Comb through the pages of this, our first digital society magazine, and you’ll wonder how charitable tea, luncheon, and gala attendees have time for anything else.
The People Newspapers editorial staff has pondered the same mystery while sifting through the deluge of party pics, write-ups, announcements, and invitations that fill our inboxes most weeks.
I’ve lamented that we haven’t had room in print for most of the submissions and regretted that for the ones we do publish, we often don’t get to run as many of the photographs as we’d like.
So, with the help of our advertising partners, we’re trying something new: a digital magazine where each party gets an entire page.
This inaugural issue features many of the bigger events from just before the holidays through the final weeks of April. And yes, we know, we still haven’t covered them all.
However, I’m hoping you’ll enjoy this expanded look at mad hats, bowing debutants, glorious gowns, celebrity speakers, cancer-fighting kids, incredible causes, and more.
For additional coverage of the charitable social scene, check out our website, weekly Eat Play Give e-newsletter, and the monthly print editions of Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People
And we’re planning another digital magazine for November.
Please keep on reading!
Shiela Camay
OPERATIONS
Distribution
Reinboldt
Grace Chandler | Ciara Delgado
People Newspapers celebrated its 20 Under 40 on April 25 at Communities Foundation of Texas with honorees, friends, and readers.
This year’s honorees work in education, law, athletics, marketing, leadership, nonprofits, and more, and each had their moment in the spotlight to answer an on-stage question toward the end of the program.
The event opened with a welcome from editor William Taylor before passing the torch to emcee Jeff Brady who led the program.
Calvert Collins-Bratton, chief relationship officer at Communities Foundation of Texas, presented about the organization’s work, including the largest single-day giving event in the nation. Communities Foundation of Texas is the 20 Under 40 presenting sponsor.
Following was a presentation from Rotary Club of the Park Cities president Jeff Sheehan, who shared about the group’s volunteer work and community impact.
Belong Disability Ministry executive director Stephanie Newland gave a presentation about the Highland Park United Methodist Church’s ministry that welcomes people of all abilities, ages, and faiths to be part of the adaptive, inclusive community. Highlights include Chance’s Cafe and Spotlight Academy of the Arts.
Brady followed with the main event: introducing each of the 20 honorees and the Youth on the Rise who were profiled in May’s Park Cities People and Preston Hollow People for their philanthropy and professional achievements.
Guests enjoyed food from Naborly Provisions, wine and Four Corners Brewery beer, and a photo booth from Motus. Publisher Pat Martin closed the evening with final remarks and “thank you’s” to the sponsors.
JIM COWEN, GRAPEVINE PHOTOGRAPHY
More than 400 packed The Hall on Dragon Feb. 2 for Dallas CASA Young Professionals’ annual casino party, CASAblanca.
The sold-out, red-carpet event featured live music from the Special Edition Band, danc ing, a silent auction, and casino games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. The young pro fessionals’ most requested song of the evening: “Man I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain. The evening was co-chaired by Brooke Donel son, Hannah Harpole, and Amanda Rodriguez.
Guests received realistic-appearing play $100 bills to buy into casino games and could win prizes. A silent auction included such items as a year of Whataburger, Aero flight tickets to Cabo or Aspen, and other experiences.
Each guest got to take a Whataburger honey butter chicken biscuit for a late-night snack on their way out.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
More than 600 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society supporters donned red, pink, and purple attire at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for the nonprofit’s 40th-anniversary St. Valentine’s Day luncheon.
The Feb. 8 event was chaired by Brooke Shelby and Samantha Wortley, and the honorary chairs were Debbie Hayhurst, Libby Hunt, and Sharon McCullough.
The luncheon started with a champagne reception where guests mingled and placed bids in the silent auction, which featured jewelry, art, home decor, glam, a mahjong party, dining, staycations and vacations, and more.
