Llamas Take Over Dallas’ Retro Hotel Palace, But This is No Ordinary Animal Party: Celebrating $12 Million Raised (and Counting) For One of the City’s True Standout Annual Affairs

What: AWARE AFFAIR: Celebrate the Moments – A Modern American Evening

Where: Statler Hotel

PC Moment: AWARE Affair’s annual gala was nothing short of extravagant this year with llamas, cocktails, and auctions — oh my! Set in the newly renovated retro Statler Hotel, the benefit used the venue by paying homage to Llinda Llee Llama, a real-life llama that was a guest and mascot of sorts for the hotel, with two live llamas for photo ops.

The creativity didn’t stop there because event chairs Jolie Humphrey and Josey Kennington mixed in “The JoJo” signature cocktail of Elderflower liqueur from donor GLASS vodka that sold out early. An elaborate three-course dinner followed, and guests boogied on the dance floor to both the trio L’Aquestra and DJ Steffi Burns.

However, the wild touches did not distract from the heart of the event — raising money to further research to end Alzheimer’s disease in Dallas, the greater North Texas area and the world. Since 1989, AWARE has donated more than $12,750,000 towards this cause. The gala included a silent auction to continue to aid the fight.

The night honored BvB Dallas for raising $3.5 million and recruiting more than 1,000 volunteers to help with the mission through its powder-puff football game and fundraisers. Amy Osler, AWARE’s Spirit of Education Leader who has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, gave her namesake award to Holly Hull Miroi for her leadership in education within the community. This Dallas-based charity — and the people behind it — truly care to be AWARE.

On the Dance Floor: event chairs Jolie Humphrey and Josey Kennington, Kim and David McDavid, Jr.; AWARE president Venise Stuart.