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Taste of Elegance toasts Hendrick Scholarship Foundation

About 400 guests converged at the lovely Southfork Ranch on Monday, April 25 for the annually anticipated Taste of Elegance event. An extravagant silent auction and raffle drawing piqued guests’ interest until 6:45 p.m.
tasteofelegance

About 400 guests converged at the lovely Southfork Ranch on Monday, April 25 for the annually anticipated Taste of Elegance event. An extravagant silent auction and raffle drawing piqued guests’ interest until 6:45 p.m. when the doors opened and the crowd rushed to the line-up of local restaurants’ samplings. What an offering it was! From artisan cheeses and seared sea scallops to cheddar grits, dolmas and wild mushroom bordelaise, plates filled up—all for a good cause. The event honored and raised funds for the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation, which is celebrating 25 years of helping Plano ISD students achieve their dream of a college education.

Board President Mary Jo Dean welcomed everyone and the Master of Ceremonies, Rikki Ragland, took the stage. Rikki is a Plano resident and TV personality, model, philanthropist and former reporter/anchor for NBC 5 Dallas.

The James H. Boswell Award, presented by Sharon LaRocco, was given to Marty Taylor. Sharon said Marty has made a “lasting impact” on the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation and “would make James Boswell proud.” Marty humbly accepted the award and responded, “Coaching my students and the relationships with them has made volunteering so very easy and very worthwhile.”

Bavarian Grill, which has been serving authentic German food in Plano for 22 years, offered mini-beef Rouladen and Bavarian oven potatoes. Chef Seth de Wit, told Plano Profile he was brought up mostly in French kitchens working with French and German chefs and landed a job at Bavarian Grill about nine years ago. “I had worked with (owner) Juergen Mahneke‘s wife in a German hotel. He had a well-established business by the time I got there. Over the years, I subtly began introducing some other dishes like stuffed cabbage rolls, or quail/smoked duck breast, taking my French background and reaching into the German culture and pulling the two together. It’s worked out well.” No doubt!

All participating restaurants/stores:
Amazeballz  |  Anamia’s  |  Bavarian Grill  |  Breadwinners  |  Brio Tuscan Grill  |  Campisi’s  |  Chocolate Angel  |  Dallas Caramel Co.  |  Greek Isle  |  Half Shell’s Seafood Grill  |  III Forks  |  Julia Pearl  |  Local Yocal  |  Mama Jenny’s Family Diner  |  Mexican Sugar  |  Mi Dia From Scratch  |  Pin Stack  |  Rose’s Food Service  |  Sea Breeze  |  Sip & Savor  |  Studio Movie Grill  |  Urban Crust  |  Urban Rio  |  Whiskey Cake  |  Whole Foods Market

Meghan Welch, Managing VP of Human Resources for Capital One, presenting sponsor of the event, said that the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation and Capital One have a shared vision “to remove barriers for local youth by supporting students and giving them guidance…” She informed the audience of Capital One’s career exploration days and said, “We are committed to changing the lives of local students.”

Tim Willet, the auctioneer for the evening, began a fun game of Heads or Tails. Audience members put their hands on their heads or (ahem) behind. Tim flipped a coin and those who lost, sat down. The remaining players continued standing and another coin was flipped until it was narrowed down to a final winner. The energy was up and everyone was having a great time, a perfect segue into the live auction. Up for bid: BBQ for 50 at Haggard Party Barn; a one-week stay in La Jolla, CA; a package of $100–$150 giftcards to a dozen local restaurants; a wall of wine; a Kent Rathbun dining experience; a one-week stay for four at Cabo San Lucas; a sports entertainment package; and a four-course meal and cooking class with Chef Tre Wilcox.

Overall, it was an enjoyable and palate-pleasing fundraising event!

Dr. H. Wayne Hendrick
Dr. H. Wayne Hendrick

The Hendrick Scholarship Foundation
The Hendrick Academy of Honor was formed in 1991. In 2008, the name was changed to the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation. The early Board members were longtime community leaders who determined that they wanted to express appreciation of long­time Plano ISD Superintendent, Dr. H. Wayne Hendrick upon his retirement in 1991. They wanted to honor him for 30 years of brilliant vision and valuable contributions in the educational life of Plano ISD. They attributed much of the phenomenal growth of Plano from a small farming community to a thriving metropolitan city to his unswerving idealism for excellence in education.

Sponsors of the Event
PRESENTING
Capital One

GOLD
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Plano

SILVER
Buena & Wayne Stevenson
Huffines
Frost Bank

BRONZE
Susan & Rutledge Haggard
Le’Nore & C. Dan Smith
Sandy & Chris Haire
Melissa & Charles Mangum
CF Accountants & Consultants
Leahray & John Wroten