Dallas, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Join us for the French Connection Luncheon and Fashion Show, a charity event supporting kidney disease patients. Set to take place at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, the event will feature a stunning runway presentation, a gourmet three-course meal, and a live auction. Attendees can enjoy a champagne and chocolate tasting while helping raise funds for local organizations that aid those living with kidney disease. This milestone event will honor significant contributions to the cause and aims to further support local health initiatives.
Dallas — The French Connection Luncheon and Fashion Show, hosted by KidneyTexas Inc., will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. The event marks the silver anniversary (25 years) of the luncheon and fashion show and will raise funds to support children and adults living with kidney disease.
Most important details
The luncheon and fashion show, chaired by Allison Brodnax, will feature a runway presentation of current styles, a three-course meal prepared by The Ritz-Carlton’s executive chef, and a champagne and chocolate tasting with sweets from Swiss chocolatier Läderach. Proceeds will benefit local organizations that support kidney disease patients, with grant recipients this year including Texas Health Resources Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Baylor Scott and White Dallas Foundation, Camp Reynal, and Southwest Transplant Alliance.
Event leadership, sponsors and honorees
Honorary chairs for the event include Donna and Herb Weitzman, with Anne and William Seanor named as presenting sponsors. This year’s volunteer leadership includes co-chairs Claire Catrino and Kaleta Blaffer Johnson, and Lauryn Gayle White is also serving in an honorary capacity. Honored philanthropists at the luncheon include Donna Arp Weitzman and Barbara Bigham, recognized for longstanding support of KidneyTexas Inc.
Fashion show and runway details
The fashion show will showcase selections from NorthPark Center and will feature festive looks from retailers and designers including Tootsies, St. John, Betty Reiter, and Nardos Design, complemented by jewelry from Bachendorf’s. Production responsibilities for the runway have involved long-term participation by Jan Strimple, who has produced the show for many years and has planned a transition of production duties to Robyn Chauvin. Robyn Chauvin is credited with producing runway elements for the event and the show will be presented under her production oversight.
Program highlights and fundraising activities
Attendees will be offered a champagne and chocolate tasting, followed by a three-course luncheon. A live auction will include items such as custom couture pieces, luxury shopping experiences, and high-end accessories. The program will also feature personal testimony segments: two campers from Camp Reynal will share their experiences during the event emceed by Scott Murray, reinforcing the direct impact of funds raised on patient and family services.
Beneficiaries and local impact
Funds raised at the luncheon will be distributed to organizations focused on kidney disease prevention, treatment and patient support within the local community. Named grant recipients for this year include Texas Health Resources Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Baylor Scott and White Dallas Foundation, Camp Reynal, and Southwest Transplant Alliance. Past events have generated substantial fundraising results and included emotional testimonials from individuals affected by kidney disease, contributing to ongoing community programs and services.
History and venue notes
The French Connection Luncheon and Fashion Show has a multi-decade history of community fundraising. Past successful luncheons were held at Brook Hollow Country Club and drew a loyal supporter base; the event now marks its 25th year with a larger presentation at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas.
Tickets and additional information
Tickets are available by phone at 817.307.7980 or online at https://e.givesmart.com/events/G4L/. Additional information about KidneyTexas Inc. and its mission can be found at http://www.kidneytexas.org. Event logistics and details are organized to reflect KidneyTexas’ continuing commitment to raising awareness and support for kidney health initiatives in the region.
Logistics and accessibility
The event will be staged at a downtown Dallas hotel with full banquet and runway facilities. Seating and ticket tiers are expected to accommodate individual attendees, tables, and sponsors; prospective attendees should confirm availability and any dietary or accessibility needs at the time of ticket purchase.
What to expect on the day
Expect a formal luncheon schedule with a reception featuring the champagne and chocolate tasting, followed by the runway show, luncheon service, and live auction. Program segments will include recognition of honorees and grant announcements. All activities are organized to maximize fundraising for kidney disease programs and services.
FAQ
What is the French Connection Luncheon and Fashion Show?
The French Connection Luncheon and Fashion Show is KidneyTexas Inc.’s annual fundraising event that combines a fashion runway, luncheon, tasting experience and live auction to raise funds for local kidney disease programs.
When and where is the event?
The event is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas.
Who benefits from the proceeds?
Proceeds benefit children and adults living with kidney disease. Named grant recipients this year include Texas Health Resources Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Baylor Scott and White Dallas Foundation, Camp Reynal, and Southwest Transplant Alliance.
How can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available by calling 817.307.7980 or online at https://e.givesmart.com/events/G4L/.
Who is producing the fashion show?
The runway presentation will feature production involvement from Robyn Chauvin; Jan Strimple, a longtime producer of the runway, has planned a transition of production duties.
What are some program highlights?
Highlights include a champagne and chocolate tasting with Läderach sweets, a three-course luncheon prepared by The Ritz-Carlton’s executive chef, a runway show featuring designer looks and jewelry, and a live auction with couture and luxury shopping experiences.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, September 26, 2025 |
| Location | The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas |
| Event Name | French Connection Luncheon and Fashion Show (25th Anniversary) |
| Chair | Allison Brodnax |
| Honorary Chairs / Sponsors | Donna and Herb Weitzman; Presenting Sponsors Anne and William Seanor |
| Co-Chairs / Honorary | Claire Catrino, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson; Lauryn Gayle White (honorary) |
| Fashion Production / Designers | Produced by Robyn Chauvin; designers and retailers include Tootsies, St. John, Betty Reiter, Nardos Design; jewelry by Bachendorf’s |
| Program highlights | Champagne & chocolate tasting (Läderach), three-course luncheon, runway show, live auction |
| Beneficiaries | Texas Health Resources Foundation; Children’s Medical Center Foundation; Baylor Scott and White Dallas Foundation; Camp Reynal; Southwest Transplant Alliance |
| Tickets / Contact | Phone: 817.307.7980; Online: https://e.givesmart.com/events/G4L/; KidneyTexas: http://www.kidneytexas.org |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- PaperCity Magazine: Dallas KidneyTexas Luncheon
- Wikipedia: Kidney Disease
- Fox4 News: North Texas Mom Donates Kidney
- Google Search: Kidney Donation
- WFAA: Abundant Documentary Premiere
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kidney
- Dallas Morning News Obituary
- Google News: Kidney Foundation
- Dignity Memorial: Richard Gray Obituary
- Google Scholar: Kidney Health
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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