Some fundraisers have it all: a handsome young crowd, great food and drinks, and a cause that everyone can get behind. Boxer Bowtie Club's Bowtie Benefit delivered big, with a good-vibes event that featured a fun bunch of young professionals, an unlimited open bar, and even a lovable boxer.
The evening raised $66,000 for Education Opens Doors, a Dallas-based nonprofit that trains teachers to help prepare middle-school students for future college success.
Held at The Trunk Club, a former photography studio, the lively benefit took place on April 14. Taking refuge from the cold evening, guests checked their coats and quickly began to mingle. Among the crowd was founding member of Boxer Bowtie Club Brett Reis, and Kale Butcher, local leader of BBC.
The evening included passed hors d'oeuvres, light fare, and a no-wait bar with beer, wine, and cocktails. Signature drinks nodded to the boxer and bowtie theme, including the Paw-loma, High Fashion-ed, and Moscow Mutt.
The 360 photo booth (sponsored by CultureMap) was a popular stop, promising to make selfies anything but boring. Guests stood on a small, brightly lit platform as the full-scope photo booth captured them having a blast.
Cocktail hour ended at 8:30 pm, and guest speakers took the stage. Reis welcomed guests, local school principal Jonica Lockwood-Crowder and a seventh grade student named Johanna both shared heartfelt stories, and Jayda Batchelder, Education Opens Doors founding executive director, made remarks.
The evening was emceed by Byron Sanders, president and CEO of Big Thought and a presidential leadership scholar. Guests bid in the silent auction on cool items such as Southwest Airlines tickets, a two-night stay at the Omni Dallas, a horseracing suite at Lone Star Park, and a signed Dallas Mavericks team ball. Live auction items included Austin City Limits getaway package, behind-home-plate Rangers tickets, and a private cruise to Alaska on the Sea of Cortez.
At 9 pm, the party really began, with live music and dancing until 11 pm. The fun continued at the Harlowe MXM after party, just a short walk from the Trunk Club.
The Boxer Bowtie Club's core objective, encompassed in its motto “gather, give, grow,” is to connect young professionals through volunteer and fundraising efforts that benefit charities supporting children. To learn more, visit boxerbowtieclub.org.
Held at The Trunk Club, a former photography studio, the lively benefit took place on April 14.
Fly By Midnight.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Carter Brown.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Landon Richie.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Liliana Villarreal, Kelley Robinson, Brandon Wolf, Dustin Vyers.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Cynt MarshallPhoto by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Jason Lamoreaux and Black Tie Dinner beneficiaries.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company