Guests then proceeded to the performance hall for the program, live auction and paddle raise, and fashion show. Emcee and FOX4 evening anchor Clarice Tinsley recognized the award recipients: luncheon founders Rusty Duvall and Janet Evans, Ryan Anthony, Moll Anderson, and Campbell Fearing. At the program’s conclusion, guests found their tables for an herb grilled chicken salad followed by dessert.
— Compiled
The fourth-annual Mahjong for a Mission benefiting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center raised a record-breaking $80,000.
These funds will allow the center to pro vide comprehensive therapy to more than 80 children, starting them on a path toward healing and transforming their futures.
“I am immensely proud that the Mahjong for a Mission event shattered our previous events record, thanks to the unwavering support of our incredible players and spon sors,” DCAC president and CEO Irish Burch said. “Their generosity has not only propelled us to new heights, but has also paved the way for transformative change here at Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.”
More than 120 supporters and mahjong fans attended the Feb. 10 event held at the DCAC headquarters. Laura McCallan, Lin da Gardner, and Jane Wallingford chaired the event.
Attendees spent the afternoon over mah jong boards playing the Chinese game with an objective to collect winning sets of tiles.
“Together, we’re not just playing a game,” Burch said. “We’re building bridges, break ing barriers, and shaping a brighter future for all.”
KELLY ALEXANDER, TAMYTHA CAMERON, CELESTE CASS, AND NATE REHLANDER
More than 1,000 supporters attended Community Partners of Dallas’ 18th-annual Chick Lit Luncheon March 22 at the Hilton Anatole.
The event featured a conversation between NBC5’s Laura Harris and actress and singer-songwriter Rita Wilson.
Cathy James and Lisa Ogle chaired the event, and Christine McKenny was the honorary chair.
Community Partners of Dallas honored Capital for Kids with the Paige McDaniel Partners for Children Award for its commitment to the community’s philanthropic needs and years of service meeting the needs of abused and neglected children through Community Partners of Dallas.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
TAMYTHA CAMERON AND DANNY CAMPBELL
KidLinks supporters gathered Feb. 26 at SMU’s Armstrong Fieldhouse for the 14th-annual Symphony of Chefs.
Chairs Beanie and Martin Newman and honorary chairs Justin Box and Luke Rog ers were behind the chef-driven culinary dinner experience.
The evening kicked off with hors d’oeu vres during the cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner where more than 20 Dallas chefs prepared a four-course dinner along with wine pairings.
KidLinks supports therapeutic music and media initiatives for children with developmental, behavioral, and learning challenges and mental health needs.
Bob Enriquez told attendees how mu sic therapy sessions provided by KidLinks helped his great-grandson Lucas, who was born with Myotonic Dystrophy which affects facial muscles and makes it hard to pronounce words. Lucas was declared nonverbal, but now the 8-year-old is speaking in complete sentences.
ROMY MODLIN PHOTOGRAPHY AND ROSANNE LEWIS
Dallas CASA’s Cherish the Children Luncheon on April 19 at the Omni Dallas Hotel hosted a panel of distinguished professionals who addressed some of Dallas’ greatest challenges facing the welfare of children.
Panelists included Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde; Dallas Regional Chamber senior vice president of inclusion and community engagement Latosha Herron Bruff; and Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Stephanie Muth. Longtime Dallas CASA supporter and Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall moderated the discussion.
The luncheon also honored philanthropist and longtime Dallas CASA friend Betty Regard with the Caroline Rose Hunt Cherish the Children Award. Regard has supported the agency as it grew from 10 volunteers in 1980, was one of the founders of the Children’s Council, and is on the advisory board.
The Dallas CASA Children’s Council, an auxiliary group of the agency, hosted the event. The co-chairs were Lisa Tenorio Truppa and Jessilyn Thiboult Wilson, both Dallas CASA Children’s Council members and longtime volunteer child advocates.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
The AWARE Affair brought supporters in western cocktail chic attire for the Boots, Buckles, and Brain Health-themed event.
Angie Carpenter, Kamilia Smith, and Lacey Young chaired the night of fighting Alzheimer’s on April 12 at Gilley’s Dallas.
