman, Venise Stuart, Patti Flowers, Phillip and Samantha Wortley, and hundreds more patrons and guests.

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