RIP Ray

Dallas lawyer and one-time club owner Ray Balestri dies at 64

Ray Balestri

Courtesy photo

Dallas lawyer and investor Ray Balestri, who circulated through Dallas' media and entertainment world, died on January 4; he was 64.

Balestri was an attorney at Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP, which issued a statement saying that he left behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and professionalism.

His brother-in-law Sean Macy, who posted the news of his passing, called him a good friend to all, a man bigger than life, and a devoted family man.

Balestri grew up in Rockford, Illinois, attended Harvard Law School, and taught classes at SMU's Cox School of Business. In addition to his roles as lawyer and private equity investor, he co-founded '90s Deep Ellum bar The Bone and occasionally wrote for publications such as D magazine, penning columns such as the one on how to fix America's income tax system. According to this 2000 Dallas Observer story, he became a multimillionaire after investing early in Broadcast.com, the company founded by Mark Cuban.

In more recent years, Balestri was prodigious on social media, posting anecdotes about his family and century-old home.

Friends and associates described him as a person who used his skills to make a difference as well as an inspiration to those around him. According to his obituary, he died of natural causes.

He's survived by his wife Heather Macy Balestri and two sons Quentin and Julian, as well as brothers David and Brian, and sister Becky. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 13 at 3 pm at Highland Park United Methodist Church. A reception will be held at the church following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, Ray's family suggests donations to Friends of the Boundary Waters through their website.

deaths

Animal News

Dallas animal shelter invites residents to host a pet during holiday

DAS

Husky at Dallas Animal Services

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is inviting the community to help bring pets “Home for the Holidays” by adopting or fostering during one of the shelter’s busiest times of the year.

DAS has achieved strong positive outcomes this quarter, including adoptions, foster-to-adopt placements, and underage foster placements, with 1,377 in October and 1,378 in November. The department is now working toward a December goal of 1,400 positive outcomes, with 588 completed so far this month.

“We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”

This season, adopters will also have the chance to participate in the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, fully funded and supported through donations from generous community supporters. For more information about this initiative, visit friendsofdas.org and watch out for announcements on social media.

Holiday staycations
Residents who may not be ready to adopt can still support DAS pets by participating in Silent Night Holiday Staycations, a short-term foster opportunity that gives dogs a relaxing break from the shelter during the holiday period.

Pickup dates are scheduled for December 20-21, with drop-off options on December 27-28 or January 3-4. Participants typically spend 1-3 hours at the shelter selecting a foster match, and contact with pets outside the home should be limited. Questions may be directed to DASFtA@dallas.gov.

“Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” said Amanda Earl, Assistant Director. “The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”

DAS encourages the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share adoptable pets to help meet December’s lifesaving goals.
“Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” said Director Paul Ramon.

For more information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, visit https://bedallas90.org/ or stop by the DAS Shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.

animals