DIFFA Dallas thrills with dreamy fashions.
CHARITABLE EVENTS BOOST
SUPER CAUSES ‘ALL YEAR LONG’
Iam old enough to fondly remember watching on television as Lionel Richie closed out the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles with “All Night Long.”
“We’re going to party, karamu, fiesta, forever — come and sing along,” he belted out as 92,000 in the stands sang along.
The memory returned to me as we made the final touches on this digital magazine.
However, for the charitable social scene supported by so many in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow, the lyrics should reference instead “so much work to be done” and “how it goes on all year long.”
Despite the many pages, this issue reflects many months, but not nearly a year, of galas, luncheons, teas, and receptions held to raise funds and celebrate important work in North Texas.
Our next issue, scheduled for late January 2026, will capture many of the events that occur through late fall.
We thank the public relations representatives, who submit event information along with several quality photographs, and our advertising partners for helping us bring you this coverage.
For more, check out our website, weekly Eat - Play - Give e-newsletters, and the monthly print editions of Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People
As always, thank you for reading!
People Newspapers
People Newspapers’ 20 Under 40 Awards Ceremony
Date & Place: April 17, Communities Foundation of Texas
Cause: Recognizing and introducing difference-making young adults who work or live in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow.
Sponsors: Communities Foundation of Texas (presenting sponsor); Baylor Scott & White Medical Center (premier sponsor); Rotary Club of Park Cities and George W Bush Presidential Center (program partner); Big D Party Rentals, Boozy Bar Dallas, McShan Florist, Motus Booth, and Naborly Provisions (event partners).
Notable: The newspapers with help from a selection committee honored adults Aarica Mims, Austin Reynolds, Caroline Harrison Loehr, Charlotte C. Richter, Clarissa Martinez, Dori Araiza, Jeff A. Lisle, Joe Lavis, Katie Butler, Kelsey Borgeson, Kimberly Calton, Kristen Sebastian, Kyle Waldrep, Laura
Lee
Thomas Gresham,
WILLIAM TAYLOR
JACKSON ROBERTSON
Petka, Lauren Schwalb,
Budner, Mehak Gupta, Phillip Koons,
and Zoe Williams plus “youths on the rise” Luke Nettune and Varsha Dayini Ravi.
Honoree Kristen Sebastian Honoree Kimberly Calton
Youth on the Rise Varsha Dayini Ravi
Jeff Brady
Honorees Laura Petka, Kyle Waldrep, and Kelsey Borgeson
Francis, Hassie, Anne, and Bailey Harrison
People Newspapers’ 20 Under 40 FRONT: Mehak Gupta, Katie Butler, Caroline Harrison Loehr, Laura Petka, Kristen Sebastian, Charlotte C. Richter, and Clarissa Martinez. MIDDLE: Aarica Mims, Dori Araiza, Kelsey Borgeson, Kimberly Calton, Lee Budner, Zoe Williams, and Lauren Schwalb.
BACK: Jeff A. Lisle, Kyle Waldrep, Thomas Gresham, Austin Reynolds, and Joe Lavis. (Not Pictured: Phillip Koons.)
SPCA of Texas’ Paws Cause 2025
COURTESY SPCA OF TEXAS
Date & Place: May 22, SPCA of Texas
Dallas Animal Care Center
Cause: SPCA of Texas cares for vulnerable animals in North Texas.
Chairs: Chef Abraham Salum (chef chair)
Sponsors: Aaron Augustine Insurance Agency (step & repeat sponsor), Sewell Automotive Companies (car display sponsor), Tito’s Handmade Vodka (drink sponsor), VCA Animal Hospitals (stage sponsor), and Dumbo Dombrowski and North Texas Cheddarheads (playful paws sponsors).
Notable: VIP guests were treated to the “Puppy Cuddle Room” where they met, cuddled, and took photographs with adorable, adoptable puppies.
President and CEO of SPCA Chris Luna
Karen Urie and Gwen Echols
Marilee and Emma Claire McInnis with Erik and Whitney Eichinger and Jodi Benefie
Carlie Moe, Kellie Fern, and Leyka Ishibashi
Chef Abraham Salum
Carolyn Goelzer and Patricia Padilla cuddling with Micah
Jan Walters, Ken Mecklenburg, and Justin Banta
BACK ROW: Eric Breyer, Abraham Salum, and Paul Newman. FRONT: Dunia Borga, Janice Provost, Gilbert Garza, and Dan Landsberg.
Rebecca Matta with Matteo
Junior League of Dallas’ Donor Cocktail Party
Date & Place: May 14 at Lounge 31 in Highland Park Village
Cause: JLD each year donates more than $1 million to nonprofits while giving 4,000 women opportunities to lead and serve.
Chairs: Lauren Combest and Debbie Oates
Sponsors: PlainsCapital, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, Sewell Automotive Companies
Notable: JLD is the largest female organization in Dallas.
ANNA CLARE PAYNE
Emily Ronck, Nicole Rodriguez, Joanna Clark, Lindsay Davis, Melissa Jacobowski, Amanda Essaili, and Dulari Mehta
Krystle Craycraft, Katie German, and Lindsay Davis
Debbie Oates, Elizabeth Dacus, Brooke Bailey, and Lauren Combest
Amanda Essaili, Stephanie Kaye Ramirez, Melissa Jacobowski, and Michelle Prudhonne-Coleman
Lisa Nelson and Val Lawlor
Blake Rogers, Leigh Foose, Maddie Baca, and Austin Harrison
Drs. Frank Cundari and Joseph LaManna
Megan Walsh and Quinn Apel
Pop, Fizz, Clink!
Bubbly Brunch for Ascend Dallas
COURTESY ASCEND DALLAS
Date & Place: May 9 at The Omni Dallas
Cause: Ascend is a community of women helping women overcome poverty by taking charge of their futures through financial, skill building, and community and parenting support services.
