Q & A With Sharon Ballew, Chair, 40th Anniversary Ruby Red Gala
(Featured photo of Sharon Ballew, chair, Ruby Red 40th Anniversary Gala.)*
The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden celebrates two huge milestones this year. One is the Council’s 40th Anniversary being commemorated with the Ruby Red 40th Anniversary Gala presented by Dr. Linda Burk and Dr. John R. Gilmore, who are also honorary chairs. Sharon Ballew is chair of the gala happening on Friday, October 21. Sara Jo Hardin is president of the Women’s Council.
The other is the 25th Anniversary of A Woman’s Garden being commemorated with A Writer’s Garden Symposium and Luncheon: Tales from Highclere Castle, featuring Lady Carnarvon, The Right Honorable Countess of Carnarvon, in person, giving a presentation about life at Highclere Castle (where Downtown Abbey is filmed) and her new book, “Seasons at Highclere.” Donna and Herb Weitzman are honorary chairs. Therese Rourk and Dyann Skelton are chairs of the event happening on Tuesday, October 18.
Q: The Ruby Red 40th Anniversary Gala sounds like a very special event. Give us an overview of what’s going on that evening.
A: The Gala will be very special! The concept is a progressive event which will utilize three distinctive areas of the Dallas Arboretum. The event begins with a Champagne Reception in “A Woman’s Garden.” During the reception, guests will be amazed by special Zora Ball performance on the Infinity Pool.
After the reception, guests will move to the Jonsson Color Garden for a seated dinner under the stars. This is a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of the Arboretum at sunset.
The final phase of the gala occurs in Rosine Hall. Here the guests will enjoy a program presented by Mary Brinegar, President and CEO of the Dallas Arboretum, and Dave Forehand, Vice President of Gardens. Finally, dessert and dancing with music provided by Emerald City’s Limelight Band will provide the ultimate experience to celebrate the 40 years of accomplishments of the Women’s Council.
Q: There are some very special opportunities available for underwriters/sponsors. Does that give them access to any private events?
A: Yes, there are some special opportunities for donors. Sponsors and underwriters at the $3,000 level and up will receive tickets to the Patron Event.
Donors at the $10,000 and above level also receive invitations to the Patron Event, in addition they will receive invitations to the Private Donor Dinner. This private dinner includes special guest Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the Right Honorable Countess of Carnarvon who resides at Highclere Castle. This is the site where Downton Abbey is filmed.
Q: Why does the Women’s Council mean so much to you?
A: The Women’s Council is a unique organization in that it supports a very unique cause, A Woman’s Garden in the Dallas Arboretum. In addition to the unique cause, the membership is unique. Members are from all over the Dallas metroplex, all ages and backgrounds. The opportunities afforded by membership are well worth it. In addition, knowing that A Woman’s Garden will be cared for and improved over the coming years due to the efforts of the membership is quite an accomplishment.
For sponsorships, tickets, and more information, visit the website here: https://wcdabg.org/3/miscellaneous14.htm
ABOUT THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL: Celebrating its 40th Anniversary.
Since 1982 the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. The support of over 500 members of the Women’s Council makes possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. www.wcdabg.org
ABOUT A WOMAN’S GARDEN: Celebrating its 25th Anniversary.
A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. Ablaze with color in every season, A Woman’s Garden sits majestically as a living testament to the passion and vision of the Women’s Council founders and the boundless energy and devotion of its members whose commitment to creating a garden dedicated to the universal spirit of women across generations is realized in its inspired design. Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion and unwavering commitment of the women who came before us and those entrusted with its care now, and into the future.
*Courtesy photo
** Photo courtesy Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and its special events and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles eBuzz.)
