The 2003 “Meet Me at Melrose,” an entirely new event for the university, will feature a fashion show, hors d’oeuvres, artwork by SMU students and a silent auction Thursday night at the Melrose Hotel.
“We wanted to offer SMU students a place for fun and entertainment, not just another social event to raise money,” Mustang Marathon fundraising chair D.J. Pierce said.
Dallas’ Bryan’s House and the nationally renowned Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation are the official recipients of the money that will be raised by the cocktail party. Event organizers are hoping to benefit by more than $10,000 from fundraising associated with the party.
The highlight of the event will be a silent auction of unique and rare objects which were donated by various groups. Two local sports teams, the Stars and the Mavericks, have each given items signed by members of the teams. Members of the cast of “Survivor” signed a baseball cap to be sold at the auction. Other items donated include various gift certificates and a set of golf clubs.
In addition to the silent auction donations, other companies have found ways to help the AIDS charities. Melrose Hotel waived a $5,000 reservation fee for the ballroom in which the event is being held.
“When we visited the hotel, we knew it was the right place to hold the cocktail party,” Pierce said. “It just fit.”
The on-campus copy center, Images, helped with invitations and printing fees. Also, Slocum Printing in Deep Ellum helped the benefit by giving heavily discounted prices. When asked if any businesses turned them down, Pierce was very enthusiastic.
“We got so many yeses we didn’t have time for any nos,” he said. “Support from the Dallas community was just fantastic.”
Sponsors for the fashion show include Terry Costa, which donated two formal gowns and one bridal gown, Elements and Ciel. For the men, Thomas Pink donated shirts and ties, while Al’s Formal Wear covered evening wear with two tuxedos.
Kim Dawson talent agency is donating four models for the runway. Sozo Salon is providing free hair and makeup.
The artwork being displayed at the party is a collective effort by several art students. Traditional canvas paintings, as well as other art forms such as sculptures, will be displayed. Fifteen percent of the proceeds from artwork sales will go toward Mustang Marathon efforts.
Ben Bascombe, senior studio art major, said he is looking forward to the event, even though he’s never sold his artwork in a setting such as Thursday’s party.
Last year, fundraising efforts by students totaled $45,000 in cash, and about $75,000 in product donations from Dallas corporations.
“I haven’t seen anything like this at SMU before,” said Jim Barber, Mustang Marathon adviser.
Members of the Dallas community are invited to join students and faculty as guests at the charity cocktail party. Single tickets are available for $30 per person, or $50 per couple. For more information, please e-mail questions or comments to [email protected].
