North Texas gala and golf raise $2 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Businesses and other donors gave more than $2 million in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital via the 17th annual St. Jude Evening Under the Stars Party and Golf Classic.

That significantly eclipsed last year's $1.68 million in gross revenue.

T-Mobile, Operated by Amtel LLC was the presenting sponsor.

The two-part fundraiser consisted of a gala that drew 1,200 guests to the Omni Dallas Hotel on Nov. 3 and a golf tournament at Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco on Nov. 5.

Co-chairs Holly and Doug Brooks have hosted the event for four years running, and Scott Murray emceed.

Cindy and Charlie Feld served as co-chairs of the dinner honoring NFL Hall of Fame member Tim Brown and his wife, Sherice. Joe Haggar III and Lou Grabowsky were co-chairs of the golf competition.

The charitable cancer hospital in Memphis, Tenn., relies on donors for more than 75 percent of its funding and freely shares its research.

For information and to give, visit stjude.org.

Steaks on the Lake

Grant Halliburton Foundation's annual Steaks on the Lake fundraiser held last month at the Bomb Factory netted $330,000 for the charity, which promotes youth mental health and works to stop suicide.

Polly and Mike Campbell, Susan and Evan Griffiths, and Bev and Alan Vuckovich served as co-chairs, and honorary chairs were Brit Rose Foundation creators Tori and Roy Serpa.

Donors included:

• $5,000 and up: Richard Burch, Mary and Neil Dorflinger, Missy and Richard Fisher, Amanda and Mark Francis, Susan and Evan Griffiths, Marcia Simpson and Keith Gruenberg and the Bomb Factory.
• $2,500 and up: Deana and Paul Albrecht, Andres Construction Services, Cindy and Fred Balda, Beth and Romy Baltazar, Chris Berry and Paula Mitchell, Diane and Kim Buford, Debbie and David Burch, Polly and Mike Campbell, Deb and Scott Coldwell, Jeanie and Bert Conly, Tricia D'Cruz, Melinda Emmons, Mari and Don Epperson, Jennifer and Mark Gunnin, Sharon and Kevin Hall, Sandra Hernandez, Emily Horton, Jet-Ten/Wisdom Media, Keith Hutson, Integer, Tracie and John Klein, Mercury One, Parish Episcopal School, Cheryl Parker, Sally and Mike Pearson, Matthew Pickett, Joyce and Bill Rogge, Tori and Roy Serpa, Marla and Van Shaw, Megan and Allan Sparks, Nancy and Mitchell Spector, Maria and Jock Stafford, Tiffany and Brad Wines, Cathy and Jeff Wood, Dee Velvin, and Bev and Alan Vuckovich.

Learn more at GrantHalliburton.org.

New Nasher sponsors

The Nasher Sculpture Center's 11-year-old program offering free admission and special events on the first Saturday of every month has new sponsors for 2019: Bank of America and Neiman Marcus.

Formerly known as Target First Saturdays, the happenings have been renamed Free First Saturdays.

In addition, Univision and Dallas Area Rapid Transit have agreed to promote the series.

"We are excited to offer free admission and creative learning opportunities in a fresh new format," said education curator Anna Smith. "Free First Saturdays will allow visitors of all ages and interests to build their own experience at the Nasher, and each month will offer new and different ways to engage with and enjoy art."

At the opening Free First Saturday on Jan. 5, Dallas artists Francisco Moreno and Shamsy Roomiani will lead visitors in creating art, among other activities.

Visit nashersculpturecenter.org for information.