Notable: Guests were immersed in vibrant Moroccan décor, flavorful bites, exotic sips, and rich cultural experiences. Guests included Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Dr. Tiffany Moon, Katelyn Barbier-Mueller, Laura Reeder, Kit
and
Sawers, Jennifer Sampson, Jessica Khan,
Heather Lisle.
Kristi Hoyl, Jenna Alexander, Terri Phillips, Kate Rose Marquez, Melissa Sherrill, and Machelle Davenport
Mary Nix and Natascha Hood
Joanna Clarke, Sarah Groves, Amy Green, Lisa Bhattacharya, and Meredith Ford
Heather Vestal, Laura McGraw, Lacey Larsen, and Natalie Yancy
Mary Pat Higgins, Carol Glendenning, and Lynn Fisher
Renda Mathew and Michelle Thomas
Jennifer Sampson and Laura LaRochelle
Audrey Henvey, Betsy Dixon, and Kit Sawers
Todd and Heather Lisle
Grace Cook
Tiffany Moon
The Salvation Army Dallas Women’s Auxiliary 2025 Fashion Show & Luncheon
COURTESY THE SALVATION ARMY OF NORTH TEXAS
Date & Place: May 6, The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Cause: The Salvation Army of North Texas provides programs dedicated to combating poverty, addiction, and homelessness.
Chairs: Stacey Walker (luncheon chair) and Louise Griffeth (honorary)
Sponsors: Runway Sponsor, Highland Park Village; Beauty Sponsor, About Face Pros; Chic Boutique Sponsor, Atmos Energy; Patron Party Sponsor, Diamonds Direct; and Valet Sponsor, Sewell.
Notable: Nancy Dedman received the Margot Perot Service Award; Millie Cooper, the Legacy Award; and Toni Turner, the inaugural Love in Action Award. Since its inception in 1993, the event has raised more than $16 million.
Former First Lady Laura Bush and Gene Jones with Salvation Army officers
Major Paul McFarland, Louise Griffeth, Margot Perot, Stacey Walker, Laura Downing, and Major Dawn McFarland
Haley Anderson, Charlotte Jones, and Meredith Counce
Kerry McStay and Kara Sewell
Highland Park Education Foundation Mad for Plaid Donor Reception
Date & Place: March 4, home of Anna and Ryan Moss
Cause: Founded in 1984, the Highland Park Education Foundation assists in preserving and enriching the quality of education throughout Highland Park ISD.
Notable: The Mad for Plaid campaign raised $1.8 million for the 2024-25 school year to help the school district fund teacher and staff salaries.
KATE SWAIL PHOTOGRAPHY
Gail and Bob Clark with Barbara Horn and Howell and Nancy Harralson
Alyson Engstrom and Anna Moss
Rich Rosalez, Julie Lin, Mary Katharine and Martin Gill
JD’s Chippery Truck
Lori and Jon Altschuler
Jean and Mike Streepey
Lyndal and Richie Greth with Ryan Mossw
Megan and Jonathan Filgo
Melanie Schoenvogel, Meg Boyd, and Thayer O’Brien
Mike and Jene Rockwood, Cindy Kerr, Maryjane Bonfield
Mad for Plaid is the Highland Park Education Foundation’s annual campaign - and the best way to support HPISD across all campuses. Your gift helps the District offer more competitive teacher salaries and makes a lasting impact.
Junior League of Dallas’ Milestones Luncheon
Dallas Cotillion Club’s Annual
Date & Place: April 11, Omni Dallas Hotel
Cause: The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) cultivates women leaders who collectively address the critical needs of the community.
Chairs: Lauren Combest and Debbie Oates
Sponsors: Sewell Automotive Companies, Legacy Sponsor; Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, VIP Sponsor; Central Market, Favors Sponsor; Texas Health Resources, Menu Sponsor; McShan Florist, Floral Sponsor; Gittings Portraiture, Photo Sponsor; and Origin Bank, Program Sponsor.
Notable: At the luncheon, which featured Alex Snodgrass, Dallas-based food blogger, three-time New York Times bestselling cookbook author, and creator of SideDish and The Defined Dish, JLD honored Peggy Sewell as the 2025 Sustainer of the Year.
Date & Place: April 26, The Drey Hotel.
Cause: The Dallas Cotillion Club promotes leadership, community engagement, and charitable giving.
Notable: Prior to the main Havana Night-themed event, VIP dinner attendees heard from Samantha Parks of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, the club’s 2025 beneficiary. “Hearing directly from Genesis reminded everyone why we come together — not just to celebrate, but to make a real difference in the lives of women and children in our community,” club president Caroline Keifer said.
CELESTE CASS AND TAMYTHA CAMERON
Tandra Allen, Debbie Oates, Peggy Sewell, Alex Snodgrass, Lauren Combest, and Sally Dutter
Rusty Duvall, Louise Griffeth, and Dian Moore
Leigh Ann Sheffield, Brandi Garrett, Katie Royal, and Katherine Haskel
Shelly Slater and Alex Snodgrass
ANDREW ADAMS
TOP ROW: Kelendria Roberts and Caitlin Ross. THIRD: Brighty Charles, Katie Simoncic, and Michelle Wyant. SECOND: Colleen Burross, Abby Burris, and Roxanna Swan. BOTTOM: Allie Norton, Ali Hejny, Caroline Keifer, Jess Rodrguez, and Ellen Griswold. Shannon Cunningham, Abby Turner, Aly Stokes, Ali Abramson, Elle Grunwald, Logan Angel, and Luciana Prifti
Bookended by costumed dancers, Nathan Brown, Callie Roche, Jared Alhstrom, Leigh McBride, Blythe Burns, Jess Rodriguez, and Tristan Hejny
Texas Women’s Foundation Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration
KIM LEESON AND GUY ROGERS/TXWF
Date & Place: May 8, Omni Dallas Hotel
Cause: Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) donors support more than $6 million in investments annually to advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking, and strategic/educational initiatives.
