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    Crowning achievements

    Majestic Mad Hatter's takes English garden-party elegance to new heights in Dallas

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Apr 27, 2023 | 3:45 pm

    The big Coronation may be a few days and an ocean away, but Dallas style queens donned their own crowns for a decidedly regal35th Mad Hatter's Luncheon on April 20 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

    With the theme "Majestic Mad Hatters - A Celebration of English Elegance," co-chairs Anne Stodghill and Kristina Wrenn, along with honorary chair Kim Hext, had hoped to set a dignified tone for the event. "We pay homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II with her sense of style, love of hats, and indominable spirit," they wrote in the program.

    Many of the 650 attendees boasted grand and graceful millinery that any British garden party baroness might envy. The younger set went with darling little fascinators propped daintily on their 'dos.

    But this was, after all, Mad Hatter's, an event with a reputation for glue-gun gloriousness and sky-high kitschy splendor.

    Were there tea party sets teetering precariously over heads? Of course. Castles, crowns, and Queen dolls embellishing chapeaus, and entire English gardens flowing down from them? Yep. (Scroll through the photos above to see these creations and more.)

    The highlight of Mad Hatter's each year is the hat competition, adjudicated by celebrity judges who pick winners in several cleverly named categories. This year's judges and winners were:

    Ryan Ross, president of Neiman Marcus, presented "The Princess of Wales: Best Overall Ensemble" award to Yvonne Evans.

    Nathan Johnson, creative director of Gro Floral and Event Design, presented "The Chelsea Flower Show: Most Creative use of Fresh Botanicals" award to Kristi Boylan.

    Cassie MacGregor, accomplished milliner, presented "The Queen’s Choice: Most True to Theme" to Sarah Jo Hardin.

    Barbara Bigham, founding member of the WCDABG and Past Mad Hatter’s Chair, presented "The Hybrid: Best English Garden Hat with a Texas Twist" to Claire Catrino (who revealed that the feathers in her hat were from a "fresh kill" on her Texas ranch).

    David Yarrow, celebrated UK fine art photographer, presented "The Head Turner: Best in Show" award to Megan Clark.

    Emberli Pridham, author of a recently published children's book about Princess Diana, presented "A True Princess Diana: Sure to be a lasting Fashion Legend" award to Kathy King (who fiercely wore Princess Di's famous little black "revenge dress," pearl necklace, and bracelet).

    Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia, fashion designers and artisans, presented "The Royal Enclosure: Group that could attend Ascot Together" to the High Tea Group.

    People’s Choice award went to Elizabeth Smith (who carried a stuffed corgi doll along with her floral crown).

    And a special, Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Barbara Bigham to Kunthear Mam-Douglas, a golden lady, from head to toe.

    In a format departure, this year's luncheon divided the group between the larger Rosine Hall and the smaller pavilion at A Tasteful Place. Awards presentations were given in both venues, and attendees could enjoy their British-inspired lunch of Coronation chicken salad, traditional scones, berries, and English rolled brandy snaps in plenty of air-conditioning (blessedly) instead of outdoors, under tents.

    Another big change from years past was the inclusion of a post-luncheon keynote address rather than a fashion show. Renowned designer Michael Faircloth took to the podium to talk about "The History, The Humor, and The Hope of the Hat."

    One thing that didn't change? The champagne that flowed throughout the reception in the garden. Flutes in hand, guests posed for photos, browsed silent auction items, and purchased special Lady Primrose candles - all to help raise funds for A Woman's Garden at The Dallas Arboretum.

    It was a windy day, but patrons deftly held onto their hats with one hand and sipped sparkling wine with the other. The Queen - who was said to enjoy a glass of bedtime bubbly every night - would have been proud of this Dallas crowd, indeed.

    Mad Hatter's 2023
      

    Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

    Milliner and hat judge Cassie MacGregor

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    Dallas Cowboys to the Rescue

    Dallas heroes strut the runway at record-breaking Children's Cancer Fund gala

    Lindsey Wilson
    Apr 18, 2025 | 11:55 am
    Children's Cancer Fund gala 2025
    Photo by Tiffany Sage
    Nancy Rogers, Nicky Hilton, Meredith Land, Stacey Bendet, Lori Jones, Laura Kim, Tina Craig, Olivia Abbott Rogers

    Heroes both big and small, fictional and real, assembled at the Hilton Anatole on Friday, April 11 for the sold-out Children’s Cancer Fund gala.

    The event, celebrating its 35th year, raises millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research and Child Life services. This year's gala proved especially successful, breaking records with a whopping $3 million raised.

    Patrons got to browse photos, drawings, testimonials, news clippings, and other memorabilia from years past during the cocktail hour, as well as check out the well-stocked silent auction. Guests could also slip behind the wheel of a gleaming Aston Martin DB12 Volante — which was for sale, if anyone felt so inclined.

