The First Fete of Fall

I want to share a personal story of my friendship with Barrett Havran and his family.  Our families have been dear friends since I was in elementary school.  I remember being on vacations with them while growing up and attending birthday celebration with each other.  Joy Ann and Bob Havran have hosted a bevy of showers for me…debutante teas, caviar-filled black-tie wedding showers and sweet firstborn baby brunches. 

Even now our families travel to New Orleans every February for a fantastic and fun-filled weekend celebrating Profits of Persia, a social debutante organization that my father and Bob are members of…a weekend I fondly call “My Dad’s Debut Weekend”. On top of all that, both of our parents have been in the same monthly dinner club since I was in grade school.

When Joy Ann asked me in 2012 to be the Auction Chair for the First Fete of Fall, I just couldn't say no, because her family is and always will be near and dear to my heart.  I mean, how could anyone say NO to Joy Ann.  In fact, no one said NO.  As she asked friends to be a part of this inaugural event, the Committee kept growing…and growing.  What started out as the Committee of 300, quickly became the Committee of 377, and so on and so on.  It was getting a bit ridiculous, so they changed the name to the Barrett Martin Havran Memorial Committee with a total number of 476 people.  I was blown away.  Never in my life have I seen so many people so passionate to help and honor one person’s quest.  A quest to raise ONE MILLION DOLLARS for Big Brother Big Sisters…to help launch a new program called Barrett Martin Havran Little Steps Big Futures Program.

Now let me tell you a little bit about the late Barrett Martin Havran.  He was a guy like no other.  I know you’ve heard that saying before, and for those of you who actually had the privilege to know him would agree 100%!  Barrett served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas, where he was a devoted Big Brother to his Little Brother, Ramizes. Barrett's Little Brother was a high school athlete and Barrett attended his football games and cheered for him on the sidelines.  He took him to Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers games and encouraged him to attend college and make all of his dreams become realities.

Barrett was one of the most dynamic and accomplished people in the history of Fort Worth.  He was known for his big personality, star athleticism, and philanthropy.  Barrett was also one of the best dancers - women would literally wait in line to get a chance to dance with him. He had a talent for finding the most shy person in the room at a party, making a beeline for them, and making them feel like they were the most important and interesting person in the world. He was a good listener, attentive to your life and selfless about his own, and was admired by his friends and family.  His zest for life was weaved throughout his everyday life. When asked how he was doing, Barrett's favorite phrase was:  “Just another day in paradise."

Thank you Christine P. and Scott D. for helping me pull together the right words to describe our beloved Barrett.  Obituary HERE.

Without a doubt, you won't want to miss this incredible event in honor of and in loving memory of Barrett Martin Havran to raise money for BBBS.  Neiman Marcus has never hosted anything like this before in their Fort Worth store. The night will be filled with surprises around every corner of this fabulous retailer.  When guests arrive, they will be greeted by Naval Sea Cadets in full regalia uniform handing out the evening's program for an exciting treasure hunt, raffle and silent auction.  Trey and the Tritones will be in full swing as guests dance, drink and nosh on some of the best cuisine from the areas top chefs.  And for all you TCU fans, the GAME will be LIVE on a wide screen in the Men's Department, along with hand rolled cigars for the toking.

FABULOUS FOOD AND SIPS

TREASURE HUNT FOR LUXURIOUS GOODIES 

You won't want to miss the auction either.  My auction co-chair Amy Lively and I busted butts for months pulling together TWELVE amazing packages for you to bid on.  Yes, I know some of these items below are pretty awesome, but I am now if full retirement from soliciting for charity events, so don't get any ideas.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone on the Event Committee and the Barrett Martin Havran Memorial Committee.  And I especially would like to thank Joy Ann.  Joy Ann's unstoppable commitment and love for the Big Brother Big Sister organization has left me inspired beyond words. Her dedication to this community and unconditional giving of time have helped me to grow even further in my desire to help others.  Thank you Joy Ann.  You are an amazing woman and I love you dearly.  

First Fete of Fall tickets HERE

Raffle tickets for a Celebrity 7 Night Pacific Wine Cruise for two HERE

For further information, please contact Diana at
817-877-4277 ext 130

So Fort Worth It BLOG Giveaway!!!

One lucky winner will receive:

• FOUR tickets to First Fete of Fall ($600 value)
• Dessert for THREE months from Bistro Louise Catering ($125 value)
• Gift card from The Capital Grille ($50 value)
• Gift card from Nothing Bundt Cakes ($25 value)

You can win this by:

1. Subscribing to my blog (up top…on the right side, near the 1st paragraph).  If you receive this blog via email, you are already subscribed.
2. Share this post on Facebook (link at top near my pic).
3. AND leave a comment below.  Winner will be announced in the comment section this Thursday, September 12th @ NOON.  (You must contact me within 1 hour to redeem your prize, or I will have to draw another winner! xoxo)