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    It's Time To Party

    The 12 spring social events that philanthropic Dallasites dare not miss

    Diana Oates
    Jan 20, 2016 | 9:19 am

    A new year brings with it opportunities to make a difference in our community — and have fun doing it. Because this is Dallas, nearly every cause has a luncheon, gala, or party to support it.

    Although these charitable events tend to get publicity for their never-ending bubbly, fancy auction items, and well-dressed attendees, let us not forget the fantastic organizations that benefit from such fabulousness. Here are the events that we have penciled in our datebooks for spring 2016:

    Most Approachable Event: Birthday Party Project Turns Four, January 23
    Happiness is contagious at the annual fundraising event that celebrates bringing joy to homeless children through the magic of birthdays. This laid-back party at Sixty Five Hundred focuses on fun versus fancy, and this year's theme is Live From Dallas It's Saturday Night. Passionate event chairs Jennifer Burns and Julian Leaver promise it's going to be bigger and better than ever.

    Girl Power Philanthropy: Junior League of Dallas Ball, February 20
    This storied ball brings together some of the city's brightest female leaders to toast the service organization that provides hundreds of trained volunteers to Dallas nonprofits every year. Ball chair Ashley Allen and honorary chair Debbie Oates are excited to welcome members past and present to the Hilton Anatole for an evening of dinner and dancing, featuring music by Think Big Party with Bullet Proof Brass. Tickets for this year's ball, themed To Dallas With Love and open to all, start at $250.

    Moving Mentors: Fashion Stars for a Cause Gala, March 25
    Suicide is a tough topic, yet event founder Yvonne Crum raises awareness for it with compassion and grace year in and year out. This fashion show and dinner is different in that you leave having learned the personal stories of all the fashion stars chosen to raise awareness and money for the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas. This year's participants include Sherice Lynette Brown, Francis Harrison Brito, Laura Fedock, Laurie Graham, Gina Marx, Kristy J. Morgan, Shelley Herrera-O’Neal, Shayema Rahim, Whitney Roberts-Kutch, Bridget Sommerlatte, Carmen Sargent, and Amanda Ward. Tickets to this event, being held at Dallas Country Club, start at $250.

    Blast From the Past: Yellow Rose Gala, April 2
    Once one of the most prominent fundraisers in Dallas, the Yellow Rose Gala returns in 2016, and expectations are high. At the helm of this momentous occasion is Fallon Wynne Way, daughter of Yellow Rose founder Dee Wynne, who passed away from multiple sclerosis in 2014. Tickets for this event, at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, start at $500. Proceeds benefit progressive MS research through the National MS Society.

    Outrageous Art: MTV RE:DEFINE, April 8
    Back for its fifth year, this exhibition and auction held at the Dallas Contemporary brings together iconic and specially commissioned artworks by established and emerging talent. Interesting and inspired attendees come dressed head to toe in wearable works of art. All proceeds from sales benefit the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and the Dallas Contemporary. Tickets start at $1,000.

    Super Speaker: Wings Luncheon, April 14
    This luncheon supports New Friends New Life, a nonprofit that restores and empowers formerly trafficked girls and sexually exploited women and children. This year's speaker is Amal Clooney, who is making her first trip to Dallas to share her passion for protecting human rights. Event chair Jeanne Johnson Phillips is joined by a squad of honorary chairs, including former first lady lady Laura Bush, Ruth Altshuler, Caren Prothro, Annette Simmons, and Nancy Ann Hunt, for this powerful afternoon at the Hilton Anatole. Sponsorships start at $2,000.

    Ladies Who Lunch: Mad Hatter's Tea, April 21
    The Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum celebrates 28 years with a Steel Magnolias theme. This arboretum luncheon includes champagne, hat judging, and a Jan Strimple-produced runway show featuring looks from Tootsies. This was one of the first times we saw the potential cast of the Real Housewives of Dallas frolicking in their large hats amid spring showers last year — will they return this year? Tickets start at $200.

    Quintessential Dallas: Art Ball, April 23
    Dallas Museum of Art is one of the city's treasures, and for that reason, this is one of the most exclusive and highly anticipated galas of the year. Ann and David Sutherland are taking the reins of this year's ball, themed Art+Architecture. Expect a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and a festive after-party hosted (for the first time) by the Junior Associates. Although we doubt that John Legend's 2014 Art Ball performance can ever be topped (last year Solange Knowles was the guest DJ at the after-party), we know the chairs are up for the challenge. Underwriting opportunities start at $4,500.