    Children's Cancer Fund gala 2025Gala chairs Meredith Land, Lori Jones.Photo by Tiffany Sage

    Children's Cancer Fund gala 2025
      

    Photo by Tiffany Sage

    Nancy Rogers, Nicky Hilton, Meredith Land, Stacey Bendet, Lori Jones, Laura Kim, Tina Craig, Olivia Abbott Rogers

    Inside the ballroom, emcee Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, gala chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, and CCF chief executive officer Jennifer Arthur welcomed supporters before everyone tucked into an elegant dinner.

    Sarah Yanniello, a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse at Children’s Health, received the TeamIzzy Healthcare Award, first awarded in 2024 in honor of Izzy Martin, who passed away shortly after participating in 2022's gala.

    Then the main event could really begin.

    Honorary chairs Troy Aikman, in his 26th year of support, and Dak Prescott, marking his third year of involvement, led a fashion show featuring 20 pediatric cancer patients, ages 6-16, all glammed up in outfits provided by Dillard's.

    These runway stars included:

    • 11-year-old Rufo Abbajifar of McKinney
    • 6-year-old Skylar Adams of Frisco
    • 6-year-old Darius Alexander of Dallas
    • 6-year-old Octavia Castillo of Richardson
    • 6-year-old Wells Denison of Dallas
    • 8-year-old Mikensie Duncan of Euless
    • 16-year-old Kyndall Frederick of Longview
    • 12-year-old Lauren Gutierrez of Coppell
    • 10-year-old Kira Handrale of Lewisville
    • 13-year-old Matthew Haynes of Terrell
    • 6-year-old August Johansen of McKinney
    • 7-year-old Isabela Lam of Plano
    • 14-year-old Lennox Lannon of Dallas
    • 6-year-old Clayton Moorse of Dallas
    • 11-year-old Matthew Norris of Celina
    • 7-year-old Lorenza Ruiz of Plano
    • 7-year-old Mateo Badillo Soto of Dallas
    • 13-year-old Erin Savage of North Richland Hills
    • 6-year-old Lincoln Schoessow of Celina
    • 16-year-old Dylan Williams of Bedford

    Children's Cancer Fund gala 2025Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Octavia Castillo.Photo by Tamytha Cameron

    The children were escorted by a wide variety of celebrities:

    • Spider-Man, Queen Elsa, and the larger-than-life transformer Bumblebee (who later lit up the dance floor — literally)
    • Alice + Olivia founder Stacey Bendet, U Beauty founder Tina Craig, influencer sisters Maddy and Sophie McGuire, and fashion icons Nicky and Kathy Hilton
    • Aikman, Prescott, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, Cowboys mascot Rowdy, and four members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (including fan favorite Reece Weaver)
    • members of Highland Park's fire department, Dallas SWAT, and even some of the patients' own doctors

    Aikman and Prescott continued the “Quarterbacks for a Cure” legacy established by Cowboys legend Roger Staubach in representing Children’s Cancer Fund. Staubach served as a Children’s Cancer Fund gala chair from the fundraiser’s inception until passing the torch to Prescott in 2022.

    “The joy these kids bring, knowing everything they’re going through and the resilience it takes just to be here, is what brings me back year after year,” says Prescott. “Being part of a night that gives them spirit, love, hope, and support — while recognizing the obstacles they face every day — means the world to me. My mission is to help decrease the number of diagnoses and increase the number of survivors. It takes all of us, and playing even a small role is something I cherish.”

    Arthur and Brent Christopher, president of Children's Medical Center Foundation, announced the building of a new pediatric campus. This partnership between Children's Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center, set to open in 2031, will replace the current Children's Medical Center Dallas.

    “It was incredibly special to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished over the past 35 years with our friends and partners,” Arthur said. “At the same time, the night was about looking ahead to the future of pediatric health care in North Texas. We were proud to share news of our partnership with Children's Health and UT Southwestern as they build a new pediatric campus — an exciting milestone for Dallas and the entire region."

    Children's Cancer Fund gala 2025Sophie McGuire, Maddy McGuire, Natalie McGuire, Mike McGuirePhoto by Tamytha Cameron

    A live auction led by Wendy Lambert raised big bucks, with the winners bound to enjoy a Porsche racing experience in Atlanta, a NorthPark Center shopping spree, a suite experience for a Dallas Cowboys game, a Jet Linx private membership, a custom Alice + Olivia design, a meal for 40 at The Charles, a stay at a private villa in Cabo San Lucas, and a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" package in New York City.

    Guests — and superheroes — danced long into the night at the after-party, celebrating the event’s extraordinary fundraising total and all the children and their families it will soon help.

    Children’s Cancer Fund was founded in 1982 by a coalition of parents whose children were receiving cancer therapy at Children’s Health. CCF raises millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research and Child Life services each year and has created 10 endowments that support pediatric cancer patients at Children's Health and UT Southwestern. CCF is one of the nation’s leading fundraising groups supporting local research toward treatment and prevention of childhood cancers.

    For more information or to donate, visit www.ChildrensCancerFund.com.

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