• Home
  • popular
  • Events
  • Submit New Event
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • News
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Home + Design
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Innovation
  • Sports
  • Charity Guide
  • children
  • education
  • health
  • veterans
  • SOCIAL SERVICES
  • ARTS + CULTURE
  • animals
  • lgbtq
  • New Charity
  • Series
  • Delivery Limited
  • DTX Giveaway 2012
  • DTX Ski Magic
  • dtx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Your Home in the Sky
  • DTX Best of 2013
  • DTX Trailblazers
  • Tastemakers Dallas 2017
  • Healthy Perspectives
  • Neighborhood Eats 2015
  • The Art of Making Whiskey
  • DTX International Film Festival
  • DTX Tatum Brown
  • Tastemaker Awards 2016 Dallas
  • DTX McCurley 2014
  • DTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • DTX Beyond presents Party Perfect
  • DTX Texas Health Resources
  • DART 2018
  • Alexan Central
  • State Fair 2018
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Zatar
  • CityLine
  • Vision Veritas
  • Okay to Say
  • Hearts on the Trinity
  • DFW Auto Show 2015
  • Northpark 50
  • Anteks Curated
  • Red Bull Cliff Diving
  • Maggie Louise Confections Dallas
  • Gaia
  • Red Bull Global Rally Cross
  • NorthPark Holiday 2015
  • Ethan's View Dallas
  • DTX City Centre 2013
  • Galleria Dallas
  • Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty Luxury Homes in Dallas Texas
  • DTX Island Time
  • Simpson Property Group SkyHouse
  • DIFFA
  • Lotus Shop
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Dallas
  • Clothes Circuit
  • DTX Tastemakers 2014
  • Elite Dental
  • Elan City Lights
  • Dallas Charity Guide
  • DTX Music Scene 2013
  • One Arts Party at the Plaza
  • J.R. Ewing
  • AMLI Design District Vibrant Living
  • Crest at Oak Park
  • Braun Enterprises Dallas
  • NorthPark 2016
  • Victory Park
  • DTX Common Desk
  • DTX Osborne Advisors
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • DFW Showcase Tour of Homes
  • DTX Neighborhood Eats
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • DTX Auto Awards
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2017
  • Nasher Store
  • Guardian of The Glenlivet
  • Zyn22
  • Dallas Rx
  • Yellow Rose Gala
  • Opendoor
  • DTX Sun and Ski
  • Crow Collection
  • DTX Tastes of the Season
  • Skye of Turtle Creek Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival
  • DTX Charity Challenge
  • DTX Culture Motive
  • DTX Good Eats 2012
  • DTX_15Winks
  • St. Bernard Sports
  • Jose
  • DTX SMU 2014
  • DTX Up to Speed
  • st bernard
  • Ardan West Village
  • DTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Taste the Difference
  • Parktoberfest 2016
  • Bob's Steak and Chop House
  • DTX Smart Luxury
  • DTX Earth Day
  • DTX_Gaylord_Promoted_Series
  • IIDA Lavish
  • Huffhines Art Trails 2017
  • Red Bull Flying Bach Dallas
  • Y+A Real Estate
  • Beauty Basics
  • DTX Pet of the Week
  • Long Cove
  • Charity Challenge 2014
  • Legacy West
  • Wildflower
  • Stillwater Capital
  • Tulum
  • DTX Texas Traveler
  • Dallas DART
  • Soldiers' Angels
  • Alexan Riveredge
  • Ebby Halliday Realtors
  • Zephyr Gin
  • Sixty Five Hundred Scene
  • Christy Berry
  • Entertainment Destination
  • Dallas Art Fair 2015
  • St. Bernard Sports Duck Head
  • Jameson DTX
  • Alara Uptown Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival fall 2017
  • DTX Tastemakers 2015
  • Cottonwood Arts Festival
  • The Taylor
  • Decks in the Park
  • Alexan Henderson
  • Gallery at Turtle Creek
  • Omni Hotel DTX
  • Red on the Runway
  • Whole Foods Dallas 2018
  • Artizone Essential Eats
  • Galleria Dallas Runway Revue
  • State Fair 2016 Promoted
  • Trigger's Toys Ultimate Cocktail Experience
  • Dean's Texas Cuisine
  • Real Weddings Dallas
  • Real Housewives of Dallas
  • Jan Barboglio
  • Wildflower Arts and Music Festival
  • Hearts for Hounds
  • Okay to Say Dallas
  • Indochino Dallas
  • Old Forester Dallas
  • Dallas Apartment Locators
  • Dallas Summer Musicals
  • PSW Real Estate Dallas
  • Paintzen
  • DTX Dave Perry-Miller
  • DTX Reliant
  • Get in the Spirit
  • Bachendorf's
  • Holiday Wonder
  • Village on the Parkway
  • City Lifestyle
  • opportunity knox villa-o restaurant
  • Nasher Summer Sale
  • Simpson Property Group
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2017 Dallas
  • Carlisle & Vine
  • DTX New Beginnings
  • Get in the Game
  • Red Bull Air Race
  • Dallas DanceFest
  • 2015 Dallas Stylemaker
  • Youth With Faces
  • Energy Ogre
  • DTX Renewable You
  • Galleria Dallas Decadence
  • Bella MD
  • Tractorbeam
  • Young Texans Against Cancer
  • Fresh Start Dallas
  • Dallas Farmers Market
  • Soldier's Angels Dallas
  • Shipt
  • Elite Dental
  • Texas Restaurant Association 2017
  • State Fair 2017
  • Scottish Rite
  • Brooklyn Brewery
  • DTX_Stylemakers
  • Alexan Crossings
  • Ascent Victory Park
  • Top Texans Under 30 Dallas
  • Discover Downtown Dallas
  • San Luis Resort Dallas
  • Greystar The Collection
  • FIG Finale
  • Greystar M Line Tower
  • Lincoln Motor Company
  • The Shelby
  • Jonathan Goldwater Events
  • Windrose Tower
  • Gift Guide 2016
  • State Fair of Texas 2016
  • Choctaw Dallas
  • TodayTix Dallas promoted
  • Whole Foods
  • Unbranded 2014
  • Frisco Square
  • Unbranded 2016
  • Circuit of the Americas 2018
  • The Katy
  • Snap Kitchen
  • Partners Card
  • Omni Hotels Dallas
  • Landmark on Lovers
  • Harwood Herd
  • Galveston.com Dallas
  • Holiday Happenings Dallas 2018
  • TenantBase
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2018
  • Hawkins-Welwood Homes
  • The Inner Circle Dallas
  • Eating in Season Dallas
  • ATTPAC Behind the Curtain
  • TodayTix Dallas
  • The Alexan
  • Toyota Music Factory
  • Nosh Box Eatery
  • Wildflower 2018
  • Society Style Dallas 2018
  • Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 2018
  • 5 Mockingbird
  • 4110 Fairmount
  • Visit Taos
  • Allegro Addison
  • Dallas Tastemakers 2018
  • The Village apartments
  • City of Burleson Dallas