    Best Production: House of DIFFA, May 21
    Fashionistas, you've never truly experienced a runway production until you've attended this black tie gala. The spectacle at Omni Dallas hotel, themed Circo Rouge, showcases a curated selection of one-of-a-kind jackets, as well as looks from sponsor Traffic LA and unexpected theatrics. Tickets, which start at just $350, include a cocktail party, silent and live auctions, seated dinner, runway show, and thrilling after-party.

    Laughter as Therapy: Genesis Annual Luncheon, May 6
    This year is sure to be the best yet for Genesis Women's Shelter and its annual lunch, as co-chairs Nancy Rogers and Gina Betts welcome funny guy Tyler Perry as featured speaker at the Hilton Anatole. Perry, an established actor, director, screenwriter, producer, playwright, author, and philanthropist, was born into poverty and raised in an abusive household. He shares his story of strength, faith, and perseverance, which ultimately led to a successful career. Underwriting opportunities start at $1,750.

    For the Foodie: TACA Lexus Party on the Green, May 6
    Go ahead and start praying to the weather gods for this delicious event held on the grounds of the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. This elevated backyard bash showcases the culinary talents of chefs from Dallas and beyond. In addition to sipping sparkling wine and sampling succulent mini dishes, who can resist the opportunity to pick from the plentiful wine pull? For more information, contact TACA at 214-520-3930.

    Theater Thriller: Centerstage Gala, May 14
    Arts enthusiasts return to the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House for cocktails, a seated dinner, and a cozy performance by Justin Guarini and his band. Word on the street is that the after-party will have even the most serious philanthropist busting a move. Tickets start at $1,000, and dress code is listed as creative and fun — aka no tuxes. Funds support the Dallas Theater Center's artistic and educational programming.

    A beautiful dish by Hibiscus at TACA Party on the Green at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

    Hibiscus dish at TACA Party on the Green 2015
      
    Photo by WJNPHOTO
    A beautiful dish by Hibiscus at TACA Party on the Green at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.
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    news/society

    Welcome to the Dreamstate

    Dreamy DIFFA Dallas gala invites glammed-up guests into surreal soiree

    Lindsey Wilson
    May 16, 2025 | 1:30 pm
    DIFFA 2025
    Photo by Kelly Alexander
    Gabriella Monte

    We're always in favor of a gala where you can turn up wearing pajamas, but when that gala is House of DIFFA, those PJs had better be glam.

    The 2025 theme combined the eerie with the ethereal: Dreamstate, which DIFFA describes as "a surreal realm where the power of dreams fuels transformation and fantasy gives way to fearless impact."

    And this year's guests were definitely not sleeping. Along with silky, slinky, sequined pajama sets and even a bit of racy lingerie, attendees at this avant-garde fashion extravaganza interpreted the theme in myriad ways: fairy wings, lacy masks, crowns, and plenty of ballgowns, rhinestone tuxedos, and high heels (on all genders) tall enough to rival skyscrapers.

    Chaired by Payton Martin and Jacob Samson and sponsored by the Louis L. Borick Foundation, the May 3 evening began with a private VIP cocktail hour. Then the masses could descend on the Sheraton Dallas Hotel for a vibrant two hours of sipping specialty drinks, posing for photographers, and bidding on both the silent auction items and legendary jacket collection.

    DIFFA 2025Midsummer night scene in the runway show.Photo by Thomas Garza

    These custom, one-of-a-kind jackets were all created exclusively for DIFFA Dallas, and included pieces from both local and global designers. The extensive silent auction offered everything from luxury fashion and jewelry to artwork, spa services, furniture, decor, and exclusive dining and travel experiences, with all proceeds benefiting HIV/AIDS service organizations across North Texas.

