Honoring heroes

$2 million mission accomplished at Dallas gala honoring heroic military families

What: 2021 Folds of Honor Gala

Where: AT&T Stadium

The 411: North Texas philanthropists, veterans, military families, and scholarship recipients filled the field at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, November 13 for the sixth annual Folds of Honor Gala. The event raises funds to provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The evening included a VIP reception, seated dinner, live auction of luxury items and experiences, live entertainment, dancing, and a few patriotic surprises.

After an introduction by the Color Guard, who presented the American and military flags, emcee Julie Dobbs of KTCK the Ticket welcomed guests. Then attention turned to the roof, where the the “Patriot Parachuters,” a veteran-owned parachute team, rappelled down the stadium to great cheers and applause.

Sarah Duncan, Folds of Honor regional development officer, shared her personal experience as a recipient of a scholarship from the organization, then recognized the Werra family and honorary chairs Cintia and Johnny Powers for their many contributions to the Dallas-area nonprofit. All received signature Folds of Honor A2 Flight Jackets on stage.

Guests went head-to-head in the live auction, with the most exciting item of the night being the chance to tandem jump with the Patriot Parachuters as they parachute into the Folds of Honor golf tournament in 2022.

Guests danced the night away to hit songs performed by Emerald City Band. The night ended in celebration when it was announced that the gala had raised $1,952,640, which will provide more than 390 educational scholarships to deserving military families. For more information about Folds of Honor, visit the website.

Who: Travis Hollman, Stephanie Hollman, Ben Boudreaux, Melissa Pestalozzi, Janelle Brandom, Devin Mccarthy, Brandi Redmond, Jeff Dull, Ashley Dull, Laura Ailshire, Anthony Carter, Laurie Carter, Monica May, Wade May, Brian Orange, Brandon Orange, Wanda Orange, Brooklyn Orange, Brianna Orange, Jill Schloesser, Joe Schloesser, Brock Appenzeller, Katie Kielminski, Zach Appenzeller, Rhonda Appenzeller, Phil Appenzeller, Sammie Williams, Lindsay Cummings, Maddie Borg, Jackie May, Kaely Ferguson, Ellen Conley, Dane Conley, Jack Stow, Makynlee Mendoza, and Diane Nemecek.

Travis Hollman, Stephanie Hollman, Cintia Powers, Johnny Powers

Photo by George Fiala

Travis Hollman, Stephanie Hollman, Cintia Powers, Johnny Powers

fundraisers galas

Ladies in rouge

Parisian style meets purpose at chic 2026 Go Red Luncheon in Dallas

Photo courtesy of AHA

Rosangela Zurawel, Cathy Amos, Anna Berman, Regina Bruce

What: 2026 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon benefiting the American Heart Association

Where: Fairmont Dallas

The 411: More than 600 North Texans convened Friday, March 6 for the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon, a stylish and mission-minded afternoon dedicated to raising awareness and funds for women’s cardiovascular health. This year’s “Hearts in Bloom” theme transformed the Fairmont ballroom into a chic Parisian-inspired garden party, awash in florals, soft café touches, and bold red accents — ooh la la.

Guests, of course, were dressed in shades of rouge.

The immersive afternoon began with a cocktail reception featuring activations such as Studio Calme chair yoga, a floral “Bloom Bar,” beauty touch-ups, and a live fashion sketch artist. Guests also learned Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, explored Research Goes Red initiatives, and participated in a moving Tribute Wall honoring loved ones.

Co-chairs Paola Arbour and Sandi Karrmann underscored the urgency of the cause, reminding attendees that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women - and encouraging them to “Go Red” by knowing their numbers and taking action. Emcees Kristin Diaz (anchor for NewsRadio 1080 KRLD) and Sam Gannon (sports co‑host with FOX 4 News) kept the program upbeat, and longtime supporter Stacy Nahas was honored with the 2026 Sandi Haddock Community Impact Award.

The program turned inspirational with keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Shepherd, who shared insights on prevention, early detection, and empowering women with vital health information.

With support from sponsors including CVS Health, Kimberly-Clark, and Texas Health, the 2026 Go Red campaign has raised $1.6 million, with momentum continuing to grow. Go Red supports lifesaving research, education, and advocacy for women’s heart health.

Who: Rosangela Zurawel, Cathy Amos, Anna Berman, Regina Bruce, David Harvey, Debbie Murray, Christina Reed, Dr. Carla Russo, Elizabeth Smith, Paola Arbour, Sandi Karrmann, Ellington Heis, Linda Pothoff, Everett Heis, Ashley Heis, Heidi Clement, Kelly Maxwell-Gomez, Catherine Whiddon, Daphne Henderson, Susan Wetzel, Stacy Nahas, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.

Photo courtesy of AHA

Rosangela Zurawel, Cathy Amos, Anna Berman, Regina Bruce

charity fundraisers health luncheons