Local Leaders and Advocates Unite to Fund Life-Saving Research for North Texas Mothers and “Mighty Preemies”
Texas Metro News
https://texasmetronews.com
DALLAS — The 2026 March of Dimes Bridgerton Themed Tea Party Fundraiser raised $12,000 to address the North Texas maternal health and premature birth crises. Hosted by March of Dimes DFW board members Kayla Tucker Adams and Lalanii Wilson-Jones on Saturday, April 25 at Ellie’s Cafe & Tea Room in Plano, the high-impact initiative mobilized local resources to improve survival and health outcomes for regional mothers and infants. The funds will directly support March of Dimes research and community programs dedicated to combating maternal mortality, birth defeats, and prematurity.
The event, presented by Advanced CareTech, garnered significant support from a dedicated circle of community organizations. The “Lady Whistledown” patronage was led by Dr. Quanita Crable alongside the event’s hosts, Kayla Tucker Adams (owner of KTA Media Group) and Lalanii Wilson-Jones (owner of Altruist Home Healthcare). Momentum continued with Brooklyn Sweeps, the “Diamond of the Season” sponsor, a company founded in honor of a miracle preemie. Rounding out the sponsors were One Source Medical Solution and the C.V. Roman Medical Society, both of whom joined as “Calling Card” sponsors to advocate for clinical excellence and health equity.
The atmosphere was further elevated by a performance from award-winning harpist and multi-disciplinary artist Jess Garland. Known for her “celestial avant-garde” style, Garland’s mastery of the harp filled the room with a fusion of traditional strings and contemporary soul. Her performance served as the heartbeat of the event, providing a sophisticated soundtrack to the high-fashion promenade where guests displayed their finest silks, lace, and Regency-inspired looks.
“I serve on the board and raise money for March of Dimes because of the countless babies whose lives have been saved through the life-saving medical advancements they fund,” said Kayla Tucker Adams, event creator and co-chair, and CEO of KTA Media Group. “That includes my daughter, my Goddaughter, and numerous people I love and hold dear. We are here to ensure every family has that same fighting chance.”
The money raised comes at a critical time for maternal and infant health. According to the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card, the U.S. preterm birth rate remains stalled at a “D+” grade, with 1 in 10 babies born prematurely each year. Furthermore, data released by the CDC in March 2026 confirms a persistent crisis: Black women remain three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Fundraisers like the March of Dimes Bridgerton Themed Tea Party are vital to closing this gap, as research from the Commonwealth Fund (2025) and the CDC indicates that over 80% of these maternal deaths are preventable with proper intervention and health equity initiatives.
“Without this research, we would lose an undocumented number of women and children to birth diseases,” added Co-Chair Lalanii Wilson-Jones. “I am honored to serve a national initiative that works toward health equity and ensures a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
As the afternoon concluded, guests departed with specialty gift bags provided by Neiman Marcus, which included carefully curated fragrance samples from Cartier, and products from the onsite grand vendors including a signature tea blend created exclusively for this event by Fanchion K’s Tea Time and a sample of the best selling “Coco Butter Cashmere Luxe Body Oil” from Ivory Luxe Home Fragrance, an engraved keepsake wooden honey stirrer from March of Dimes, and specialty honey-bear tea lollipops from KTA Media Group.
