Even though the CultureMap social archives only date back to September, we couldn't resist a little end-of-year reflection. This past season was filled with so many charitable affairs to remember, but these are the stories that got the most attention — including a few surprises.
1. Pretty young things and friends of Wilkinson Center gather for fun and fundraising at Saint Ann. Philanthropic yo-pros at the Fire and Ice party — a kickoff to the 30th annual gala — raised $5,000 to help pull Dallas residents out of poverty.
2. Pouring rain, mounds of mud and the Dallas cast: Cattle Baron's Ball 2012 was one for the history books. Driving rain didn’t stop the throngs of supporters from roughing it at Southfork Ranch. They were determined to see heartthrob Blake Shelton — and raise money for the American Cancer Society.
3. A 40-foot-high Eiffel Tower and acres of roses and peonies set the scene for Crystal Charity Ball. This gilded soirée — the 60th for Crystal Charity Ball — drew 1,650 grandly attired guests to the Hilton Anatole for the most-anticipated social event of the season. Louis XIV could not have imagined a more opulent setting.
4. Lovely ladies in swoon-inducing gowns steal the show at Crystal Charity Ball. Tom Addis' elegant designs were nothing short of extraordinary, but it's the exquisite attendees who really made the scene grand.
5. All sexed up and everywhere to go: CultureMap celebrates Dallas launch at historic Hall of State. Just eight weeks after our official launch date, we gathered with more than 700 new friends for a sexy soiree at the historic Hall of State in Fair Park.
6. Big-deal annual Black Tie Dinner rumored to raise $1 million. The 31st annual event, with 19 LGBT beneficiaries, was an affair to remember, with iPads for bidding, dapper men in tuxes, women dressed to the nines and gay couples happily holding hands.
7. Hipsters, hippies and artists flock to eighth annual Art Conspiracy. An eclectic crowd gathered at this funky fete filled with art auctions, food trucks, and live music to support Art Conspiracy, Girls Rock Dallas and W.T. White Academy for Visual and Performing Arts ceramics program.
8. Babb Bros BBQ & Blues opens its homey doors for a meat-lovers feast with friends and family. Two hundred friends and family got an early taste of the Babb brothers' down-home cuisine just days before the grand opening in Trinity Groves.
9. Guests get giddy when Perot Museum comes alive during Night at the Museum gala. Well-heeled grownups relived their youth at the pre-opening fete for the Perot Museum. Guests explored the interactive exhibits and enjoyed a surprise performance by the MASS Ensemble.
10. A feast for the eyes: Young (and hot) Texans Against Cancer sip, sparkle and smile for Bubbly Q. During the fifth annual fundraiser, the courtyard of Fearing’s was bustling with sexy scenesters sipping on craft cocktails and bubblies and tasting bites from some of our city’s best restaurants.
