Open those calendars, young professionals. The spring gala and party season is here.
As young adults continue to move to the Dallas area in droves, many are looking for ways to get involved in the city's thriving philanthropy scene. Here are some fun ways to get started.
From an action-packed casino party to a Western-chic gala to the most scrumptious culinary celebration in town, these are the seven top philanthropic events that no Dallas YP will want to miss this spring.
CASAblanca, February 2
The Dallas CASA Young Professionals kick off YP social season with a spirited casino party, filled with games, cocktails, appetizers, silent auctions, prizes, and dancing at The Hall on Dragon. After trying their luck at the blackjack and roulette tables, guests can get crazy on the dance floor to the sounds of The Special Edition band. The cocktail-attire gala is under the guidance of co-chairs Brooke Donelson, Hannah Harpole, and Amanda Rodriguez, and proceeds benefit the children served by Dallas CASA. Tickets (starting at $150) and more information are available here.
Come ready to press your luck at CASAblanca's casino.
Photo by Tim Heitman
Genesis Masquerade, March 1
The Genesis Young Leaders are taking their ninth annual black-tie affair to the Perot Museum and theming it (appropriately) "Night at the Museum." The event promises a sparkling evening of roaming dinner, signature cocktails, silent auction, live entertainment, and more. Event chair is Kendal Bohnsack, and GYL board president is Michael Anorue. Genesis Young Leaders is an auxiliary group of young professionals dedicated to ending domestic violence. All proceeds go to the many programs of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support. Tickets (starting at $100) are available here.
Genesis Young Leaders will head to the Perot Museum for this year's Masquerade.
Photo courtesy of Genesis
Junior League Milestones Luncheon featuring Robin Roberts, April 5
Known for snagging high-profile celebrity speakers, this year's Junior League power lunch will be headlined by Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. Kathleen Gibson will be honored as Sustainer of the Year at the event, taking place at Omni Dallas Hotel and co-chaired bySally Pretorius Hodge and Linda Secrest. The luncheon benefits the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund, which supports the organization's many civic causes throughout greater Dallas. For more information, tables (starting at $2,500), and tickets (on sale February 5), go here.
GMA's Robin Roberts will be the featured speaker at Junior League's Milestones Luncheon.
Photo courtesy of Treasure You
Yellow Rose Gala, April 20
The Yellow Rose Gala flies back onto the calendar with the theme "Fly me to the Cure!" Taking place at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, the night will feature dinner, cocktails, auctions, and dancing to the tunes of Scherrie Payne, Susaye Greene and Lynda Laurence: Formerly of The Supremes. Jonathan Wright and Sheila Wright-Greene are the event co-chairs who'll help the organization raise money for a cure for MS. The Mike and Diana Miller family are the honorary co-chairs, and the Dee Wynne Courage award will be presented to Susan Lancaster. Tickets (starting at $175 for those age 35 and under) are available here.
Ally's Wish Boots & Blessings Gala, April 27
Ally's Wish is a 10-year-old, lifechanging organization that still flies under the radar — but shouldn't. It grants "last wishes" to terminally ill mothers with young children — a memory for the family that will last a lifetime. Ally's Wish is named for a local young mother named Allyson who passed away of ovarian cancer in 2014. This year's Boots & Blessings Gala will be a "Birthday Ball" celebrating 10 years. The Western-chic night - which typically attracts patrons who are young parents - includes dinner, auctions, cocktails and boot-scooting, at Lucky Spur Ranch Retreat in Justin. For more information and tickets (starting at $150), go here.
Ally's Wish Boots & Blessings Gala is a Western-chic affair.
Photo by Bob Manzano
Day at the Races, May 4
Can't make it to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby? Dallas has the next best thing in this annual soiree starring big hats and mint juleps. Guests should show up to Turtle Creek Park dressed in their Derby best for Southern food and beverages, a silent auction, table games, "wagering," music, dancing, a best-dressed and best-hat competition, and of course, Kentucky Derby viewing. The 2024 event, now it its 16th year, is chaired by Melissa Sherrill Martin and Ross Martin and benefits the work of Turtle Creek Conservancy. For more information and tickets (not yet on sale), go here.
Day at the Races calls for Derby attire.
Photo by Thomas Garza Photography
CultureMap Dallas Tastemaker Awards, May 16
Save the date for the most delicious foodie event of the season (not that we're biased) and get ready to raise a glass to Dallas' restaurant and bar stars. The annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards is a spring tradition — and tickets will be on sale soon. Join us May 16 at Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) for an evening honoring the very best of Dallas' culinary scene, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting a nonprofit partner. More details and ticket info will be revealed soon.
It's almost time to toast the Dallas Tastemakers of 2024.dallas.culturemap.com