Material Girls and Boys

Prom queens and kings cut loose at Dallas' sweetest fundraising fête

More than 1,500 guests recently teased their hair and popped their collars for an '80s prom-themed night benefiting AIDS Services of Dallas. The 13th annual No Tie Dinner and Dessert party, presented by Purple Foundation, took over the Frontiers of Flight Museum for "A Night to Remember," all in support of AIDS Services of Dallas.

Chair Leslie Frye, honorary co-chairs Dr. Steven Pounders and Kameron Westcott, and publicity chair Susan Friedman welcomed the totally rad partiers, who entered through a gauzy tunnel strung with twinkle lights and then assumed the traditional "prom pose" for photographers before continuing inside. Kristi Holman of K&L Management was the producing mastermind behind the event.

Cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, chocolates, and even liquid nitrogen ice cream, all from some of the city's finest eateries, greeted the revelers, who were ready to indulge in the evening's titular desserts. The way No Tie works is that groups of people across DFW host social gatherings — from backyard barbecues for as few as 10 people to formal dinners for 30 or more — with guests making a donation of $75 or more to ASD. Then everyone convenes at the big party to celebrate together.

And celebrate they did, with many costumed guests carrying light-up cups that held the signature Totally Tubular cocktail, made with Reyka Icelandic vodka, grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice. The Jam Wows kept the crowd moving with popular '80s hits, while drag queens Patti Le Plae Safe, Star Michaels, Angela Karrmichael, and Analee Pleasured led the crowd in an attempt to break the world record for the most people holding a dessert while dancing to Kenny Loggins' song "Footloose."

Spectacular live and silent auction items included one-of-a-kind experiences and packages, from a four-night stay at Fairmont Chateau Whistler to a Dallas showroom shopping experience at Bungalow 5, and even an Elton John VIP package.

Art enthusiasts enjoyed bidding on a selection of more than 150 art pieces, many of which were original works from local designers. No Tie's art curator and artist Christina Yielding live-painted during the night on the VIP mezzanine, with her resulting masterpiece fetching a high price on the auction block.

Spotted among the balloons were ASD president and CEO Don Maison; ASD board member (and founder of No Tie) Dennis Kershner and his partner John Moreno; former ASD chairman of the board and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Don Neubauer; past No Tie chair David Nelson; Purple Foundation's Chris Huffstutler, Chandler Rasnake, James Hall, and Erik Vasquez; media personality Amy Vanderoef; and Tricia Sims.

Bravo's The Real Housewives of Dallas was filming for the just-announced third season, with cast members D'Andra Simmons, Cary Deuber, Stephanie Hollman, and Brandi Redmond joining Westcott, who passed her crown off to newly elected prom queen LeeAnne Locken. John Rieger joined her as prom king.

AIDS Services of Dallas' mission includes advocacy, education, and the development of affordable housing options and opportunities for both its residents living with HIV/AIDS and economically disadvantaged people. Established in 2001, the all-volunteer nonprofit Purple Foundation has raised more than $750,000 to support local charities that improve the lives of people in the Dallas area who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Steven Pounders, Kameron Westcott, Leslie Frye

Photo by 2nd2Nunn Photography

Dr. Steven Pounders, Kameron Westcott, Leslie Frye

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Hot to trot

Equest Dallas patrons pony up record $700K at blue ribbon-worthy ball

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

A sold-out crowd of 570 supporters stampeded into Gilley’s Dallas on April 25 for the 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala. The Western-chic affair, always one of the most highly anticipated galas of spring, would have a record-breaking night.

Co-chairsKristin and James Hallam and honorary chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor welcomed patrons decked out in cowboy boots and hats to Gilley's, which had been transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest by event designer Steve Kemble. A “disco saddle” centerpiece even hung from the ceiling.

Emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton welcomed the crowed with a hearty "yee haw!" Equest founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her an Equest organization legend. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client.

New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to underscore Equest’s mission to provide equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling (much of it free of charge) to children, adults, and veterans. He shared the nonprofit's bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment.

His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord with the crowd, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and patrons did that in spades. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles stridently, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. Bidding got fast and furious live auction packages that included fabulous trips (with destinations such as France, Antigua, and Montana) and more. The most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Murad - ever the showman - auction off his own sparkling jacket. It fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber (who clearly loves a good statement piece).

In total, the gala raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history. The Blue Ribbon Ball's proceeds go directly to equine-assisted therapies and other services provided by Equest; for more information, visit the organization's website.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

After a night of sipping, dining, and fundraising, patrons tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the evening, were Donna Weitzman, Nancy Greenbach, Natalie Taylor, Therese Rourk, Anne Seanor, Courtney Conley, Maggie Spiegel, Tyler Bridges, Lea LaFortune, Lee and Paul Michaels, Ryan and Kelly Casey, Christina Eubanks, Megan Pharis, Julie Bagley, Laura Johnson, Parker and Katy Brooks, Sharon Lee Clark, Max Clark, Jordan Glasgow, Anna Gresham, Khaki Christopher, Jessie Dornak, Jeff Netzer, Lynn McBee, Sarah and Trey Pederson, Luis Araujo, Amy Green, Kayten Elder, Sila Grogan, Melissa Placet, Tayler Reiter, Danny and Tanya Rice, Tina and Michael Beasom, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.