The 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs Gala Goes Global

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The 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs was held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Sixty Five Hundred benefiting KidLinks. The night began with the sounds of Corey Breedlove on guitar during a hors d’oeuvres reception prepared by Chef Partner Justin Yoakum from Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Notable guests included Jolie & Bart Humphrey, Carmaleta & Otis Felton, Margo & Bill Goodwin, Dr. Tana Roberts & Tim Roberts, Daffan Nettle, Jeanie & Bert Conly, Karen & Mike Dollar and founding event chairs Bonnie & Nathan Shea. As the dinner bell chimed, 250 guests took their seats in front of the 25 featured dinner chef tables. Co-chairs Vinette & Mike Montgomery and Georgia & Marc Lyons welcomed guests to the 8th annual event before turning the podium over to WFAA’s Good Morning Texas co-host Jane McGarry. After recognizing a host of new and returning sponsors and a few brief remarks about the night it was time for the chefs and guests to enjoy their first course.

KidLinks Announces "Global Fare" theme for the 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs

Photos c/o Thomas Garza


On Wednesday, November 15, KidLinks hosted a kick-off party to launch the 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs event at the estate of Honorary Chair Faye C. Briggs. Guests enjoyed an inspired menu created by Honorary Chef Emeritus, Salvatore Gisellu, Executive Chef of Urban Crust, which included delicious pizza created on-site from a mobile wood-burning pizza oven and a tequila tasting from Tequila Sheela served by founders Sheela Marshall and Natalie Merrick. Good Morning Texas Co-Host Jane McGarry served as emcee for the evening and thanked Symphony of Chefs Founding Event Chairs, Bonnie & Nathan Shea, for underwriting the evening’s Italian-inspired fare from Urban Crust. 2018 Event Co-Chairs Georgia & Marc Lyons and Vinette & Mike Montgomery were introduced and announced a theme of “global fare” for the 8th Annual Symphony of Chefs event, which will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Sixty Five Hundred.

Symphony of Chefs 2017 Takes Dining For A Cause To A Whole New Level

photos c/o Thomas Garza


The social season is in full swing and as a result I am so behind in bringing you the scoop from the scene. Better late than never, right. I attended the 7th Annual Symphony of Chefs benefitting KidLinks on February 27, 2017 at the newly renovated and renamed Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station and was so impressed with the spectacular event that Hamilton A Sneed of HAS Events produced. This culinary evening was led by Honorary Chairs D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock, Event Co-Chairs Georgia & Marc Lyons and Bonnie & Nathan Shea and Honorary Chef Chair, Salvatore Gisellu with Urban Family Restaurants. The unforgettable night began with an hors d’oeuvres reception featuring Rising Star Chefs: Jan Loov of Texas Spice, Benjamin Maulsby of Happiest Hour, and Juan Orocio of 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery. DSQ Electric provided a live musical performance from the balcony in the Stationmasters Lounge lending a romantic flavor to the start of the night.

KidLinks Announces The 7th Annual Symphony of Chefs

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


Last Thursday, I attended a kick-off event for the 7th Annual Symphony of Chefs benefiting KidLinks. I have never attended this event so I was excited to learn more about it and the work that KidLinks provides. The party was held at the estate of long-time supporters, Vinette and Mike Montgomery, who welcomed over 80 guests for a night celebrating what will surely be an evening of culinary composition. Event chairs Georgia & Marc Lyons and Bonnie & Nathan Shea greeted guests as they filled the Montgomery’s backyard, which overlooks the Dallas Country Club. Good Morning Texas Co-Host Jane McGarry served as emcee introducing Marc and Bonnie who shared personal stories of why KidLinks and the annual Symphony of Chefs event was so important. They also recognized Honorary Chairs, D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock along with sponsors and partners for making the evening possible.

Symphony of Chefs Funds New Hugworks Children’s Network

photos c/o of Larry Sengbush


KidLinks hosted its sixth annual “Symphony of Chefs” fine dining event on Monday, February 29th at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. Approximately 200 attendees experienced an evening of fine dining with renowned local chefs as they each prepared a five-course dinner tableside. Attendees also experienced an intimate musical performance by the Dallas Electric String Quartet. “Symphony of Chefs was a resounding success this year thanks to our amazing chefs, including Chef Dean Fearing, who all donated their time and talent to our cause,” says Diana Crawford, CEO of KidLinks. “But what made this year extra special was our ability to announce that, thanks to the money raised at last year’s Symphony of Chefs, we’ve been able to launch Hugworks Children’s Network in record time.”   The music and the messages lovingly created by KidLinks over the years take on new life and meaning as part of an entertainment service accessible via the internet. Hugworks Children’s Network gives hospitalized children the ability to enjoy – free-of-charge –positive, original content developed specifically to ease fears prior to admission, provide comfort while hospitalized, and inspire long after discharge.