Dallas Datebook

8 top spring charitable events every good Dallas socialite must attend

The spring social season is gearing up to be another one for the record books; however, this year's theme seems to be quality over quantity as there are fewer fabulous fetes scheduled in the coming months. For example, the Junior League of Dallas isn't having a ball as they prepare for their Centennial year celebration.

And although this list is just scratching the surface of spring's special socials, we know that these particular events will be the talk of the town long after they come to an end, thanks to the fantastic fashion, enchanting entertainment, and most importantly, the money raised for the beloved beneficiaries. See you out there — champagne in hand.

Birthday Party Project Turns 6, January 27
The mission to bring happiness to homeless children by celebrating their birthdays makes this one of the most joyful parties of the year. Join the organization's fearless leader Paige Chenault and team for this annual celebration at The Bomb Factory that is all things unpretentious and fun. This year, the Toy Town-themed party is inviting guests to dress as their favorite (or least favorite) toy from childhood.

UNICEF Dallas Gala, February 3
Sure to be a star-studded event, this year's gala is at the Ritz-Carlton and chaired by Moll Anderson and Jan Miller Rich. The evening they have planned features a program hosted by Brooke Burke-Charvet, Sheryl and Rob Lowe's acceptance of the Global Philanthropist Award, and a performance by Skylar Grey.

Mad Hatter's Tea, April 12
Venise Stuart chairs this year's luncheon, themed "A Garden by the Sea," at The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In celebration of the Women's Council's 35th anniversary, guests can expect a program that honors the the past and looks to the future. The luncheon benefits A Woman's Garden. Be sure to arrive early to observe everyone's creative chapeaus.

MTV RE:DEFINE, April 13
Switching things up a bit for the 20th anniversary, this year's event is hosted by Joyce Goss and Kenny Goss and is happening in the CenterPark Garden at NorthPark Center. The event, chaired by Maxine Trowbridge and Brooke Davenport, benefits the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Dallas Contemporary, and this year honors Tracey Emin for her autobiographical and confessional works. This year's exhibition features over 50 pieces from the world's foremost contemporary artists.

Art Ball, April 21
Themed "Horizon: Now, New, Next," this elegant affair benefiting the Dallas Museum of Art is always one of the most prestigious events — and fashion highlights — of the year. The gala is chaired by Rebecca Enloe Fletcher with help from Faisal Halum and Brian Bolke, who are heading up the luxury live auction. The event supports the Dallas Museum of Art's commitment to offering free general admission to hundreds of thousands of annual visitors.

Children's Cancer Fund Gala, April 27
Gala co-chairs Candice Romo and Hollie Siglin are expecting 1,200 patrons to attend this 30th annual gala, which benefits research and treatment programs in pediatric oncology at Children's Medical Center. This fancy, fun event at the Hyatt Regency includes dinner, an auction, and a fashion show in which child cancer patients take center stage. Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach are serving as honorary chairs.

Genesis Annual Luncheon, May 11
This luncheon, chaired by Jane and Michael Hurst, is known for its A-list speakers, and this year is no exception, with Hilary Swank set to the take the stage of the Hilton Anatole. The luncheon proceeds benefit Genesis Women's Shelter — an organization that provides safety, shelter, and support for women who have experienced domestic violence.

House of DIFFA, May 12
No doubt the wildest party of the season, this avant garde gala has drawn upon the theme "Alter Ego" for this year's inspiration. More than 2,000 people are expected to show up to the Omni downtown in support of DIFFA/Dallas, which supports HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas. What, exactly, chairs Lee Borchert and Tim Garippa have up their sleeves is still TBD, but it is sure to be as whimsical, wild, and wonderful as ever.

Lorenda Wyant, Gina Ginsburg, and Dana Herbertson at the 2017 Mad Hatter's Tea.

Lorenda Wyant, Gina Ginsburg, Dana Herbertson

Photo by WJNPHOTO

Lorenda Wyant, Gina Ginsburg, and Dana Herbertson at the 2017 Mad Hatter's Tea.

fundraisers galas celebrities luncheons

Tops in Texas

Dallas makes top 10 list of cities with most millionaires in America

Photo courtesy of Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas is rolling in millionaires and a new list offers the proof: A study of the Top 10 Wealthiest Cities in USA by residency and citizenship consultant Henley & Partners puts Dallas at No. 6 — home to 72,400 millionaires as of December 2024.

As if that's not enough, Dallas also has 135 centi-millionaires — meaning they're worth $100 million or more — and 16 billionaires.

According to the study, the number of millionaires in Dallas grew 85 percent from 2014 to 2024.

The study pointed out that Dallas “has seen very strong wealth growth over the past two decades, driven in part by the relocation of several major corporate headquarters to the city. Prominent companies based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area include AT&T, CBRE, Caterpillar, American Airlines, Charles Schwab, and Texas Instruments.”

Houston was the richest city in Texas, coming in at no. 5 and beating Dallas by one place. Austin just squeezed in at 10th place but is rushing to catch up: It had the greatest increase in number of richy-rich in the past decade.

Here’s the rundown for Houston and Austin:

Houston — 81,800 millionaires, 210 centi-millionaires, and 16 billionaires. Millionaire growth rate from 2014 to 2024: 75 percent.
Austin — 32,000 millionaires, 90 centi-millionaires, and 10 billionaires. Millionaire growth rate from 2014 to 2024: 90 percent.

In its comments about Houston, the study pointed out that “America’s energy capital, Houston, is a global leader in engineering and aeronautics. It is also home to 24 Fortune 500 companies — the third-highest number among U.S. cities, after New York and Chicago."

Regarding Austin, the study said: “With its booming tech sector, Austin has been dubbed ‘Silicon Hills.’ Several major tech companies have moved their headquarters to the city over the past decade, most notably Tesla. Texas’s low state taxes add to Austin’s appeal. While wealth growth in the city has slowed over the past couple of years, it remains very impressive when viewed over the past decade as a whole.”

New York City topped the overall list, boasting 384,500 millionaires, 818 centi-millionaires and 66 billionaires. But Texas is the only state with three millionaire hubs in the top 10.

On a separate Henley & Partners list, Houston took the No. 5 spot for the most centi-millionaires in the U.S. Dallas ranked seventh and Austin ranked 12th.

study reports