The Trains at NorthPark are back with Dallas power couple Candice and Tony Romo leading fundraising events as honorary chairs.
With more than 700 railcars and 1,600 feet of track, the beloved event has been running for the past 34 years to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Since 1987, the event has raised more than $13 million and helped more than 40,000 families.
The exhibit opened Nov. 13 and runs through Jan. 2 on Level 2 between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
“Here in Dallas, the Trains at NorthPark is a holiday staple around here… you gather your kid’s classmates, neighbors, family, and friends and enjoy a nostalgic holiday experience,” Candice Romo told D CEO. “No matter your age, we all grow up loving trains, and I think it’s so wonderful seeing our kids in awe of them. For adults, we find ourselves reminiscing about being a kid during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
We recently caught up with Candice to talk about her family’s involvement with the event.
D CEO: How did you first get involved with Ronald McDonald House of Dallas?
CANDICE: “Tony and I have enjoyed attending events for years benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and have been enamored by all of the wonderful things they do for the families in our community. We have family and friends that have been involved in Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and the Trains at NorthPark, and Tony and I couldn’t have been more honored and flattered to be asked to serve as honorary chairs this year.”
D CEO: Philanthropy is a big part of your life; what stood out about the Trains event and Ronald McDonald House of Dallas?
CANDICE: “Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has been changing lives in Dallas for decades. Their efforts can be seen from every angle, big and small, making the families with healing and sick children their ultimate priority.
“Having three boys, Tony and I have a huge place in our hearts for charities benefiting kids and teaching our boys that we can all help no matter how old you are. The Trains at NorthPark is successful at doing just that. There is something to be said about attending this event with the people you love and support, and in turn, we are supporting our community at the same time.”
D CEO: What has been your favorite part of serving as honorary chair?
CANDICE: “Learning so much about what it takes to put this whimsical and magical event together over the past 34 years. Meeting all of the people behind the scenes and hearing how much they do to make this event perfect for Dallas is really amazing. We are absolutely honored that we were considered to be part of the mission.”
D CEO: Did you involve your children?
CANDICE: “They were the first ones to find out when we became the honorary chairs. Our boys helped decide how we wanted our family train to be decorated, and of course, they asked us if this means they get to go to the Trains at NorthPark several times this year. It has been really fun to hear them tell their friends about the event and not to forget to buy tickets.”
D CEO: Tell me about the train you all decorated.
CANDICE: “Living here in Dallas, there is so much love and support for Tony, our family, and the Dallas Cowboys football team. As a family, the team put their heads together, did a little crafting, and I think our Dallas Cowboys-themed train turned out a winner.”
