Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Theme Reveal

 

It was a wonderful sight of fantastic lights and holiday decorations that greeted guests at the front entrance of hosts Jennifer and Steve Houghton’s home as they welcomed everyone for the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon Announcement party. Themed “Candy Cane Lane,” each room in the Houghton’s home was resplendent in designs reflecting the boardgame Candy Land and its different stops along the way.

Sara Friedman, Mad Hatter’s Luncheon chair, welcomed guests as they entered and were offered cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres as they wandered through the colorful and fascinating rooms, enjoying the delicious bites.

Cindy Feld, Honorary Chair; Therese Rourk, President; Steve Houghton and Jennifer Houghton, Hosts: Sara Friedman, Chair, Mad Hatter’s Luncheon

Joining Sara were Therese Rourk, Women’s Council president and Cindy Feld, honorary chair as they gathered the crowd together for the big reveal. Therese welcomed everyone, thanking the hosts for their generous and gracious hospitality, and gave a brief overview of the Women’s Council.

Sara also welcomed the crowd saying how exciting it is to be Mad Hatter’s chair in this 37th year and unfurling the curtain from the poster, she announced the theme, Celebrating Spring in the South, to a resounding round of applause.

Hat Categories are reflected in the event’s logo

Revealing more surprise announcements, Sara thanked Natalie Taylor for signing on as the first $25,000 sponsor and Donna Arp Weitzman for the first jewelry donation from the Cottonwood Market.

Slated for Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, the 37th Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a Welcome Reception, a stroll in the gardens and a Silent Auction while our discerning hat judges take note of the interpretations of this year’s theme.

The beloved fashion show, presented by NorthPark Center and produced by Jan Strimple, will begin around noon.  Hat Contest winners will be announced.  This year, a Teacup Trophy will be awarded to the floral studio who donates the guests’ favorite floral arrangement to the Silent Auction.

Christine Lee, Reagan Pace, Sara Friedman, Mad Hatter’s Lulncheon chair; Katherine Sbaiti

Celebrating its 37th year, this fabulous party has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised assist with the development, growth and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum, and the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women.

Everyone is encouraged to get their table sponsorships, underwriting and individual tickets signed up ASAP, as the event usually sells out by early spring. Patron tickets are $500 each. Sponsorships begin at $2,500.

For more information, tickets, sponsorships and underwriting benefits, visit the website at www.wcdabg.org or contact Sara Friedman 2025MHrsvp@gmail.com

KidneyTexas Luncheon and Fashion Show Takes a New Format This Year

 

Sandy Secor, president of KidneyTexas, Inc. and Sharon Ballew, Luncheon Chair, along with Jolie Humphrey, honorary chair, announce an entirely new format for the event happening on Tuesday, September 22, 2020.

Table hosts at $3,500 and above will have champagne, a table centerpiece and lunch delivered to their home or business for their guests. Table hosts at higher levels will enjoy a society photographer dropping by to capture photos of the fun and more.  Individual tickets begin at $350 and include a lunch delivered to their home or business. All levels include recognition in the program and the show. While everyone enjoys lunch, the Kidney Texas Show will be streamed to watch in the comfort of their home or business.

A highlight of The Kidney Texas Show will be the fashion show sponsored by TOOTSIES and produced by the renowned Jan Strimple Productions. There will be special awards presented by Scott Murray, emcee, as well as a few surprise segments guests will enjoy and find informative.

Raffle tickets are available for $25 each or five for $100.  
Nine lucky winners will receive one container each of this prize: 
* 50 pairs Disposable Powder Free, Latex Free, Soft Industrial Gloves 
* 50 Disposable 3 ply Masks * 1 Container of Hard to Find Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 
* 1  10 Oz. Hand Sanitizer with Aloe 
* 1 Bottle of Champagne (to celebrate when we have a vaccine) 
* 1 Bottle of White Wine 
* 1 Bottle of Red Wine 
* 1 Small Box of Emergency Chocolate 
* $50 TOOTSIES Gift Card 
* $50 Gift Card for your favorite curbside restaurant 
* All in a reusable, cleanable, container
         

The Sue Goodnight Service Award Honorees are Lorraine Meenan and Mary Miller. Beneficiaries are Camp Reynal of the National Kidney Foundation, Texas Health Resources Founcation and Methodist Health System Foundation.    
         
Visit the web site at  http://www.kidneytexas.org, email kidneytexas@sbcglobal.net or call 214-891-0896.

Dallas A-listers Gather for Fashion Show & Luncheon presented by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary

Once again, the annual Fashion Show & Luncheon presented by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary was the year's must-attend event for fashion conscious Dallas A-listers. Dixey Arterburn and Ginger Sager were Event Co-chairs.

