Rob Giardinelli
Dallas CASA Cherish The Children Luncheon Honors Legendary Dallas Children’s Advocate Betty Regard
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Romy Modlin Photography and Rosanne Lewis
THE SETTING: The Omni Hotel was the setting for an afternoon of fundraising for an organization that supports for giving children a voice in the legal system. Several hundred of the city’s most notable advocates, sociables, civic leaders, and philanthropists enthusiastically attended the annual Dallas CASA Cherish The Children Luncheon.
THE VIBE: The sophisticated luncheon-attired crowd began the afternoon in the foyer outside the venue’s ballroom for a pre-event reception where friends gathered in anticipation of the informative afternoon ahead. The festivities then moved into the ballroom for the main program and as guests enjoyed their meals they were treated to words from the organization and the event’s leaders.
Next, several leaders in the community, including Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, took to the stage in a panel format to discuss child welfare that was moderated by Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall. The highlight of the afternoon was honoring longtime CASA Dallas supporter Betty Regard with the Caroline Rose Hunt Cherish the Children award for her tireless advocacy for the organization over the years.
THE NON-PROFIT: The Dallas CASA’s Cherish the Children Luncheon was co-chaired by Lisa Tenorio Truppa and Jessilyn Thiboult Wilson. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards training and education to provide children with court-appointed advocates in the legal process. In 2023, nearly 1,100 CASA Dallas volunteers were assigned to advocate for 2,151 children in preventive care.
