French-American Chamber of Commerce to Host 20th Annual “La Vie en Roses” Champagne Gala

DALLAS - April 24, 2015 - PRLog -- The Allied victory in Europe on May 8, 1945 reinforced a friendship between France and the United States that dates back to the American Revolution, and is still cause for celebration today. This May 8 the French-American Chamber of Commerce will celebrate “le 8 mai: Celebrating 70 Years of Freedom” at the 20th Annual “Le Vie en Roses” Champagne Gala. The event takes place beginning at 7:00 pm at the Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas.

“We’re honored to be able to share this special event with veterans who helped make this victory possible,” said FACC President Patricia Zilliox. “May 8 – or V-E Day as it’s referred to in the U.S. – marks the end of a tragic period in French and American history – World War II. Having the opportunity to honor our brave veterans and celebrate with supporters of the FACC is a fitting way to remember such a significant event for freedom”.

The gala will include a champagne reception, a French gourmet dinner and wine pairing, dancing, live entertainment and a silent auction to benefit the FACC. Guests will delight in surroundings reminiscent of a time when French and American troops reveled together in victory. Prior to the Gala, the Honorable Sujiro Seam, Consul General of France, will present la Légion d’honneur award to a group of World War II veterans for their service. The celebration will also take place at the newly renovated Adolphus Hotel.

In addition to celebrating “le 8 mai,” the FACC will present its annual 2015 Alain Bellet Award to Michael Burns, president of Michael A. Burns and Associates Public Relations. The award, named after FACC founder Alain Bellet, recognizes an individual each year for the work he or she does to strengthen the long-lasting relationship between France and the United States, while contributing to the prosperity of the Dallas-Fort Worth community.

More than 175 business and government leaders are expected to attend, including: The Honorable Sujiro Seam, Consul General of France; Keith Graf with the Office of the Governor; Gala Co-Chairs Richard Hunt, shareholder of Hunt|Huey PLLC and Patrick Esquerré, founder of the la Madeleine Country French Café.

Sponsors for the 2015 “La Vie en Roses Gala” currently include:

Platinum:

Airbus Helicopters Inc.

Capstone Underwriters, LLC

Essilor of America

Hunt|Huey PLLC

Michael A. Burns & Associates, Inc.

Safran USA Inc.

Gold:

La Cave Warehouse

Silver:

Air Liquide Electronics US

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, P.C.

Crystal:

ADVault Inc.

Alliance Française de Dallas

Baccarat

Canadian Consulate General

Dallas International School

E Smith Realty Partners

la Madeleine Country French Café

Gala Chairman Richard Hunt said the event plays a pivotal role in strengthening the presence of the French community in Dallas. “For the past 20 years, this gala has been a terrific opportunity for local French and American businesses to support the work of the Chamber,” Hunt said. “But even more important is the opportunity to celebrate the historical ties and economic contributions the French bring to the Metroplex."

Tickets are available for $150 FACC members/$175 non-members, and can be purchased online at www.faccdallas.com or by phone at 972-241-0111. For additional information, contact Aude Sun, FACC Executive Director, asun@faccdallas.com.

About the FACC

The French-American Chamber of Commerce Dallas/Fort Worth is one of the largest bi-national, non-profit and nonpolitical organizations in Texas. With more than 200 members, the FACC seeks to contribute to the development and improvement of economic, commercial and financial relations between France and the United States. France has more than 180 subsidiaries in Texas, 50 of which are located in the Metroplex. French companies based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex employ over 10,000 people. For more information, visit www.faccdallas.com.