    This year's beneficiaries include:

    • AIDS Interfaith Network
    • AIDS Outreach Center
    • AIDS Services of Dallas
    • AIDS Walk South Dallas
    • CAN Community Health
    • Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ
    • Children's Medical Center ARMS Clinic
    • Cook Children's Health Foundation
    • Dallas Hope Charities
    • East Texas Cares Resource Center
    • Elevate North Texas
    • Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund
    • Health Services of North Texas
    • HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness
    • Legacy Cares
    • Legal Hospice of Texas
    • Open Arms, Inc. - Bryan's House
    • Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas
    • Prism Health North Texas
    • Resource Center of Dallas
    • A Sister's Gift
    • Sonya's House
    • Tarrant County Samaritan Housing
    • White Rock Friends

    A special display also showed off outfits and headgear worn by such stars as Madonna, Shania Twain, Chappel Roan, and Zoe Saldaña in music videos, photo shoots, and on the red carpet.

    When the doors of the Lone Star Ballroom were thrown open, guests quickly sought their seats so that the program and three-course dinner could commence.

    Following remarks from the co-chairs and DIFFA Dallas board chair Ken Weber, the lady herself presented the Donna Fishel Community Hero Award to Todd Bacon, pastor of White Rock Community Church and community liaison for White Rock Friends.

    For the last 30 years, White Rock Friends has been committed to the health and well-being of its community, providing hot meals on weekends (one of the first and only in DFW) and running a "general store" that supplies personal care and household cleaning products to those in need.

    Then the DIFFA board of trustees got their moment in the spotlight, with waves of applause for Jacob Samson, Brandon Bell, Rick Castillo, Jonathan Flores, Steve Lopez, Paige Westhoff, Richard Rivas, David Chadd, Jainy Selvakumar, Danny Acevedo, Rhiannon Bolen, Christi Meril, J.R. Shoman, JR Hernandez, and Eric Bright.

    Strutting the runway next were the 2025 DIFFA Dallas Style Council Ambassadors: Ashley Anderson Smith, Sonya Morfor, Bill Moore, Korey Williams, Shelle Carrig, Amy Baumann, Lisa Endicott, Clayton Nabors, Chad Collom, Deborah Bowles, Sonia Simmons, Sierre Tuthill, Kelly Wolfenberger, Kelli Seliger, Danny Cabrera, Steven Hoyl, and Abbe Fenimore.

    DIFFA 2025Booker T. Washington Senior Modeling Luxury Jacket Photo by Danny Campbell

    To introduce the recipient of the Candy Long Excellence in Fashion Award, Erykah Badu surprised the crowd in an oversized hat and floor-length black veil. She revealed the winner to be Swedish-born activist and costume designer B. Åkerlund, who has outfitted some of the world's most iconic artists such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Britney Spears.

    Comedian Dana Goldberg returned as auctioneer, leading both a spirited paddle raise and a bidding race for such elite live-auction packages as a week in Puerto Vallarta, a villa stay in Costa Rica, a South African safari for two, a colorful painting of Dolly Parton titled Born With a Good Heart by Ashley Longshore, an in-home private chef dinner for six, a jaunt to Cortana, Italy, and a romantic Turks & Caicos escape for two.

    This led into the much-anticipated fashion show, which opened with a "Diamonds Are Forever" James Bond tableau and then ran the gamut from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to "Rhinestone Rodeo." At different points, the enraptured audience experienced dancers from Ballet North Texas, live musicians scattered across the T-shaped runway, and pajama-clad phone operators cooing to their callers. It was, as always, an over-the-top night to remember

    DIFFA Dallas' signature fundraising events continue throughout the year, with Burgers & Burgundy set for October 9 and the Holiday Wreath Collection happening in winter. The 2026 House of DIFFA will take place May 9, 2026, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

    Since 1984, DIFFA has granted millions of dollars to North Texas HIV/AIDS programs by raising funds through the production of incredible events highlighting the design community. DIFFA is one of the largest and most successful fundraising organizations for HIV/AIDS nonprofit service providers and education programs within Texas, New York, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Washington.

    DIFFA is the only HIV/AIDS organization in Texas that provides non-earmarked funding exclusively to HIV/AIDS service efforts in our communities, thus providing for the direct care for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Dallas is DIFFA's largest fundraising chapter. The unique design-focused events DIFFA Dallas holds include Burgers and Burgundy, DIFFA Wreath Celebration, and House of DIFFA.

    DIFFA 2025
      

    Photo by Kelly Alexander

    Gabriella Monte

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