The sultry notes of a saxophone danced across Continental Avenue Bridge as The Trinity Trust Rat Pack and River Rat members gathered for an evening over the Trinity. The membership event - “Meet Me On Continental” – on October 7 brought out 85 guests who enjoyed perfect fall weather to stroll the active pedestrian bridge while mingling, sipping drinks, munching on gourmet popcorn and enjoying the live music.
“There is no magical formula to what makes a great city; it takes having places where people of all backgrounds come together and engage with one another,” said Gail Thomas, President and CEO of The Trinity Trust, as she addressed the group with the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge glowing in the background. “Continental Avenue Bridge is a perfect example of this and there is so much more of it coming with the Trinity project.”
Guests including The Trinity Trust board member Jim Bass, Tori and Joe Mannes, Dana Juett, Judy and Patrick Kelly, Vicki Briley-White and Jim White, Bob Thomas, Steve Smith, Annie and Bud Melton, Sarah Mannes, and Elizabeth Ygartua strolled the bridge and watched families playing in the splash park and enjoying a lively Zumba class.
The event encouraged members and guests to explore the new pedestrian bridge, which opened in June 2014 and connects West Dallas to Downtown Dallas. The Trinity Trust raised the private funds to convert Continental Avenue Bridge from a vehicular bridge to a pedestrian and bike bridge. These funds were given by an anonymous donor in honor of The Trinity Trust board chair Mary McDermott Cook. The City of Dallas runs programs throughout the week on the bridge including Zumba, yoga, nature fairs and family days.
The evening was hosted by The Trinity Trust, which raises private funds for the Trinity River Corridor Project amenities, and sponsored by Smith Group Asset Management and Texas Capital Bank. Join the Rat Pack or River Rats today to participate in upcoming cocktail events, grand openings, private paddling adventures on the Trinity River, Trails & Ales parties in the corridor and more.
The Rat Pack offers unique opportunities to experience and participate in the creation of the future city along the banks of the Trinity River. Celebrate The Trinity project with social gatherings, events, and lectures at The Trinity Center featuring master designers, urban planners, and civic leaders. Members may also participate in canoe trips and guided hikes through the Great Trinity Forest. The River Rats is comprised of active enthusiasts dedicated to supporting The Trinity project. With a focus on education and increasing public awareness about the project, the goal is to build support for The Trinity project among Dallas’ young leaders in an effort to enhance life for the Dallas community through environmental, recreational, and economical efforts.
Rat Pack membership is $500 for one-year for a couple or individual and guest. River Rats membership is a $100 for one-year for a couple or individual and guest. Those interested can join online at http://thetrinitytrust.org/ or by calling 214.740.1616 with a credit card number. Memberships can also be purchased as a unique gift for others. The Trinity Trust Foundation supports the City of Dallas by raising private funds for amenities for the Trinity River Corridor Project. Donations from the private sector add features such as the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and Margaret McDermott Bridge, Continental Avenue Bridge, Trinity Lakes, Trinity Forest Spine Trail, and more. The foundation also reaches out into the community to educate citizens about the project with presentations, symposia, and events. More information can be found by calling 214.740.1616, by emailing info@thetrinitytrust.org, or by visiting www.thetrinitytrust.org.