On Thursday, November 15th Ally’s Wish hosted a kick-off event at the new Reese Witherspoon inspired retail boutique, Draper James, to celebrate the upcoming 3d annual Boots & Blessings Gala to be held on Saturday, April 29 at Gilley’s Dallas. Tickets will start at $150 with tables & sponsorships from $1,500. Ally’s Wish has served over 40 terminally ill moms granting wishes so that their children and families will have lasting memories. CLICK HERE to see a gallery of photographs from this event.
It was fitting that the Draper James team opened their new digs in Highland Park Village to host a Southern soiree with bites by Wendy Krispin Caterer and Korbel California Champagne Non-Vintage Brut Rosé. And with 10% of sales going back to Ally’s Wish, what a perfect reason to do some early holiday shopping. Kidd Kraddick Morning Show radio personality, Kellie Rasberry served as the evening’s emcee. As guests filled the store, Kellie began sharing her connection to Ally’s Wish noting, “It is the moms that the wishes are granted for, but the children who have the lasting memories”. As a mother herself she felt connected to an organization that gives so graciously of their hearts and their time to serve the women who are nominated. Event Co-Chair, Kim Gilchrist welcomed guests and shared her excitement for the upcoming April 29, 2017 event that will take place at Gilley’s Dallas. A fellow friend of the organization, Kim’s goal as event chair is to help ensure that future moms wishes are granted through the support of gala donors. After thanking additional sponsors including Kick-off Sponsor J. Philips Mortgage, Kim recognized Kersten Rettig who will serve as Underwriting Chair and Laura Armstrong Downing who will serve as Advisory Chair.
Wrapping up the night, Missy Phipps, Co-Founder & President of Ally’s Wish was encouraged to share the history behind the organization. With tears held back, she shared with the crowd of onlookers about how four friends sat in her living room, dreamed big and make the late Allyson Hendrickson’s wish come true, to have her blog published. The book, Three Little Cowboys is now made available for sell with a portion of sales benefiting college fund for Allyson’s sons and a portion benefitting the charity. In just three short years, Ally’s Wish has grown leaps and bounds serving the majority of moms in North Texas but others across the country as well. “A current waiting list of 19 moms and growing is why this gala is so important, and we couldn’t do it without the support of friends like each of you,” said Phipps. Before guests returned to shopping, Kellie gave guests a quick reminder of the key event details and encouraged them to continue shopping for gifts and for themselves. Guests in attendance including Andrea Reich, Allen Evans, John McGill, Christi Nicolas, Holly Reed, Melissa Cary, Carole Hall, Bayly Hall, Heather Cade and Shirley Cohn. For more information, tickets or sponsorships please visit www.allyswish.org.
Photo: Kersten Rettig, Kelly Walgamott, Melissa Cary, Kim Gilchrist, Kellie Rasberry, Laura Downing, Missy Phipps, Holly Reed
