• Home
  • popular
  • Events
  • Submit New Event
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • News
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Home + Design
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Innovation
  • Sports
  • Charity Guide
  • children
  • education
  • health
  • veterans
  • SOCIAL SERVICES
  • ARTS + CULTURE
  • animals
  • lgbtq
  • New Charity
  • Series
  • Delivery Limited
  • DTX Giveaway 2012
  • DTX Ski Magic
  • dtx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Your Home in the Sky
  • DTX Best of 2013
  • DTX Trailblazers
  • Tastemakers Dallas 2017
  • Healthy Perspectives
  • Neighborhood Eats 2015
  • The Art of Making Whiskey
  • DTX International Film Festival
  • DTX Tatum Brown
  • Tastemaker Awards 2016 Dallas
  • DTX McCurley 2014
  • DTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • DTX Beyond presents Party Perfect
  • DTX Texas Health Resources
  • DART 2018
  • Alexan Central
  • State Fair 2018
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Zatar
  • CityLine
  • Vision Veritas
  • Okay to Say
  • Hearts on the Trinity
  • DFW Auto Show 2015
  • Northpark 50
  • Anteks Curated
  • Red Bull Cliff Diving
  • Maggie Louise Confections Dallas
  • Gaia
  • Red Bull Global Rally Cross
  • NorthPark Holiday 2015
  • Ethan's View Dallas
  • DTX City Centre 2013
  • Galleria Dallas
  • Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty Luxury Homes in Dallas Texas
  • DTX Island Time
  • Simpson Property Group SkyHouse
  • DIFFA
  • Lotus Shop
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Dallas
  • Clothes Circuit
  • DTX Tastemakers 2014
  • Elite Dental
  • Elan City Lights
  • Dallas Charity Guide
  • DTX Music Scene 2013
  • One Arts Party at the Plaza
  • J.R. Ewing
  • AMLI Design District Vibrant Living
  • Crest at Oak Park
  • Braun Enterprises Dallas
  • NorthPark
  • Victory Park
  • DTX Common Desk
  • DTX Osborne Advisors
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • DFW Showcase Tour of Homes
  • DTX Neighborhood Eats
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • DTX Auto Awards
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2017
  • Nasher Store
  • Guardian of The Glenlivet
  • Zyn22
  • Dallas Rx
  • Yellow Rose Gala
  • Opendoor
  • DTX Sun and Ski
  • Crow Collection
  • DTX Tastes of the Season
  • Skye of Turtle Creek Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival
  • DTX Charity Challenge
  • DTX Culture Motive
  • DTX Good Eats 2012
  • DTX_15Winks
  • St. Bernard Sports
  • Jose
  • DTX SMU 2014
  • DTX Up to Speed
  • st bernard
  • Ardan West Village
  • DTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Taste the Difference
  • Parktoberfest 2016
  • Bob's Steak and Chop House
  • DTX Smart Luxury
  • DTX Earth Day
  • DTX_Gaylord_Promoted_Series
  • IIDA Lavish
  • Huffhines Art Trails 2017
  • Red Bull Flying Bach Dallas
  • Y+A Real Estate
  • Beauty Basics
  • DTX Pet of the Week
  • Long Cove
  • Charity Challenge 2014
  • Legacy West
  • Wildflower
  • Stillwater Capital
  • Tulum
  • DTX Texas Traveler
  • Dallas DART
  • Soldiers' Angels
  • Alexan Riveredge
  • Ebby Halliday Realtors
  • Zephyr Gin
  • Sixty Five Hundred Scene
  • Christy Berry
  • Entertainment Destination
  • Dallas Art Fair 2015
  • St. Bernard Sports Duck Head
  • Jameson DTX
  • Alara Uptown Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival fall 2017
  • DTX Tastemakers 2015
  • Cottonwood Arts Festival
  • The Taylor
  • Decks in the Park
  • Alexan Henderson
  • Gallery at Turtle Creek
  • Omni Hotel DTX
  • Red on the Runway
  • Whole Foods Dallas 2018
  • Artizone Essential Eats
  • Galleria Dallas Runway Revue
  • State Fair 2016 Promoted
  • Trigger's Toys Ultimate Cocktail Experience
  • Dean's Texas Cuisine
  • Real Weddings Dallas
  • Real Housewives of Dallas
  • Jan Barboglio
  • Wildflower Arts and Music Festival
  • Hearts for Hounds
  • Okay to Say Dallas
  • Indochino Dallas
  • Old Forester Dallas
  • Dallas Apartment Locators
  • Dallas Summer Musicals
  • PSW Real Estate Dallas
  • Paintzen
  • DTX Dave Perry-Miller
  • DTX Reliant
  • Get in the Spirit
  • Bachendorf's
  • Holiday Wonder
  • Village on the Parkway
  • City Lifestyle
  • opportunity knox villa-o restaurant
  • Nasher Summer Sale
  • Simpson Property Group
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2017 Dallas
  • Carlisle & Vine
  • DTX New Beginnings
  • Get in the Game
  • Red Bull Air Race
  • Dallas DanceFest
  • 2015 Dallas Stylemaker
  • Youth With Faces
  • Energy Ogre
  • DTX Renewable You
  • Galleria Dallas Decadence
  • Bella MD
  • Tractorbeam
  • Young Texans Against Cancer
  • Fresh Start Dallas
  • Dallas Farmers Market
  • Soldier's Angels Dallas
  • Shipt
  • Elite Dental
  • Texas Restaurant Association 2017
  • State Fair 2017
  • Scottish Rite
  • Brooklyn Brewery
  • DTX_Stylemakers
  • Alexan Crossings
  • Ascent Victory Park
  • Top Texans Under 30 Dallas
  • Discover Downtown Dallas
  • San Luis Resort Dallas
  • Greystar The Collection
  • FIG Finale
  • Greystar M Line Tower
  • Lincoln Motor Company
  • The Shelby
  • Jonathan Goldwater Events
  • Windrose Tower
  • Gift Guide 2016
  • State Fair of Texas 2016
  • Choctaw Dallas
  • TodayTix Dallas promoted
  • Whole Foods
  • Unbranded 2014
  • Frisco Square
  • Unbranded 2016
  • Circuit of the Americas 2018
  • The Katy
  • Snap Kitchen
  • Partners Card
  • Omni Hotels Dallas
  • Landmark on Lovers
  • Harwood Herd
  • Galveston.com Dallas
  • Holiday Happenings Dallas 2018
  • TenantBase
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2018
  • Hawkins-Welwood Homes
  • The Inner Circle Dallas
  • Eating in Season Dallas
  • ATTPAC Behind the Curtain
  • TodayTix Dallas
  • The Alexan
  • Toyota Music Factory
  • Nosh Box Eatery
  • Wildflower 2018
  • Society Style Dallas 2018
  • Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 2018
  • 5 Mockingbird
  • 4110 Fairmount
  • Visit Taos
  • Allegro Addison
  • Dallas Tastemakers 2018
  • The Village apartments
  • City of Burleson Dallas

