Here’s How The 8th Annual Dec My Room’s “Room To Grow” Luncheon In Dallas Takes A Stroll On The Sunny Side Of The Street

Dallas’s Most Devoted Philanthropists Gather At Northpark Center For A Luncheon That Is Equally Chic And Meaningful

By: Cynthia Smoot  Photography by Tamytha Cameron

THE SETTING: There are few things more fitting for a spring afternoon in Dallas than a sold-out luncheon inspired by a Nancy Meyers film; all golden light, gracious interiors, and the ineffable sense that everything is exactly as it should be. That was the mood at the 8th Annual Room to Grow Luncheon on April 8, 2026, where nearly 300 guests arrived at the Neiman Marcus Garden at NorthPark Center dressed in the sort of breezy, sun-drenched looks that Meyers herself might have costumed.

The gathering was the signature fundraiser for Dec My Room, the Houston-founded nonprofit that transforms hospital rooms into personalized sanctuaries for pediatric patients facing extended stays. Under the co-chairmanship of Erika Burton and Melissa Smrekar, and with honorary chair Nancy Nasher lending her inimitable presence, the afternoon unfolded with the warmth and intention the cause so richly deserves.

This year’s theme drew inspiration from the storied 24 Maple Drive of Father of the Bride, an address synonymous with comfort, beauty, and home. Guests were invited, as the invitation put it, to join the chairs “on the sunny side of the street,” and the room obliged. Flutes of Madre prosecco mingled with the charming retro touch of mini glass bottles of Diet Coke as partygoers made their way among the event’s most captivating feature: eight exquisitely realized miniature dollhouse rooms, each one a tiny jewel box designed by some of Dallas’s most celebrated interior talents.

THE VIBE: The designers included luncheon design chair Javier Burkle of Burkle Creative, Traci Connell of Traci Connell Interiors, Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry of PULP Design Studios, Teddie and Courtney Garrigan of Coco and Dash, Lisa Henderson of Lisa Henderson Interiors, Eddie Maestri of Maestri Studio, Noel Pittman of Noel Pittman Design, and Jen Stevens of Fonde Interiors each of whom brought the concept to life in miniature, each room a work of genuine artistry.

Bedding throughout was provided by the incomparable Jane Scott Hodges of Leontine Linens, while Schumacher’s Tori Ross supplied custom-scaled wallpapers in signature patterns. It was a gracious collaboration that lent each tiny room the same considered detail one would expect in a full-scale residence. The rooms were offered in a silent auction, their bids climbing steadily throughout the afternoon.

At the tables, Schumacher’s “Les Fougeres” linens, courtesy of the brand as a corporate sponsor, set an appropriately refined tone, while white and green floral arrangements by Central Market brought a fresh, garden-party ease to the room. A table lamp from Coco and Dash graced each setting, gifted outright to any guest who donated $250 or more during the event, and was a lovely incentive that proved as generous as it was well-received.

Chocolate Angel catered a lunch of Chipper chicken salad, pasta salad, and house salad, all paired with wine, before Neiman Marcus’ Marjon Henderson took the stage to introduce the afternoon’s fashion preview. Models wove between the tables in this season’s most compelling looks, and the meal concluded on a sweet note: a Stein’s wedding cake petit four, presented beneath a miniature glass cloche, a detail so perfectly considered it might have been lifted from one of Meyers’ own productions. The program also featured a fashion and lifestyle panel of Javier Burkle, Jane Scott Hodges, and Tori Ross.

The luncheon’s most resonant moments, however, came with the recognition of this year’s award recipients. Dec My Room North Texas area director Heather Smith presented the third annual Monarch Servant Heart Award to Terra Najork-Peterson, a devoted advocate and past luncheon chair, whose sustained commitment to the organization exemplifies its spirit. Renza DePirro was honored with the Heart of Gold Volunteer Award for her exceptional service, and Samantha Allen received the 2026 Celebrate Flight Award, given each year to a patient or individual whose experience embodies Dec My Room’s profound mission.

THE NON-PROFIT: Founded eighteen years ago in Houston by mother-daughter duo Susan and Kendall Plank, the latter of whom was among the afternoon’s guests, Dec My Room now serves more than 200 hospitals across the country, sending volunteers to personalize rooms with items that speak to each child’s individual interests, items they keep long after they go home. The North Texas chapter marks its tenth year of service, and on an April afternoon at NorthPark, the room felt the full weight and beauty of that decade. For more information, visit DecMyRoom.org.

10 Reasons Dallas’ Dec My Room’s “Room To Grow” Luncheon Felt Like Stepping Into A Nancy Meyers Film

1. A Setting Straight Out of the Movies
   The Neiman Marcus Garden at NorthPark Center transformed into a sunlit dreamscape worthy of a Nancy Meyers film set; effortless elegance, warm light, and a sense of polished ease.
2. A Sold-Out Crowd With Serious Style
   Nearly 300 guests arrived in breezy, spring-forward looks that channeled cinematic chic, perfectly aligning with the luncheon’s refined yet relaxed tone.
3. A Meaningful Mission at the Center
   Hosted in support of Dec My Room, the event spotlighted a powerful cause: turning sterile hospital stays into personalized sanctuaries for children.
4. Inspired by an Iconic Address
   The theme paid homage to 24 Maple Drive from Father of the Bride, a fictional home synonymous with comfort, beauty, and heartfelt celebration.
5. Miniature Masterpieces by Top Designers
   Eight exquisitely detailed dollhouse rooms, crafted by Dallas’ leading interior designers, became the afternoon’s showstopping attraction and a highly competitive silent auction.
6. Luxury Details at Every Turn
   From Leontine Linens bedding to custom wallpapers by Schumacher, each tiny room mirrored full-scale design excellence.
7. Garden Party Tablescapes Done Right
   Tables dressed in Schumacher’s “Les Fougeres” linens and fresh florals from Central Market created a refined yet inviting atmosphere.
8. Fashion, Food, and Flawless Presentation
   A chic runway preview introduced by Neiman Marcus’ Marjon Henderson paired seamlessly with a luncheon by Chocolate Angel and a perfectly portioned dessert from Stein’s Bakery.
9. Thoughtful Touches Guests Took Home
   Table lamps from Coco & Dash doubled as take-home gifts for donors, adding a layer of generosity to the already gracious affair.
10. Honoring Heart and Impact
    The afternoon’s most powerful moments came with awards recognizing volunteers, advocates, and patients… reminders of the life-changing work Dec My Room has carried out for 18 years across more than 200 hospitals.