Red Carpet Event

Scarlet shindig draws Dallas YPs for red-hot night of fundraising and fun

Lindsey Wilson
Nov 11, 2019 | 1:38 pm

Ahead of all the upcoming red-and-green holiday parties, Dallasites got to don their crimson best for the fourth annual Rhapsody in Red gala benefiting Bryan's House.

The scarlet shindig attracted philanthropic-minded young professionals to Belo Mansion for a night of dancing, dining, and doing good, as they raised funds for the nonprofit that serves children with medical or developmental needs and their families by providing specialized childcare, respite care, and social services.

Ladies turned up in red-hot gowns while most of the gentleman opted for ruby ties and pocket squares, except for a few brave souls who finally had an excuse to rock that maroon suit. Rhapsody in Red co-founder Austin Eudaly was one such sartorial standout in his Christmas plaid jacket, with co-founder Zach Sherwood in a matching bowtie.

The Bachelor's Sean Lowe was back to emcee the event, which he has supported with his wife, Catherine Lowe, since its beginning. He introduced Rhapsody in Red executive director Darian Thomas, who in turn brought Bryan's House CEO Abigail Erickson to the stage to speak about the nonprofit's message.

Marisol Cross, whose son found educational and emotional support through Bryan's House, delivered an emotional speech outlining the important work the group does for children with developmental delays.

Following a seated dinner, guests — including Jennifer and Kevin Kirksey, Patrick R. Van Ooteghem, Nate Fischer, Ashley Bates, Annie Pennington, John Matye, Brittnee Wooldridge, Ashley Mahon, Katarina Vidovic, Kat Aliaba, Ashley Vasicek, David McAdams, Niki Landry, Chelsea Dora, Erica and Chris Duncan, Adelaide and Jimmy Freeman, Alisa Oppliger, Saadia Sheikh, Kayla Gibbs, and Kameron Douglas — hit the dance floor as The Jordan Kahn Orchestra played old favorites and top hits.

Up for grabs that night were several silent auction items put together by auction chair Tara Stevenson, including beauty packages, SMU football tickets, and shopping sprees. The night's big prize was the raffle for a four-person getaway to Crested Butte, Colorado.

Rhapsody in Red aims to strengthen local nonprofits that address poverty, and solve complex issues at the root level by providing funding, strategic guidance, and volunteers. All funds raised this year help Bryan's House impact more than 2,200 lives on an annual basis.

