Article Written by Stephanie Allmon Merry for Dallas Culture Map on April 9, 2019
What: Aging Mind Foundation Gala
Where: The Joule
The 411: A who's who of Dallas philanthropists and supporters of the Aging Mind Foundation gathered on March 23 for the organization's fifth annual gala and gave generously from their hearts. The elegant evening raised over $720,000 to find the cause of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Presented by Headington Companies, The Joule and Forty Five Ten, the event kicked off with a cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner with special musical entertainment, a live auction, and after-party on the Joule Terrace.
Yvonne and Mayo Crum were recognized as the 2019 gala honorees. Sherwood Wagner served as the honorary chair, and Kathy Nelson as gala chair. Greg Creed, Yum! Brands CEO, acted as master of ceremonies and hosted the dinner.
“Over 6 million Americans are currently battling Alzheimer’s disease and by 2050, that number is expected to increase to 14 million Americans,” said Laree Hulshoff, co-founder of Aging Mind Foundation. “The gala is our largest fundraiser of the year. This year, the event benefits Yale University’s Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, and Repair program.”
Guests feasted on exquisite food and drinks created by The Joule culinary team, including roasted zucchini and spinach soup with whipped Parmesan cream and focaccia croutons; dry aged New York strip with ravioli, broccoli rabe, and green peppercorns; and limoncello mousse with a mélange of berries, and a fennel pollen cookie.
Guests bid competitively in a live auction of seven fabulous items: an ultimate staycation at the Joule Hotel; an exclusive golf experience and lunch at the Dallas National Golf Club with Cowboys legend Ed “Too Tall” Jones and former Dallas Maverick all-star Jason “Jet” Terry; a private hunt at Togo Island; a Palm Desert driving experience; a VIP Hollywood trip to attend a taping of Will & Grace; private wine tastings and tours of Jean-Charles Boisset Collection in Napa Valley and Delouch Vineyards in Russian River Valley; and an exclusive VIP dinner at AT&T Stadium for the 2019 NFL Season kickoff.
Country-songwriter singer Jay Allen entertained guests. Among his songs was “Blank Stares,” a viral hit on social media that he wrote and recorded in honor of his mother, who passed away from Alzheimer’s in February.
The evening concluded with a rooftop after-party on The Joule Terrace against a gorgeous Dallas night sky.
Since the founding in 2013 and with the backing of Michael Tregoning, president of Headington Companies, the Aging Mind Foundation has raised over $2 million to fund high-quality brain research.
Who: John Clutts, Martha Wyly Miller, Sami Arslanlar, Jonika Nix, Carey Moen, Alana Sada, Adrian Sada, Kiki Pennington, Shandi Hudson, Katy Avrea, Sanders Avrea, Cara Owens, Gary Owens, Stacy Nutkis, Mark Hiduke, Heather ArDeel, Kathy Nelson, Ben Fischer, Barbara Daseke, Dan Hagood, MiChel Hagood, Kara Goss, andRandall Goss.