KidneyTexas, Inc. Spring Tea Featured Announcements for the Runway Report The French Connection 2025 Luncheon and Fashion Show

(Featured photo: Allison Brodnax, Chair, Luncheon and Fashion Show; Anne Seanor, Presenting Sponsor. Jolie Humphrey, hostess; Mari Epperson, President, KidneyTexas, Inc.)

KidneyTexas, Inc. kicked-off its membership announcements with a Spring Brunch hosted by Jolie Humphrey in her lovely Highland Park home. 

Celebrating new and renewing members, sponsors and supporters, the brunch presentation featured a glorious floral display of hydrangeas, roses and more centered in the table surrounded by a luscious selection of favorite brunch treats created by Vestals Catering.
        

Mari Epperson, president, welcomed the crowd and thanked Jolie for so generously hosting and chairing today’s event, saying KidneyTexas, Inc. is celebrating its 26^th year. Jolie also welcomed everyone and thanked pianist and SMU student Matthew Scott for being our featured entertainer this morning, as he played favorites on Jolie’s vintage 1929 piano.
        

After a membership report by Giana dePaul, Nancy Greenbach announced that KidneyTexas, Inc. has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, to a rousing round of applause.

Allison Brodnax, Fashion Show and Luncheon chair, said the event is slated for Friday, September 26, 2025 at the Riz-Carlton Dallas. She recognized Ann Seanor as the presenting sponsor, along with her husband, William.  Donna and Herb Weitzman are honorary chairs.  The morning will begin with a champagne reception followed by a program and runway fashion show produced by Robyn Chauvin featuring fashions from NorthPark Center, which is always a fabulous event including fun surprises. There will be a silent auction, raffle and award presentations. It is all topped off with a delicious luncheon.

All of the funds raised stay in North Texas and benefit Baylor Scott & White Health Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Methodist Health System Foundation, National Kidney Foundation/Camp Reynal, SouthwestTransplant Alliance, Texas Health Resources Foundation. Tickets can be purchased through the website at www.kidneytexas.org or the direct link is here https://e.givesmart.com/events/G4L/  or email info@kidneytexas.org or call 214-891-0896.
        

Mari also announced this year’s board: President-Elect: Fran Wittenberg; 1^st Vice President Membership: Giana dePaul, Joanie Stephens; 2^nd Vice President Luncheon: Allison Brodnax; 3^rd Vice President Charity Selection: Colby Baer, Gail Vesledahl; Recording Secretary: Barbara Dianis; Corresponding Secretary: Nancy Dennis; Treasurer: Cindy Hanson; Treasurer-Elect: Stacey Wiggins; Historian/Social Media: Claire Catrino, Lauran Grant and Parliamentarian: Monica Cooley. After more business, Mari asked everyone to thank Gold Crown Valet for their sponsorship today.

Mission Statement: The purpose of KidneyTexas, Inc. is to provide funding to improve the methods of treatment, the search for a cure and prevention of kidney disease and other kindred or contributory diseases; and to develop more adequate provision for the care of persons suffering from such diseases.

Statistics: Debilitating kidney diseases impacts approximately 35.5 million people in the United States today. Groups at high risk include African Americans, Hispanics, senior citizens and people with diabetes. In Texas as of 2023, there are over 50,000 people on dialysis and 8,294 people on a transplant list. There were 2,394 kidney transplants in Texas in 2022.

History: Since 1999, the dedicated volunteers of KidneyTexas, Inc. have worked in tandem with our generous underwriters to raise $5 million for local efforts to improve the ability to diagnose and manage kidney disease. 

Each fall KidneyTexas, Inc. hosts its Luncheon & Fashion Show in an effort to raise money for designated beneficiaries and awareness for a disease that affects millions of people each year. The success of this event depends heavily upon the contributions and dedication of our Dallas business and community leaders. Your support is crucial to the success of our mission.

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent KidneyTexas, Inc. and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)