The Bee's Knees

Dallas dames and gents get dolled up for museum's Prohibition-themed party

Passwords weren't required for the nearly 1,000 sequined, feathered, and fringed folks who turned up for Dallas Museum of Art's annual Speakeasy. The Prohibition-themed party was spread out over the museum's concourse, atrium, level four galleries, Horchow Auditorium, and a secret "bootleggers den" that was reserved exclusively for the VIP crowd.

Roulette wheels spun and blackjack cards flew while flappers and their gents gambled (with fake money, of course) in the main atrium, accompanied by the smooth sounds of The Singapore Slingers. Dancers from The Rhythm Room taught the crowd to Charleston, Lindy Hop, and foxtrot, while DJ Derek Lynn ensured the music never stopped.

A spread including crispy chicken biscuit sandwiches, beef fajita wraps, tomato and goat cheese toast, and roasted veggie sandwiches — along with an array of chips, dips, and sweets — helped balance out the impressive cocktail menu.

Guests could get their hooch in the form of The Outlaw (Calamity gin, blueberry syrup, lemon, and ginger ale), an old fashioned (Title 21 rye, simple syrup, bitters, and water), a watermelon mule (Nue vodka, watermelon puree, lime juice, mint, and ginger beer), or the Rox & Razz (Roxor gin, raspberry puree, and tonic).

Eager to show off their sparkly duds, many paused to pose before the photo booth and the CultureMap Boomerang selfie station. Those who came dressed to kill competed for the titles of best-dressed man, woman, and couple, and the competition was fierce. Some of the most well-heeled were seen disappearing into the bootleggers den, where DJ Blake Ward spun tunes all night long and a separate menu awaited.

Those needing a break from all the revelry could head to the Horchow Auditorium and watch Robert Redford and Mia Farrow define Art Deco excess in the 1974 film version of The Great Gatsby.

But those who craved more excitement could "track the bootleggers" on a scavenger hunt through the DMA's vast collection of American art. The map sent participants on the trail of portraits depicting "Mafia-type disguises" and subjects who "seem like a real party animal," as well as distinctive cocktail vessels and fancy beer pitchers.

A hot-ticket raffle meant that no one had to give up the glamour once the night ended. Prizes ranged from a fully stocked bar and tickets for the upcoming Turnpike Troubadours concert to a Joule hotel getaway (with bar credit at Midnight Rambler) and VIP packages for the DMA's popular Arts & Letters Live series.

Without the threat of a coppers' raid, revelers were able to stop and snap a pic in front of the vintage automobiles provided by Keith Weiss and the Dallas Model A Ford Club on their way out.

Ryan Martin, Katy Alexander

Photo by WJNPHOTO

Ryan Martin, Katy Alexander

Coffee news

Starbucks partners bestow $53K in grants to favorite Dallas nonprofits

Courtesy

Chalkboard at Starbucks celebrates Resource Center.

In a one-of-a-kind charitable program, coffee giant Starbucks has bestowed more than two dozen grants to organizations across Dallas — organizations selected by Starbucks employees themselves.

Called The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program, it's unique as a charitable effort thanks to its profound level of engagement, by allowing employees to nominate nonprofit recipients.

The Starbucks Foundation is the company's charitable arm which issues grants to nonprofits — from coffee and tea-growing communities around the world to neighborhood groups.

The Neighborhood Grants program gives their "partners" (what they call their employees) the opportunity to support the local organizations they care most about. This year, more than 3,200 grants are being awarded across the U.S. and Canada. Of that number, 27 organizations in Dallas received a Neighborhood Grant, totaling $53,000.

That included a $4,000 grant to Resource Center, a Dallas provider of LGBTQIA+ services and a big Starbucks staff favorite: It was nominated by an unprecedented 40 partners, and has previously earned seven grants totaling $20,000 from The Starbucks Foundation since 2019.

Resource Center's director of corporate engagement & events Bill Scott says that the grant is part of a larger meaningful partnership.

"In the current climate, we've seen many corporations turn away from our community, but Starbucks has remained steadfast," Scott says. "And we see it in ways that go beyond the grants, whether it's volunteering at our food bank or being ready for any fundraising event where they'll set up a coffee station to distribute to our guests."

Founded in 1983, Resource Center focuses on three pillars: positive social engagement in safe spaces, supportive services to promote wellness, and skill-building opportunities to promote growth.

Resource Center accepts grant from Starbucks Foundation, from left to right: Bill Scott (RC), Daniel Sanchez (RC), Tres Brown (RC), and Howard Jackson (SBUX).Jeffrey McWhorter

"The grant will help us continue to serve and uplift our community with more programming in areas like health and wellness," Scott says. "Last year, we opened our first low-income affordable housing complex for seniors, and before it even opened, it was sold out. We can see that the services we provide fill a real need."

It's a rare scenario in the corporate world, Scott says.

"There are not many companies I have dealt with like the Starbucks Foundation where they rely on their partners to make recommendations and listen to their partners," he says.

For Starbucks partners like Marsh King, an operations consultation manager who's been with the company for nearly 28 years, Starbucks' priority on being mission-driven has been a big incentive to stay with the company.

"When you see a grant that might give Resource Center the funds to do something like buy more refrigeration for the food pantry they just opened — it's gratifying to see that direct impact and know that you're a part of it," she says.

The level of engagement is very grass-roots, says senior partner employee relations associate Howard Jackson.

"We have customers who come in and say, 'I saw you at that event last weekend," he says. "We support the community, and they are our customers, as well. Through this work, we connect a lot of dots."

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