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On Saturday July 26, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency North Dallas located in Richardson, nearly 300 North Dallas local residents and business leaders attended the Starry, Starry Night Gala, NETWORK of Community Ministries’ annual benefit held each summer. With the help of the community, generous sponsors, and a diligent 2008 Gala Committee led successfully by Don Wilson of the Tiemeyer Team Realtors, the Fifth Annual Starry, Starry Night Gala raised the largest ever in the history of staging this affair ($72,997), bringing the total raised since its inception (2004) to $ 276,898 via this fundraiser. The gala generates support to provide emergency services for families enduring temporary hardships.
The Hyatt’s Grand Ballroom came alive on July 26th with guests delighted to be at the 5th Annual Starry, Starry Night Gala and Auction. The evening opened with a VIP reception in the Bluebonnet Room complete with pianist, heavy hors d’oeuves, and great socializing with the Honorary Chair, Drew Pearson, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver during the Tom Landry era. Near the ballroom entrance, stunning prizes where featured on the ever popular “Star Board,” that completely sold out in just a few minutes. A spectacular auction display lined the outer hallway to open and close the night that was completely run for the first time by the AES Auction Company, which made bidding and check-out a technological thrill for the Richardson glitterati.
Following an exquisite dinner and an inspiring message on giving by Honorary Chairman Drew Pearson, auctioneer Robert Rountree took the stage for a bidding frenzy on the diamond and topaz necklace by Leland Baker of Leland’s Gold & Diamonds, artwork by local artist Frankie Garcia III, fabulous trips, and dinner prepared by Chef Tommy Nevill of Silver Fox Restaurant, and Milestone Culinary Arts Center. Of course, the “priceless” auction item was a patrol car ride with the city’s finest, the City of Richardson’s Police Department.
Gala guests then danced beneath the stars to close the evening with music by the Chris McGuire Band of Dallas. Honorary Chairman Pearson recognized the Fifth Annual Starry, Starry Night event sponsors by calling them “truly superstars,” which included: Richardson Regional Medical Center, TXU Energy (VIP Reception Sponsor), Ryland Homes, the City of Richardson, Fujitsu, Viewpoint Bank, Atmos Energy, EPOD, Inc, First United Methodist Church, Dallas Dodge and Richland College.
Hundreds of auction items came in for this gala and NETWORK thanks all so very much for their support. Save the date for the Sixth Annual Starry, Starry Night Gala scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2009. For more information, contact Britni Cannon, Development Director at (214) 635-1572.
NETWORK of Community Ministries, founded in 1986, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides low-income families in need of short-term support shelter, food and clothing. NETWORK also offers help through other programs, which include the Adolescent and Children’s Clinic, the Seniors’ Net, and the Trinity Wellness Clinic. NETWORK is located at 741 S. Sherman, Richardson, TX75081.
