Piping hot

Dallas food and art stars stir up 15th anniversary Soup's On Luncheon

What: 15th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Show

Where: Thompson Dallas

The 411: A chilly last Monday of January was the perfect day for piping hot soup - and the perfect day for Dallas' beloved Soup's On Luncheon and Art Show. The annual Stewpot Alliance fundraiser marked its 15th anniversary this year, and was chaired by artists Christy Coltrin and Brad Oldham.

More than 700 guests filled the hotel ballroom for the sold-out luncheon, a highlight of which was a talk by Cynt Marshall, Dallas Mavericks’ CEO and author of You’ve Been Chosen. She shared how she overcame personal and professional odds to help others see how they are uniquely positioned to thrive.

Brenda Ewing Snitzer, executive director of The Stewpot, underscored the organization's mission to offer a safe haven for homeless and at-risk people, with resources for basic survival and opportunities to start a new life.

Dallas Mavericks’ DJ Poizon Ivy emceed the event and kept the beat lively with special playlist of music inspired by food, meals, and community.

And, of course, there was the main event - the food. Chef Brian C. Luscher, who has served as celebrity chef chair for the past 15 years, recognized each chef who prepared signature soups for the luncheon. They included: Jeff Bekavac of Cane Rosso, Thunderbird, and Zoli’s; J. Chastain of Sister, The Charles, and Carlos Elegante; Kevin Curry, Fit Men Cook; Omar Flores, Muchacho Tex Mex; Danyele McPherson, Purple Collar Kitchen; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastasia Quiñones Pittman, José; Javier Reyes, The Stewpot; Jeramie Robison, Thompson Dallas; and Abraham Salum, Salum.

In a beautiful crowning touch, Brad Oldham Sculpture created the centerpieces, a limited-edition bronze sculpture that portrays two otters taking care of each other, "demonstrating a manifestation of their compassionate bond and a reminder to care for our neighbors," organizers said.

Proceeds from the "Otter Guides" sculptures, as well as the entire luncheon, benefited The Stewpot which, for 48 years, has served Dallas neighbors experiencing and at risk of homelessness by providing meals, counseling and case management, rapid rehousing, medical and dental services, youth and family stabilization programs, vocational activities, and more.

Who: Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Lynn McBee, Kit Chambers, Cal Findeiss, Meagan Findeiss, Darshell Slaughter, Vater Williams, Gregory Williams, Fernando Gallegos, Amanda Reyes, Allyson Gordon, Janet Evans, Courtney Luscher, Bonnie Mastin, Liz Brantley, Brett Brantley, Tara Glasgow, Shae Barbieux, Randy Herbert, Margie Francis, Ray Francis, and many more.

Photo by Rob Wythe

Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Lynn McBee, Kit Chambers

Park news

Dallas civic leader Calvert Collins-Bratton named Klyde Warren Park CEO

Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the new executive director of Klyde Warren Park.

A respected figure in Dallas philanthropy and parks is stepping into a new leadership role: Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the next president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, beginning September 1.

Collins-Bratton succeeds Kit Sawers, who led the park for eight years; her final day in the role was July 20.

The transition comes as Klyde Warren enters its next phase, including a recently announced expansion that will add 1.7 acres over Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

Collins-Bratton most recently served as chief relationships officer at Communities Foundation of Texas, where she oversaw fundraising, donor engagement, corporate philanthropy, and community partnerships, a press release notes. Her ties to Klyde Warren Park stretch back more than a decade through her service as chair of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, where she advocated for investments in public spaces. She's also been a longtime donor and supporter of the park.

"Few people understand the significance and potential of Klyde Warren Park as deeply as Calvert does," foundation board chairman Jody Grant says in the release. "She has been an advocate for public spaces throughout Dallas, a trusted philanthropic leader, and a longtime supporter of the Park. Her experience and expertise make her exceptionally qualified to lead Klyde Warren Park into the future."

Klyde Warren Park has recently announced an ambitious expansion project. Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Before joining Communities Foundation of Texas, Collins-Bratton was vice president of communications and strategic events for Methodist Health System Foundation. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade as a television reporter and anchor in Omaha, Las Vegas, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

She was selected following a national search led by former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, a member of the Klyde Warren Park Foundation board.

As president and CEO, Collins-Bratton will oversee the park's operations, programming, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and long-term vision as the 5.4-acre deck park continues to grow.

"Klyde Warren Park is one of Dallas' great success stories and one of the most beloved gathering places in our city," Collins-Bratton says. "I look forward to working with the Foundation's board, staff, donors, partners, and community supporters to build on its incredible momentum and ensure its impact continues to grow for generations to come."

In a separate, farewell note, Sawers announced she'll become CEO of the newly created SMU Dallas Office on August 3. She called leading Klyde Warren Park one of the greatest privileges of her career.

"I leave knowing the Park is exceptionally well positioned for the future. It has a talented and dedicated team, an engaged Board, strong community support and exciting opportunities ahead, including a 1.7-acre expansion," Sawers wrote. "The overwhelming response to this summer’s World Cup watch parties once again demonstrated the Park’s unique ability to bring our community together."

Since opening in 2012, Klyde Warren Park has become one of Dallas' signature public spaces, drawing more than 2 million visitors annually with free concerts, fitness classes, festivals, food trucks, and other community programming, they say. The park recently unveiled plans for a $175 million expansion that will nearly double its event lawn and add new green space, play areas, and pedestrian connections.

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