Donning masks and their best party attire, Genesis Young Leaders brought the circus to Sixty Five Hundred on Saturday, February 23, for their annual “Masquerade.” With all types of three-ring entertainment including acrobats and a spider monkey named Jelly, the 800 guests were the big act of the night dancing to Taylor Pace Orchestra. Here’s a report from the field:
Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support hosted its sixth annual Genesis Young Leaders (GYL) Masquerade event on Saturday, February 23, at Sixty Five Hundred, netting more than $301,000 for the women and children of Genesis. Co-chaired by Rachel and Coleman Brown and Krista and Andrew Porteous, the sold-out event was put on by presenting sponsors CBRE, Koch Real Estate Investments and Stonelake Capital Partners.
As more than 800 guests “stepped right up” to the venue, they were immediately whisked away into a vintage circus-themed night Under the Big Top. A softly-lit chandelier hanging from the ceiling set the mood, surrounded by billowing red tent streams. Statues of lions, tigers and bears (oh my!) bordered the room for all to enjoy, and VIP guests had the exclusive opportunity to hold “Jelly” the spider monkey. To top off the evening, acrobatic entertainment took the stage, consisting of balancing acts, juggling and other breathtaking stunts.
The decorations and the entertainment weren’t the only things throughout the evening that whisked guests away to the circus – one smell of the food wafting through the air and attendees were instantly transported. Corn dogs with spicy mustard, sticky caramel apples, assorted popcorn, cheesy nachos, soft pretzels, funnel cakes and Parmesan truffle fries were served throughout the night, and washed down with wine, beer and spirits… now that’s the ticket!
Taylor Pace Orchestra performed live music from Earth, Wind and Fire to Bruno Mars and everything in between. Attendees in elegant gowns and tuxedos donned sparkling masquerade masks, twirled on the dance floor and moved to the casino tables to play black jack and craps. Chips were traded in for raffle tickets, allowing guests the opportunity to win elite prizes such as a pair of stock boots from Mirion Crosby, a handbag from Christian Louboutin, two seats to the Genesis Annual Luncheon (including VIP photos with keynote speaker Terry Crews), or date night for a year – a package consisting of gift cards to select Dallas restaurants.
Genesis CEO Jan Langbein and Senior Director of Fund and Community Development Amy Norton thanked GYL Board President Molly Slusher, Rachel and Coleman and Krista and Andrew and all of the Masquerade committee for planning and executing a memorable evening. More than $300,000 was raised through the event, exceeding and breaking all previous goals and allowing Genesis Women’s Shelter to continue to serve more than 3,700 women and children who rely on Genesis each year.
Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction packages like a shopping getaway, a staycation at the Joule or wine tasting for 20 of your closest friends. For a fun surprise, guests could participate in a designer jewelry pull to win trinkets from Kendra Scott jewelry including earrings, bracelets and more.
* Photo provided by Genesis Women's Shelter and Support