On Wednesday, May 7, more than 175 people filled Al Biernat’s for an afternoon of delicious food and gorgeous designs at our First Annual Fashion for Freedom Luncheon.  Al Biernat, the consummate host, closed his restaurant to the public for the first afternoon in 15 years for the sold-out luncheon benefiting our work providing a safe home for survivors of human trafficking in North Texas.

Guests sipped Mosaic Martinis as they mingled, then heard remarks by Mayor Mike Rawlings,  nationally recognized for his commitment to ending domestic violence in Dallas, who thanked attendees for raising awareness of human trafficking saying, “This luncheon helps us take the blinders off of our eyes, take the curtains off the window, shines light on this issue, so we can talk about it,” and urged them to keep the afternoon’s momentum going, “I hope you join me in getting the word out that Dallas won’t accept this abuse.”

As they enjoyed a decadent three-course meal, attendees were treated to two fashion shows, by designers Abi Ferrin and Juliette Longuet. Following dessert, the designers offered their wares at a trunk show and guests headed to Abi Ferrin’s flagship West Village store for a reception.

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Our sincere thanks to Al Biernat, whose incredibly generous support and tireless efforts made this our most successful fundraiser to date. Special thanks also to Abi Ferrin, Juliette Longuet, Mayor Rawlings, Jan Rees-Jones,  Nancy Rogers, Tim Headington, Sharon Adams, Kristen Muller, Rekha Yalamanchilli, Jana Wood, Kristen Johnston, Park Cities News/The Waters Family and the wonderful sponsors who made the event possible:

Platinum Sponsors ($10,000)

Headington Companies on behalf of ESPA & The Joule

Gold Sponsors ($5,000)
Marc Muller
Stacey Kivowitz

Silver Sponsors ($2,000)
Bruce Gadd
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Haley Nelson
Holland & Knight, LLP

In-Kind Sponsors
Al Biernat’s
Haidar Al Zuheiri
Adams Communications Public Relations
Ben E. Keith
The Campbell Agency
M. Thuy Bui
Dana Driensky
ESPA at The Joule
Abi Ferrin
Glazer’s
Goldenlight Creative
Juliette Longuet
Muse the Salon
Park Cities News/The Waters Family