07/07/2026
When I think back on my 20 years of being lucky enough to know Dave Dawson, the word “yes” immediately comes to mind. He said “yes” to living life to the fullest and to dreaming big and believing in people. He said “yes” to building community and supporting his friends. I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of so many resounding “yeses” that changed my life and others.
He said “yes” to me in 2011 in San Francisco when I threw him and Michael in the backseat of my Volvo in between car seats and showed him the first Elle Decor showhouse that I knew he just “had” to sponsor. An unlimited amount of fixtures were immediately available to every designer. In 2022, when I asked him to start hosting major designers and events to benefit Charleston’s beloved Spoleto festival, he said “hells yes” and blew my mind with the ensuing events. He has even said “yes” to employing every kid in our family. (Well, that might have been Tommy, but still…) If you texted and said, “Can you talk”, he did not even say “yes,” he just picked up the phone. There was no-one like him.
To Jen and the boys, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for sharing him with all of us so generously. While our insatiable appetite for his company, counsel, and friendship was understandable, I am sure it came with some sacrifices. We are all so grateful. And if you ever need anything from this community of fans and friends, I can promise you the answer will be a loud and resounding “yes.”
