For the Kids

Dallas celebrities and sports heroes go big for Children's Cancer Fund

The theme for this year's Children's Cancer Fund gala was "sweet," and nothing could have been more fitting. The night celebrated "sweet smiles, sweet styles, and sweet stories of survival," with bright, candy-wonderland decor.

With Texas sports royalty at the helm of the event, the sold-out gala had Dallas star power, and welcomed more than 1,200 guests. Honorary co-chairs Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman joined co-chairs Candice Romo and Hollie Siglin to pull off the organization’s largest annual fundraiser for pediatric cancer. Surpassing its goal, the event raised an impressive $1.2 million, all of which goes to support treatment programs and research at Children's Health and UT Southwestern.

Held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, the gala began with a silent auction and VIP reception, which included light hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. The eye-catching signature drink was blackberry-garnished champagne topped with rose-infused cotton candy and dusted with gold powder. Dallas sports heroes mixed, mingled, and snapped photos throughout the reception.

After a heartfelt and personal introduction from Romo and Siglin, the dinner and program began, with Karen Borta of CBS 11 as mistress of ceremonies. As Staubach took the stage he noted that, "This is the first year that Children’s Cancer Fund has not lost a child who has participated in this event," which resulted in resounding applause from the crowd.

As guests dined, cancer patients from the ages of 5 to 15 modeled fashions provided by Dillard's. Each model was escorted by a local celebrity, dignitary, philanthropist, sponsor, or media personality. Guests got to hear each child's touching story and see first-hand what a positive impact Children's Cancer Fund has made on their lives.

In addition to Staubach and Aikman, escorts included Tony Romo; Victoria Arlen; Garry Brown, television producer and director; Melissa Brown, actress; Mike Crum; Juanika and Monta Ellis of the Indiana Pacers; Kiss FM Crew Kellie Rasberry, Big Al, JC, and Jenna; Miss Texas Margana Wood; Scott Murray; Eric Norris; Amy Vanderoef; Dallas SWAT team members; firefighters from Dallas Fire Station 19; and Children’s Cancer fund alum Russell McKeown. There were also current Dallas Cowboys players, cheerleaders, and Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot.

Attendees also included Millie and Ken Cooper, Brent Christopher, Yvonne Crum, Diane and Nick DiGiuseppe, Jamie and Melbourne O’Banion, Stan Richards and Carol Murphy, Ashley and Jerad Romo, Anne and Steve Stodghill, Lori and Matthew Trent, Kim Schlegel Whitman and Justin Whitman.

When Jennifer Arthur, CCF Executive Director of Development, stated that "this night is all about the kids," she meant it. The care, concern, and love for the patients emanated from every speech and comment made throughout the evening.

Dak Prescott said, "I would not miss this night, and I look forward to participating for years to come. This event is about hope and beating cancer."

And Aikman commented that, "When Roger (Staubach) invited me to this event 21 years ago, I was blown away. As long as they keep inviting me back, I will be here."

The gala also featured a live auction that included a personal Quarterback Camp with Romo at his home; National Fantasy Football Convention opportunity; a Sam Smith concert suite; a custom bicycle by Villy Custom; a Hawaiian vacation; a Dallas SWAT experience; a Mahindra ATV; a vest by Oscar de la Renta; and a Matthew Trent charm. NorthPark Center donated the raffle item, which was $500 in NorthPark Gold and valet parking for a year.

Entertainment was provided by the Ray Johnston Band throughout the night, and concluded with dancing and music from the Jordan Kahn Orchestra and special guest DJ Tony Romo.

Children’s Cancer Fund (CCF), founded in 1982, champions kids in their fight against cancer through strategic investments in research and care in North Texas. Since its inception, CCF has awarded almost $8 million in grants, and the organization received the 2014 Outstanding Foundation Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Kaitlyn Johnson, 8, and Troy Aikman

Photo courtesy of Thomas Garza

Kaitlyn Johnson, 8, and Troy Aikman

All The Stars

Nicole Kidman + more celebs raise $3.1M at inaugural amfAR Dallas gala

Photo by Ryan Emberley

Dirk Nowitzki, Jessica Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Porschla Kidd.

It was a night of music, star power, and meaningful giving as amfAR — The Foundation for AIDS Research — hosted its inaugural Dallas gala on October 4, raising a remarkable $3.1 million for the organization’s lifesaving biomedical research programs.

The black-tie affair took place at the home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby, who opened their doors to some of Dallas’ most generous and glamorous supporters.

A dynamic opening set by Parson James paved the way for the evening's host, actress Teri Hatcher, to open the program with heartfelt remarks about the critical importance of HIV research. The Kirbys echoed that message, emphasizing the urgency of continued innovation in HIV research — particularly in Dallas, where more than 20,000 residents are living with HIV.

amfAR Dallas Gala 2025 Teri Hatcher.Photo by Ryan Emberley

T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy, amfAR board co-chairs, saluted the city’s ongoing support, noting that “this community has rallied behind us for 25 years now, raising more than $65 million for our work.”

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki took the stage to present the Philanthropic Leadership Award to the Gene and Jerry Jones Family, commending their profound impact in Dallas and beyond.

Haley Anderson, Caroline Jones Moldawer, Chambers Jones, Jessica Donnell, and Jordan Jones Munoz accepted on behalf of the family, sharing gratitude and reflection. “Seeing the difference that amfAR can make in people’s lives has been a powerful reminder of the importance of giving back,” Donnell said. “It’s a lesson we learned early from our grandparents and parents and one that we will pass down to our next generation.”

Later in the evening, actress and longtime amfAR supporter Nicole Kidman presented Taylor Sheridan with amfAR’s Award of Inspiration, honoring his creative vision and philanthropic commitment. Accepting his award, Sheridan urged the audience to act with generosity. “Success means nothing if you don’t find a way to give back,” he said. “All it takes is people coming together and giving a little money — and then you can find cures and you can find change.”

amfAR Dallas Gala 2025 Taylor and Nicole Sheridan.Photo by Ryan Emberley

In true Hollywood fashion, Sheridan surprised the crowd with two exclusive auction packages, offering lucky bidders set visits, walk-on roles, and meet-and-greets with the cast of one of his iconic shows.

The legendary Diana Ross closed out the night with a performance that had the crowd on its feet. She delivered a joyful medley of classics including “I’m Coming Out,” “More Today Than Yesterday,” “Baby Love,” “Can’t Hurry Love,” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Guests sang and danced beneath the stars, capping the evening in pure joy.

amfAR The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has raised nearly $950 million in support of its programs and has awarded more than 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide.

Ryan Emberley

Scott Kirby, Taylor Sheridan, Kathleen Kirby, Nocole Kidman

aids research aids research foundation amfar dallas gala diana ross dirk nowitzki fundraisers jerry jones nicole kidman taylor sheridan galas