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    2019 Dallas Datebook

    Pencil in the 13 must-attend charitable events of spring in Dallas

    Diana Oates
    Jan 23, 2019 | 10:36 am

    Spring society season has sprung in Dallas — even if the weather outside can't make up its mind. Whether you love the laid-back luxury of a philanthropic luncheon or prefer to rock a glitzy designer gown for an elegant evening affair, there are plenty of fabulous fetes to enjoy for good causes.

    The following 13 events will be the talk of the town long after they come to an end, thanks to their fabulous fashion, featured entertainment, and most importantly, the money they'll raise for the beloved beneficiaries. Grab some bubbly and open your datebook.

    The Birthday Party Project Turns 7, January 26
    To know "chief birthday enthusiast" Paige Chenault is to love her, and the same can be said about this soiree that brings out the inner child in all of its attendees. Passionate patrons of The Birthday Party Project come together to bring happiness to homeless kids by celebrating their birthdays. Guests at this year's signature fundraiser have been asked to dress up as their favorite movie character, and the celebration will happen at The Bomb Factory. They also will honor Suzanne Droese (and the DroesePR team) and Tess and Ian Kinsler for all the ways they’ve supported the nonprofit's mission. This wild party is both fun and fancy, and 100 percent of ticket sales and sponsorships go directly to throwing birthday parties at partner agencies.

    The UNICEF Gala Dallas, February 1
    This second annual star-studded event features a red carpet list a mile long. This year's gala, happening at the Ritz-Carlton, is shaping up to be the best one yet. Event chairs Moll Anderson and Jan Miller Rich once again have recruited TV personality Brooke Burke to emcee an evening that includes an opening performance by BeBe Winans. The fundraiser will honor country singer Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, as well as Jill and Jim Cochran for their support for UNICEF’s life-saving programs worldwide. And yes, Paisley is slated to perform an acoustic set. There will also be a royally swanky after party presented by Bullion and hosted by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.

    Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, February 7
    Dallas housing market maven Christy Berry takes the reins of this beloved luncheon, celebrating its 35th year of uniting North Texas in an effort to eradicate blood cancers through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This chic afternoon NorthPark's CenterPark Garden — with honorary chairs Melody and Rick Rogers and advisory chairs Nancy Gopez and Rozalyn Colombo — features a fabulous fashion show followed by a lavish lunch. This year’s theme, "Look of Love," allows attendees to reflect on previous years by honoring those who have fought and battled blood cancer.

    Dallas Go Red For Women Luncheon, February 22
    If a room full of thousands of women working together to erase heart disease and stroke with the American Heart Association doesn't get your blood pumping, then really, what will? This girl power-fueled fete, co-chaired by Katherine and Key Coker and Judy Hendrick, will take place at The Omni Dallas Hotel. There's a lot to love about this luncheon because they offer on-site health screenings, which is the kind of proactive philanthropy that every multi-tasking attendee can appreciate. Keynote speaker is Dr. Jennifer Ashton, the chief medical correspondent for ABC News: Good Morning America.

    House of DIFFA, March 16
    Taking place two months earlier than usual, this absolutely outrageous, avant-garde event is back at The Omni Dallas hotel with a "Futuro" theme that is meant to imagine a future with zero stigma, no deaths, and no new HIV/AIDS infections. This elaborate evening features the most thrilling fashion presentation of the society season (think Traffic LA, Forty Five Ten, and TenOverSix) and uses funds raised to provide crucial dollars to HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas through DIFFA. Bravo TV star Carson Kressley will serve as this year's celebrity auctioneer.

    MTV Re:Define, March 29
    One of America's most prominent and high profile philanthropic art auctions, this event raises funds for the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, which works toward an HIV-free world. This year's soiree will take place at The Statler — groovy, baby. Chaired by Sami Abboud and co-hosted by Joyce Goss and Kenny Goss, the fabulous party features a seated dinner in the grand ballroom and an art-focused auction. The night also will honor celebrated artist and longtime Re:Define supporter Marc Quinn.