Guests enjoyed a buffet, live band, brain health activities, silent and live auctions, and fun with friends and family.
The Founder’s Spirit Award went to Sharon Walker, and Barbara Mathes was honored with the Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award.
The honorary chairs emeriti were Sally and Forrest Hoglund, Lee Roy and Biddie Jordan, David McDavid Jr. and the late Kim McDavid, Venise and Larry Stuart, Ellen Terry and her daughter, Amy Terry Kriegel, and son, Todd Terry.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
Dallas 24 Hour Club hosted its third-annual Tea for Recovery on April 12 at the Dallas Woman’s Forum.
The event, chaired by Dr. Joan M. Terry and the Rev. Tiffany Wright, brought more than 200 guests who raised funds to directly benefit the organization’s residents. Laura Sahliyeh and an anonymous friend of The 24 covered the event expenses through donations.
The tea supports The 24’s mission to provide transitional living, support services, and essential life skills to homeless individuals facing addiction. Through its holistic approach, the organization touches the lives of more than 600 people annually.
— Compiled by
ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO AND THOMAS GARZA
Five hundred supporters attended Rainbow Days’ 27th-annual Pot of Gold Luncheon April 19 at the Westin Dallas Galleria Hotel and raised $274,500.
The event, which supports Rainbow Days’ critical services for children and youth in Dallas, featured a keynote from Erin Gruwell, a teacher, author, and activist who first gained attention in 1998 when she and her 150 students appeared on ABC special PrimeTime Live. Gruwell’s students, known as the Freedom Writers, came from backgrounds of poverty, gangs, and violence, but all 150 graduated from high school and pursued higher education.
Rainbow Days CEO Tiffany Beaudine also gave remarks about the mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, and food insecurity problems that children and youth are facing and Rainbow Days’ work to address them.
Donny and Terry Saad chaired the luncheon, and Abby Waterstreet and Amy McCarrick served as the auction chairs.v
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
The Arts Community Alliance raised more than $650,000 at its 46th TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon on April 25, the second-highest amount in event history.
More than 600 people attended the luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
The TACA Silver Cup Award went to Sharon Young and Steve Penrose. Mort Meyerson was also honored with a special Tribute Award for his lifetime of achievements in the arts. Event co-chairs were Lindsay Billingsley and Marguerite Hoffman.
Young has been involved in the arts community in Dallas for more than 20 years, serving as a trustee at the Dallas Museum of Art; as a member of The Advisory Board of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts; and as a member of the Nasher Sculpture Center’s Program Advisory Council.
A lifelong supporter of the arts, Penrose is a member of the boards of the Dallas Opera, the Dallas Theater Center Endowment Fund, the Dallas Opera Foundation, the Presbyterian Village North Foundation, the Dallas Zoological Society, Dallas CASA, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
The Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 15th-annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon brought together nearly 700 supporters to raise a record-breaking $350,000 for the nonprofit.
Attendees heard the inspiring story of Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs on April 19 at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
The event opened with a reception with tunes by DJ Lucy Wrubel. Guests wrote on the Hope wall, bid on raffle packages, and made connections at the Beacon Brews Coffee House.
Everyone then made their way to the ballroom and was greeted by L.D. Bell High School Bell Tones and Decibelles singing “You Will be Found” from Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen
The nonprofit presented its Beacon Award to Eric Nadel, voice of the Texas Rangers, who was open about his struggles with mental health issues during last year’s baseball season.
Luncheon co-chairs were Natalie Hatchett and Courtney Hubbary, and they thanked presenting sponsor Emily Lewis, vice chairs Chris and Brent Bolding, founding luncheon chair Barb Farmer, and others for their support.
