Society

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN CELEBRATES EXPANSION

Katelyn Hayes and Christina Rodriguez

Stuart Watkins, Kristen Fojtik, and Kris Vermellis Julia Spillman and Fredrik Eklund

Scott Durkin, Stephen Kotler, Jacob Sudhoff, and Stephen Larkin

Jenny McZeal and Margo Rasch

Michael Reddell and Kim Shepard

(PHOTOS: JOHNNY THAN)

The largest brokerage in the New York metropolitan area celebrated the expansion of Douglas Elliman Texas into Dallas with an afternoon of distinguished panelists and an evening cocktail reception at the Hall Arts Hotel.

Head honchos from New York, California, Houston, and elsewhere jetted in June 24 for the milestone expansion. Those included Douglas Elliman president Scott Durkin, Western Region CEO of Brokerage Stephen Kotler, and Texas CEO Jacob Sudhoff.

The real estate panels featuring Fredrik Eklund, Tracy Tutor, and Julia Spillman from Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing attracted 175 guests. The lively cocktail reception drew 200+ who mixed and mingled over bites and cocktails and went home with sweet treats courtesy of Kate Weiser Chocolate. A band provided live jazz music.

– Staff report

Looking Ahead

Ready to shop?

Thrift Studio, the annual month-long popup store featuring donated, high-end furniture, housewares, and accessories sold at significant discounts, provides one-third of the operating revenue nonprofit Dwell with Dignity.

The nonprofit provides furniture, bedding, kitchen supplies, art, professional interior styling, food in the pantry, and a first night’s meal to low-income families who obtain new permanent housing.

Admission to Thrift Studio is free, but shopping before it opens to the public requires a $150 VIP ticket. Ticketholders get first access to the deals and designer vignettes during the Preview Party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 26. Visit thriftstudio.com.

Thrift Studio opens in the Design District on Aug. 27 and runs through Sept. 25 but is closed on Sept. 6 for Labor Day. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 175 Oak Lawn Avenue.

Designers include AF Home Interiors, Chase Dowell, Kara Legako Design, Mary Beth Wagner Interiors, Meredith Ellis Design, The Collective, Tori Rubinson Interiors, and Yates Desygn.

Ready to give?

Communities Foundation of Texas is readying for 2021 North Texas Giving Day, scheduled for Sept. 23, with early giving commencing on Sept. 1.

Amazon is the presenting sponsor.

“The needs of the community are vast as we all emerge from the pandemic and into a new normal,” said Chris McSwain, director of community engagement for North Texas Giving Day and Communities Foundation of Texas. “At the same time, we know if we can rally and galvanize the community and inspire more people to give, even in small amounts, we can and will help meet these needs and support the nonprofits doing vital work across North Texas.”

Last year, 106,000 donors raised $58.8 million for more than 3,000 nonprofits. Visit northtexasgivingday.org. – Compiled by William Taylor

Thrift Studio shoppers will find stunning home décor vignettes created by leading designers, showrooms, and retailers. (PHOTO:

VIGNETTE PHOTOGRAPHY)

Wedding Days, Birthdays, Any Days

Duchesses at the Preview Luncheon

Fran Matise and Mary Deaver La Fiesta chairs at the 2020 Gala Brooke and Jenn Marvel

Alexandra York, Kennedi Feigl, Mason McNeely, Anastasia Helms, Claire Kozmetsky, Katherine York

(PHOTOS: JAMES FRENCH)

La Fiesta had a “Royal Celebration” fit for its 35th anniversary year.

A year delayed, the 2020 duchesses and escorts and their families were honored June 12 at the Fairmont Hotel with the celebration of the six flags that have flown over Texas.

Dinner and dancing followed with the Dave Alexander Orchestra and Signed, Sealed and Delivered.

The families enjoyed a week of events leading up to the gala including the Duchess and Doll Luncheon honoring the mothers of the 2020 duchesses and escorts.

Mary Deaver and Fran Matise, along with their committees, delivered the long-awaited activities.

Check next month’s paper for coverage of the 2021 duchesses. Harrison Wilkes, Landon Alhadef, Christian Clarke, Charlie Craft, Emma Sue Lindwall, Katherine Ladd, Emily McKeithen, Luke Sobolevitch