    S/S19 Gala, April 5
    It was only a matter of time before Dallas Contemporary created a spring gala of its very own, and the time is now. This inaugural gala is chaired by Kristen Cole and Kaleta Blaffer Johnson and is slated to feature two exhibitions in conjunction with the event. And while the event will no doubt attract some big name out-of-towners (Ezra Petronio, Juergen Teller) word is that supermodel Kate Moss is also a confirmed guest. Which makes sense since the second exhibition showcases Mario Sorrenti's work that includes his collection of Moss throughout the years.

    Mad Hatter's Tea, April 11
    Sharla Bush and Terry Irby co-chair this year's luncheon, themed "The Golden Age of Hollywood," at benefiting The Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The highly anticipated luncheon features champagne, hat judging by local celebrities, competitive auction, Jan Strimple-produced fashion show by Tootsies, and a delicious, al fresco lunch. Kristina Bush Whitcomb is the 2019 honorary chair. The organizers' Hollywood theme will no doubt bring out some of the biggest, most glamorous hats of them all.

    Chick Lit, April 12
    Bravo TV's Andy Cohen — the man behind The Real Housewives of Dallas — at the Hilton Anatole. Enough said. This beloved literary luncheon benefits Community Partners of Dallas and the important work that they do for the abused and neglected children served by Dallas County Child Protective Services. It is safe to say that in Cohen, co-chairs Leigh Anne Haugh and Amy Hegi will go above and beyond to give the women of Dallas their guiltiest reality-TV pleasure. On a serious note, Linda Perryman Evans and The Meadows Foundation will be presented the 2019 Partners for Children Award.

    Children's Cancer Fund Gala, April 26
    Dallas belle of the ball Kimberly Schlegel Whitman is the perfect person to chair this year's mega gala that benefits research and treatment programs in pediatric oncology at Children's Medical Center. Oh, and you might have heard of the honorary co-chairs? Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach. This "Evening in the Garden" is happening at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. It's always a philanthropic favorite because it is equal parts fancy and fun. The highlight of the evening is the fashion show, when pediatric cancer patients take center stage.

    Art Ball, April 27
    Themed "Form+Function," Art Ball co-chairs Lindsey Collins and Amanda Shufeldt are inviting guests to a "celebration of craftsmanship throughout the collection." This uber-exclusive gala makes it possible for the Dallas Museum of Art to offer free admission to more than 800,000 guests annually. And while the intricate details of the evening are still trickling in, attendees can expect a seated dinner, luxury live auction, and the most gorgeous gowns of the season. The after-party is also sure to feature someone you've heard of singing or spinning their way into the wee hours of the morning.

    Genesis Annual Luncheon, May 10
    This luncheon, chaired by Robyn and Don Conlon (and family), is known for its A-list speakers, and this year is no exception. Former NFL standout, actor, best-selling author, and activist Terry Crews is set to the take the stage of the Hilton Anatole. Crews, who survived a childhood of abuse, will provide words of encouragement and support in his inspirational keynote address. Proceeds from the 26th annual luncheon benefit Genesis Women's Shelter — an organization that provides safety, shelter, and support for women who have experienced domestic violence.

    Dallas Opera Gala, May 11
    A new format for the Dallas Opera Gala helps the city's social set — and opera lovers — wrap up the spring season with a beautiful, bold bow. Internationally acclaimed American tenors Michael Fabiano, Bryan Hymel, and Matthew Polenzani will perform with The Dallas Opera Orchestra under Italian guest conductor Riccardo Frizza inside the Winspear Opera House. Following the concert, attendees will enjoy dinner and drinks with the stars of the concert.

    Tom Karol, Jennifer Karol, John Scott, and Deborah Scott at Art Ball 2018.

    Tom Karol, Jennifer Karol, John Scott, Deborah Scott
      
    Photo by WJNPHOTO
    Tom Karol, Jennifer Karol, John Scott, and Deborah Scott at Art Ball 2018.
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    Meet the debs

    42 new Dallas Symphony debutantes begin 2026 Presentation Ball prep

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    May 26, 2025 | 10:30 am
    DSOL Debutantes
    Photo by Gittings
    Meredith Burkhart, Ryan Brown, Margaret Thompson, Ellie Browne, Olivia Zambrano, Elena Zeballos

    The end of the schoolyear brought the beginning of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutante year for 42 local young women.