Closing the event was the featured speech from Berthia (suicide prevention advocate and attempt survivor) and Briggs (California highway patrolman and author). “The Kevins” met in 2005 on the Golden Gate Bridge when Berthia was about to take his life and Briggs was on patrol.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
The 36th-annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, themed “Gardens of Greece,” brought together about 520 supporters to raise money for the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Fresh botanicals, Greek goddesses, sororities, and pong-inspired plastic cups were reflected among the sea of hats as attendees showed off their interpretations of the theme.
The morning opened with a reception which consisted of a silent auction, hat judging, and strolls through the garden.
Once guests made their way into Rosine Hall for the program, WFAA anchor Cleo Greene introduced honorary chair Barbara Bigham, chair Allison Brodnax, and Arboretum Women’s Council president Karen Sargent.
Following was a fashion show presented by Jan Strimple Productions featuring looks from NorthPark Center.
To close the program, the judges announced the hat contest winners:
Kristen Gibbins, general manager of NorthPark Center, presented the category Greek Mythology prize to Elizabeth Smith.
Kameron Westcott, television personality, influencer, and entrepreneur, presented the category Greek Life (Sorority) to Mackenzie Oman and Cindy Williams.
Nathan Johnson, creative director and owner of GRO Designs presented the category Best Botanical Using Fresh Flowers to Dr. Linda Burk.
Sabina Carr, CEO of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, presented the category Olympic Games to Kristen Scott, Sarah Fletcher, and Karen Schaffer.
Esé Azenabor-Grembowski, owner and creative director/head designer for namesake brand Esé Azenabor presented category the My Big Fat Greek Wedding to Tammany Stern.
Patti Flowers, owner and chief designer of the Patti Flowers Design Studio, presented Greek Goddesses to Deborah McKeever’s group of Sea Goddesses and Reagan Pace’s group of My Greek College Life.
Guests then found their tables for a threecourse meal including salad, pita bread, chicken, and a dessert trio.
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Forty-four Dallas Symphony Orchestra debutantes took their bows at the 38th-annual DSO League Presentation Ball on Feb. 10.
They took center stage at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to do the Texas Dip — an all the way to the floor full court bow. Emcee Stan Gardner one by one introduced the debutantes, who were joined by honor guard escorts for the presentation.
Kristin Cordiak chaired the event, and Margaret and Barry Hancock were the honorary chairs.
A formal seated dinner and music and dancing followed the presentation.
The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is an annual tradition and the largest fundraiser for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
TAMYTHA
Junior League of Dallas held its annual Milestones Luncheon April 5 at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
Supporters gathered to hear a discussion between Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts and emcee and WFAA anchor Cynthia Izaguirre.
Kathleen Gibson was recognized as the Sustainer of the Year by JLD president Christina Eubanks and Sustainer president Candace Winslow.
Chaired by Linda Secrest and Sally Pretorius Hodge, the event featured a VIP reception, seated lunch, and raffle.
The luncheon raises funds for the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund, which grants about $1 million each year to the Dallas community. The next Milestones Luncheon will be held April 11, 2025. — Compiled by Maria Lawson
TAMYTHA CAMERON
Children’s Cancer Fund supporters celebrated “A Knight to Remember” at the organization’s crown-option al gala on April 19 at the Hilton Anatole.
The sold-out evening, which raised a record-breaking $2.7 million, featured a fashion show, live auction, dinner, and dancing. During the fashion show, 23 cancer patients modeled their bravery and attire provided by Dillard’s, with escorts including former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, fashion icons Nicky and Kathy Hilton, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, and other locals.
Emberli Pridham chaired the event, and Troy Aikman and Dak Prescott were the honorary chairs. The gala is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer.
—
AND TAMYTHA CAMERON
NATE REHLANDER, ROB WYTHE,The Dallas Museum of Art’s 62nd Art Ball brought art connoisseurs and fashion aficionados to the black-tie affair at the museum.
Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld chaired the “MOMENTUM”-themed event.
“The theme ‘MOMENTUM’ perfectly captures the vibrant energy driving the Dallas Museum of Art from an extraordinary past toward a thrilling future,” von Wupperfeld said.
