Rob Giardinelli
A Night To Remember Theme Dazzles Crowd, Raises Funds
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
James Cagle
THE SCENE: The Thompson Dallas was the recent setting of a memorable night of fundraising for a very worthy cause. Several hundred of the city’s most notable philanthropists, sociables, and medical leaders turned out for the 10th annual Aging Mind Foundation Gala. This year’s theme A Night to Remember more than lived up to the event’s name and created many memorable experiences throughout for guests fortunate enough to be a part of it.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd featured a mix of tuxedos and ball gowns of all colors, creating a fun, welcoming environment for all who attended. The festivities began in the foyer outside The Thompson Ballroom for a cocktail hour. Against the backdrop of live music by Carina Grove, partygoers sipped on their favorite spirits and perused an impressive Big Board auction that featured bespoke experiences including an Argentinian BBQ Dinner at the home of Chef Kent Rathbun, and a multi-night stay in Vail among other curated items.
The action then moved to the Thompson Dallas Ballroom for the main program. Master of Ceremonies Derek Blount kept the festivities flowing at a brisk, fun pace. As patrons dined on a multi-course meal they were treated to words from event leaders, each of whom talked about their personal experiences with loved ones battling Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Next came a spirited live auction where the bidding drove the fundraising higher and higher thanks to top items including a multi-night stay at a private home in Peru and a golf experience with senior PGA pro Harrison Frazar. The night was capped off with an after-party where revelers danced the night away to tunes by musician Mitchell Ferguson.
THE NON-PROFIT: The event, co-chaired by James Cagle and Carey Moen, raised funds for the Aging Mind Foundation. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards providing grants to four recipients to fund research projects designed to find the cause of Alzheimer’s Disease. This year’s grants, done in partnership with the Rainwater Charitable Foundation will award up to $2 million to its recipients.
