Music Legend’s Daughter Delivers a Heart-aching Tribute in a $740,000 Night: Beloved Dallas Real Estate Figure Also Honored in Mindful Affair

Correction: The original article featuring the Aging Mind Foundation 2018 Gala, which appeared online in March 2018 and in the July/August print issue of PaperCity Magazine Dallas, incorrectly stated that gala’s honoree, Betty Tatum, was deceased. Betty Tatum is, in fact, not deceased. The below story has been edited to reflect the accurate information.

What: Aging Mind Foundation 2018 Gala

Where: The Joule Hotel

PC Moment: Waterproof mascara should’ve been mentioned in the dress code for the Aging Mind Foundation’s 2018 Gala. Between the emotional video highlighting the life of honoree Betty Tatum, and the heart-achingly lovely performance by Ashley Campbell — daughter of the late music legend Glen Campbell, who suffered from Alzheimer’s — there were few dry eyes in the house. However, the organization’s fourth annual fundraiser gave its guests plenty of reasons to smile, too.

The 205 attendees suited up in their black-tie best and gathered at The Joule in Downtown Dallas to support the crucial cause. The evening included an elegant dinner presented by Mirador, a musical performance and tribute by Ashley Campbell.

The gala honored Betty Tatum and her husband John Tatum. Betty is a well-known and respected Dallas realtor and longstanding community member, as well as one of 5.7 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s.

Following moving remarks by Tatum’s daughter, Ashley Tatum, and Campbell’s stirring performance, an exciting live auction with Mike Sadler of Heritage Auctions lightened the mood. Hot-ticket items like a private dinner in Museum Tower, a luxurious trip to London and a VIP Kentucky Derby weekend started full-on bidding wars.

The evening concluded with champagne, dancing, and treats on the Joule’s posh rooftop terrace. Impeccable Rosé Brut and Roxor provided the sips, while DJ Jose Guevara provided the party music, and a donut wall served dessert.

The event raised an impressive $740,375 for research to address and support critical issues unique to the aging mind – a 35 percent increase over the total raised in 2017. Proceeds from this year’s gala will go to UTSW Medical Center – Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

“A committed investment to studying the brain will most certainly benefit each of us, as well as future generations for whom we care so deeply,” said Cara Owens, Aging Mind Foundation chairman for the 2018 Gala.

The foundation has raised more than $2 million in the past four years, with generous grants going to the Center for Vital Longevity in 2015, the Center for Brain Health in 2016, and the Baylor AT&T Memory Center in 2017.