Timing is everything when it comes to a North Texas fundraiser, and for the Wings Pop Fizz Clink brunch fundraiser, the stars were in perfect alignment for the event at the Thompson Dallas. Taking place on Friday, May 5 (aka Cinco de Mayo), it was a natural fit for the theme to be “A Wings Fiesta.” In addition to the bright colors celebrating the festivities and the tequila-infused beverages, the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico dancers provided the perfect way to kick off the event. Here’s a report from the field:
On Friday, May 5, guests of Pop Fizz Clink – A Wings Fiesta traded typical luncheon attire for their festive “brunch best” for an inspiring celebration all about uplifting women. Wings’ mission of empowering women, fighting poverty and impacting generations was at the core of the event, ensuring that guests departed with a strong understanding of the organization’s impact on the community.
From the vendors to the sponsors to the Mijenta tequila sipped by guests, women-owned businesses and women empowerment were the stars of the show. Funds raised at the event will support the women Wings serves through its Nurse-Family Partnership and Economic Advancement Programs.
Branded as a bubbly brunch, the event kicked off at Thompson Dallas with a VIP reception, where attendees started their mornings with passed hors d’oeuvres and sparking beverages. During the reception, attendees brought out their best poses for the 360 Five Photobooth and made their own custom potpourri bags at the Linen Sachet station.
The ballroom doors opened to all guests at 10:30 a.m. As they entered the ballroom, guests were greeted by dancers with the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico and music spun by Christy Ray, who was named Best DJ in Dallas by D Magazine last year.
The tables and stage were accented with beautiful and perfectly on theme décor sourced by Event Designer Prashe.
Guests enjoyed churros, ceviche, and bites from the build your own avocado toast and breakfast taco stations. As a nod to Cinco de Mayo, there was a Bloody Mary and Bloody Maria bar with all the accoutrements.
There were also several vendor activations available throughout the room, keeping the guests on their feet and mingling as they participated in photo opps created by Prashe and had their likeness drawn by artists from BernsenArt Caricature and Party Illustrations.
Back by popular demand, the Mary Kay Lipstick Lounge was again one of the popular activations. Guests could select up to two of the eight available shades of the Mary Kay Supreme Hydrating Lipstick. After they applied their new lipstick, guests went over to the Pucker Up Impressions booth to get their fortunes told from their lip print after kissing a card.
Once guests had a chance to have a bite and mingle, the program began with an exciting performance by the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico dancers. Instead of your typical glass clinking, the dancers had all eyes on the stage when the event chairs took the mic.
After the performance, Melissa Cameron, Jane Rozelle Humphrey and Vodi Cook Meagher welcomed the guests to the 2nd Annual Pop Fizz Clink – A Wings Fiesta. They thanked Honorary Chair Laurie Sands Harrison before handing the microphone over to the Presenting Sponsor Michelle Hudson of Hudson Peters. As the representative for Hudson Peters, Michelle expressed her appreciation for Wings and the work the organization is doing to uplift women in our community.
Wings CEO Kate Rose Marquez gave remarks as well, thanking the sponsors and the guests for their support of Wings. She then introduced the 2023 Ebby Empowering Women Award honoree Debbie Dennis of Oncor. The award is presented to individuals who honor Ebby Halliday’s legacy of empowering women. Among other contributions, Kate Rose noted Debbie’s unwavering support of Wings throughout the last several years and the leadership role she played in guiding Wings through a transformational time.
After receiving a standing ovation, Debbie profusely thanked her family members and her Oncor colleagues, many of whom were in attendance at the event. She noted Ebby’s impact on the community and how she charted a course of success for other women. At the end of her remarks, Debbie shared words of advice to fellow attendees: “Stand up, speak up and be bold.”
Following Debbie’s remarks, guests watched a short but poignant video about Wings, which highlighted many of the incredible women who have participated in the Nurse-Family Partnership and Economic Advancement programs.
Kate Rose and Wings Board President James Vaughan returned to the stage following the video to thank guests for their support.
“Thank you for giving women their wings,” Kate Rose said.
The program concluded with a Mission Moment, where guests could pledge an additional donation to support Wings’ important work. As hands went up, donors received a special handmade flower crown or lei – the perfect accent to the guests’ springtime brunch attire.
The event officially concluded at 1 p.m., but several guests headed upstairs to Catbird to continue the fun, many adorned with their new crown accessory.
* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron
The post Wings Dallas’ Pop Fizz Clink Embraced Cinco De Mayo With Ceviche, Tequila And Folklorico appeared first on My Sweet Charity.