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.
The 2026 DSOL debutantes.Photo by Gittings