Chairs: Debbie Dennis and Brooke Hopkins
Sponsors: Merrill, a Bank of America Company, and Crockett & Associates, Haynes Boone, and Oncor (partners); D CEO and Dallas Business Journal (media sponsors); and Capital One (#BESTSELF sponsor); plus Catherine M Coughlin Fund for Women’s Leadership of TXWF, Maura McNiel Fund for Women’s Leadership of Texas Women’s Foundation, TWU Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, The Rewired CEO, Marshalling Resources, Southwest Airlines, and EY (additional partners).
Zoo To Do Lush Backyard Bash Theme Reveal Party
Date & Place: May 8, home of co-chairs
Robbie Kruithoff and Ryan Ross
Cause: The Zoo To Do party (scheduled for Nov. 1) brings in more than $1 million for animal care, educational programming, and local and global wildlife conservation efforts conducted by the nonprofit Dallas Zoo.
Honorary Chairs: Lois Finkelman and Joan Walne; Dan Landsberg of Circle T Ranch (honorary chef)
Notable: Zoo to Do organizers announced their 2025 Theme, “Nocturne,” during a magical party in the middle of Dallas where Caribbean flamingos strolled through the grass, African penguins preened beside a serene backyard pool, a Eurasian eagle owl surveyed the scene, and a prehensile-tailed porcupine snacked happily on sweet potatoes.
Notable: The day began with nearly 200 students attending #BESTSELF workshops focused on making smart, informed decisions; navigating the physical and emotional changes of adolescence; and harnessing the power of their voices to create meaningful change. Later, a $40,000 matching gift was met with $45,000 raised that evening.
Debbie Dennis and Brooke Hopkins
More than 200 students attended #BESTSELF sessions on May 8.
Dr. Carine Feyten, Haleigh Jones, Dr. Rupa DeSilva, Anne Chow, Jennifer Bartkowski, Cristal Retana Lule, Carrie Freeman Parsons, Brenda Jackson, Karen Hughes White, and Debbie Dennis
Shonn Brown and Caren Lock
Karen Hughes White, Cris Zertuche Wong, and Carrie Freeman Parsons
COURTESY DALLAS ZOO
Madison Card with tortoise (center) and Chuck and Cindy Gummer
Justin and Gretel Shipley with Lisa New
Robbie Kruithoff and Ryan Ross Ryanne Hanley
Lois Finkelman and Joan Walne
Rainbow Days Inc.’s Pot of Gold Luncheon
Date & Place: May 14, Westin Galleria Dallas
Cause: Founded in 1982, Rainbow Days helps children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures. The nonprofit provides support groups, substance abuse prevention programs, supportive services, tangible items, and international training services
Chairs: Tiffany and Matthew Macleod
Sponsors: Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt (title), Miramar Equity Partners and Darla and Mark Whitaker (platinum), Citi, B-Still Ministries, Fortium Partners, Francisco Ramos and Irma Hinojosa, Jill and Dale Hurd, Lacy and David Lange, Thompson Coburn LLP, and Vaquero Private Wealth (gold), Tiffany and Terry Beaudine, Jennifer and Jody Bishop, Bragalone Olejko Saad PC, The Live Like Knox Foundation, Mary Jo and James McKellar, National Life Group, Sky Island Capital, Telisa Schelin and Rebecca Massiatte, Tiffany and Matthew Macleod, and Vaquero Private Wealth (silver)
Notable: The luncheon drew more than 450 guests and raised more than $272,000. Actor and author Victor Rivas Rivers delivered the keynote address, issuing a call to build strong, compassionate support systems for the most vulnerable — children and youth who are facing hardship, trauma, and adversity.
ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO AND THOMAS GARZA
Rainbow Days Children performing
Heather Apple, Jennifer Mueller, Lauren Nevils, and Stacy Bredeson
Brad and Marshall Swain
Lena Mouton and Valencia Daniels
Brittany and Caleb Bachelor
Mary Jo McKellar and Laura Crowl
Cathey Brown, Nancy Ann Hunt, and Tiffany Beaudine
Melissa Griffith, Cyndi Arakas, and Abby Waterstreet
Jasmine Wynton and LaDondra Wilson
DIFFA Dallas’ House of DIFFA Dreamstate
DANNY CAMPBELL, FRANCESCA NELO, TAMYTHA CAM ERON, CELESTE CASS, KELLY ALEXANDER, AND THOMAS GARZA
Date & Place: May 3, Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Cause: DIFFA Dallas supports HIV/ AIDS service organizations across North Texas.
Chairs: Payton Martin and Jacob Samson
Sponsors: The Louis L. Borick Foun dation, Benjamin Moore, Mohawk, Sewell, Vistra Energy, Guardian Royalties, Gilead, Shelle Carrig Team at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s, Mistr, Jackson Durham Events, Dallas Market Center, Cybris Productions, Inkling+Co, The Media Socialites, Plug Public Relations, and Robyn Chauvin Productions.
Notable: The Donna Fishel Commu nity Hero Award was presented to Todd Bacon by Donna Fishel. The Candy Long Excellence in Fashion Award was pre sented to B. Åkerlund by Erykah Badu.
LORI SAPIO,
Dream Girls
Gabriella Monte Austin Green and Chris Kahle
Erykah Badu
Voices of Unity Choir
Shelle Carrig and Amy Baumann
William P. Underwood
Patrik Simpson and Pol' Atteu
Frontiers of Flight Museum Store Grand Opening Celebration
Date & Place: May 13, 6911 Lemmon Ave.
Cause: The Frontiers of Flight Museum aims to inspire an interest in aviation by taking visitors on an educational journey through history — from da Vinci’s early flying machines to today’s cutting-edge spacecraft.
Notable: Former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, a co-founder of the Frontiers of Flight Museum, was among those attending. The museum draws more than 160,000 visitors annually, including 72,000-plus children — and the new store has been built to leave a lasting impression with exclusive Frontiers of Flight merch and interactive STEM kits, aviation-themed books, bold art prints, and design-forward toys.
