Glamorous Philanthropy

What was the most glamorous charitable gala in Dallas of 2013? You decide.

Dallasites are as skilled at partying as they are at raising copious amounts of cash for a good cause. So, as the end of 2013 draws near, it’s time to reflect on the most fabulous philanthropic events of the year.

Was it over-the-top House of DIFFA or the always elegant Crystal Charity Ball? Celebrity-studded Two x Two or Black Tie Dinner? We want to know your pick for the most glamorous social event of 2013.

Vote daily until midnight December 30 for any of these memorable charitable galas:

Command Performance La Fete du Ballet
Performing arts enthusiasts wait all year long for the Command Performance La Fete du Ballet gala, presented by TITAS. The sophisticated springtime affair celebrates the arts through a beautiful series of dances starring world-renowned performers, followed by a seated dinner.

House of DIFFA
Marie Antoinette-inspired fashions, dynamic drag divas, priceless live auction experiences, burlesque dancers — over-the-top doesn’t even begin to describe House of DIFFA, the fashion and awards show presented by The Joule, benefiting North Texas HIV/AIDS charities.

Untitled: Art Ball 2013
We still have visions of red dancing in our heads from Untitled: Art Ball 2013 at the Dallas Museum of Art, a charitable gala so spectacular no name could do it justice. Attendees abided by the request for unconventional attire, an elegant complement to Todd Fiscus’ swanky red design.

Bespoke
In a season of spectacular functions, Bespoke at the Dallas Contemporary stands out. Not just because patrons fly in from all over the U.S. for this fresh and flashy fundraiser, but because local art powerhouses turn up to show their unwavering support for a not-for-profit institution.

Cattle Baron's Ball
Despite the pouring rain (again), supporters couldn't be kept away from Southfork Ranch to see country sensations Rascal Flatts, who performed long into the night for the country chic affair that raised more than $1 million for the American Cancer Society.

Two x Two for AIDS and Art
Cindy and Howard Rachofsky did it again. They lured celebrities and arts patrons from around the world to the Richard Meier-designed Rachofsky House for the elite Two x Two for AIDS and Art, which raised a whopping $5 million for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

Black Tie Dinner
Black Tie Dinner has to be one of the biggest, boldest events of the year, with more than 3,000 attendees to support LGBT organizations in North Texas. Notable speakers and performers included Wendy Davis, Patti Labelle, Fran Drescher and Peter Marc Jacobson.

Dallas Opera First Night
The Winspear Opera House stands elegant and proud in the Dallas Arts District year round. But once a year it is transformed into a glamorous red carpet affair for the Dallas Opera First Night celebration.

Crystal Charity Ball
This year Crystal Charity Ball took on Winter Storm Cleon and won: There was no shortage of impeccably dressed philanthropists at this year's gala themed "Magnificent Manhattan," which helped raise $4 million for eight beneficiaries in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Vote now for the most glamorous Dallas gala of 2013.

Bespoke

Photo by Jerry McClure

Bespoke

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Still We Rise

Dallas' Black Tie Dinner rises high in 2025 as equality endures

Photo by Jonathan Zizzo Photography

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Libby Gonzales, Liliana Villarreal, Deidre Coleman.

On the same weekend the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed marriage equality by refusing to revisit the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case, more than 2,000 guests filled the Sheraton Dallas for a night that celebrated resilience, love, and progress at the 44th annual Black Tie Dinner.

The timing of the November 8 gala, America’s largest LGBTQ+ fundraiser and one of Dallas' most anticipated of the season, couldn’t have been more poignant. The evening’s keynote speaker, Jim Obergefell, whose name became synonymous with marriage equality, received Black Tie Dinner's Equality Award and urged attendees to remember both the progress made and the challenges still ahead.

Marking a milestone in representation, this year’s event was co-chaired by Liliana Villarreal and Deirdre Coleman, the first time in the organization’s history that two women — not to mention two women of color — have steered the evening.

Black Tie Dinner Dallas 2025 There was no shortage of photo ops.Photo by Jonathan Zizzo Photography

Photo by Jonathan Zizzo Photography

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Libby Gonzales, Liliana Villarreal, Deidre Coleman.

But first the event, with the theme this year of "Still We Rise," welcomed glamorously attired guests down the gold carpet (a nod to Wicked, perhaps?) for a lively cocktail hour spent browsing the extensive silent auction and capturing their striking ensembles at the many photo ops. Guests also vied for a $50,000 luxury car credit courtesy of Park Place Motorcars Dallas, marking the 17th year of partnership with the long-standing supporter.

Inside the ballroom, DFW's own Denise Lee began the program with a powerful performance of Andra Day's "Rise Up" before the BTD board of directors was introduced by U.S. Representative Julie Johnson, the first openly gay member of Congress from the South and the first woman to ever represent Texas' District 32.

Carl Nassib, the NFL's first openly gay active player, then introduced Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, who was honored with the Kuchling Humanitarian Award for their life-saving work supporting LGBTQ+ youth.

A fast-paced live auction was followed by representatives of the BTD 2025 beneficiaries:

Abounding Prosperity, Inc.
ASD - A Home for Life
Cathedral of Hope
Celebration Community Church
Dallas Hope Charities
Equality Texas Foundation
Finn's Place
Galileo Church / NTTN
HELP Center for LGBT Health & Wellness
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Kind Clinic
Legacy Cares
LGBTQ SAVES
Northaven Church
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas
Resource Center
Synergy Wesley Foundation
Transition Resource Action Center
Turtle Creek Chorale
Uptown Players
The Women's Chorus of Dallas

Dallas native Hayley Orrantia and the band Extended Play entertained during dinner, before Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett brought the crowd to its feet with a message of unity and perseverance. She introduced Libby Gonzales, this year's recipient of the Mike Anglin Trailblazer Award, which is given to an LGBTQ+ individual under the age of 25 who has proven to be a change agent for the LGBTQ+ community on a local or national level.

Jasmine Crockett Black Tie Dinner Dallas 2025 Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett.Photo by Selig Polyscope Company

Following an introduction by actor actor Brian Michael Smith, Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, continued that call to action, reminding guests that courage — like fear — can be contagious.

From its beginnings in 1982 as a small gathering of friends to a national symbol of LGBTQ+ unity, Black Tie Dinner continues to define what it means to rise, again and again, together. Proceeds from the Dinner will be announced December 18 at The Empire Room in Dallas.

The 45th Annual Black Tie Dinner will take place November 14, 2026.

fundraisers charity lgbtq black tie dinner galas