This 20th Birthday Party Raises $1.6 Million: No Wonder Why This Downtown Dallas Hotel Was Rocking
BY Linden Wilson Jobe // 12.04.17Ryan & Maleiah Rogers
What: Jubilee Park & Community Center 20th Anniversary Gala
Where: Omni Dallas hotel
PC Moment: In a tremendous feat for the Jubilee Park & Community Center — which helps southeast Dallas families access resources for education, affordable housing, health and safety, and economic development — an impressive $1.6 million was raised at its 20th birthday party (and first-ever gala) downtown.
Close to 800 guests filled the Omni for the celebratory affair, which kicked off with lighted panels showcasing moments from Jubilee’s history plus a raffle with the chance to take home an exquisite pair of Sloane Street 18K drop earrings exclusively designed for Eiseman Jewels.
A seated dinner featured Cabernet-braised short rib with wild mushroom stuffing, yet all eyes were on the massive 20-foot birthday cake that commanded attention in the middle of the ballroom (and the cute mini birthday cakes on each table).
It was sweet event for everyone, as Jubilee Park CEO Ben Leal announced to guests that proceeds from the evening were able to provide funds for eight years to support Jubilee’s new Specialized Student Support Program for children with special learning needs.
Thunderous applause ensued before, under a flurry of vibrant confetti, the Emerald City Band invited partygoers to the dance floor. Merriment continued well into the night with more fun and games by way of a putt-putt challenge, pin the tail on the donkey, and a photo booth.
Who: Jubilee Park CEO Ben Leal, Jubilee Park board of directors chairman Jeff Rice, gala co-chairs Bill and Lydia Addy, honorary co-chairs Peggy and Mark Anshutz, emcee Tony Briggle, Mayor Mike Rawlings and Micki Rawlings, Bill and Elka Rhoda, Bill and Tricia Miller, Shea and Eric Davis, Todd and Heather Furniss, Gaby and Gunnar Rawlings, Molly and Jimmy Bonner, Kelly Johnson, and Garrett Worrell.