Major Ward Matthews, Event Co-Chairs Ginger Sager and Dixey Arterburn, Major Michele Matthews

Marilyn Augur, Margaret Hancock, Elizabeth Taylor and Ann Hardaway and Sharon McCullough, Libby Hunt, Debbie Hayhurst, Terry McCullough and Lissie McCullough served as Honorary Co-Chairs and WFAA-TV anchor Shelly Slater emceed the sold-out event.

Tiffany Divis, Carolyn Lupton, Carol Huckin and Jean Lattimore

Gene Jones and Charlotte Anderson received the 2015 Margot Perot Award for excellence in service to The Salvation Army. "We are so fortunate to live in Dallas where sharing is always fashionable and gently enjoyed clothes can keep on giving in such a beautiful manner," said Mrs. Perot. 

Charlotte Anderson, Shelly Slater and Jan Strimple

Jan Strimple Productions created and produced an incredible Runway Show from the "best dressed" closets and stores in Dallas. "Each year hundreds of outfits sell for pennies on the dollar through a runway-style fashion show featuring professional models, as well as the ever-popular Chic Boutique, the on-site store where women can search through racks of designer labels to find that perfect look," said Ginger Sager, Event Co-Chair.

Margot Perot announcing the 2015 Margot Perot Award Recipients

Her fellow Co-Chair Dixie Arterburn added, "Margot Perot's vision continues to thrive as philanthropic women donate their couture clothing to create a fabulous runway show and the very popular Chic Boutique."

 Salvation Army Fashion Show Luncheon Leadership Team

Kimberly Whitman and Carmaletta Whiteley

The Salvation Army provides 70 different programs and services that make life better for people in need. This includes shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, clothes for the needy, emergency financial assistance, domestic violence programs, rehab for people with addictions, after-school programs for children, and housing for the elderly.

Runway Finale

"Over the years, the event has raised over $8 million to support the activities of The Salvation Army in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex 365 days a year," said Salvation Army Captain Michelle Matthews. "The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary makes a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals in need."

Photos Courtesy: Kristina Bowman

2015 Salvation Army Fashion Show Drive Kicks Off with Announcement Party

Standing: Debbie Hayhurst, Lissie McCullough, David Hunt, Libby Hunt

Seated: Sharon and Mike McCullough

The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon
Announcement Party was held on Monday, November 10 at the home of Jan and Robert
Pickens. Dixey Arterburn and Ginger Sager, Co-Chairs of the 2015 event, announced
the mothers and daughters serving as this year's Honorary Chairs: Marilyn Augur, Margaret
Hancock, Elizabeth Taylor, Ann Hardaway, Sharon McCullough, Libby Hunt, Debbie
Hayhurst, Terry McCullough and Lissie McCullough. Fashion icon, Jan Strimple will
produced the runway fashion show again this year.

From Chanel handbags to couture suits, the gently or never worn clothes and
accessories donated by DFW's best dressed make this annual fashion event the ultimate
recycling opportunity. The Salvation Army Doing the Most Good with Your Clothes
Fashion Show was founded in 1990, and since then, through continuing generations of
caring and service, The Women's Auxiliary has given over $8 million back to Salvation
Army programs. Margot Perot's vision continues to thrive as philanthropic women
donate their couture clothing to create a fabulous runway show and the very popular Chic
Boutique.

 

The Salvation Army Fashion Show & Luncheon will be held Monday, May 4, 2015 at the Brook Hollow Golf Club. The WEARhouse Sale is open to the public and all the donated items not purchased at the luncheon will be on sale on May 7-9 at the Christmas & Disaster Center on Harry Hines. Please contact Tina Trejo at 214.637.8121 to schedule a clothing donation pick up or drop off.

Ginger Sanger, Dixey Arterburn, Jan Strimple, Major Michele Matthews and Major Ward Matthews

 

2014 Doing the Most Good Fashion Show

Monday, May 5, 2014

Brook Hollow Golf Club

10:00 AM

 

Honorary Chairs:

Mrs. Laura Bush, Barbara Pierce Bush, Jenna Bush Hager

The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary is looking forward to one of the most spectacular fashion shows yet! The incomparable Jan Strimple will, once again, produce the runway show. The show will be a creative masterpiece incorporating some of the best finds from many of the most-coveted closets and raved-about retailers in Dallas.

 

You can find incredible bargains at the fabulous Chic Boutique and Silent Auction! Designer fashions and accessories will be available at a fraction of their cost. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to purchase items from the dazzling Runway Collection.