    Coronavirus pivot

    The newest Dallas spring charity fetes to unveil safer pandemic-time plans

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Jan 26, 2021 | 4:55 pm

    A true Dallas society season feels so close, yet so far away. More people are rolling up their sleeves for COVID-19 vaccines every day, yet the pandemic rages on, canceling in-person gatherings for nearly every charitable organization that relies on them.

    While regular patrons of ritzy galas and leisurely luncheons may miss getting dressed up and out the door in time for cocktail hour, the more important impact is the loss of revenue that these big fundraising events generate. Dallas-area nonprofits need support more than ever to fund the vital services they fulfill for the community.

    Fortunately— with help from innovative event planners — many organizations have figured out creative ways to present scaled-down, socially-distanced parties and virtual experiences for guests to enjoy at home. We rounded up the first batch to unveil their plans here.

    Below are the next fun "alt-soirees" — from a heartfelt TV give-a-thon that's free to join, to a $10,000-per-table, chef-prepared dinner at home.

    North Texas Food Bank Empty Bowls Drive-Thru, February 25
    To keep all guests safe at this popular lunch event, the NTFB has transitioned the event to a drive-thru model. Participants can go to the North Texas Food Bank's Perot Family Campus between 9 am and 6 pm February 25 to pick up their Bowl Box. Each box will contain a handmade artisan bowl, a 5-ounce package of gourmet soup mix, recipe cards from some favorite past Empty Bowl participants and NTFB Staff, NTFB's Tough Choice's Game, and more. There will also be an online auction and wine pull. Tickets, $10-$45, can be purchased on the website.

    Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Virtual Luncheon and Art Sale, March 4
    The 13th annual luncheon goes virtual and will feature a conversation with award-winning chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian José Andrés. Co-chaired by longtime Stewpot supporters Becky and Larry Sykes, the event will benefit The Stewpot, which is in its 46th year of serving Dallas neighbors who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The art sale, featuring original pieces of art from the artists at The Stewpot, will take place online in conjunction with the virtual luncheon at 12 pm February 25. Single tickets begin at $250, which includes a gift box. A $35 view-only option will also be offered. For more information and tickets, visit the website.

    American Heart Association Go Red for Women Experiences, February 28 and April 23
    The AHA's beloved Go Red for Women Luncheons, which traditionally take place each February in both Dallas and Fort Worth, are morphing into multimedia experiences this year instead. Patrons can tune in and help raise money and awareness of women's cardiovascular health at the following events:

    • Go Red LIVE! United in Purpose: A Go Red for Women give-a-thon that will be broadcast on WFAA-TV (Channel 8) at 12 pm Sunday, February 28. Hosted by radio personality Kellie Rasberry, the show will teach viewers what they need to know about their heart health, present inspiring stories and musical performances, feature appearances by women icons, and offer the chance for viewers to bid on auction items to support AHA. It's free to tune in; for more information, visit heart.org/dallasgored.
    • Go Red for Women Experience – Tarrant County: A digital experience at 12 pm Friday, April 23 that will celebrate the women of Tarrant County and allow them to join in, take action, and take control of their heart health. During the digital event, viewers will learn healthy living strategies to reduce their personal risk for cardiovascular disease, hear inspiring stories of community impact, bid on auction items, and help support the mission of AHA. Ticket information is TBA. For more details, visit heart.org/tarrantcountygored.