THOMAS GARZA
Sopha Rush reads to son, Amir Rush
Tiffanie Rice and Craig Davis
Kunthear Mam-Douglas and Regina Bruce
Dana Foley and Michelle Ramirez Teresa and Katherine Heidt
Museum co-founder Kay Bailey Hutchison (center) and other supporters at the FOFM store opening
Lynn Hailstone
Abi Ericksen and Nellie Scuitto
American Heart Association in Dallas’ Côtes du Coeur
AND SEE PINK INC
Date & Place: April 26, The Omni Dallas Hotel
Cause: The American Heart Association, with a mission to serve as a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years.
Chairs: Jennifer and Chris Clark
Sponsors: AT&T, Caliber, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, and Forvis Mazars.
Notable: Côtes du Coeur is more than a gala — it is a legacy of impact. The Clarks, whose leadership and generosity have left an indelible mark on this year’s success, will return as chairs for Grand Tasting the evening of April 24, 2026, followed by Côtes du Coeur 2026, set for April 25, 2026.
CASH ANGLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Richard Chamberlain
Cary Grace, Regina Bruce, John Pickett, Whitney Laughlin, Doreen
Zee Hussain, Rick Allen, and Peyton Yager
Brendan Davy, Gerard Thompson, Richard Chamberlain, John Tesar, Mario Hernandez, and Janice Provost
Jennifer and Chris Clark
Family Compass’ North Star Luncheon
Date & Place: April 28, Dallas Country Club
Beneficiary: Family Compass works to prevent child abuse and keep vulnerable children out of the child welfare system by providing parents with in-home mentoring, education, support, and other tools to aid them in building stronger, healthier families.
Chairs: Bianca Hernandez and Elisabeth McHugh
Sponsors: North Dallas Bank & Trust Co.
Notable: Featured speaker Erin
Calvin Collins-Bratton and Erin Merryn
Kelly Mills, Neva Cochran, Erik Russell, and Charlie Griege
COURTESY FAMILY COMPASS
Merryn discussed her book Stolen Innocence with event emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton.
Laura Freeland, Danyelle Wells, Greer Christian, and Judy Bennett Garner
Bianca Hernadez, Mary Bowman Campbell, and Elisabeth McHugh
Ona Foster and Kelly Hoglund Compton
Brooke Bailey, Elizabeth Dacus, Erin Merryn, and Erin Pope
Mary Bowman Campbell, Jan Langbein, Bianca Davis, Laura Chavoya, and Joanna Clarke
Sara Sanders and Channing Cass Milfeld
Friends of the Katy Trail’s Spring Donor Party
Children’s Cancer Fund’s ‘Art, Cars, Cigars & Watches: The Ultimate Dad’s Night Out’
Date & Place: May 1, home of Sarah Ketterer and Alan Vorwald
Cause: The nonprofit Friends of the Katy Trail manages and enhances the Katy Trail for Dallas.
Notable: Party invitations went to donors who had given $500 or more to the nonprofit. Leadership Circle members each gave $1,000 or more annually.
Date & Place: June 14, Ferrari Gallery
Cause: The Children’s Cancer Fund champions pediatric patients in their battles with cancer through investments in research and care in North Texas.
Sponsors: USI, Hagerty, José, Ferrari Gallery, Watch Collecting Lifestyle, CVSTOS, Boardwalk Ferrari, Fumar Cigars, Golden Guitars, A Veteran’s Valet: A Woman and Veteran Owned Company, and The Char Network.
Notable: Guests enjoyed an up-close look at rare luxury vehicles from Boardwalk Ferrari, exclusive access and private studio tours with renowned sculptor James Ferrari, and a hands-on, immersive activation featuring custom guitars with visual art in a multi-sensory exhibit from Golden Guitars.
KRISTINA BOWMAN
Hayley Schindler, Meghan Walker, Bree Redwine, Amy Bean, Ann Wood, and Carl Wagner
Brian Callahan
Kaleta Blaffer Johnson and Jesse Coors-Blankenship
Steven Rayl and Scot Presley Samar Mishra and Gayatri Satpathy
FRANCESCA NELO
Chris and Yolanda White
Fumar Cigars Experience
Devin Wheeler, Marissa Muro, and Michelle Argueta Seth and Jenna Denson Debra Ferrari and Charlie White
Carlyn Raye
Riley Lafferty
JLD’s Ceremony for T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute Grads
Date & Place: May 2, 2025 at the JLD Headquarters
Beneficiary: Junior League of Dallas
Sponsors: Junior League of Dallas, T. Boone Pickens
Notable: Lee Gleiser received the T. Boone Pickens Visionary Award at the ceremony, which is given to alumnae of the Institute. The graduating class included Elizabeth Ellen Anderson, Taylor Anderson, Kerri Cleghorn Lai, Mary Creason, Elizabeth Cruz, Trista Demby, Cali Franks-Field, Kiki Gao, Elisa Garcia, Allison Gaughan, Elizabeth Greer, Lancia Herzog, Brooke Hinnenkamp, Danielle Karstens, Ashton Keller, Sarah Keller, Mary Kelly Kennedy, Allison Klingsick, Alicia Lawson, Cathryn McClellan, Vanessa Montemayor, Lauren Parker, Michelle Powers, Deepika Ramesh, Allison Taylor, Janay Thompson, Nina Threets, Nikki Trufant-Wade, and Cassandra Watts.
JLD Leadership Institute 2025 Graduating Class
Christina Norris, Jay Rosser, Lee Gleiser, and Tandra Allen
Kiki Gao, Dulari Mehta, and Cathryn McClellan
Tandra Allen and Andrea Cheek
Dulari Mehta and Eleanor Putman
The United Way’s Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society Luncheon
Date & Place: April 25, Rosewood Mansion
Cause: The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, which is marking a century of operations, works with a variety of North Texas partners to help neighbors access the education, income, and health resources and tools needed to live longer, healthier lives.
Sponsors: HN Capital
Notable: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas received a $5 million gift from philanthropists Kevin and Carol March, who have been involved with Dallas Tocqueville Society projects for more than a decade. The event featured a fireside chat with Sonal Shah, CEO of the Texas Tribune , and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, co-founder and president of the Tocqueville Foundation in France and a direct descendant of Alexis de Tocqueville.
Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit
Date & Place: May 29, Longhorn Ballroom
Cause: The foundation raises funds for mental health resources and suicide prevention.
Sponsors: Haynes Boone (presenting) and KXT 91.7
Notable: For the past five years, Eric Nadel, Texas Rangers Hall of Fame broadcaster and mental health advocate, has helped Grant Halliburton Foundation raise funds and awareness for mental health through his birthday event. This year’s fundraiser and concert raised more than $173,000 for the nonprofit organization.
CELESTE CASS AND TAMYTHA CAMERON
Jennifer Sampson, Christy Williams, Stephanie de Tocqueville, Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville and Steven Williams
Kevin and Carol March Margot Perot and Mary McDermott Cook Don and Carol Glendenning with Kristy Faus
Paris Tocqueville Travelers
STACEY BROOKS
Kevin Hall with Lucy and Don Witte
Haynes Boone
Equest 44th Annual Blue Ribbon Gala
TAMYTHA CAMERON
Date & Place: April 25, Gilley’s Dallas
Cause: Equest aims to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs by partnering with horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies.
Chairs: Kristin and James Hallam (gala chairs), and The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor (honorary chairs)
Sponsors: Ben E. Keith Co., Benchmark Bank, Beasom Stable, Goldman Sachs Gives, Bank of Texas, Pendery’s, Cavender’s Boot City, Kiewit, Steve Kemble Event Design, Hopkins, Etro, Dallas Capital Bank, Holland & Knight, Pave the Way Jewelry by Joan Hornig, Quest Events, Susan Friedman Public Relations, Spirit Tours, Modern Luxury Dallas, NexPoint, Marsh McLennan Agency, Lela Rose, My Sweet Charity, Brilliant Fulfillment, and Commerce Street Capital
Notable: The event drew a sold-out crowd of 570 and raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history.
David and Natalie Taylor with Norma Jean Schaltenbrand and Kristin and James Hallam
Courtney Conley, Maggie Spiegel, Tyler Bridges, and Lea LaFortune
Bernie Polega and Lili Kellogg
Tim Weber puts on his newly purchased jacket, auctioned right off the back of auctioneer Louis Murad.
Carolyn and Paul Goelzer with Amy Green
Susan Schwartz and Carol Chamberlin
Danny and Tanya Rice with Tina and Michael Beasom
Laura Johnson, Elizabeth Dacus, Brooke Bailey, and Julie Bagley
Calvert Collins-Bratton
SPARK! Dallas’ SPARKtacular 2025
Date & Place: May 1, Highland Park home of Leigh and Bryce Williams
Cause: A nonprofit founded in 2010, SPARK! Dallas provides children from second grade to high school with a fully immersive creative environment with hands-on learning that develops their self-definition as creative individuals.
Chairs: Nell and Shelby Bush and Carol and Sam Dalton (event chairs), Sarah Losinger (honorary chair)
Notable: The agency serves more than 18,000 children a year. “Maybe we find that one Picasso in the group,” executive director Meg Bittner told supporters. “You are the how to continue the creative process by your gifts.”
TAMYTHA CAMERON
Caryn Bramhall, Jen Melson, and Ann Higginbottom
McKenna Gannon, Carrie Rowling, and Bessie Doffermyre
Adrienne and Tim Brown
Mary Dunsmore and Isabel Minnis
Carol Dalton, Meg Bittner, and Nell Bush
Danny and Emily Canete with Alan, Sarah, Laura, and John Losinger
Mollie Crow, Sally Crawford, and Laura Petty Wendy King, Gigi Sussman, and Eugenia King
Laura and Pete Lodwick
Matt Brooks
Connecting Point of Park Cities’ (CPPC) Hope Fest
HAL SAMPLES PHOTOGRAPHY
Date & Place: April 24, The Happiest Hour
Cause: Connecting Point of Park Cities (CPPC) operates a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Chair: Katelyn Barbier-Mueller
Sponsors: Harwood International
Notable: The event raised $200,000 this year and has raised over $800,000 since CPPC became the sole beneficiary in 2023. It featured high-energy live music from '90s country cover band Straight Tequila Night, a silent auction, and food from Harwood Hospitality Group. A notable moment included powerful remarks from CPPC board member and longtime volunteer Katelyn Barbier-Mueller, who shared how personal the mission is and how Hope Fest celebrates inclusion in a meaningful way.
Bo Evans and Carmen Blackwell
Julian Payne and Abheeshek Sharma Shirica Brown, Cynthia Olson, and LaShunda Thomas Jessica Young Reid and Kinsey Bayerl
Hope Fest attendees enjoy a night of music, fun, and impact
MariAlice, Alissa, and Randy Garrett
KidneyTexas Inc. Announcement Party for Runway Report Luncheon and Fashion Show
Date and Place: March 4, 2024, at the home of Allison Brodnax
Cause: Beneficiaries are Texas Health Resources Foundation, Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Baylor Scott and White Dallas Foundation, Camp Reynal, and Southwest Transplant Alliance.
Chairs: Allison Brodnax (luncheon chair), Donna and Herb Weitzman (honorary chairs), and Mari Epperson (KidneyTexas president)
Sponsors: Anne and William Seanor (presenting sponsors) and Preston Hollow Catering (announcement party sponsor)
Notable: The theme for the Sept. 26 luncheon and fashion show is The French Connection. “We will be celebrating the life-saving collaboration between French and American doctors in the fight against kidney disease,” Brodnax said. “This collaboration traces back to visionaries like Dr. Jean Hamburger of France, whose early work laid the foundation for kidney transplantation, and Dr. Willem Kolff, whose dialysis innovations transformed treatment options worldwide.”