 

Proceeds from the 2014 Fashion Show & Luncheon will help support more than 70 services provided by The Salvation Army in the DFW Metroplex, including providing a safe haven for victims of domestic violence, after school and summer day camp programs, substance abuse rehabilitation and sheltering the homeless.

 

Contact SAWA at 214-637-8122 or email dfw_auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org

2012 Mad Hatter's Tea Party

Join the Women's Council of The Dallas Arboretum and Botantical Garden

on Thursday, April 12, 2012

for The Mad Hatter's Tea Party

at 11:00 am

"The Art of Nature"

Champagne Reception, Hat Judging, Live Auction, Fashion Presentation, and Lunch

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Fashions by Betty Reiter, Cicada, Forty Five Ten, V.O.D.

Fashion Presentation Produced by Jan Strimple Productions

Honorary Chair: Nancy Rogers

Event Chairs: Carmaleta Whiteley and Barbara Daseke

More info and Purchase Tickets on the

Mad Hatter's Tea Page

 Carmaleta Whiteley and Barbara Daseke at the 2011 Mad Hatter's Party

The Salvation Army Woman's Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon

On Tuesday, February 28, Shelle Sills and Neiman Marcus Downtown hosted the congratulatory reception to celebrate the announcement of Karen Jones and Lori Jones as the 2012 Honorary Chairmen of the 20th Annual Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon scheduled for April 30 at The Fairmont Hotel.

Luncheon Co-Chairs, Mary Lee Cox and Therese Rourk, revealed the theme of this year's event, "Remembering the Past...Looking to the Future." For 20 years, The Salvation Army Doing the Most Good With Your Clothes Fashion Show has given over $5 million to the Salvation Army programs. "Margot Perot's vision twenty years ago continues to thrive as philanthropic women donate their couture clothing to create a fabulous runway show and the very popular Chic Boutique," said Mary Lee Cox, Co-Chairman of the event.

Therese Rourk, Luncheon Co-Chair, Lori Jones and Karen Jones, Honorary Chairmen, and Mary Lee Cox, Luncheon Co-Chair 

From Chanel handbags to couture suits, the gently worn or never worn clothes and accessories donated by the Metroplex's best dressed make this fashion event produced by Jan Strimple Productions a annual not-to-miss spring fashion favorite.

The Salvation Army Woman's Auxiliary Fashion Show & Luncheon

"Remembering the Past...Looking to the Future"

Monday, April 30, 2012

10:00 a.m. - 3:00p.m.

The Fairmont Hotel

 

11:30am Runway Show produced by Jan Strimple

2:00pm Runway Collection and Silent Auctions Close

3:00pm Chic boutique closes

Attire: Fashionably Chic

Tickets start at $150 each. 

Co-Chairs: Co-Chairs: Mary Lee Cox and Therese Rourk

Honorary Chairs: Karen Jones and Lori Jones

Underwriting Chairs: Faye Gould and Marilyn Klepak

All donated items not purchased at the luncheon will be on sale at

The WEARhouse Sale

May 2 & 3, 2012

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 Christmas/Disaster Warehouse (9216 Harry Hines Blvd.)

Open to the Public. No charge to enter.

 

Reservations: Tina Trejo│214.637.8256│dfw_auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org

Clothing Donations: Paula Guthrie│972.380-9929│pguthrie@bodaciousboutique.com

DIFFA/Dallas Presents Collection 2012: “Smoking Haute”

In the 22nd year of their premier fundraiser, DIFFA/Dallas celebrates their fashion-forward heritage with a gala unlike any other. This year’s event, titled SMOKING HAUTE, will once again be at the top of the city’s not-to-be-missed soirees. Taking place on Saturday, March 31st at The Hilton Anatole, the night promises to be filled with the hottest fashions and attendees. 

The grand-scale event, inspired by YSL’s 1966 creation- Le Smoking, will provide a luxurious experience with an exciting mix of runway show, theatrical production and an auction featuring one-of-a-kind couture tuxedo-style smoking jackets for men and women created by top name designers.  Design and production aficionados Jan Strimple and Brian Brothers serve as the co-creative directors/producers of the DIFFA/Dallas extravaganza, and will be dazzling guests as they enjoy a seated dinner while feasting their eyes on a provocative runway show featuring this year’s exclusive smoking jacket collection.  The fundraiser’s grand finale will be a “backstage” VIP after party complete with DJ Wade Hampton, resident DJ at the Ghostbar.

DIFFA/Dallas plays a major part in this HIV/AIDS funding initiative, and is the Foundation’s largest and most successful chapter in the country.  Event and ticket information can be found at http://www.diffadallas.org/ as well as on www.Facebook.com/DIFFADallasTX