Rob Giardinelli
Philanthropists And Medical Advocates Unite For A Powerful Evening Of Music, Elegance And Purpose
By Rob Giardinelli Photography courtesy of Aging Mind Foundation
THE SCENE: The Thompson Dallas was the setting for a memorable night of fun and fundraising that those fortunate enough to be there will not soon forget. A vibrant crowd featuring several hundred of North Texas’s most notable community leaders, medical advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for The Legacy Gala. Benefiting the Aging Mind Foundation, the night featured great food, company, and entertainment in another fundraising triumph for the organization.
THE VIBE: The black-tie attired crowd featured patrons donning a sophisticated mix of formal looks. In the crowd, one could spot traditional black-tie ensembles that seamlessly blended with those choosing to don pops of bold colors, metallics, and floral prints. The result was a welcome, happy environment where everyone was ready to have a good time supporting a great cause.
Kicking off the festivities was a lively cocktail hour in the Thompson Ballroom Foyer. After posing for images on the step and repeat to commemorate the evening, revelers cozied up to the bar to grab their favorite spirit of choice. They then mingled with the crowd and began bidding on Big Board Auction items, which further engaged the crowd.
The action then moved to the Thompson Dallas Ballroom for dinner and the main program. As guests entered the room, they were treated to a Dallas Symphony Orchestra string quartet which delighted the crowd.
Emcee and Aging Mind Foundation Board Member Derek Blount kept the festivities moving at a brisk, entertaining pace throughout the night. While guests dined on their delectable, multi-course meals, they were treated to words from event and organization leaders thanking them for taking part in a special evening that would help spur medical innovation.
A spirited live auction followed, where revelers bid on an array of luxury items and experiences. The most popular items with a private FENDI experience in Florence, Italy, a curated New York City jewelry experience by Eiseman Jewels, NorthPark Center, and a one-of-a-kind limited-edition art piece courtesy of Costa Christ Art, crafted on a genuine Porsche 944 hood, were the most popular among guests.
Keeping the momentum going was a touching tribute video honoring Aging Mind Foundation Founder Laree Hulshoff. This led to an emotional, highly successful paddles-up that raised an impressive $165,000.
Capping off the night was an array of dazzling, engaging music. The program concluded with a surprise performance by Dallas-based Gospel Touch Choir. Following the performance, revelers took to the dance floor, cutting a rug and keeping the fun going into the wee hours of the morning, courtesy of the Extended Play Band.
THE NON-PROFIT: The Legacy Gala, chaired by Darin Kunz, raised funds for the Aging Mind Foundation. Proceeds raised from the event will fund cutting-edge research programs to understand the cause of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Since the event’s founding, the gala has provided over $6 million in grants in support of this initiative.
Why The Aging Mind Foundation Gala Is So Dynamic…
- Several hundred North Texas community leaders, philanthropists, and medical advocates gathered at Thompson Dallas for The Legacy Gala
- The black-tie crowd embraced sophisticated style with timeless formalwear accented by metallics, bold colors, and floral-inspired fashion
- Guests kicked off the evening with a lively cocktail hour, Big Board Auction bidding, and commemorative red carpet moments
- A Dallas Symphony Orchestra string quartet welcomed attendees into the ballroom with an elegant live musical performance
- Aging Mind Foundation Board Member Derek Blount kept the evening engaging and energetic as the emcee
- Guests enjoyed a refined multi-course dinner while hearing inspiring remarks from event and organization leaders
- A spirited live auction featured exclusive luxury experiences, including a private FENDI experience in Florence and a curated Eiseman Jewels New York City getaway
- A one-of-a-kind Porsche hood art piece by Costa Christ Art emerged as one of the evening’s most talked-about auction items
- A touching tribute honored Aging Mind Foundation Founder Laree Hulshoff and highlighted the organization’s transformative mission
- An emotional paddles-up appeal raised an impressive $165,000 in support of Alzheimer’s and dementia research initiatives
- A surprise performance by the Dallas-based Gospel Touch Choir electrified the ballroom and brought guests to their feet
- The Extended Play Band capped off the celebration with a high-energy dance party that carried the festivities late into the night
- Since its founding, The Legacy Gala has generated more than $6 million supporting groundbreaking dementia and Alzheimer’s research programs
