No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party soared into a new decade with the 2015 affair themed “Meet Me Under The Yum Yum Tree” at Frontiers of Flight Museum.
Co-chairs David Nelson and Dennis Kershner, along with honorary chairs Jody and Sterling O’Donnell,welcomedmore than 2,000 guests to the venue, which had been transformed into a Bollywood bash complete with fashion, music, cocktails and, of course, dessert. Many of the guests embraced the theme and showed up in traditional Eastern ensembles designed by Dallas-based fashion and set designer Prashe.
Desserts from 20 of the city’s best establishments were the centerpieces of the evening. Highlights came from Baby Cakes, Celebrity Cafe & Bakery and Komali. Guests also enjoyed No Tie’s 2015 signature “The Bollywood” cocktail — an exotic mix of Reyka Vodka, Fever-Tree Ginger Beer and lime juice — with their sweets.
DJ Brandon Olds provided the music for the energetic crowd’s festive dance performances. And it would not be a fundraiser without silent and live auctions. Items up for bid included a trip to Belize and a weekend staycation at Highland Dallas hotel complete with a Model S Tesla rental.
It was also a night of special recognition, and Joe Pacetti was honored with the Sheila Dolezal Humanitarian Award for his volunteerism and unbounded support throughout the years. Other notable guests passionate about the cause included Amy Vanderoef, Don Maison, Tricia Sims, Richard Burcham, Don Neubauer, Patricia Deason, Todd Whitley, Prashi Shah, LeeAnne Locken, Marie Reyes, Tiffany Hendra and Cynthia Smoot.
The party benefited AIDS Services of Dallas, which creates and strengthens healthy communities through the delivery of quality, affordable, service-enriched housing for economically disadvantaged individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. The organization also coordinates a broad range of direct services and programs.
Mason McCleskey, Javier Burkle