    Just a few months after last year's DSOL debs "Texas dipped" into society (and raised big bucks for the symphony), the organization introduced a new class during Announcement Weekend festivities in Dallas. Their parties, philanthropy, and training will culminate with the 40th Presentation Ball on February 21, 2026 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

    The year will be one of special milestones for the DSOL. Not only will the League celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Presentation Ball will mark its 40th year, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will turn 125 years old.

    The mega-weekend began with the Announcement Party, emceed by Stan Gardner, on the evening of Thursday, May 15. Events continued with a Deb and Honor Guard Family dinner at a restaurant and couture gown presentations at local luxury department stores. (Per tradition, each deb will wear a white ballgown to her Presentation Ball.)

    The 2026 Presentation Ball is under the guidance of co-chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam, along with DSOL President Claire Catrino. Hallam's in-laws, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, will serve as the honorary chairs. The Hallams are longtime passionate DSO patrons whose leadership gift was pivotal in launching the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program – one of the initiatives supported by the Ball; they also have endowed the DSO Co-Concertmaster Chair.

    Catrino made her debut in 2011 and has been a part of the DSOL ball’s planning and organization ever since.

    “Our debutantes and their families will enjoy many wonderful events, make new friends and have one-of-a-kind experiences all while supporting the outstanding education and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra," she says with authority.

    2026 DSOL debutantesThe 2026 DSOL debutantes.Photo by Gittings

    Now, for the most important part. The 2026 debutantes are: Claire Francis Andrews, Madeline Grace Behrens, Claire Louise Bradshaw, Ryan EllaMarie Brown, Eleanor Baxter Browne, Meredith Lilly Burkhart, Catherine Sophia Cox, Larkin McKay Devening, Marbella Mora Duarte, Sophie Elizabeth Dybala, Kathryne Grace Eastin, Gisele MaryRose Enrico, Ashley Shannon Goldman, Stella Jane Grabham, MaKenna Loy Harvey, Elizabeth Ann Hautt, Jane Penny Hochman, Madeleine Christine Jenkins, Livia Grace Lange, Charlotte Bryant Lauten, Sue Sealy McGowin, Attales Grace Meyer, Elizabeth Catherine Nance, Madelyn Leigh Neuhoff, Carly Nicole Polka, Chloe Olivia Polka, Rachel Camille Rader, Sofia Marie Reyes, Marlo Elizabeth Rivas, Campbell Ann Schultz, Kathleen Brooks Searcy, Lindy Kate Smith, Sienna Alexis Stagen, Tessa Elizabeth Stephenson, Charlotte Spencer Stiles, Harper Catherine Tagg, Margaret Lee Thompson, Corinne Elizabeth Tinker, Georgia Bedell Williamson, Virginia Anne Wilson, Olivia Constance Zambrano, and Elena Catherine Zeballos.

    The Assembly, a group of former debutantes who assist the Symphony League by helping with event arrangements throughout the season, was represented by Emily Hea, Katie Kottwitz, Marena Gault (advisor) Isabella Cox, Danielle Ward, Kennedy Downing, and Catherine Hunt.

    Parents and notable attendees included The Hon. Clay and Ramsey Jenkins, David and Lee Thompson, Suzanne and Adam Stiles, Diane and Scott Sealy, Denton Bricker, longtime League member Barbara Paschall Averitt, Roger Gault (DSO Chairman of the Board of Governors) and Michelle Miller Burns (Ross Perot President and CEO of the DSO).

    DSOL Debutantes
      

    Photo by Gittings

    Meredith Burkhart, Ryan Brown, Margaret Thompson, Ellie Browne, Olivia Zambrano, Elena Zeballos

    The presentation of Dallas Symphony debutantes is a time-honored tradition for many of Dallas' most influential and philanthropic families. The debs are of college age and typically are graduates of Dallas-area high schools, but may be attending college out of the area.

    Participation is open to all young women. Much like a sorority, participants pay fees and participate in parties, fundraisers, classes, and other events throughout the year, all leading up to the Presentation Ball.

    The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. Founded in 1946, the DSOL's mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising activities. Since 1998, the League has contributed over $25 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which bring the symphony to thousands of young people and adults across greater Dallas.

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