Curated Texan
Forget Me Not-Themed Gala Raises Funds
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Nate Rehlander
THE SCENE: The Thompson Hotel in Dallas was the recent setting of the 9th annual Aging Mind Foundation gala. The event attracted over 300 of North Texas’ most notable sociables and philanthropists with this year’s theme, Forget Me Not. It lived up to its name with an incredible night of fun and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
Alejandra and Brandon Micci
THE VIBE: The black tie optional crowd sported a stunning mix of fashion that created a wonderful, welcoming environment for all. The men donned a mix of their best black tie and finest suits, while many of the women sported bright colors and prints that perfectly accompanied the gorgeous late spring night.
The festivities began the evening in the foyer of the The Thompson Hotel ballroom for a lively cocktail hour. Here guests could pose for a picture in front of the step and repeat before cozying up to the bar for cocktail hour. As guests sipped on their favorite spirits, they mingled with others brimming with anticipation of the fun that laid ahead of them.
The action then moved to The Thompson Hotel ballroom for the main program. Upon walking in, more than guests appreciated the soft purple lights around the perimeter of the room and the tablescapes that featured a mix of purple hues which created an experience that was equally elegant and fun. Partygoers then took to their seats where they dined on a delectable multi-course meal where Master of Ceremonies Derek Blount effortlessly kept the festivities moving at an entertaining, brisk pace. Highlights of the program included words from Co-Director Bruce A. Yankner, M.D., Ph.D, of Harvard Medical School’s Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging Research, and a spirited live auction which included an array of one-of-a-kind experiences including a Las Vegas experience with VIP tickets to an Adele performance, a multi-night stay at a private home in the Bahamas, and a private barbecue dinner with Troy Aikman and Chef Kent Rathburn. The fun continued well into the night where guests danced to live music courtesy of Hunter Big Sullivan and concluded with a lively after party to where revelers continued to dance the night away to the tunes of DJ SC.
THE NON PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by Jonika Nix and Tia Wynne, who sported purple and lavender ensembles that perfectly complimented the décor, raised funds for the Aging Mind Foundation. Celebrating its tenth year, the organization provides one grant each year to fund medical research to help determine the medical causes of Dementia and Alzehimer’s Disease at top medical institutions around the world including Harvard and Columbia University.
