The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) held its 10th annual Moonlight Ball on February 22 at Brook Hollow Golf Club where the ambience of a full moon and hundreds of twinkling votives bathed the ballroom in a soft blue light. Artfully arranged by Junior Villaneuva, gorgeous floral arrangements of white hydrangeas, roses, tulips and dogwood blossoms complemented the soft aqua and chocolate décor. Guests were greeted by co-chairs Jan Daulton and Melinda Emmons, both of whom have served as dedicated House volunteers and community leaders.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and conversations before the three course seated dinner. The first course was the Brook Hollow Golf Club signature salad, followed by a petite filet of beef with a red wine sauce, crispy seared sea bass, their famous mac n’ cheese, haricots verts and whole baby carrots. Dessert was the Bailey’s molten cake with caramel ice cream, and then guests danced the night away to music by popular band Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
2014 RMHD Board Chairwoman Natalie Dossett, who also served as underwriting co-chair with good friend and past Board Chairwoman Vera Bangs, welcomed the guests and delivered a heartfelt message regarding the important work that RMHD does for the families who stay there. She then introduced Mike McWilliams who served as Honorary Co-Chairman with his lovely wife Sally.
Beloved volunteers and supporters Sally and Mike McWilliams have served the House for the past 25 years. Sally began volunteering as a Junior League of Dallas volunteer 25 years ago and still volunteers at the front desk every week. She’s also served on the board and in other leadership roles. Mike has served on the board and as a Board Chairman in 2010 and 2011 right after completion of the new House. The McWilliams were joined at the party by family and close friends including their sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Liz Williams and Matt and Hollin McWilliams.
Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, said, “We appreciate and thank Jan Daulton, Melinda Emmons and the McWilliams for their hard work as well as their committee and sponsors of the Moonlight Ball. Over the past decade, this event has raised more than $1.5 million for the House, a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill or injured children.”
A special thanks to the Moonlight Ball donors:
Gold Patron: Mr. and Mrs. Bennie M. Bray, Sally and Mike McWilliams
Silver Patron: Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Jan and Tom Daulton, Natalie and Drew Dossett, Pam and Matt Mattingly and Mersina and Phin Stubbs, Ann and Doug Smellage, Southwest Airlines, UT Southwestern and Southwestern Medical Foundation
Platinum Couple: Sharon and Henri L. Bromberg III, Melinda and David Emmons
Gold Couple: ACIG Insurance Co, Bunny and Harold Ginsburg, Eugenia and Frank-Paul King, Jill and Brent Magnuson, Carol and Daniel Podolsky, Carolyn and Karl Rathjen, Marianne and Roger Staubach, Thompson & Knight Foundation, Sue and Jay Wagley.
For those interested in learning more about the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, contact Diane Fullingim, Chief Development Officer, at 214-631-7354 or dfullingim@rmhdallas.org.
ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DALLAS:
Established in 1981, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 33,000 families of seriously ill children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. It also provides families with the opportunity to share their concerns with other families in similar circumstances. For more information, please contact the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas at 214.631.7354, or visit www.rmhdallas.org.