Dallas young professionals have perfected partying for a cause. As well they should, because one day they will be tasked with running Dallas’ philanthropic scene.
With another successful year nearly behind us, we decided to look back on the most popular YP events, from white hot downtown parties to elegant Uptown galas. There was a lot of fun to be had, but perhaps most important, these groups raised crucial funds for important causes throughout Dallas.
But which YP charitable event outshined them all? Well, why don’t you tell us?
Now’s your chance to pick your favorite. You can vote daily until 11:59 pm on December 23 for any of these philanthropic affairs:
Affair of the Art presented by DMA Junior Associates
The Dallas Museum of ArtJunior Associates want to connect with art and each other, and their big fundraiser of the year is Affair of the Art. With an Artrageous theme, this year’s event lured more than 400 attendees, who mingled among streamers, floating balls and unicorns in the museum’s sculpture garden and bid on original works painted onsite by three local artists.
Bubbly Q presented by Young Texans Against Cancer
Bubbly Q, hosted annually by Young Texans Against Cancer, raises money for research and support organizations in the community. This year, pretty young philanthropists took over the Fearing’s patio at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, to sip bubbles and craft cocktails, nosh on bites from Dallas’ best chefs, and bid high in the supersized silent auction.
Dallas Autumn Ball
At the Dallas Autumn Ball, you can expect young professionals dressed to the nines and ready to party. The event, held this year at Hotel ZaZa, is meant to engage and empower young professionals to celebrate charity and raise much-needed awareness and funds for worthy educational causes in Dallas, such as Project Amplify, DISD’s high-impact tutoring initiative.
Day at the Races presented by Lee Park Junior Conservancy
The annual fundraising fête for Lee Park Junior Conservancy, Day at the Races is an ode to the Kentucky Derby, and everyone adheres to the dress code, with sky-high hats, Southern suits and dainty dresses. This year the group took over the lawn at Lee Park, showcasing the beneficiary’s beautiful property by throwing a cocktail-fueled party on it.
The Event presented by The One Society
The One Society engages young leaders to make life better for children through philanthropic, educational, fundraising, volunteer and social opportunities. The Event: A Night in White, held on the rooftop of The Venue at 400 North Ervay downtown, was a chic way to get together for a good cause: Children’s Medical Center's Child Life Program.
Masquerade presented by Genesis Young Leaders
The Genesis Young Leaders were in search of a new signature event, and they nailed it with Masquerade. They chose 3015 at Trinity Groves for a Mardi Gras-inspired party that included tunes from Signed Sealed Delivered, New Orleans-inspired fare, and games such as blackjack and roulette. Most important, this inaugural event raised $80,000 for Genesis Women’s Shelter.
Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Young Friends Party
The YP group for Ronald McDonald House of Dallas hosted An Evening in Casablanca at Union Station, where the movie Casablanca was running in silence above the main stage while DJ Lucy Wrubel spun tunes. Standout auction items included trips to Marfa and Napa, which helped raise funds for the home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment.
30M Gala presented by Echelon
For the second year of its signature fundraiser, 30M Gala, the savvy young professionals of Echelon recruited Laura Bush and her daughters to serve as honorary chairs for this packed event at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. Highlights included a grilled cheese bar, Fluffpop and entertainment by Limelight. Funds raised helped fill the coffers of the Salvation Army.
White Party presented by Young Friends of Wilkinson Center
Young Friends of Wilkinson Center are active on the YP scene, hosting all kinds of events throughout the year. The big one was the White Party, which transported the group straight from Saint Ann to South Beach. Fire dancers, aerialist and performers mingled with guests, who were there to raise money for programs that offer hope, inspiration and tools to more than 14,000 Dallas residents in poverty.
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Vote now for your favorite young professional charitable event of 2014. You can vote once a day, every day, until 11:59 pm on December 23.
Ben Stolz, Emily Munson, Jimm Munson and Shelly Munson at Genesis Young Leaders' Masquerade.
