Jubilee Park & Community Center celebrated its 20th anniversary with a sold-out birthday gala on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Dallas.
Chaired by Lydia and Bill Addy, the black-tie optional evening themed “Celebrate, Love, Dream,” began with a cocktail reception for the 780 guests in attendance. Partygoers mingled as they enjoyed the signature “Jubilation Libation” cocktail with music by the Emerald City Jazz Trio. Guests could also be seen viewing “History Hall,” lighted panels displayed around the room featuring highlights from Jubilee’s 20-year history, striking a pose in the MirMir photo booth, or purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win a pair of 18 karat gold 5-drop earrings designed exclusively for Eiseman Jewels by designer Sloane Street.
At the appointed time, the ballroom doors opened to reveal the ballroom with a 20-foot birthday cake in the center of the room, surrounded by dining tables each featuring their own birthday cake as centerpieces.
As guests took their seats, master of ceremonies Tony Briggle welcomed all to the milestone celebration. He then introduced Jubilee Park Cub Scout Troop #9007 led by DPD Officer Ray Hailey for a presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Jeff Rice, chairman of the Jubilee Park board of directors, followed to extend her welcome to attendees and added her gratitude for their support of Jubilee’s first-ever gala. She introduced honorary co-chair, Reverend Mark Anschutz, for the invocation who before leading the crowd in prayer, recognized the many individuals in the room who helped launch Jubilee Park & Recreation Center and who continue to support it today.
As partygoers enjoyed a first course of seasonal mixed greens with queso cotija, saffron-poached pear, and blue cheese vinaigrette, Mayor Mike Rawlings congratulated Jubilee on their special anniversary and applauded them for the important work they are doing in southeast Dallas. He said, “Jubilee is a shining light for the city and for the rest of the country.”
Dinner of a Cabernet braised short rib with wild mushroom stuffing, roasted broccolini and red beets and baby carrots was served as co-chairs Lydia and Bill Addy took the stage to thank honorary chairs Peggy and Mark Anschutz, the Young Friends of Jubilee chaired by Elizabeth Hoffman and Paige Zapffe and the many individuals and organizations who helped make the evening possible. They gave special recognition to presenting sponsor ISN Software Corporation, as well as lead sponsors Crow Holdings and Park Place Dealerships.
Emcee Tony Briggle returned and introduced a video, which highlighted the five pillars of Jubilee’s comprehensive community revitalization including education, affordable housing, public health, public safety and economic development.
As partygoers enjoyed “tuxedo” birthday cake with vanilla and fudge layers, Jubilee CEO Ben Leal took the stage and added his gratitude to all for making not only the evening possible but also for helping to provide the funds for a new Specialized Student Support (S3) Program for children with special learning needs. The S3 program will combine teacher training, adaptive technology, specialized curriculum and parent empowerment to make high-quality education accessible to more families in Southeast Dallas.
In closing, Leal shared the most exciting news of the night, the gala’s net revenue goal of $1 million to fund 8 years of the new program, had not only been met, but surpassed with a net total of nearly $1.6 million. He then invited all past, present and future leaders of Jubilee to the dance floor for a toast.
The dance floor quickly filled, as everyone raised a glass to Jubilee as they sang a round of Happy Birthday. As cannons fired confetti into the air, the renowned Emerald City Band took the stage, and the After Party, sponsored by Crow Holdings and hosted by the Young Friends of Jubilee, officially began.
Partygoers of all ages then hit the dance floor or enjoyed the special games set up around the room, including a Putt-Putt challenge, Pin the Tail on the donkey and more. As the photo booth continued, a magician made his way through the crowd to conjure smiles from the crowd. Late-night ticketholders joined the fun at 9pm—just in time to see some partygoers join the band on stage! Chicken and waffle bites, Angus beef sliders, French-fry cones, and margherita flatbreads circulated through the throngs of dancers as a quieter ‘cake and coffee’ area was opened for guests to reconnect and re-charge. As the evening came to a close, guests received a small box of custom cake balls made by Tart Bakery, compliments of valet sponsor Park Place Dealerships.
The 20th Anniversary Gala was supported generously by the following sponsors: Presenting Sponsors ($300,000+) - ISN Software Corporation; and The Moody Foundation; Lead Sponsors ($100,000+) - Crow Holdings; Park Place Dealerships; and Stemmons Foundation; Signature Sponsors ($50,000+) – Winnie and Davis Hamlin; and Mary Stewart and Jim Ramsey, Jr.; Jubilation Sponsors ($25,000+) – Anonymous (2), Maureen and Robert Decherd, Gradus Foundation, Mary Ann and Allen Lassiter; and Maria and David Martin; Revelry Sponsors ($15,000+) - Ben E. Keith Foundation; Anne and Bill Johnson; Melinda and Jim Johnson; Effie and Tom McCullough, Oncor; Katherine and Bob Penn; Margaret and Jaime Spellings; and Jaime and Patrick White; Soirée Sponsors ($10,000+) - Michele and Bob Axley; Delilah and Sam Boyd; Stephanie and Bennie Bray; Louise and Guy Griffeth; Ann and Lee Hobson, Eugenia and Frank-Paul King, Suzanne and Patrick McGee; Jennifer and Jon Mosle; Carolyn and Karl Rathjen; Jeff and Darrel Rice; Elizabeth and Barton Showalter; Nancy and Jim Skochdopole; and Abigail and Todd Williams; Hullabaloo Sponsors ($5,000+) – Anonymous, Peggy and Mark Anschutz; Marilyn Augur; Blessing Family Endowment; Istation/Dick Collins; Tiffany and Brad Davis; Livia and George Dunklin, Melissa and Trevor Fetter, Marilyn and Tom Harbison; Megan and Casey McManemin, Maryann and Frank Mihalopolous; Vicki and Brian Miller; Rachel Goldberger and Shawn Orme, Hon. Jeanne Phillips; Gigi and Jerry Poglitsch; Beth and J. Puckett; Deedie Rose; Jeanne and J. C. Snead; Liz and Eric Van den Branden; Evy Kay and Dick Washburne; and Cici and Giffen Weinmann.
About Jubilee Park:
Jubilee Park and Community Center is a catalyst for comprehensive community renewal and enrichment in southeast Dallas, with emphasis on the education of children and adults. Founded in 1997, Jubilee Park and Community Center helps families and other members of the community identify and access resources that help to provide stability and enhance their quality of life through five pillars: education, affordable housing, public health, public safety and economic development. For more information, visit www.jubileecenter.org.