ReuNight to remember

Dazzling dinner raises over $260K for Family Place's mission to be 'ray of light' in Dallas

What: 2023 ReuNight benefiting The Family Place

Where: Dallas Petroleum Club

The 411: More than 180 guests gathered for the 10th anniversary of the ReuNight fundraising event - and to support The Family Place's aim to assist those affected by family violence. The landmark anniversary event was co-chaired by Brooke Hortenstine, Margaret Stafford, and Piper Wyatt, with Joyce Goss as honorary chair.

After a stylish cocktail reception overlooking the Dallas Arts District, guests were welcomed to the dinner table with an inspirational performance of "Oh Happy Day" by the Gospel of Light Choir. Todd Fiscus' team at Todd Events had transformed the Constellation Room into a stunning, gold-accented space inspired by the event theme, "Ray of Light."

Patrons enjoyed a three-course dinner from Meridian Chef Junior Borges, recently named Chef of the Year at the 2023 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. Borges' menu included cured scallops with bonito cream, pickled ginger and finger lime vinaigrette; duo-entrees of Rosewood Wagyu tenderloin and King Crab “Oscar” served with asparagus, ramps and shishito peppers; and yuca and coconut cake with lime ganache, vanilla diplomat, and coconut sable, inspired by his grandmother.

The Family Place CEO Mimi Sterling and board chairman Harold Ginsburg underscored the "transformational" impact the organization has had in its 45 years in Dallas.

"Tonight, we are providing a ray of light for survivors, leading them to brighter futures," Sterling said.

They asked attendees for additional support, and the generous patrons did not hold back. They bid fast and furiously in a live auction for fabulous items including luxury trips and sports experiences.

A spirited paddle raise ended the evening, bringing the event's fundraising total to more than $260,000.

Funds raised at ReuNight will allow The Family Place to continue empowering survivors of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling, and skills that create independence.

The Family Place's next big event is its Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon, featuring Brooke Shields as keynote speaker, on September 29.

Who: Greer Goss, Bunny Ginsburg, Christin Lives, Jennifer Walters, Michelle Goolsby, Harold Ginsburg, Dan Strimple, Jan Strimple, Daniel Moon, Tiffany Moon, Duke Stone, Alyson Griffith, Jerri Stone, Ted Stone, Erik Miller, Annie Miller, Graham Williams, Kristin Williams, Lisa Sherrod, Kris Johnson, Nancy Gopez, Kristen Sanger, Lisa Singleton, Marisa Howard, Max Trowbridge, Meghan Looney, Medley Turner, Melissa Richey, Colin Moore, Molly Grace Brown, Brittany Grignon, Marli Johnston, Shelby Wagner, Sheryl Maas, Niven Morgan, Tess Stephen, Brian Utz, Emilee Miller, Tre Black, Cora Black, Clarisa Lindenmeyer, Nakita Johnson, Lauren McKinnon, Zach McKinnon, and many more.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

Meghan Looney, Medley Turner

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Gala preview

Dallas' most glam fall gala to honor Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron

Universal Pictures Presents "The Odyssey" Paris Premiere

Photo by Pierre Mouton/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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Hollywood star Charlize Theron will be the guest of honor at one of Dallas' hottest-ticket galas of 2026: She will receive amfAR's Award of Inspiration at the organization's black-tie ball on October 24.

For a second year, the glamorous fall fundraiser will take place at the home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby, a release says. Taking over where Dallas' TWO x TWO gala left off when it ended in 2024, the amFAR gala has quickly become one of Dallas' marquee social events, drawing philanthropists, collectors, and high-profile guests in support of amfAR's mission to end HIV/AIDS.

Theron, who won an Oscar for Monster, is currently on a worldwide press tour ahead of her starring role in one of the summer's biggest movies, The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of the Homer epic (opening July 17).

Beyond her film career, Theron serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which supports organizations focused on youth health, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and combating gender-based violence across Southern Africa.

"Charlize Theron’s longstanding support of amfAR and HIV/AIDS care and prevention through her own foundation make her an inspiration to us all," said amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford in a statement. "We are grateful to her for her tireless work and are thrilled to be able to recognize her at our event in Dallas this year."

According to amfAR, programs supported by CTAOP have reached more than 4.8 million young people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theron and the foundation also launched the Together for Her campaign with CARE and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to address gender-based violence, and later partnered with the Ford Foundation to advocate for global vaccine equity.

Founded in 1985, amfAR has invested more than $950 million in research grants supporting HIV/AIDS and other diseases in which viruses and the immune system play a significant role. Over the past 26 years, supporters in North Texas have raised more than $66.5 million to advance amFAR's ongoing HIV research and global health initiatives, the organization says.

This year's gala will feature cocktails, a seated dinner, musical performances, and a live auction offering luxury goods, travel experiences, and contemporary art. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available, starting at $2,500.

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