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OBSESSIONS. DECORATION. SALIENT FACTS. 24 P aris calling: News has reached us that one of Texas' most iconic p h i l a n t h r o p i s t s a n d h o s t e s s e s h a s b e e n a p p r o a c h e d b y a n endangered UNESCO World Heritage monument to come to its aid after a devastating fire. That would be Notre- Dame de Paris — arguably the most famous cathedral in the world — and Becca Cason Thrash, Houston's best- known fundraiser, who raises millions for the Louvre and Venetian Heritage. The building of Notre-Dame began in 1163, and the holy site has BECCA CASON THRASH TAPPED TO RAISE FUNDS FOR NOTRE-DAME By Catherine D. Anspon been an emblem of faith through the centuries, renowned for its medieval beauty, towering Gothic architecture, and the treasures, especially reliquaries from the ages, that it contains. When a fire erupted on April 15, 2019, the world held its breath. The cathedral, which is a symbol of Paris as well as a pilgrimage site, has been saved. But the preservation challenges facing Notre- Dame are expensive and daunting. Thrash was tapped to lead this cause because she has serious French ties. She was knighted by the French government with the Légion d'Honneur and is a legend in international society for MICHEL DUFOUR Becca Cason Thrash, Liaisons au Louvre the ultra-glamorous, wildly imaginative fundraisers she's organized for the Louvre (and, recently, Venetian Heritage). Four editions of Liaisons au Louvre have raised nearly $20 million, while incorporating such unforgettable experiences as a seated dinner at the museum's medieval moat and cocktail hours in the presence of Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa. "It's still unclear how much it will cost to restore and rebuild the extensive damage, but some estimates are staggering," Thrash says. "Well beyond $750 million, not to mention the money needed to preserve and maintain the artwork." For the Notre-Dame benefit, Thrash envisions three days of art, culture, glamorous and unique events — in Mexico City, in February 2020.The itinerary promises to be heavy on art, with a blockbuster private collection as a special draw. "Days will include visits to the homes of iconic Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera," Thrash says. "There will be a private tour of the Olga & Rufino Tamayo Foundation. A dinner is being hosted by Museo Jumex owner and collector Eugenio López Alonso in his exquisite home. La Grande Nuit is a glamorous black- tie affair atop the city's most notable landmark, Chapultepec Castle. And there will be an auction of four important works of art during this gala night." Calendar these dates: Thursday, February 27, through Sunday, March 1, 2020. Tickets $6,000 per person, benefitting the nonprofit Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, toward the restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral. PINE Y POINT | 5 - 6/6.5+ | PRICE UPON REQUES T