Anne Lawson, Danielle Broome, Grace Anne Bills

Anne Lawson, Danielle Broome, Grace Anne Bills
Photo by WJNPHOTO
Anne Lawson, Danielle Broome, Grace Anne Bills
young-professionals fundraisers galas celebrities charity
news/society

Stand for her

Tracee Ellis Ross leaves Dallas crowd inspired to embrace their power

Stephanie Allmon Merry
Oct 5, 2026 | 9:01 am
New Friends New Life Stand For Her Luncheon 2026
Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Nate Rehlander
Beth Thoele, Brooke Russo, Tracee Ellis Ross, Bianca Davis, Marci Kramer, Kathy Helm

WHAT: New Friends New Life 2026 Stand for Her Luncheon

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Dallas

THE 411: More than 1,150 community leaders, advocates, and supporters gathered September 24 for one of Dallas' most beloved fall luncheons, New Friends New Life's biggest annual benefit in support of their mission to assist women and girls who have experienced human trafficking and exploitation.

The event was co-chaired by two dynamic mother-daughter duos: Beth Thoele and Brooke Russo and Kathy Helm and Marci Kramer. Lottye and Bobby Lyle served as honorary chairs.

The sold-out luncheon opened with “I Stand for Her,” an original song written by Myshel Wilkins and her team for New Friends New Life that will become the organization’s anthem.

New Friends New Life Stand For Her Luncheon 2026 Myshel Wilkins performs.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Nate Rehlander

The luncheon co-chairs welcomed guests and underscored the nonprofit's critical mission to help women in the community.

The 2026 ProtectHER Awards honored Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, Janet Jensen, and representatives of Baker Botts and the Toyota Motor North America Pro Bono Legal Clinic for their advocacy and support of survivors.

New Friends New Life's CEO Bianca Davis highlighted New Friends New Life’s 28 years of providing comprehensive services including safe housing, counseling, education, legal assistance, and basic needs support.

Then came the headliner: Award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who joined NBC 5’s Laura Harris for a candid, funny, and often moving conversation about finding your voice, trusting your instincts, and having agency over your own happiness, safety, and choices.

New Friends New Life Stand For Her Luncheon 2026 NBC5 anchor Laura Harris interviews actress Tracee Ellis Ross on stage.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Nate Rehlander

Ross connected New Friends New Life’s mission to her own experiences, recalling how she learned to listen to her intuition rather than minimize it and how, growing up, she often felt pressure to “change the temperature” in a room. A pediatrician once described her as “a big ball of fire” and advised her mother (legendary singer Diana Ross) to make sure that fire went in the right direction — advice Ross clearly carried with her.

She also reflected on her work in Girlfriends and Black-ish, where she pushed for women to have identities beyond their relationships, and on her Broadway experience in Every Brilliant Thing, which reinforced her belief that “when we do it together, we can flourish.” Her advice to the room was simple: “Your main job is to be kind.”

Discussing Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross and her travels in Morocco, Ross said she is inspired by women who “create something, lead it, own it, and benefit from it.”

New Friends New Life Stand For Her Luncheon 2026

Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Nate Rehlander

Beth Thoele, Brooke Russo, Tracee Ellis Ross, Bianca Davis, Marci Kramer, Kathy Helm

Ross spoke poignantly about healing and rebuilding trust, telling women who have experienced trauma, “you can be scared. It’s okay.” She imagined New Friends New Life’s work as creating the space for survivors to feel safe enough to trust again: “You have to sit and hold that space with someone until they know they are safe enough to trust.”

She also made clear that the work belongs to men, too, encouraging them to pay attention, ask questions, and act when something does not seem right. Her closing words summed up the afternoon: “I stand for her AND with her.”

The inspiring luncheon raised nearly $900,000 to support New Friends New Life in assisting trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and raising awareness of the issue.

WHO: Ashley Elsey, Cynammon Allen, Felecia Burns, Nakita Johnson, Toni Patterson, Bridget Harris, Kim Cox, Cole Edmonson, Gail Maxwell, Joyce Goss, Greer Goss, Frances Mitchell, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, Sarah Dodson, Christa Brown-Sanford, Gunner Heinisch, Laura O’Rourke, Priya Murphy, Aline Connie, Briannah Schaff, Sarah Ellis, Janet Jensen, Sloane Sander, Lauren Grogan, Claire Hidalgo, Bill Wallace, Terrence Rhodes, Teena Schultz, Monique Alex, Drew Russo, Chuck Thoele, Larry Kelm, Jeff Kramer, Holly Rio, Susan Farris, Laura Downing, Trina Terrell-Andrews, James Andrews, Hannah Hatcher, Mary Caroline Hatcher, Jeff Kramer, Marci Kramer, Stephanie Wilcox, Erica Reed, Sidnee Redfield, Effie Dennison, Cathy Moffitt, Stephanie Bird, Alicia Brown Young, Anastasia Ledezma, Deseri Kelley, Sarah Dodson, Cheryl Joyner, Stacey Walker, Brooke Russo, Laura Harris, Nancy Ann Hunt, Ashlee Kleinert, Pat Schenkel, Gail Turner, Jessica Turner-Waugh, Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux, Jesse Reyes, and many more.

celebrities charity galas tracee ellis ross luncheons
news/society
Loading...