If you're a young professional in Dallas with a desire to do good in the community, then this is the list for you. Dallas CASA kicked off the fundraising season with the inaugural Casablanca on January 30, and the charity continues at these spring social events, where their fellow YPs will be, raising funds for causes ranging from eradicating domestic violence to the arts.
Masquerade
February 6, Empire Room
Quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events on the Dallas YP scene, this masquerade-themed bash features a lively casino, dancing, drinking, and heavy hors d'oeuvre. Guests are sure to dance the night away thanks to musical entertainment by Cuvee. Proceeds allow Genesis Women's Shelter to provide comprehensive domestic violence recovery services to women and children in need. Tickets start at $75.
Bootlegger's Ball
February 27, Belo Mansion
The Slipper Club of Dallas hosts its 20th annual charity gala in black-tie fashion. In addition to a silent auction, expect a raffle and casino games. All proceeds benefit the I Have A Dream program that assists underprivileged, at-risk youths in low-income, inner-city communities and provides them assistance and support to help them stay in school. Tickets start at $200 per pair.
Ronald McDonald House Young Friends Party
March 17, The Foundry
If you're looking for a traditional, Texas-style shindig, this is it. Held on St. Patrick's Day and themed "Cactus and Clovers," the party mixes Irish and Western themes. The laid-back evening features a silent auction, dinner, dancing, and music by the Ray Johnson Band. Proceeds help serve and sustain families when serious illness or injury strikes. Tickets are $100.
Young Texans Against Cancer Chili Cook-off for a Cure
April 2, The Foundry
YTAC Dallas leverages The Foundry's outdoor space and stage for its fourth annual chili cook-off, in which teams compete for bragging rights. Guests sample chili and wash it down with cold beer while listening to live music. Prizes are awarded for best chili as well as team spirit and costumes. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers, and proceeds help YTAC in its quest to raise funds for local cancer research and support organizations.
Art Ball After Party
April 23, Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art Junior Associates have taken on the challenge of hosting the after party for one of the most exclusive charitable events in Dallas. Details have yet to emerge, but when they do, you can find them here. If it's associated with the Art Ball, it's an event you dare not miss.
Echelon 30M Gala
April 30, Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
This annual black-tie event has all the ingredients for fabulous fundraising: dancing, music from Inside Out Band, and a premium bar. Although this is a young professional party, you can expect to see more seasoned local philanthropists — honorary chairs are the Dedman and Sills families — who show up to support the evening's beneficiary, Salvation Army.
Day at the Races
May 7, Lee Park
At this popular event — voted the best on the YP scene in 2014 — attendees dress in Kentucky Derby attire for an afternoon of Southern cuisine, mint juleps, live entertainment, and a silent auction. Naturally, there is a contest for best hat and attire. Tickets have yet to go on sale, but you can find more information here. Proceeds benefit the preservation and conservation of Arlington Hall, as well as the further development of Lee Park.
White Party
June 4, Sixty Five Hundred
For its fourth year, the Young Friends of Wilkinson Center take the fundraising fun from Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar to Sixty Five Hundred. Although the venue has changed, one thing remains the same: It's the hottest young professional party of the season. Don't even think about not wearing white. Tickets go on sale soon: $60 for members and $75 for nonmembers. Wilkinson Center is dedicated to transforming the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen at the YTAC Chili Cook-off for a Cure 2015.
