Dallas Embraces the Spirit of Taos for a Beautiful Mission
With a Mariachi Intro and Southwestern Attire, the Lovely, Laid-Back Fundraiser Makes a Welcome IRL Return
BY Caitlin Clark // 10.20.21The Spirit of Taos co-chairs Karrie Cato, Ida Gleaton and Lindsay Morris (Photo by Nate Rehlander)
The unfiltered splendor of Taos, New Mexico is dear to the heart of many traveling Texans. Just a beautiful road trip away, the otherworldly town is a true escape, owning a style that’s distinctly its own. With that defining nature in mind, the Friends of Wilkinson Center, an auxiliary group that supports the organization’s mission to provide pathways of self-sufficiency with respect, hosted their eighth Spirit of Taos on Friday, October 15. With Southwestern attire, a mariachi welcome, and post-dinner dancing soundtracked by the lively Jimmy Stadler Band, the annual event is one of Dallas’ most laid-back, lovely fundraisers.
Ernesto’s Music mariachi band — along with event chairs Karrie Cato, Ida Gleaton, and Lindsay Morris — welcomed more than 300 guests to the Arts District Mansion last weekend, where specialty cocktails and the chance to bid on one-of-a-kind silent auction items helped set the party mood. Dale Hansen, an award-winning WFAA-TV sports anchor, served as the evening’s emcee. After introducing a poignant video to highlight the Wilkinson Center’s life-changing programs, Hansen recognized Friends of the Wilkinson Center president Caitlin Hyatt along with honorary chairs Holly Greef and Carlin and Charles Morris for their work to support the organization’s programs.
Murad Auctions auctioneer Wes Pool worked the crowd for top bids on packages that included a round of golf with Austin Smotherman at Lakewood Country Club, a three-night stay at a picturesque estate near Manchester, Vermont, and a chef tasting dinner with four-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Kent Rathburn. Naturally, a trip to Taos, New Mexico (at the fabulous — and fabulously private — Mount Athos Retreat) was also up for auction. For the late-night crowd, DJ Lucy Wrubel, Dallas’ beloved mistress of the turntables, helped close out the night with the bang.
Visit thewilkinsoncenter.org for more information on The Wilkinson Center, and relive the fun with the gallery below.
