What: Design Inspirations’ 30th Anniversary Preview Party and Luncheon
Where: Ridglea Country Club
411: For 30 years, volunteers from the Fort Worth Alumnae Associations of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Pi Beta Phi have joined forces for one of the most unique fundraisers in the city – Design Inspirations. The two-day, mega-showcase of beautifully set tablescapes has raised more than $1.4 million since its inception.
The 2023 edition marked Design Inspiration’s 30th anniversary and was chaired by Allie Turney and Molly VanAmburgh (Pi Beta Phi), and Leigh Brown and Katie Howard (Kappa Kappa Gamma). Proceeds benefit Gill Children’s Services, Inc. and Breakthrough Fort Worth.
The event started on the evening of Wednesday 1 March with a champagne toast which included event chairs from the last 30 years, and not least the four founders: Carol Dunaway, Ann Harwood, Kay Howelland Judy Schell.
A preview party followed, where nearly 500 guests sipped cocktails and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres while previewing 64 elegant tablescapes designed by local designers, florists and businesses. Table of long-standing designers, included Beckley Design Studio, Central Market, Christy Dunaway Smith, Domain XCIV, Inc., Jessica McIntyre Interiors, Kay Genua Designs, Neiman Marcus Fort Worthand The Enchanted Floristassembled with recent designers and supporters, incl Allison Curry Interiors, Emily Gilbert Designs, Mackenzie Page Interiors, Paxton Place Designand Schumacher.
The next morning, more than 550 guests – dressed in their best spring florals – enjoyed the Design Inspirations Luncheon, featuring a presentation by the New York interior designer and author of the new book More rooms, Katie Ridder. (Of course, she went home with her own custom boots from ML Leddy’s.)
Music and the scent of hundreds of fresh flowers filled the room as attendees sipped Prosecco and strolled through the five rooms decorated with captivating florals and creative table themes from garden party to western chic.
After the presentation, a lunch of tomato and cucumber salad, grilled fillet and wedge salad, and a special 30th anniversary raspberry cream cake was served.
For more information about Design Inspirations and the causes it supports, visit the website.
WHO: Participants included Tanya Runyon, Courtney Mitchell, Duffy Bloemendal, Heather Senter, Leslie Daly, Jessica Dodson, Robyn Hatfield and Laura Rooker, Kristi Newman, Olivia Kearney, Melinda Adams, Lou Martin, Jordan Davidson, Alison Gengelbach, Courtney Holm, Katie Semple, Lizzie Sell , Ro McKee Rynd, Carrie Woodson, Rebecca Hillard, Pepper McLean, Sharon Fulgham, Rhonda Rich, Amber Robertsonand hundreds more.
