Philanthropy is Fun

The 7 top Dallas young professional parties to put on your spring 2020 social calendar

Dallas' young movers and shakers keep a busy calendar of fabulous events that benefit good causes. This spring's soirees and galas whisk guests to Monte Carlo on one night and "Deep in the Heart of Dallas" on another. Better brush up on your blackjack skills and be ready to bust a move because casinos and dance floors will be rockin' all season. And don't forget to buy your hat by Kentucky Derby Day. Here are the seven can't-miss YP charitable events of spring in Dallas.

CASAblanca, February 1
The Dallas CASA Young Professionals kick off YP social season with this evening of casino games, cocktails, appetizers, prizes, and lots of fun at The Hall on Dragon. It's all headed by co-chairs Bela Cooley, Elise Nichols, and Megan Sterquell, who promise a can't-miss event. After trying their luck at the roulette wheel and blackjack, poker, and craps tables, guests can dance to the sounds of The Special Edition band. The event benefits Dallas CASA, which advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Buy tickets, starting at $125, here.

Masquerade, February 22
The Genesis Young Leaders are throwing a Monaco-themed fête dubbed "Midnight in Monte Carlo" at Sixty Five Hundred. Taylor and Alex Turner are co-chairing this annual event, with the help of a host committee a mile long. This year's masquerade party will feature the Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra, casino-style games, cocktails, bites, raffles, and a silent auction. GYL is a group of young professionals dedicated to ending domestic violence in the community. Tickets, starting at $100, are now on sale.

Junior League Auction Party, March 28
The Junior League heads "Deep in the Heart of Dallas" for its 2020 Auction Party. Happening at The Statler downtown and chaired by Brenda Bailey Latman, the evening starts with an hour-long VIP reception, followed by the main event. It features heavy hors d'oeuvres, casino-style games, premium open bar, sweet treats, silent auction, dancing to the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, and much more. The fun party benefits the organization's various civic projects around Dallas. Tickets start at $125 and can be purchased here.

Salvation Army Echelon 30M Gala, April 18
Echelon is a community of diverse young adults working to serve the Salvation Army through fellowship and networking, donations and fundraising, and service and volunteering. The Echelon 30M Gala is named in honor of the 30 million people the Salvation Army serves in the United States every year. The multi-generational event will take place at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas this year. Tickets for non-members are $150-$250 and can be purchased here.

Ronald McDonald House Young Friends Party, April 24
Co-chairs Lauren Rellihan and Lauren Gross are moving this buzzy event to Hickory Street Annex for a night of fun for an important cause. Guests can expect high-energy entertainment from the Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra, open bar, delicious bites, and a silent auction. Tickets are $85 for members and $100 for non-members. The Young Friends of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is a lively auxiliary organization of Ronald McDonald House Dallas, which assists the house in meeting the needs of seriously ill children and their families.

YTAC Chili Cook-Off, April 26
Taking place at Four Corners Brewery, the 2020 chili cook-off, presented by Young Texans Against Cancer and chaired by Holland Carroll and Natalie Swart, will feature local celebrity judges who give prizes for best tasting, best spirit, and best costume. Hungry guests get to sample chili, sip cold beer, and listen to live music. Guests can also enter to win prizes, and tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. All proceeds go to cancer research through various Texas organizations. Tickets are not yet available, but check back soon.

Day at the Races, May 2
If it's Kentucky Derby day, it's also the day for Turtle Creek Conservancy's big event. Fascinators, fedoras, and everything in between will bob about Arlington Hall, where more than 500 guests will assemble to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. Guests can also expect Southern-style cuisine, libations, auctions, lawn games, live music, and some friendly Derby wagering. The event, which began as a tradition of the Junior Conservancy group, raises funds for the beautification, maintenance, and development of the 80-year-old Arlington Hall and the Turtle Creek Park. Check back for ticket sales here.

Reserve your best hat for Day at the Races.

Turtle Creek Conservancy Day at the Races 2019

Photo by George Fiala

Reserve your best hat for Day at the Races.

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Park news

Dallas civic leader Calvert Collins-Bratton named Klyde Warren Park CEO

Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the new executive director of Klyde Warren Park.

A respected figure in Dallas philanthropy and parks is stepping into a new leadership role: Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the next president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, beginning September 1.

Collins-Bratton succeeds Kit Sawers, who led the park for eight years; her final day in the role was July 20.

The transition comes as Klyde Warren enters its next phase, including a recently announced expansion that will add 1.7 acres over Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

Collins-Bratton most recently served as chief relationships officer at Communities Foundation of Texas, where she oversaw fundraising, donor engagement, corporate philanthropy, and community partnerships, a press release notes. Her ties to Klyde Warren Park stretch back more than a decade through her service as chair of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, where she advocated for investments in public spaces. She's also been a longtime donor and supporter of the park.

"Few people understand the significance and potential of Klyde Warren Park as deeply as Calvert does," foundation board chairman Jody Grant says in the release. "She has been an advocate for public spaces throughout Dallas, a trusted philanthropic leader, and a longtime supporter of the Park. Her experience and expertise make her exceptionally qualified to lead Klyde Warren Park into the future."

Klyde Warren Park has recently announced an ambitious expansion project. Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Before joining Communities Foundation of Texas, Collins-Bratton was vice president of communications and strategic events for Methodist Health System Foundation. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade as a television reporter and anchor in Omaha, Las Vegas, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

She was selected following a national search led by former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, a member of the Klyde Warren Park Foundation board.

As president and CEO, Collins-Bratton will oversee the park's operations, programming, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and long-term vision as the 5.4-acre deck park continues to grow.

"Klyde Warren Park is one of Dallas' great success stories and one of the most beloved gathering places in our city," Collins-Bratton says. "I look forward to working with the Foundation's board, staff, donors, partners, and community supporters to build on its incredible momentum and ensure its impact continues to grow for generations to come."

In a separate, farewell note, Sawers announced she'll become CEO of the newly created SMU Dallas Office on August 3. She called leading Klyde Warren Park one of the greatest privileges of her career.

"I leave knowing the Park is exceptionally well positioned for the future. It has a talented and dedicated team, an engaged Board, strong community support and exciting opportunities ahead, including a 1.7-acre expansion," Sawers wrote. "The overwhelming response to this summer’s World Cup watch parties once again demonstrated the Park’s unique ability to bring our community together."

Since opening in 2012, Klyde Warren Park has become one of Dallas' signature public spaces, drawing more than 2 million visitors annually with free concerts, fitness classes, festivals, food trucks, and other community programming, they say. The park recently unveiled plans for a $175 million expansion that will nearly double its event lawn and add new green space, play areas, and pedestrian connections.

Collins-Bratton's appointment comes on the heels of another key Dallas leadership announcement: That of Ahava Silkey-Jones as executive director of the Dallas Arts District.

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