2011 THPR Annual Gala “The Heart of Jazz”
Join the
Rockwall County
Alliance for the Arts
for the
Texas Health Presbyterian Rockwall
“Heart of Jazz”
Annual Celebrity Gala and Art Auction
Sponsored by Texas Health Rockwall Hospital on September 24th from
5:30 pm - 11 pm.
Enjoy an evening of jazz, superb entertainment, dancing by the “celebs” along with an art auction by the “celeb” artists and a People’s Choice award-winning competition among North Texas artists. Enjoy a gourmet meal finshing with a luscious dessert as you dance to the sounds of the Texas Gypsies.
What a lovely evening on Lake Ray Hubbard with amazing views and sunsets!
Make your reservation now! Space is limited!
$75 donation per person.
Email your Name and Number in your party to:
Kathleen@Ebby.com or call 972-772-1111
The 2011 RCAA Gala presented by title sponsor Texas Health Presbyterian Rockwall evening will begin at 5:30 with cocktails, music and admittance to the People’s Choice Art Show and Contest produced by The Rockwall Art League. The winning pieces of the Show will be auctioned later that evening during the live auction.
Other pieces to be auctioned during the Live Auction will be works produced by this year’s Celebrity Artists, JoAnne Brooks, Gary Freedman and Rev. Cheryl Taylor.
JoAnne Brooks, Larado, Texas, jewelry artist will highlight the health and healing aspects of art in our lives. The last person to be diagnosed with polio in Dallas County, JoAnne lost all use of her arms. That didn’t stop JoAnne! She designs and produces very elaborate jewelry using her feet. You can see a story done by The Texas County Reporter on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMo4XEkkdcw
Well-known Rockwall resident, Gary Freedman is featuring his talent as a cartoonist. Working with Royse City artists, Pete Grubbs, as his mentor, Gary will be producing a terrific cartoon segment for the live auction.
Finally, new Rockwall resident, Rev. Cheryl Taylor, minister at the Rockwall Presbyterian 
Church, is working with another well-known Royce City artist, Susan Jump to produce a clay sculpture piece. Unique in its design, the glazing and colorations these artists have been able to obtain will delight live auction bidders.
In addition to the Live Auction event, there will be a Silent Auction featuring all objects of the visual and performing arts. Gala attendees will be able to bid on signed Navajo art objects, works from well-known artists such Claudia Holt and Mike Ware, singing valentine performances by the Rockwall Children’s Chorus, tickets and dinner from the performing arts groups such as Lakeside Civic Chorus and the Rockwall Summer Musicals. All arts – so don’t miss out!
Dinner will be followed by a fabulous “Dancing with the Stars” type competition featuring North Texas celebrities Fiona Gorostiza, Fox 4 news weather caster dancing with Crew Wyard, Head Knight at Medieval Times.
In addition, our local “celebs” include Deanna Irving, former Mrs. Texas and owner of Designer Bodies Fitness dancing with dance instructor, Greg Thrash who also owns Artco Leaded Glass in Rowlett. Mayor David Sweet will be performing with his wife Kim and Dr. Danette McNew will be dancing with her husband David Hovenden. 
Each of these dance teams will be competing to raise the most money for the Youth Art Reach tuition grants and Artist in the Residence programming for Rockwall Co. schools. “Even if someone can’t attend the Gala event,” said Dr. Kathleen Morrow, RCAA Board President, “he or she can make a contribution to support their favorite dancer. Simply take a check to the dancer, drop it by the Ebby Halliday office at 2604 Ridge Road, Rockwall, or go to www.rockwallarts.org and look for the DONATE button on the right side of the home page. Each dollar goes right to the support of the arts and arts students in Rockwall County.”
No dance competition would be complete without judges and this year the Celebrity Judges, Craig Musser, Greg Beauchamp and Sheri Franza will provide a show all to themselves. “We can’t wait to hear the judges comments,” says Joyce Musser, former RCAA Board member. “They are already gathering information so it should be good.”
Other “celebs” include the emcee for the evening, Heather Hays, new anchor for Fox 4 News and former Miss Hawaii; Dan Liane, the “celeb” auctioneer hailing from Republic Title and Margaret Kochan and the Dance to Remember Dance Studio Formation Dance Team. Margaret and her assistant instructor, Greg Thrash, provide hours and hours of professional dance instruction to the competition dancers and RCAA appreciates their hours of donation and dedication.
Additional entertainment will be provided by the Harmonic Motion Ballet, Lakeside Civic Singers and the Rockwall Summer Musicals.
The evening will conclude with open dancing to the sounds of the Texas Gypsies. Anyone can come enjoy the evening of dance from 9 – 11 for just a $25/person contribution.
Again, to make reservations for either the Gala or for the Open Dancing, please call 972-772-1111 or email Kathleen@Ebby.com.
