There were many sweet reasons to celebrate during this year's No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party, which held its 12th annual shindig on April 8. More than 1,500 guests poured into the Frontiers of Flight Museum, all intent on raising funds for AIDS Services of Dallas (ASD) — and looking casually chic while doing so.
Presented by Purple Foundation and chaired by David Nelson and honorary co-chairs Tricia Sims and Dr. Alan Berg, this year's event honored ASD's 30th anniversary with the mod theme "An Artful Life." A trio of Andy Warhol impersonators mingled with the crowd, while a pair of models dressed as Roy Lichtenstein-inspired superheroes posed for pictures when not grooving atop a cupcake platform at the entrance.
That cupcake signified No Tie's signature refreshment: table after table of desserts from some of Dallas' best bake shops and eateries. Crush Sweets, Daisy Cakes, Dr. Sue’s Chocolate, Frosted Art Bakery & Studio, and many others brought an abundance of cupcakes, cookies, cheesecakes, and brownies, ensuring everyone got a sufficient sugar high. The night's signature cocktail, The Warhol, helped balance all the sweets with a refreshing mixture of Reyka Icelandic vodka, club soda, and angostura bitters.
DJ Mark Ridlen provided the beats as guests watched artists Christina D. Yielding and Clay Austin create works of art on the main stage. The live auction was heavy on one-of-a-kind experiences — everything from a week's stay in southwest France to a Steamboat Springs ski trip to a New York City excursion for Bruno Mars' 24k Magic World Tour — while the silent auction offered up valuable sports and entertainment collectibles, local experiences, and more than a few tempting baskets of wine.
ASD's 30-year mission to deliver quality, affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals and families in need was honored with a moving video. Wayne Thomas was awarded the Sheila Dolezal Humanitarian Award, while Mary Beth O’Connor was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The talented Hedda Layne then took the spotlight, singing from across the room and giving an explosive performance as she made her way through the crowd to the stage.
Notable attendees spotted in that crowd included ASD president and CEO Don Maison; ASD chairman of the board Don Neubauer; ASD board member and founder of No Tie Dennis Kershner and his partner John Moreno; past honorary chair LeeAnne Locken of The Real Housewives of Dallas; radio host Nicole Barrett; and Purple Foundation's Blake Baker, Chris Huffstutler, Sara Fangmeyer, and Dylan Orwell.
Lynn Bahr, Mary Kay Winchell, Kristi Holman