All event proceeds benefit the museum’s commitment to presenting diverse exhibitions, providing educational and public programs, and caring for a collection of more than 25,000 objects.
“Supporting the Dallas Museum of art has been a pleasure and a privilege,” Smith said. “The contributions from the Art Ball are crucial for the DMA, facilitating world-class exhibitions, complimentary admission, and a range of educational and outreach programs.”
The event started with a cocktail reception, followed by music in the reception, then a program and live auction. Following dinner, guests after-partied at the Eagle
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
The Compass School of Texas cele brated Texas Independence Day with an evening of country music, barbecue, and an auction at the JSX Hangar.
The event, known as Rock the Runway, brought 550 school supporters to Love Field on March 2.
Attendees donned their best boots and hats to see the concert headlined by singer-songwriter and guitarist Ryan Bingham.
Francis Harrison, Caroline Har rison, Frances Mitchell, and Louisa Harwood chaired the event.
Funds raised benefit the non profit Preston Hollow school’s fu ture. Curriculum brings a blend of academic rigor and real-world experiences into the classroom to help students draw connections between what they’re learning and how they can impact the world.
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ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO
Guests enjoyed an elegant lunch and colorful fashion presentation during the Turtle Creek Association’s Azalea Luncheon at the Harlan Crow Library on March 26.
Guests dined on a three-course luncheon prepared by Chef Mike McCoy, viewed a fashion presentation and a video that highlighted why preserving Turtle Creek’s urban oasis is crucial for the Dallas community, and learned about the association’s key initiatives.
“In the midst of this city of tall buildings, concrete and glass runs a ribbon of water, Turtle Creek,” honorary chair Ann Stuart said. “It houses birds, fish, turtles, ducks — a place of beauty for us to enjoy, but it must be preserved and protected.” – Compiled by
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s sold-out Savor the Symphony gala brought supporters to the Lakewood Country Club.
The event combined wine, music, and friends as guests were serenaded by performers from beneficiary Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Strings.
Nikki Beneke and Joanie Stephens chaired the event, and Susan and Mark Geyer and Katherine and Steven Smethie were the honorary chairs.
The main attraction featured performer and illusionist Giancarlo Bernini, who created magical experiences while roaming the crowd.
There was also a cocktail reception, wine tasting, silent auction, live auction, wine pull, and a three-course dinner.
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Equest held its Blue Ribbon Gala on April 27 at the Hilton Anatole to support its equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling to children and adults with disabilities and veterans.
This year’s theme: Hope Unbridled.
Calvert Collins-Bratton and Melissa Oates co-chaired the Texas-chic evening, and Kristy and Patrick Sands were the honorary chairs.
Attendees celebrated the power of human-horse connection with cocktails, a seated dinner, entertainment by The Manhattan Orchestra, a silent auction, and recognition of award recipients.
Pamela Dealey Petty received the Founder’s Award, and Carolyn Anderson received the Citation Award.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
The Crystal Charity Ball celebrated its 71st gala with an evening full of “Masterpieces in the Making” Dec. 9.
The evening, chaired by Angie Kadesky, opened with guests arriving at the Hilton Anatole, greeted by live performers showing their skills in ballet, harp, painting, and other art forms.
Once inside, the grand facade included cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, casino games, the gift gallery, silent auction bidding, contribution ticket sales, a fashion cam by NorthPark Center, and portraits by James French.
When doors to the Chantilly Ballroom opened, guests found their tables along with musical accompaniment before the threecourse seated dinner. Menu items included marinated crab salad, côte de boeuf, and desserts that were either a fruity tart or a mousse topped with an edible Mona Lisa.
Attendees made their way to the dance floor after dinner to dance long into the night — including in a conga line — to music performed by the Simply Irresistible Band from Atlanta.
This year’s ball beneficiaries were After-School All-Stars, Buckner Children and Family Services, Fair Park First, Family Gateway, Metrocare Services, the Salvation Army of North Texas, and YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.
— Compiled by Maria Lawson
