Rob Giardinelli
Funds Raised For Research Initiatives Of Alzheimer’s Disease And Other Dementias
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By: Tamytha Cameron and Nate Rehlander
THE SCENE: The Thompson Hotel in Dallas was the setting for one of North Texas’s most fun and engaging Spring fundraising events. A crowd of several hundred turned out for the “A Night of Roaring Hope” Gala. Benefiting the Aging Mind Foundation, the successful night featured a jam-packed evening resulting in one of the organization’s most successful events yet.
THE VIBE: The black tie optional crowd featured an elegant mix of formal and cocktail attire. At the event, one spotted traditional formalwear, colorful dinner jackets, bold colors, floral prints, sequins, and metallics. The result was a festive environment that made everyone feel welcome.
and Jeremy Smith
Things kicked off with a lively cocktail hour in the Thompson Hotel Ballroom Foyer. After cozying up to the bar to grab their favorite spirits, partygoers mingled with other guests in anticipation of the fun ahead. Others took the opportunity to view the Big Board, which featured an array of curated items up for bid, keeping the crowd engaged.
Revelers then gathered in the Thompson Hotel Ballroom for the main program. Aging Mind Foundation Board Treasurer, Derek Blount, served as master of ceremonies, keeping the audience entertained throughout the night. As guests dined on their multi-course meals, they were treated to words from organization and event leaders thanking them for participating in such a special evening, with many reflecting on how Alzheimer’s and dementia personally impacted them.
Next came a spirited live auction during which the paddles went up for an array of luxury experiences with a live speed painting, and a 16th Hole Skybox at the WM Phoenix Open emerging as the most popular items. A fund-a-need followed, which was spontaneously matched by a $50,000 matching gift by an anonymous audience member, driving the fundraising even higher.
and Tim Flannery
The night concluded with an after-party. Revelers took to the dance floor, cutting the rug to the tunes of Intensity Bands, and capping off yet another successful gala for one of North Texas’s top nonprofit organizations.
THE NON-PROFIT: A Night of Roaring Hope Gala, co-chaired by Dawn Greiner and Tia Wynne, with Tracy and Ben Lange serving as honorary chairs, raised funds for the Aging Mind Foundation, which will go toward funding research initiatives to learn the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. For a second consecutive year, the Aging Mind Foundation has partnered with The Rainwater Charitable Foundation to support grants to be funded through the 2025 Tauopathy Challenge Workshop.