    KidLinks Symphony of Chefs by Design, March 22
    Traditionally a grand dinner event in which top DFW chefs prepare a multicourse meal for many tables under one roof, this year's event splits the fundraiser into individual experiences. Patrons have three options: dine in the private dining room of a restaurant, host a chef-prepared experience at their home, or enjoy an interactive virtual chef cooking class and dinner. Each experience (6-9 pm Monday, February 22) will include a chef-prepared and interactive four-course dinner, wine pairings from some of the world’s best vineyards, and a silent and live auction. Chefs include Tiffany Derry, Diana Zamora, Blaine Staniford, Luke Rogers, and more. Packages are $10,000 for a table of up to 10 (no individual tickets are being sold), with all proceeds going to KidLinks' mission to provide healing experiences for the special needs of children through performing arts and media.

    Women’s Auxiliary Legacy of Love Virtual Benefit and Fashion Show, April 8
    The Women’s Auxiliary is hosting its ninth annual Legacy of Love Benefit and Fashion Show, benefiting Children’s Medical Center Plano. The event will be virtual to keep attendees healthy and safe. This year’s event will include inspiring patient stories, interactive virtual experiences, celebrity and designer interviews, a patient fashion show, and high fashion from local designers. Tickets with an enhanced experience receive heavy appetizers, delectable treats, beverages, a box of surprises, and interactive props. For more information and tickets, $60-$600, visit the website.

    AWARE Affair 2021: Celebrate the Moments – Alzheimer’s Myths Unveiled, April 16
    The annual dinner-dance gala is pivoting to a COVID-safer event, offering two options to meet participants' comfort levels. First, it's moving outdoors, to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Guests will meander along the tree-lined paths for chef-driven tasting experiences and botanical cocktails, as well as “AWARE Grant Recipient Gallery” featuring interactive vignettes highlighting the work of the organizations who provide resources to those living with or caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. For those unable to attend in person, AWARE will offer a simulcast Virtual Experience Catering Package, which includes a four-course dinner and wine for two delivered to homes. Tickets start at $350, available on the website.

    No Go Red luncheons this year, but radio personality Kellie Rasberry (right, with Caroline Craddick at 2019 Go Red) will host a virtual and TV event to promote heart health.

    Caroline Kraddick, Kellie Rasberry
      
    Photo by Dana Driensky
    No Go Red luncheons this year, but radio personality Kellie Rasberry (right, with Caroline Craddick at 2019 Go Red) will host a virtual and TV event to promote heart health.
    fundraisersluncheonsgalas
    news/society

    Hot to trot

    Equest Dallas patrons pony up record $700K at blue ribbon-worthy ball

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    May 9, 2025 | 1:45 pm
    Equest Blue Ribbon Gala 2025
    Photo by Tamytha Cameron
    Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

    A sold-out crowd of 570 supporters stampeded into Gilley’s Dallas on April 25 for the 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala. The Western-chic affair, always one of the most highly anticipated galas of spring, would have a record-breaking night.

    Co-chairsKristin and James Hallam and honorary chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor welcomed patrons decked out in cowboy boots and hats to Gilley's, which had been transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest by event designer Steve Kemble. A “disco saddle” centerpiece even hung from the ceiling.

    Emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton welcomed the crowed with a hearty "yee haw!" Equest founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her an Equest organization legend. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client.

    New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to underscore Equest’s mission to provide equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling (much of it free of charge) to children, adults, and veterans. He shared the nonprofit's bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment.

    His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord with the crowd, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

    Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and patrons did that in spades. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles stridently, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. Bidding got fast and furious live auction packages that included fabulous trips (with destinations such as France, Antigua, and Montana) and more. The most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Murad - ever the showman - auction off his own sparkling jacket. It fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber (who clearly loves a good statement piece).

    In total, the gala raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history. The Blue Ribbon Ball's proceeds go directly to equine-assisted therapies and other services provided by Equest; for more information, visit the organization's website.

    Equest Blue Ribbon Gala 2025
      

    Photo by Tamytha Cameron

    Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

    After a night of sipping, dining, and fundraising, patrons tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra.

    Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the evening, were Donna Weitzman, Nancy Greenbach, Natalie Taylor, Therese Rourk, Anne Seanor, Courtney Conley, Maggie Spiegel, Tyler Bridges, Lea LaFortune, Lee and Paul Michaels, Ryan and Kelly Casey, Christina Eubanks, Megan Pharis, Julie Bagley, Laura Johnson, Parker and Katy Brooks, Sharon Lee Clark, Max Clark, Jordan Glasgow, Anna Gresham, Khaki Christopher, Jessie Dornak, Jeff Netzer, Lynn McBee, Sarah and Trey Pederson, Luis Araujo, Amy Green, Kayten Elder, Sila Grogan, Melissa Placet, Tayler Reiter, Danny and Tanya Rice, Tina and Michael Beasom, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.

    news/society
    CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME
    Get Dallas intel delivered daily.
    Loading...