Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and PIRCH Dallas hosted “Belles and Whistles,” a celebration honoring The Trains at NorthPark Co-chairs April Cook and Jennifer Tobin, Co-chairs-Elect Annika Cail and Sara Friedman, and the entire 2015 committee on September 23. Onsite PIRCH chefs created delicious hors d’oeurvres such as lamb served on homemade crostini with crumbled cheese, tasty meatballs, single-serve banana puddings and German chocolate cake and more. Guests sipped wine, noshed on these edibles and shopped the store’s upscale kitchen appliances, bath, outdoor grills and home furnishings.
Proceeds from The Trains at NorthPark exhibit benefit Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, providing a home-away-from-home for families with sick or injured children receiving treatment in Dallas area hospitals.
During the remarks, Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, welcomed more than 50 supporters. “Thank you to PIRCH—Rob Allen, Janie Whitmarsh and Kasie Jacobs—for planning such a lovely kickoff for us. We’re delighted to also have PIRCH as a sponsor this year. Thank you to NorthPark for the wonderful support over the years for this exhibit and for its 50th anniversary.”
Victoria Snee, NorthPark Center’s director of public relations, said, “NorthPark has been supporting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and The Trains at NorthPark since 1999, and the House is also one of our selected charities for our 50th anniversary. As a gift, NorthPark will be paying for 100 families to stay for a week at the House.”
Cumnock added, “I’d also like to recognize our presenting sponsor, Bank of Texas, and Pat Brockette who is representing the bank tonight. We appreciate your support for the past seven years. We also thank Carolyn and Karl Rathjen, M.D. as our honorary co-chairs.” Dr. Rathjen has treated many children whose families stay at the House.
She introduced April Cook and Jennifer Tobin. Cook, who has been involved with the House for 15 years, thanked the committee and recognized the various chairs. Cook has volunteered as a Young Friend, with dinners and most recently as railcar chair.
Tobin announced the total sponsorships to date. “Today our sponsorships total $240,850. We are thrilled that the limited edition passenger and baggage railcars are selling like hotcakes, so order yours today.”
The Trains at NorthPark Sneak Peek party, which is a benefit to sponsors, will be held on Saturday, November 21, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Held before the exhibit opens to the public, this event is a favorite for sponsors and their children who get to be the first to see the trains roll into Dallas.
The most elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit in Texas, The Trains at NorthPark includes locomotives rolling across multiple tracks on a journey across America marked by memorable landmarks. Thousands of visitors enjoy The Trains at NorthPark each season, which is one of Dallas’ most cherished family holiday traditions.
For those interested in underwriting and supporting The Trains at NorthPark, contact Diane Fullingim, Chief Development Officer at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, at 214.624.5365 or dfullingim@rmhdallas.org. For those interested in purchasing a railcar, becoming a sponsor or needing more information, visit http://www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com/.
Established in 1981, the House has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 36,000 families of seriously ill or injured children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. It also provides families with the opportunity to share their concerns with other families in similar circumstances. For more information, visit http://www.rmhdallas.org/ or call 214.631.7354.