Lorraine Meenan, Mary Miller, and Andrea Alcorn
ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO
C’mon and Nick Wingo
Donna Arp Weitzman with William and Anne Seanor, Allison Brodnax, and Mari Epperson
Fran Cashen Wittenberg and Jim Hancock
Carole Ann Brown and Cindy Feld
Jennifer Olivier, Briana Pearson, and Karen Schaffer
John and Patty Jo Turner
John and Dyann Skelton
Reagan Pace and Claire Catrino
Mad Hatter’s ‘Celebrating Spring in the South’ Luncheon
Date & Place: April 20, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Beneficiary: A Women’s Garden at the Dallas Arboretum
Chairs: Sara Friedman (event chair) and Cindy Feld (honorary chair)
Sponsors: NorthPark Center, Avondale Dealerships, GRO Event Design & Floral, Westwood Wealth Management, D&M Leasing, Saville CPA & Advisors, Lisa Meyer and Venise Stuart, Luke Lange
Auctions, The T Shop, Nelson Bumgardner Conroy, Fair Texas Title, and Wick Phillips.
Notable: Best hat winners included Maryam Brown, Christine Phelan, Debbie Murray, Mandi Bonilla, the Taste of the Masters group, and the Masters Mavens group.
Amanda Shufeldt, Anne Stodghill, Kameron Westcott, Esé Azénabor-Grembowski, Sharon Lee Clark, and John Clutts
Jennifer Bridges, Maile Shea, and Monique Callagy
Jill Goldberg, Sharon Ballew, Donna Arp Weitzman, and Sarah Jo Hardin
Sila Grogan, Natalie Taylor, and Pat McDonough
Nikki Webb, Maggie Kipp, and Claire Catrino
The Masters Mavens group wins best in show.
Therese Rourk, Sara Friedman, and Cindy Feld
Angela Harris and Anne Stodghill
Debbie Murray
THOMAS GARZA AND ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO
Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball
GITTINGS
Date & Place: Feb. 15, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Cause: The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League has contributed more than $23 million to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s education and outreach programs.
Chairs: Ginger Sager and Barbara Averitt (co-chairs) with Shirley and Bill McIntyre (honorary chairs)
Notable: The 2025 Debutantes are Olivia Reese Chambers Barber, Brooke Lucille Barcus, Brooke Makenna Barnes, Lauren Elizabeth Brown, Abigail Claire Carlisle, Sara Grace Cashion, Sara Elizabeth Cavey, Elle Terese Chavis, Rebecca Lauren Ciarochi, Olivia Katherine Coker, Isabelle Catherine Eggart, Annabel Dianne Everitt, Finley Paige Galvin, Eliana Lourdes Garcia, Sophie Michelle Goelzer, Elizabeth Rose Goelzer, Alexa Christine Grabow, Camille LaClaire Gravel, Katherine Blaine Hess, Grace Alexandra Hoverman, Sydney Sherrill Hoyl, Madeleine Sutton Hubach, Katherine Anne Hudnall, Hannah Elizabeth Jackson, Harper Leigh Knight, Ella-Rose Marcus Levy, Lily Bauchet Lynch, Ivy Ann Mazzucchi, Julia Holliman Montgomery, Grace Cathryn Morrison, Natalie Brooke Newton, Anne Blanche Peacock, Ava Francis Perpall, Caroline Elizabeth Petrikas, Lauren Elizabeth Porray, Vivian Grace Potter, Alexandra Elise Sargis, Grace Isabelle Schlafer, Madelyn Grace Sporl, Mary Nash Stone, Ava Marie Tribolet, Natalie Elaine Van Arsdale,
Samantha Renee Ward, and Annabeth Gracelyn Winn.
BACK ROW: Katie Kottwitz, Danielle Ward, and Paige Williams FRONT: Margaret Bracken, Katherine Downing, Emily Young, Bronwyn Cordiak, Allie McWhorter, and Isabella Cox
2025 Debutantes with Barbara Averitt, Dixey Arterburn, and Ginger Sager
Thomas Liu, Ryan McCord, Matthew Melcher, John Liptack, Eric Hirschbrich, and Jack Schlafer
Alexandra Sargis and Michael Borens
Grace Hoverman, Elle Chavis, Samantha Ward, and Harper Knight
Marigny, Christine, Annabeth, Lester, and John Winn Olivia Barber
Lauren and Steven Brown
Eduardo Garcia Jr., Eliana Lourdes Garcia, and Yolanda Garcia
Sara and Matthew Cavey
Turtle Creek Association’s Azalea Luncheon
ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO
Date & Place: April 2, Joule Hotel
Cause: Turtle Creek Association — celebrating its 40th year — orchestrates seasonal color transformations along the creek, manages irrigation and watering systems, oversees litter and trash removal, and upkeeps 25 landscaped medians in the corridor.
Chairs: Sharon Ballew (luncheon chair), Mary Brinegar (honorary), JD Trueblood, (president and CEO), and Deborah Stanford (board chair).
Sponsors: WRMC /Andrea Willett (presenting sponsor), Betty Reiter and Pockets (fashion show sponsors)
Notable: At the luncheon, a video provided an eye-opening look at the dumping that occurs in Turtle Creek, with trash washing down from Central Expressway and surrounding areas, resulting in more than 10 tons of debris each year that must be manually removed. Patrick Rea was recognized for cleanup efforts. Trueblood noted that $1 million from the City of Dallas 2024 Bond Program will support dredging and bank stabilization efforts. Also, blue herons and kingfishers, not seen in years, have come back.
Teresa Byrd with Wayne and Sharon Smith
Andrea Willett and Michelle Myer
Nelson Huff III and Alexis Waxman
Sarah Hardin and Venise Stuart
Donna Arp Weitzman and Cindy Feld
Deborah Stanford, Mary Brinegar, J.D. Trueblood, and Sharon Ballew
Karen Sargent, Carole Ann Brown, and Allison Brodnax
Judith Lifson
Joani Stephenson and Nikki Beneke
Pi Beta Phi Dallas Alumnae Club Luncheon and Style Show
Date & Place: April 22, Brook Hollow Golf Club
Cause: The Dallas Alumnae Club raises money for children’s literacy programs, including Bridge Builders, Catch Up to Read, Cristo Rey, For the Nations, and West Dallas Community School.
