Chomp Chomp

DIFFA/Dallas' juicy outdoor fundraiser sizzles in new location

This year, DIFFA/Dallas supporters switched it up for the 12th annual Burgers + Burgundy event on October 8. Instead of being held at Klyde Warren Park, the fundraiser took place at Cathedral of Hope's Peace Plaza, right next to DIFFA beneficiary the Resource Center.

Presented by chef John Tesar and Patron publisher Terri Provencal, with event chair Al James, the popular event encouraged attendees to come hungry — and thirsty.

Partygoers sampled a wide variety of mouthwatering burgers created by John Tesar (Knife, Knife & Spoon, Knife Burger), Joshua Smith (Alltown Fresh Boston), Sharon Van Meter (Beckley 1115), Luke Rogers (Cathedral Bistro), Rodman Shields (The Common Table), Samir Dhurandhar (Nick and Sam’s), Dan Landsberg (Ellie’s), Jimmy Contreras (Taco y Vino), and Jose Meza (Jalisco Norte).

After enjoying the sliders, guests ended their evening on a sweet note with desserts and adorable mini burger cupcakes from Krafty Kween Lio Botello.

The night also featured a silent auction stocked with experiences from the hottest restaurants around town, with all proceeds directly benefited DIFFA/Dallas.

Spotted raising a glass were D’Andra Simmons, Greg Haynes Johnson, Zach Hess, Lynae Fearing, Clint Bradley, Darin Kunz, Brittanie Oleniczack, Justin Bundick, Tim Garippa, Cynthia Smoot, Don Gaiser, Karla Noone, Parker Williams, Paul Hollowell, Ronak Assadi, and Neil Patel.

During the event, the much-anticipated 2021-22 DIFFA/Dallas Style Council Ambassadors and DIFFA Legends were announced.

Joining the prestigious Style Council are Alison Volk, Chris Angelle, David Dummer, David Putnam, David Weir, JD Miller, Ken Weber, Kimberly Alexander, Neil Thomas, and Yana Greenstein.

Being honored this season as a DIFFA Legends are Carol Hatton, Darin Kunz, Don Gaiser, Greg Johnson, Mai Caldwell, Nickki St. George, Ralph Randall, Shayne Robinson, and Simona Beal.

DIFFA/Dallas’ annual gala, House of DIFFA — chaired by Clint Bradley, Justin Bundick, Jim DiMarino, and Brittanie Oleniczack — will be held on May 7, 2022, at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

The 30th anniversary gala is taking its inspiration from the popular television show Pose, with this year’s theme named as House of Extravaganza.

Hosting approximately 2,000 patrons, House of DIFFA is the event of the Dallas season, showcasing a curated selection of one-of-a-kind, tailored jackets with all proceeds going toward grants for HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas.

DIFFA/Dallas’ Holiday Wreath Collection will be held on Thursday, November 18, at the Trade Mart at Dallas Market Center from 6-9 pm. The Holiday Wreath collection showcases a curated selection of one-of-a-kind wreaths, and tickets are $75 per person.

For more information regarding tickets or how to get involved, please visit www.diffadallas.org.

Mathew Zokai, Wesley Dowden, Olivia Williams

Photo by Danny Campbell and Thomas Garza

Mathew Zokai, Wesley Dowden, Olivia Williams

Hat's Off

Outrageous hats descend upon Dallas Arboretum at Mad Hatter's 2025

Photo by ASHGPHOTO

The Masters Mavens group won best in show.

When springtime hits the South, there is plenty to celebrate, from gorgeous weather to The Masters golf tournament, Jazz Fest, the Kentucky Derby, and Dallas Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum, just to name a few.

All that and more found its way onto chic chapeaus and sky-high hats at Mad Hatter's 2025, themed "Celebrating Spring in the South." The epic fundraising luncheon sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum assists with the development, growth, and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Arboretum.

Mad Hatter's 2025 Margo Johnson, Lauren Swope, Cathrine Rowsey, Nina Byrd, Chelsea Hargrave, Lauren Ott, Ashley Newton, Emily Fuquay Photo by ASHGPHOTO

Photo by ASHGPHOTO

The Masters Mavens group won best in show.

Chair Sara Friedman, honorary chair Cindy Feld, and Women's Council president Therese Rourk welcomed fashionably dressed guests to Ginsburg Plaza at the Dallas Arboretum on April 17, where wine, champagne, and specialty cocktails like mint juleps, bellinis, ranch waters, and the pink-hued Azalea were waiting.

Kristyn Potter (@acaeventdesigns) captured the flirty, floral fashions with live sketches, while a lively and talented trio comprised of students from Lake Highlands High School Jazz Ensemble kept spirits high.

The Mad Hatter's extensive silent auction drew plenty of interest, with restaurant gift cards, beauty treatments, jewelry, and travel all on offer.

Those interested in competing for blue ribbons paraded their expertly crafted millinery before judges Amanda Shufeldt, Anne Stodghill, Ezé Azenabor-Grembowski, Kameron Westcott, Sharon Lee Clark, and John Clutts, before the jazz trio led a vibrant second line into Rosine Hall for the fashion show.

Mad Hatter's 2025 The Taste of the Masters group.Photo by ASHGPHOTO

Presented by NorthPark Center and produced by Jan Strimple, with NBC 5 anchor Laura Harris serving as emcee, the fresh fashions were as light as a spring breeze. Looks were from Etro, Maje, Me + Em, Nordstrom, Sandro, Scanlan Theodore, and St. John, with beauty by Glossier and jewelry from Eiseman Jewels.

The hat winners then got their own turn on the runway:

Dallas Blooms (best use of fresh botanicals): Maryam Brown
Kentucky Derby (most elegant): Christine Phelan
Mardi Gras (most over-the-top, outrageous creation): Debbie Murray
Jazz Fest (best group): Taste of the Masters
Round Top (people’s choice): Mandi Bonilla
The Masters (best in show): Masters Mavens group

Mad Hatter's 2025 Emcee — and self-proclaimed Georgia peach —Laura Harris.Photo by ASHGPHOTO

Guests were then invited to sit down to a lovely lunch of chilled avocado soup and mixed greens topped with sous-vide chicken, marinated tenderloin, and a fried green tomato, all drizzled with peach-hot honey dressing. A Bananas Foster tart proved a sweet ending to a positively enchanting day at the Dallas Arboretum.

fundraisers dallas arboretum fashion luncheons