Turtle Creek Association Azalea Luncheon Reveals New Plans for the Bridges of Turtle Creek
Azalea Luncheon presented by WRMC
(Featured photo: Deborah Stanford, Board Chair; Mary Brinegar, Honorary Chair; JD Trueblood, President and CEO; Sharon Ballew, Luncheon Chair and TCA Development.)
The rain clouds disappeared and the perfect spring weather appeared just in time to reveal a touch of a cloudy sky and a refreshing cool breeze as JD Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association (TCA) joined Mary Brinegar, honorary chair and Sharon Ballew, chair of the Azalea Luncheon presented by WRMC /Andrea Willett at the Joule Hotel. Deborah Stanford and Ann Stuart PhD are honorary chairs emeriti.
The morning began with a VIP champagne reception in the rooftop terrace, which was completely enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and roof and draped with lovely string lights, creating a festive and fun ambiance as guests enjoyed a specialty drink, the Joule Margarita and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Placed around the perimeter were tall trees and beautiful blooming red rosebushes which were offered for sponsorship, as they were soon on their way to their new homes to be planted along the blooming Turtle Creek corridor.
Changing the scene to the elegant luncheon ballroom, Sharon welcomed the crowd, expressing a heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support. Deborah said she was inspired by the sell-out turnout and thanked everyone for their participation in support of TCA. JD said Turtle Creek Association is celebrating its 40th year this year and recognized Judith Lifson, one of the original founding members and introduced Mary as honorary chair.
Mary said she was honored to serve as honorary chair, and said what meant so much to her is that when someone finds something important, like TCA, it validates the purpose of the organization to participate. She thanked everyone for being a part of today’s luncheon and for their continued involvement.
JD introduced presenting sponsor Andrea Willett of WRMC, who said she was honored to participate in today’s event and thanked JD for his hard work, dedication and praised his ongoing efforts on behalf of the Turtle Creek Association.
Betty Reiter, Women’s Fashion Presentation Sponsor, gave an overview of the fashions being presented today, saying a very special thank you to both Pockets, the Men’s Fashion Presentation Sponsor and a special guest designer, Levi Palmer of Palmer//Harding. Levi joined in the luncheon as his fashions were presented in the last presentation sequence, followed by the delicious three-course luncheon.
A short video provided an eye-opening look at the dumping that occurs in Turtle Creek, with trash washing down from Central Expressway and surrounding areas, resulting in more than 10 tons of debris each year that must be manually removed. JD shared that Turtle Creek will benefit from $1 million in funding from the City of Dallas 2024 Bond Program. These funds are designated for future dredging and critical bank stabilization efforts.
On an encouraging note, he added that nature is responding. Wildlife is returning to Turtle Creek. Blue herons and kingfishers, not seen in years, have come back. Turtle Creek is on a path to a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant future.
Recognizing Patrick Rea who manually cleans the creek, JD thanked him for his passion and commitment, to a rousing round of applause.
Briefly mentioning the future of “The Bridges of Turtle Creek,” JD gave a brief overview of the initiative in collaboration with the Turtle Creek Conservancy and the City of Dallas, not just to aesthetically restore and enhance eight historic bridges, but to reinforce and reimagine the connections they facilitate. He encouraged everyone to learn more about this effort in the program and visit the blog or the website at www.turtlecreekassociation.org
Additional sponsors included Elyce and David Walthall, Patron Event Hosts; Sue Krider, Champagne Reception; Belmont Village, Print; Sharon and Wayne Smith, Valet; Home Health Companions, Favors; Teresa Byrd, Décor Sponsor; Castle Group, Photos; Mari Epperson, Décor Coordinator; Carole Ann Brown, Kathy Cothrum, Mari Epperson, Advisors.
Turtle Creek Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. TCA’s core mission is to serve as the foremost guardian, advocate, and leader dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the Turtle Creek corridor.
Furthermore, the Turtle Creek Association takes on a range of vital responsibilities. This includes orchestrating seasonal color transformations along the creek, managing irrigation and watering systems, overseeing litter and trash removal from the creek, and upkeeping 25 beautifully landscaped medians. We play a crucial role in sustaining 2,600 trees that offer a haven for wildlife, and we’re instrumental in providing essential amenities such as drinking fountains, trash receptacles, and benches throughout the parks. Remarkably, all of these efforts are achieved through the generosity of our donors.
For more information and to join our cause, please visit our website at www.turtlecreekassociation.org. Your support fuels our commitment to preserving the urban sanctuary that is Turtle Creek.
Photos by Rob Wythe
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent the Turtle Creek Association and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
