Young, Wild + Charitable

Dallas' favorite fall party packs in pretty young professionals with charitable prowess

If you're a young professional in Dallas and had to choose only one party to attend this year — this would be it. Dallas Autumn Ball is known for its lively crowd, packed dance floor, and for being a crazy good time.

Party-goers, to the tune of 700, escaped the cold on November 8 and packed into Hotel ZaZa's ballroom at 9 pm for the sold-out event. Dressed to impress, the ladies and gentlemen donned sleek gowns and black-tie attire for what is undoubtedly their favorite party of the season.

Founded by Adam Kraus and chaired by Madison McKay, Taylor Markey, Mikey Bryant, Weldon Boley, and Taylor Deves, Dallas Autumn Ball is now in its seventh year.

Guests were greeted with savory hors d'oeuvres — Korean barbecue-glazed New York steak strips and crispy artichoke croquettes — full champagne flutes, and a quick stop on the red carpet at the photographer's backdrop, just before stepping into the ballroom. The festive welcome included gold, white, and silver bubble-esque balloons from Lushra, adorning the windows and walls.

With the sounds of DJ Souljah and Emerald City Band filling the venue, attendees wasted no time hitting the dance floor — stilettos be damned. Tunes ranged from '90s hip-hop to remixed Latin pop and the crowd couldn't get enough.

Thanks to ZaZa Executive Chef Dan Landsberg, the party people got a chance to refuel, grazing on an array of sliders and some killer macaroni and cheese. And chicken-and-waffle sticks were on hand later in the evening for a late-night nosh.

Busy bartenders manned their top-shelf bars, serving up signature margaritas from Patron, brews from Peroni, and just about any cocktail requested.

Throughout the night, everyone waited their turn to pucker up and say cheese at the popular MirMir photo booth.

Although DAB is the YP party of the season, its purpose goes beyond a glamorous night of fun. The soiree raised $20,000 for Reading Partners of North Texas, a group of local volunteers who help Dallas' underprivileged elementary school-age children master basic reading skills through individual tutoring.

"It is so inspiring to see young professionals turn out every year in support of impacting early education for kids right here in Dallas," said Kraus.

A few notable faces seen at the ball include: Marty Martinez, Raven Gates and Adam Gottschalk from The Bachelor, and Gracie Hunt. Also having a great time were Sabrina Johnson, Jenna Jacobs, Gretchen Neftzger, Lindsay Steffes, Alex Castillo, Carter Inman, Claudia Lode, Preston Hext, Thomas Hoeber, Ashley Phillips, Connor Fleming, Shelly Mahony, Jeff Lohmann, Casey Schuler, Zach Roberts, Rachel Urquhart, Mandy Appleby, Jessica Schroeck, and many more.

Emerald City Band kept the dance floor rocking.

Photo by WJNPHOTO

Emerald City Band kept the dance floor rocking.

Hot to trot

Equest Dallas patrons pony up record $700K at blue ribbon-worthy ball

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

A sold-out crowd of 570 supporters stampeded into Gilley’s Dallas on April 25 for the 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala. The Western-chic affair, always one of the most highly anticipated galas of spring, would have a record-breaking night.

Co-chairsKristin and James Hallam and honorary chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor welcomed patrons decked out in cowboy boots and hats to Gilley's, which had been transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest by event designer Steve Kemble. A “disco saddle” centerpiece even hung from the ceiling.

Emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton welcomed the crowed with a hearty "yee haw!" Equest founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her an Equest organization legend. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client.

New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to underscore Equest’s mission to provide equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling (much of it free of charge) to children, adults, and veterans. He shared the nonprofit's bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment.

His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord with the crowd, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and patrons did that in spades. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles stridently, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. Bidding got fast and furious live auction packages that included fabulous trips (with destinations such as France, Antigua, and Montana) and more. The most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Murad - ever the showman - auction off his own sparkling jacket. It fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber (who clearly loves a good statement piece).

In total, the gala raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history. The Blue Ribbon Ball's proceeds go directly to equine-assisted therapies and other services provided by Equest; for more information, visit the organization's website.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

After a night of sipping, dining, and fundraising, patrons tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the evening, were Donna Weitzman, Nancy Greenbach, Natalie Taylor, Therese Rourk, Anne Seanor, Courtney Conley, Maggie Spiegel, Tyler Bridges, Lea LaFortune, Lee and Paul Michaels, Ryan and Kelly Casey, Christina Eubanks, Megan Pharis, Julie Bagley, Laura Johnson, Parker and Katy Brooks, Sharon Lee Clark, Max Clark, Jordan Glasgow, Anna Gresham, Khaki Christopher, Jessie Dornak, Jeff Netzer, Lynn McBee, Sarah and Trey Pederson, Luis Araujo, Amy Green, Kayten Elder, Sila Grogan, Melissa Placet, Tayler Reiter, Danny and Tanya Rice, Tina and Michael Beasom, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.