Philanthropy Scene
Chi Omega Christmas fans jump start Dallas holiday shopping season
On the eve of a cherished annual shopping tradition, Chi Omega alumnae welcomed VIP shoppers to Fair Park to kick off the Chi Omega Christmas Market, the official start of the Dallas holiday season.
Co-chairs Allison Cox and Sara Koda opened up this year’s shop to family and friends, who settled in for a night of Deep Eddy cocktail drinking and Urban Taco Tex-Mex tasting. With bellies full, attendees could turn their attention to the 180 merchants that filled Centennial Hall, including jewelry, home décor, clothes, toys, holiday decorations and much more.
Pumped up by the sounds of crooner Hunter Sullivan, guests — including Savannah Eidson, Jana Beth Eidson, Karen Prichard, Shelley Potter, Sarah Beth McDonald and Sarah Cashman — stocked up before the general public got the chance the next day. Once again, these sorority sisters proved they know how to put on a good holiday market.
This year’s market, themed “Christmas in the City,” continued with the tradition of giving back to the community. The following 10 beneficiaries were selected to receive a portion of the $206,500 pledged:
- Bea’s Kids
- Chi Omega Education Foundation
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County
- CitySquare
- Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center
- Dallas Children’s Theater
- Dallas Police Association’s Assist the Officer Foundation
- Letot Center Capital Foundation
- Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas
- Project Transformation
The Chi Omega Christmas Market began in 1978 after a Dallas Chi Omega alumna spent two years planning to get the first show off the ground. It was held in the ballroom of the Dallas Convention Center, where there were 49 booths and 14 double booths. It has grown into the Dallas chapter’s signature philanthropic event, which consistently raises more than $250,000 a year to a select group of beneficiaries.