Young Women's Preparatory Network - The Empower Her Dinner

Lynn McBee, CEO of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, announces a new fundraiser for the organization, The EmpowerHER Dinner, Empowered Women Empowering Young Girls presented by Westwood Wealth Management.

         Chaired by Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, the theme includes this inspirational tagline, “Like a monarch transforming from a caterpillar to a butterfly – Empowering young girls to soar on their journey into adulthood.”

         Signing on as honorary chairs are the women of the Lacerte family: Joyce Lacerte, Quincy Lacerte, Madison Lacerte, Monroe Lacerte, Megan Barrie-Schwarz and Harriet Lacerte.

         Slated for Thursday, November 13, 2025 and happening in a private home in the Park Cities for up to 125 attendees, this exclusive dinner will feature a top team of acclaimed and accomplished female chefs from local Dallas restaurants. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception including passed hors d’oeuvres, auction of some one-of-a-kind items, entertainment, announcements, and a few surprises followed by a multi-course seated gourmet dinner. Each chef will create her own featured item. 

“The EmpowerHER Dinner is more than a fundraiser—it’s a powerful investment in the future of our girls. I’m especially grateful to Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo for their leadership, to the Lacerte family for their unwavering support, and to Westwood for making this event possible. Together, we’re opening doors to opportunity,” said Lynn McBee, Chief Executive Officer.

         Limited seating up to 125. Individual tickets start at $500. Patron tickets are $1,000 with different benefits. Sponsorships begin at $5,000 up to $25,000. 

Visit the website for more information: www.youngwomensprep.org/empowerher-dinner/ or contact Cindy Ryan, Chief Development Officer. Email: cryan@ywprep.org

Pajamas for Seniors Inaugural Gala - A Night of Hope

 

Pajamas for Seniors Inaugural Gala A Night of Hope

Friday, November 12, 2021

6:30 PM

The Park City Club

Honorary Chairs: Jeanne and George Lewis

Gala Chairs: Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo

Executive Director, Pajamas for Seniors: Jo Alch, R.N.

Single tickets are available for $125 each. Reserved table of 10 is $1,125. 

Visit www.pajamasforseniors.org/gala for more information and to purchase tickets.

About Pajamas for Seniors:

PJFS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission: Provide new pairs of pajamas to low-income seniors in area nursing and assisted living homes. http://pajamasforseniors.org/ and on Facebook. 

13th Annual Day at the Races benefiting Turtle Creek Conservancy

 Gay Donnell Willis, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Conservancy announces their signature fundraiser, the 13^th Annual Day At the Races, will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. This Kentucky Derby-themed hybrid event (both live-streamed and in-person) benefits the Turtle Creek Conservancy and raises funds to support 20 acres of rolling lawns, over 1,500 trees, a beautiful creek, and a home for flora and fauna just north of downtown Dallas.

Honorary Chairs Regina Bruce, Dr. Carla Russo and Tammany Stern agree saying, “Like Day at the Races, featuring Derby horses moving forward in one direction with clear intention, to benefit the Turtle Creek Conservancy, so do we, as community leaders and volunteers, strive to move forward to help others with great purpose and in the spirit of unity and service.  Therefore, we are truly honored to lend our names to this year’s event and to use our voices in support of protecting this natural, historic treasure located in the heart of our beautiful city.

First created in 2020, the successful “Derby in a Box” returns this year. Even in a pandemic, this Derby pivot became the organization’s third best performing event ever.

This fun and engaging concept allows people to gather in the comfort of their own home for a Derby party and watch the live broadcast from Turtle Creek Park, which will include the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby, and participate in the live and silent auctions, use the free “wagering ticket” and place additional “bets.” A fan favorite, the Derby Hat Contest, will also keep viewers watching throughout. Alternatively, guests can bring their “Derby in a Box” to Turtle Creek Park and enjoy picnic-style, login (on your phone, etc.) and join in the complimentary live-stream.

“Derby in a Box” includes a selection of Buttermilk Biscuits with Bourbon Glazed Ham, Smoked Salmon, Traditional Kentucky Benedictine Spread with Crudités, Cheese & Cracker Platter, Macarons, Cookies, mini Kentucky Derby Walnut & Chocolate Pies, mini Bourbon for Mint Juleps, small Scout & Cellar Wine bottle, other refreshments and fun Derby beads. Each “Derby in a Box” serves two to four people and costs $150.00. Buy your “Derby in a Box” here: https://dayattheraces.muradbid.com

Silent auction begins Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at noon. Silent Auction ends Derby Day, Saturday, May 1, 2021 at midnight. Register now here: https://dayattheraces.muradbid.com

An Evening with Vogel Alcove featuring World Piano Man Martyn Lucas Rocked!

 A Special Evening with Vogel Alcove featuring World Piano Man Martyn Lucas in concert rocked! A crowd of supporters and friends got together virtually and sang and danced in support of the nonprofit’s mission of providing therapeutic early childhood services, school-age programs and family support services for homeless children ages six weeks to 12 years old, and their families.

Sponsored by Santander Consumer USA, donations brought in song requests as the evening began with a request for “You’ve Got a Friend In Me,” and rocked on with Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock.” Karen Hughes, President and CEO of Vogel Alcove, welcomed guests and shared a video spotlighting the children and families helped by the organization.  The fun continued with Martyn singing in the voices of Billy Joel in “Movin’ Out,” and more songs in the voices of Andrea Bocelli, John Legend, John Lennon, a sing-along of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and more.

Martyn Lucas, World Piano Man

A special highlight was the auction of a guitar signed by Jon Bon Jovi with Regina Bruce as the high bidder.  In tribute, Martyn sang Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses.”  The concert ended with everyone joining in singing Queen’s “We Are The Champions,” waving hands and sharing smiles.

Post-event at the photo shoot, Regina surprised Vogel Alcove by donating the Jon Bon Jovi guitar back to Vogel Alcove, whereupon a silent bidder scooped it up, donating even more to the cause.

All proceeds from this event benefit Vogel Alcove, an early childhood education and Parent Opportunity Center that is working to Break the Cycle of Poverty for homeless children and their families in Dallas. Vogel Alcove provides educational, developmental and therapeutic services to children and families affected by homelessness.

For more information on how you can volunteer and other ways in which you can support Vogel Alcove, visit the website at www.vogelalcove.org