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    Put a Wreath On It

    DIFFA whisks Dallasites off to France for Christmas market fundraiser

    Lindsey Wilson
    Nov 30, 2018 | 9:08 am
    DIFFA whisks Dallasites off to France for Christmas market fundraiser
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    If you're one of those people who puts up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, then DIFFA/Dallas' Holiday Wreath Collection is the party for you.

    The decorative-minded folks who gathered at Fashion Industry Gallery on November 15 also happened to be very much into philanthropy, as the chic soiree is a fundraiser for the direct care that DIFFA provides to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in North Texas.

    Event co-chairs Meagan Camp and Karena Chisolm were the masterminds behind the annual event, now in its 23rd year, and went all out with the Marché de Noel theme. Living sculptures proffered flutes of Impeccable Brut from their Marie Antoinette-inspired skirts, while Dallas String Quartet Electric played classic Christmas tunes with a modern twist.

    Up for admiration and bidding were more than 70 one-of-a-kind wreaths and accessories designed by Dan & Joseph, Brian Chaffin, Dylan's Candy Bar, Nuvo, Shane Burroughs, The Container Store, and many more. Styles ranged from traditional bows and boughs to the clever "Awreatha Franklin" and a circular tribute to the television reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

    DIFFA/Dallas' chairman of the board, Lee Borchert, was spotted mingling with guests who included Allan Knight, Cearan Henley, Carol Quist, Parker Williams, Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak, Jim DiMarino, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Eduardo Gàmez, Densil Adams, Josh Mayer, Steve Weir, Matthew Carrigan, Nikki St. George, and Debra Nelson.

    This year's event also featured a Christmas tree auction by Frontgate at Legacy West and an Elfa gift-wrapping station generously donated by title sponsor The Container Store. In addition to the unique and festive wreaths, attendees could also bid on the extraordinary auction packages and also get first dibs on the most valuable tables for House of DIFFA: Futuro, which will be held March 16, 2019, at the Omni Dallas hotel.

    In a side room blooming with fresh flowers, Ketel One invited guests to build their own cocktail creations, which nicely washed down hors d' oeuvres from III Forks Steakhouse and Seafood and fresh crepes from Whisk Crepe Cafe. Sumptuous desserts from Rush Patisserie, Savor Macarons, La Madeleine, and Starbucks ended the night on a sweet note.

    Formed in 1984, the Dallas chapter of DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is one of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations in Texas and has since granted more than $8 million to 25 frontline HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas. For more information about the organization or to get involved, visit www.DIFFADallas.org.

    DIFFA/Dallas chairman of the board Lee Borchert and event co-chairs Meagan Camp and Karena Chisolm welcomed the crowd.

    DIFFA Wreaths 2018
      
    Photo by Joseph Brewster and Thomas Garza
    DIFFA/Dallas chairman of the board Lee Borchert and event co-chairs Meagan Camp and Karena Chisolm welcomed the crowd.
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    Meet the debs

    42 new Dallas Symphony debutantes begin 2026 Presentation Ball prep

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    May 26, 2025 | 10:30 am
    DSOL Debutantes
    Photo by Gittings
    Meredith Burkhart, Ryan Brown, Margaret Thompson, Ellie Browne, Olivia Zambrano, Elena Zeballos

    The end of the schoolyear brought the beginning of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutante year for 42 local young women.

    Just a few months after last year's DSOL debs "Texas dipped" into society (and raised big bucks for the symphony), the organization introduced a new class during Announcement Weekend festivities in Dallas. Their parties, philanthropy, and training will culminate with the 40th Presentation Ball on February 21, 2026 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

    The year will be one of special milestones for the DSOL. Not only will the League celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Presentation Ball will mark its 40th year, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will turn 125 years old.

    The mega-weekend began with the Announcement Party, emceed by Stan Gardner, on the evening of Thursday, May 15. Events continued with a Deb and Honor Guard Family dinner at a restaurant and couture gown presentations at local luxury department stores. (Per tradition, each deb will wear a white ballgown to her Presentation Ball.)

    The 2026 Presentation Ball is under the guidance of co-chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam, along with DSOL President Claire Catrino. Hallam's in-laws, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, will serve as the honorary chairs. The Hallams are longtime passionate DSO patrons whose leadership gift was pivotal in launching the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program – one of the initiatives supported by the Ball; they also have endowed the DSO Co-Concertmaster Chair.

    Catrino made her debut in 2011 and has been a part of the DSOL ball’s planning and organization ever since.

    “Our debutantes and their families will enjoy many wonderful events, make new friends and have one-of-a-kind experiences all while supporting the outstanding education and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra," she says with authority.

    2026 DSOL debutantesThe 2026 DSOL debutantes.Photo by Gittings

    Now, for the most important part. The 2026 debutantes are: Claire Francis Andrews, Madeline Grace Behrens, Claire Louise Bradshaw, Ryan EllaMarie Brown, Eleanor Baxter Browne, Meredith Lilly Burkhart, Catherine Sophia Cox, Larkin McKay Devening, Marbella Mora Duarte, Sophie Elizabeth Dybala, Kathryne Grace Eastin, Gisele MaryRose Enrico, Ashley Shannon Goldman, Stella Jane Grabham, MaKenna Loy Harvey, Elizabeth Ann Hautt, Jane Penny Hochman, Madeleine Christine Jenkins, Livia Grace Lange, Charlotte Bryant Lauten, Sue Sealy McGowin, Attales Grace Meyer, Elizabeth Catherine Nance, Madelyn Leigh Neuhoff, Carly Nicole Polka, Chloe Olivia Polka, Rachel Camille Rader, Sofia Marie Reyes, Marlo Elizabeth Rivas, Campbell Ann Schultz, Kathleen Brooks Searcy, Lindy Kate Smith, Sienna Alexis Stagen, Tessa Elizabeth Stephenson, Charlotte Spencer Stiles, Harper Catherine Tagg, Margaret Lee Thompson, Corinne Elizabeth Tinker, Georgia Bedell Williamson, Virginia Anne Wilson, Olivia Constance Zambrano, and Elena Catherine Zeballos.

    The Assembly, a group of former debutantes who assist the Symphony League by helping with event arrangements throughout the season, was represented by Emily Hea, Katie Kottwitz, Marena Gault (advisor) Isabella Cox, Danielle Ward, Kennedy Downing, and Catherine Hunt.

    Parents and notable attendees included The Hon. Clay and Ramsey Jenkins, David and Lee Thompson, Suzanne and Adam Stiles, Diane and Scott Sealy, Denton Bricker, longtime League member Barbara Paschall Averitt, Roger Gault (DSO Chairman of the Board of Governors) and Michelle Miller Burns (Ross Perot President and CEO of the DSO).

    DSOL Debutantes
      

    Photo by Gittings

    Meredith Burkhart, Ryan Brown, Margaret Thompson, Ellie Browne, Olivia Zambrano, Elena Zeballos

    The presentation of Dallas Symphony debutantes is a time-honored tradition for many of Dallas' most influential and philanthropic families. The debs are of college age and typically are graduates of Dallas-area high schools, but may be attending college out of the area.

    Participation is open to all young women. Much like a sorority, participants pay fees and participate in parties, fundraisers, classes, and other events throughout the year, all leading up to the Presentation Ball.

    The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. Founded in 1946, the DSOL's mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising activities. Since 1998, the League has contributed over $25 million in support of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, which bring the symphony to thousands of young people and adults across greater Dallas.

    announcement weekenddallas symphony orchestrafundraisersgalaspartiespresentation ballsymphonysymphony debutantes balldebutantes
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