Chairs: Meredith Ferrell, Libby Hegi, and Paige Slates
Sponsors: Highland Park Village
Notable: This year’s style show, titled “Haute Halos,” featured looks from Carolina Herrera, Frame, La Ligne, Lela Rose, LoveShackFancy, Market, Miron Crosby, and Simkhai. Generations of Pi Phis walked the runway in the fashions while alumna and emcee Abby Ruth offered fun anecdotes about the models.
Blaire Knows and Anne Monning
Nancy Rogers, Barbara Pinkston, and Linda Yates Rachel and Lisa Reid
Liza Ellis and Anne Massey
Madison and Meredith Ferrell with Libby, Katherine, Lila, and Amy Hegi
Dallas Historical Society’s Directors Inner Circle Party
Date & Place: Feb. 27, classic mid-century home of Greg Nieberding and Eddie Ortega Cause: Established in 1922 and housed at the Hall of State at Fair Park since 1938, the Dallas Historical Society collects, preserves, and exhibits the heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire future generations.
Notable: Guests gathered in the living room where the home’s original owners entertained actors such as Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, and Jeanette MacDonald, and viewed a new addition to the art collection of Nieberding and Ortega, The Past Is The Present by Elaine Chiao/Addison
the
ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO
Sloane Artworks featuring
cartoon character, Jane Jetson.
Elaine Chiao and Greg Nieberding
Drs. Shelia Brown and Nichelle Chandler
Alison and Harry Hunsicker
Stuart and Diane Bumpas
Former First Lady Laura Bush and Karl Chiao
Karen Fry and Gunther Weisbrich
Dr. Roy and Barbara Washburn with Richard Stanford
Scott Witcher and Ashlee Brill-Weidner
Ed Beardsley, Susan Montgomery, and Frank Hettig
Yaima Villarreal and Jon Hanks
Dec My Room Inc.’s Room to Grow Luncheon
Date & Place: April 2, South Court at NorthPark Center
Cause: Dec My Room, working through 11 area chapters serving 191 hospitals in 27 states and Washington D.C., creates personalized healing places for children admitted to hospitals for three weeks or longer.
Chairs: Ashley O’Malley and Heather Winn
Sponsors: Neiman Marcus provided a fashion show featuring such notable designers as Brunello Cucinelli, Gabriela Hearst, Dries Van Noten, Akris, Jacquemus, Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Ulla Johnson, and Alexander McQueen.
Notable: The luncheon raised more than $150,000. Kameron Westcott received the second annual Monarch Servant Heart Award; mother-daughter volunteer duo Sofia Gonzalez and Aynalie Charron the Gold Volunteer Award, and the late Ellison Liecthy the 2025 Celebrate Flight Award.
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Carol Holmes, Andrea Weber, Terra Najork Peterson, Cassie Fuller, Lisa Ogle, and Dawn Greiner
Heather Winn, Heather Smith, and Ashley O’Malley
Julie Liechty and Heather Smith
Neiman Marcus NorthPark fashion presentation Machelle Davenport, Melissa Sherrill Martin, and Paige Westhoff
Kameron Westcott, Karen Allen, and Sharon Lee Clark
Kellie Spillman, Kendra Sawyer, and Carol Mitts
Katie Schortman and Jordan Pounds
Jennifer Cifuentes, Lillian Greer, Emily Billingsley, and Katie Myatt
AWARE Affair 2025: Boots, Buckles & Brain Health
ROB WYTHE, THOMAS GARZA, AND SMUGMUG
Date & Place: April 4, Gilley’s Dallas
Cause: AWARE Dallas provides funding — nearly $15 million since 1989 — and support to programs, projects, and research by nonprofits that serve individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.
Chairs: David McDavid Jr. (event chair), Bo and Jeff Parker (honorary)
Sponsor: Anne Davidson (presenting sponsor)
Notable: The gala celebrated AWARE’S 35 years of work and raised $550,000 for the agency and its North Texas partners. Venise Stuart received the Founders Spirit Award and Karisti Julia the Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award.
Katie Schlieve and Jessica Dwyer
David McDavid Jr. and Natalie Cofield with Stacey and Ken Leonard
Carla Fonts and Josey Kennington
Venise Stuart and Karisti Julia
Mike and Barb Tonti
Stacey Jones Angel, Lacey Young, and Anne McKinley
Mark and Karen Carney
Breckenridge Band
Jack and Janet Broyles with Gail Plummer and John Cattaneo
Lake Highlands Wildcat Wranglers
Bart and Jolie Humphrey
DIFFA Dallas’ Patron Preview Party
TAMYTHA CAMERON AND DANNY CAMPBELL
Date & Place: April 4, Warwick Melrose Hotel
Cause: HIV/AIDS non-profit service providers and education programs
Chairs: Rick Castillo
Sponsors: Warwick Melrose, Jackson Durham, LocaLoka, OneBar USA, and Eddie’s Tex Mex Cocina
Notable: Attendees previewed one-of-akind jackets — each piece a wearable work of art — from such designers as Patrick Church, Mr. Turk, David Chadd, Christi Meril, Geoffrey Henning, Lindsay Ekstrom, and Hive and Colony.
Clint Thomson, Daniella Giglio, Paige Westhoff, and David Putnam
Payton Martin and Jacob Samson
Steve Kemble, LeeAnne Locken, and Chad Collom
Koby Davis, Seth Madden, Michael Besselman, and Ali Resor
Marilyn Stewart
Steven Sampson, Collin Wilson, and Tanner Sinclair
Jeff and Rhiannon Bolen with Ken Webe
Mita Kher, Navya Jain, and Preethi Elango
Rick Castillo
Dallas Service Forum’s ‘Deep In the Heart of Service’ Luncheon
Date & Place: April 1, Northwood Club
Cause: Agencies served by DSF include Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, Juliette Fowler Communities, The Ebby House, Network of Community Ministries, The Family Place, and Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
Chairs: Bonnie Cameron and Carla Austin
Notable: The annual luncheon and auction drew more than 175 guests and featured Sheree Wilson, star of TV series Dallas and Walker Texas Ranger, as keynote speaker.
Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum Founder’s Award Luncheon
ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO
Date & Place: May 5, Rosine Hall at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Cause: Since 1982, the Women’s Council’s major goal has been the design, construction, funding, and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women.
Chairs: Colby Baer, Claire Catrino, and Niki Turner (meeting chairs) and Donna Arp Weitzman (founder’s award chair).
Notable: The Leadership Award was presented to Lynnell Mandl, the Service Award to Marilyn Cline, and The Founder’s Award to Garry Weber with Joni Krieg accepting it on his behalf. Paula Lambert, author of The Cheese Lover’s Cookbook and Guide (2000) and Cheese, Glorious Cheese! (2007), was the featured speaker.
Nancy Malooly, Sheree Wilson, and Kristin Parrino
Bonnie Cameron, Sheree Wilson, Irish Burch, and Carla Austin
Jennifer Copeland, Angie Bullard, Karen Sargent, and Lisa Laughlin
Therese Rourk, Ann Seanor, Cindy Feld, Barbara Gary, and Donna Arp Weitzman
Sheridan Reeder and Reagan Pace
Colby Hanks Baer, Niki Turner, and Claire Catrino
Paula Lambert and Regina Montoya
Dorothea Meltzer, Sara Friedman, and Lynnell Mandl
Connie Rhoades, Ann Galbraith, and Betsy Simpson
Texas Woman’s University Dallas Reception
ANDY PALOS/TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY
Date & Place: April 8, Catherine and Sam Susser’s Preston Hollow home
Cause: Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston.
Notable: TWU introduced 100 Dallas community and business leaders to the university. Physical therapy doctoral student Avery Ellis-Byerly told them she selected TWU’s program because of its reputation, 100% pass rate, and 100% employment rate. “I’m so grateful I said yes to TWU.”
Dallas Leadership Council
Monica Christopher, Kambra Bolch, and Lynn Fisher
Ann Williams
Rita Mills and Stephen Roderick
Dr. Carine Feyten
Brooke Bailey, Stephanie Wilcox, Vickie Yakunin, and Neena Newberry
Ol Pejeta Conservancy From Kenya to Dallas Benefit Exhibition
Date & Place: May 30, Christopher
Martin Gallery
Cause: Ol Pejeta Conservancy works to protect endangered species, promote community-based conservation, and safeguard the world’s last two northern white rhinos.
Sponsors: Sewell Automotive, Nick & Sam’s, Rhinory, Community Beer, and National Geographic | Lindblad Expeditions.
Notable: The event featured a new exhibit by Mital Patel Photography; a special appearance by Justin Heath, CEO of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Zachariah Mutai, head rhino caretaker; a silent auction including a luxury safari experience with an opportunity to name a black rhino; and the launch of the Tembo Collection, wearable art designed to fund conservation (tembocollection.com).
TAMYTHA CAMERON
Lynn McBee and Jeff Netzer
Mital Patel and family with Zacharia Mutai, Justin Heath, and Charles Graham
Liv, Nimesh, Lana, Lila, and Bina Patel
Shawn Mudigere and Abrielle Liz Candice White and Richard Guerra
Charles Graham
Billy Monzon, Blake Kilgore, Eleanor Grindinger, Kim Markham, and Christopher Martin
Justin Heath
The Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala
Date and Place: April 11, Hilton Anatole
Cause: CCF raises millions of dollars for pediatric cancer research and Child Life services.
Chairs: Lori Jones and Meredith Land (chairs), Troy Aikman and Dak Prescott (honorary chairs).
Sponsor: Dillard’s (presenting) and many others.
Notable: Guests included Nancy Rogers, Tony Romo, Kathy Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Bijou Phillips, Stacey Bendet, Katherine Perot, Eric Reeves, Laura Kim, Mike and Natalie McGuire, Hesham and Mindy Elgaghil, Shelby Goff, Bela Cooley, and 20 pe-
TAMYTHA CAMERON AND TIFFANY SAGE
diatric warriors who strutted their stuff — and courage — on the runway.
Tiffany Clutts, Bina Palnitkar, Jamie O’Banion, Hollie O'Gorman Siglin, Candice Romo, and Haley Anderson
Meredith Land, Troy Aikman, and Lori Jones
Dak Prescott and Lincoln Schoessow
Brian Bolke, Nancy Rogers, Laura Kim, and Faisal Halum
Lia and Joe Bozich with Allison Lippoldt
Sophie McGuire, Lorenza Ruiz, and Maddy McGuire Todd and Kasey Lemkin with Candace Nelson Wells Denison and Highland Park Department of Public Safety firefighters
Bina Palnitkar and Kira Handrale
Dallas CASA Cherish the Children Luncheon
Date & Place: April 11, Arts District Mansion
Cause: Dallas CASA
Chairs: Lauren Rose Sands and Kathleen Thorson
Sponsor: The Rosewood Corporation
Notable: Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen M. LaValle presented the Caroline Rose Hunt Award to Regina Montoya and Paul Coggins. Guest speaker Andrew Bridge, a former foster youth and children’s rights attorney, was interviewed by Cynt Marshall. Longtime volunteer Jeff Underwood shared a moving story about becoming a father figure to a young man he supported through nearly a decade of advocacy.
KRISTINA BOWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY AND ROSANNE LEWIS
Adam Rose and Alyssa Johnston
Nicki and Paul Stafford
Annabel Morgan, Janice Davis, and Nicole Hooper
Lynn Fisher and Robert Mahurin
Kathleen Thorson and Lauren Rose Sands
Courtney Moeslein and Julia Hart
Lauren Rose and Sara Faulconer Sands
Russell and Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson
Kathleen M. LaValle, Regina Montoya, and Paul Coggins
Cynt Marshall and Andrew Bridge
