Bubbly Against Cancer: BubblyQ 2013

YTAC President Catharine Flagg with Dean Fearing

Bubbly Against Cancer
by Jayne Chobot Herring

Beautiful and bubbly 20-30-40-something Dallasites flocked to the Ritz Carlton in Uptown last Thursday night for Bubbly Q, a fundraiser for the Dallas chapter of Young Texans Against Cancer. Suffice it to say, everyone involved in forming the organization and most of those supporting it have been affected by cancer in some way, and their shared passion was apparent.

Everyone who lined up outside of Fearings was gushing about the sold out attendance, the beautiful weather, and how organized the event was. YTAC Dallas president Catherine Flagg was luminous at the entrance as she greeted attendees, happy to introduce everyone around and unequivocally thrilled with the turnout. All of the food smelled divine upon entering as drinks were distributed, photos were snapped, and everyone shared their personal stories about their or their friends/families/coworkers battling, surviving, succumbing. It was a humbling yet inspiring atmosphere…. and so very attractive.

Justin & Elizabeth Allen

I'm not sure what was happening elsewhere around Dallas, but I felt bad for them. Jennifer Strauss and her unicorn team mingled about the silent auction tables, which were stocked with travel packages, jewelry, dining experiences (including Uber transportation), art, entertainment, even pet care. Nearby, hot topic Jose Reyes showed off his YTAC wristband with a wink and a shrug to prove he had in fact paid for his admittance.

Outside, Steven Doyle and the Boulevardier crew chugged (really?) Makers Mark for photos. (I did NOT join them in this little ritual, and any photo evidence produced to the contrary is purely circumstantial.) Other participants included Fearing's (I would hope), Bolsa, my mecca Central Market, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, Kockhart Smokehouse, glorious Neiman Marcus, old NYC favorite Nobu, Papas Bros. Steakhouse, and two of my personal West Village neighborhood favorites: undeniably taco-tastic Urban Taco and Krave-worthy Komali.

All provided fabulous food, craft cocktails, bubbles, silent auction items, and/or lively entertainment (whether they meant to or not). And later when waiting in line for valet, we were accosted (!) by a Paciugo stand giving out free gelato, although having already had some earlier in the day while getting some work done in Highland Park Village, I couldn't possibly eat any more. (But I did. And it was salted-caramel-magnificent. Don't tell my ballet teacher.)

Bubbly Q 2013 was a lively and elegant affair, truly impressive for this younger crowd and appreciated by those of us who have been so closely and recently affected by the cause. The result of the glorious evening? Event chairs Carrie Hanna and Holly Price, along with the host committee, the Dallas chapter, and the sponsors Sewell Automotive Companies, FD Luxe, and Dean Fearing, raised over $132,000 to aid in local cancer research and support groups. And for that may we be truly grateful.

To learn more about the Dallas Chapter for Young Texans Against Cancer, visit http://dallas.ytac.org.

About the author: Jayne Chobot Herring

Jayne is an executive liaison from New York City who fell in love with a Texan and is now embracing everything about her new life in Dallas.  A passionate traveler, hostess, and mom to a sassy little girl, she is often over-caffeinated and always on the hunt for new & interesting. You can follow her adventures online @jayniemarie,and on her blog A Moveable Appentency.