Party Hopping
Dak Prescott talks mental health
At Metrocare’s 13th annual Meal for the Minds Luncheon, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott spoke about the loss of his youngest brother to suicide and the importance of mental health care.
“When Dak shared that the luncheon was on his late brother’s birthday, I realized how strong he truly was,” Metrocare COO Tate Ringer said.
The luncheon occurred on May 10 at the Hilton Anatole, with 300 guests attending.
Dak Prescott spoke about the importance of mental health resources and his Faith, Fight, Finish foundation with NBC 5’s Laura Harris.
Cinco de Mayo soiree
More than 55 members and guests wore their South of the Border finery on May 5 as the International Society revived its Cinco de Mayo party for the first time since COVID lockdowns with a spirited celebration at the Highland Park home of Barbara Crow.
The soiree featured catering by Blue Mesa and entertainment by a flamenco dance troupe.
The International Society, founded by Miliana Kelly in the early 1990s, aims to foster understanding between Dallas arts leaders and representatives of world cultures. Sharman Beasley Vesecky is the newly elected chair.
The society’s next event will feature Liz Brailsford, director of Dallas Council of World Affairs, at the Park City Club in October.
Sharman Vesecky (center) with flamenco dancers
(PHOTO: Courtesy International Society)
Jimmy Westcott, Mike Douris, and Carol Seay (PHOTO: Ronnie Mosley) 
Coach Avery Johnson (center) with Jorge and Luann Gutierrez (Photo: Lori Wilson Photography) 
Bill and Rusty Duvall, Michael Bolton, Beth and Fin Ewing (Photo: Tamytha Cameron)
Children’s Hope Dinner
Orphan Outreach celebrated its 15-year anniversary with its Children’s Hope Dinner on May 3 and raised more than a half a million dollars for its worldwide programs for orphaned and vulnerable children.
Eraina and Bryan Larson chaired the event at the AT&T Stadium, where more than 650 attendees heard remarks from featured ministry partner Tim Tebow.
Mike Douris, co-founder of Orphan Outreach, was honored with the newly named Mike Douris Award for his more than 50 years of advocacy for vulnerable children.
Children’s Hope Dinner began in 2014 after Dallas philanthropist Jimmy Westcott embarked on a mission trip to Russia with Orphan Outreach. It has since raised more than $3 million for children in need.
Say YES to a new name
The Just Say YES Celebration! A Night of Hope & Connection on April 28 brought 370-plus guests to the Omni Dallas Hotel, raised a record-breaking $530,000, and unveiled a rebranding of the nonprofit.
Founder and president Dan Bailey, honored that evening for his two decades of service, announced the new name, Youth Equipped to Succeed.
In 2019, Just Say YES! merged with Aim for Success to impact more students, parents, and educators through its youth development programs. The rebrand honors the legacies of both organizations.
The celebration included swag bags, student testimonies, and a speech from Mike Singletary, Pro Football Hall of Fame Player and a former NFL Head Coach.
The Coach Avery Johnson Youth Impact Award went to Luann and Jorge Gutierrez, and the Keith Davis U-Turn Award to Dre Hill.
More than a women’s issue
Michael Bolton, best known for his singing, mostly relied on his speaking voice when he brought his anti-domestic violence message to the Genesis Annual Luncheon on April 14 at the Hilton Anatole.
The singer/songwriter, raised by a single mother, has three daughters plus grandchildren, and considers domestic violence a human rights issue – one he spent years addressing through his Michael Bolton Charities foundation.
Though guests didn’t get a concert, Bolton did treat them to Beautiful World, a song he wrote during the pandemic.
Beth and Fin Ewing co-chaired the luncheon, which raised $800,000 for Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support. Fin Ewing, Cameron Doan, and Bill Duvall received the HeRO (He Respects Others) Award.
