Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center’s 18th “Annual Art For Advocacy” Gala Breaks Fundraising Record

“Brushstrokes For Bravery” Is The Evening’s Theme That Touches Many Hearts

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Tamytha Cameron

THE SCENE: A lofty warehouse just west of downtown Dallas served as the artful canvas for a dazzling evening of fun and fundraising. Over 500 of the area’s top community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the 18^th annual Art for Advocacy. Benefiting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, the night featured fabulous art and touching testimonials that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.

THE VIBE: The artistic, cocktail-attire crowd features patrons donning a mix of cocktail dresses and suits, taking full advantage of the evening’s theme, Brushstrokes of Bravery. In the crowd, one could find patrons donning their favorite colors from throughout the rainbow, with bold colors and pastels blending seamlessly with vibrant prints. The result was a welcoming and festive environment for all attendees.

The night began with a cocktail hour, where guests gathered with their favorite spirits and mingled with one another. During the cocktail hour, many eager patrons could be seen eyeing their favorite amongst the impressive art collection up featuring works of art from 71 artists that were up for bid in the silent and live auctions during the evening.

Revelers then took to their seats for dinner and the main program. As guests enjoyed a delicious, multi-course meal, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for their patronage, including emotional words from outgoing CEO Irish Burch.

A spirited live auction followed, where bidders kept raising their paddles and driving up the fundraising totals for an array of dynamic, thought-provoking art. The highlight of the auction was a Barbie license plate-themed piece titled Shine On by artist Ken Womack, who agreed to create three additional pieces of his work, raising $120,000 from that item alone and capping off an unforgettable evening of art, advocacy, fun, and philanthropy.

THE NON-PROFIT: The 18^th annual Art for Advocacy, hosted by Stephanie and John Roberts and co-chaired by Marjon Henderson, Chris Kimbrough, and Kelly Sporich, raised an eye-popping and record-breaking $2.1 million for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. Proceeds raised from the event will go toward providing programs and services that fulfill the organization’s mission to investigate, prosecute, and provide healing services to children in Dallas County affected by abuse.