Couple Inspired by Their New Orleans Roots for Gala’s “Voodoo Masquerade Ball” Theme
October is not just a time for dressing up in costumes for candy, but according to one philanthropic Dallas couple, it is also time to dress up for a cause. This Halloween, Dr. Kurt and Leslie Kitziger are ready to generate some local “ghoulwill” by serving as the chairs of the 8th Annual Dallas Bone Bash benefitting the Arthritis Foundation. The event, which is Dallas’ most-anticipated chic Halloween soiree, is set for Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N Field St. The W. B. Memorial Carrell Clinic is also returning in a premier sponsorship role, Witch Doctor Sponsor. Visit www.dallasbonebash.org.
The Dallas Bone Bash supports the organization’s fight against arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Currently, 50 million Americans (one in five) are living with arthritis. This includes 1.8 million North Texans that are served by the Arthritis Foundation. Proceeds from the Dallas Bone Bash support funding to conduct research to find a cure, provide public health/educational programs for those who have arthritis, and continue the Foundation’s advocacy efforts throughout North Texas.
Thanks to the Kitzigers, this year’s Bone Bash promises to be nothing short of “spooktaculuar” due to their hometown ties to New Orleans. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina brought Dr. Kitziger, a leading orthopaedic surgeon, to the Carrell Clinic. Son of a well-known orthopaedist in New Orleans and accomplished Louisiana medical professional, Dr. Kitziger enjoyed a thriving practice specializing in hip and knee replacement in his hometown since 1991. Upon joining the Carrell Clinic, Dr. Kitziger learned more about the organization’s dedicated involvement with the local Arthritis Foundation and the Dallas Bone Bash under the leadership of Drs. W.Z. “Buz” Burkhead and Paul Peters.
“Since transitioning to North Texas, we’ve found Dallas to be extremely welcoming to our family,” said Dr. Kitziger. “It’s also rewarding to be part of a group of medical leaders at the Carrell Clinic that help improve the quality of life for people living with arthritis pain every minute of every day.”
Although the Kitzigers now call Dallas home, they haven’t forsaken their New Orleans roots. Instead, they’ve used The Big Easy as the thematic inspiration for the 2013 Dallas Bone Bash. “Our family has always loved to entertain and as chairs of the 2013 Dallas Bone Bash we look forward to embracing our New Orleans roots and giving guests an “otherworldly” experience that they won’t soon forget,” said gala co-chair Leslie Kitziger.
The Arthritis Foundation 8th Annual Bone Bash “A Voodoo Masquerade Ball at the Perot” is indeed sure to cast a spell over Dallas on Oct. 19 and magically transport guests to the French Quarter for an “otherworldly Halloween Eve.”
The Kitzigers will preside over this year’s “Undead Ball” in full theatrical regalia as New Orleans’ own Witch Doctor Baron Samedi and his High Priestess Marie Laveaux. Mrs. Kitzigers “bootiful” costume gown will be hand painted and accessorized by her daughter Hannah Kitziger in Los Angeles. She will also wear custom jewelry created by daughter Julia Kitziger, as well as by renowned designer Alexander McQueen.
“Live guests” adorned in costumes and masks will mix and mingle with zombies, ghouls, witches and ghosts as they roam (or float) throughout the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, dine on New Orleans-style cuisine from Wolfgang Puck and rattle their bones to the jive rhythms of The Crescent City’s own psychedelic jazz/rock and funk band “Flowtribe.”
According to Mrs. Kitziger, there will be an array of ghoulish games and devilish delights throughout the evening including the first-ever “Voodoo Lounge” floor featuring casino games, fortune tellers, fabulous auction items and much more.
“Since I also suffer from arthritis, the work of the Arthritis Foundation is close to my heart,” said Mrs. Kitziger. “Through my own experience and my husband’s practice, I’ve seen what arthritis does to individuals and families firsthand. We’re delighted to join the Arthritis Foundation at the Dallas Bone Bash in hopes that we can really make a difference to those in our community and help provide much-needed support to help find a cure.”
Individual patron tickets are $250 and $450 per couple. For more information contact: Toni Miller, Arthritis Foundation; 214-818-0364 or tmiller@arthritis.org or visit www.dallasbonebash.org.
Additional supporters for the 2013 Dallas Bone Bash include: Back Bone Sponsors: Dr. Buz Burkhead; Jo and Dr. Robert Langdon; Hip Bone Sponsors: North Central Surgical Center; Sharon and Paul Devereaux/NTI, Inc.; Leg Bone Sponsors: Baylor Medical Center at Uptown; Dallas Anesthesia Associates ; DePuy; Euflexxa; Margaret and Lee Jackson; Leslie and Dr. Kurt Kitziger ; Margaret Hunt "In honor of Chelsea Hunt"; Mercedes Benz of Plano; Petro-Hunt, LLC ; Stryker ; Dr. Carr Vineyard; Arm Bone Sponsors: Arthritis Care and Research Center; Biomet; Encompass Home Health; Excel Anesthesia P.A.; Dr. Bo Frederick; Tom Glasson; Haven Home Health; Chelsea and Austin Hunt; Massage Envy Spa; Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine of Dallas; DeEtte and Dr. Paul Peters; Remington Medical Resort – Richardson; and Villages of Lake Highlands.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of arthritis, which strikes 1.8 million North Texans and is the nation’s leading cause of disability. To conquer this painful, debilitating disease, we support education, research, advocacy and vital community programs and services.