Doing good in Dallas is also fun if you're a young professional — especially with this guide to the most charitable YP events of the spring season.
CASAblanca kicked off the year on January 28, followed by the Slipper Club Gala & Silent Auction on February 4, but trust us: there's plenty more revelry to be had. From fighting cancer with the ultimate chili cook-off to a black-tie gala benefiting the Salvation Army to everyone's favorite Young Friends of Wilkinson Center White Party, these are the events you should put on your calendar immediately.
Ronald McDonald House Young Friends Party
March 3, Community Beer Co.
Already in its 14th year, this annual shindig hosted by the YPs of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is a spring staple. The Jordan Kahn Orchestra gets this dance party started, with Community Beer Co. brews and tasty offerings from Food Glorious Food to satiate those late-night cravings — because the party doesn't stop 'til midnight. Proceeds help provide a home-away-from-home for families of children receiving serious medical treatment. Tickets are $85 for members and $100 for non-members.
Young Texans Against Cancer Chili Cook-Off for a Cure
April 8, The Foundry
Each year, YTAC Dallas pits the best amateur chili masters against each another to raise funds for local organizations specializing in cancer research and patient outreach. Teams cook up their best chili dishes and battle it out for bragging rights while guests sample each station. A huge outdoor patio, live music, and lots and lots of beer keep the party simmering all afternoon. Tickets are $25 for members, $35 for non-members, and $40 at the door.
Yellow Rose Gala
April 8, Renaissance Dallas Hotel
This blooming affair is so buzzworthy it’s earned a place on two must-attend spring event lists — not only because the Yellow Rose Gala Foundation is our official 2017 charity partner (thanks to your votes), but because the Wynne family revitalized this wildly successful black-tie gala after a 15-year hiatus. Oh, and because they landed music icons The Temptations for this year’s entertainment. For you 20-somethings, go watch My Girl and you’ll get it. Tickets start at $150 and proceeds benefit the National MS Society’s research and initiatives.
Echelon 30M Gala
April 29, Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
We’re anxiously awaiting details on the fifth annual 30M Gala, hosted by the young professionals group that supports the good work of the Salvation Army. But if history truly does repeat itself, then we anticipate killer entertainment like last year’s Inside Out Band to crank up the tunes. Guests can enjoy dressing in spring cocktail or black-tie attire and raising both spirits and funds for the North Texas community. Check back here for details.
Cinco de Derby
May 5, Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens
Last spring, two of the city’s most anticipated Derby soirees fell on the same day, forcing philanthropic YPs to place their bets on one or the other. Fortunately this year that's not the case, which means you’ll need two Insta-worthy sundresses and a sombrero. Think Ahead Group’s Cinco de Derby fiesta offers margaritas and Tex-Mex to those sporting guayaberas, while mint juleps will be on hand for seersucker aficionados. Proceeds help Center for BrainHealth and its Discovery Group program improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients. Early bird tickets are $55 and jump to $75 after March 1.
Day at the Races
May 6, Lee Park
The Lee Park Junior Conservancy does Derby right, and if you can’t make it to Churchill Downs, it’s the next best place to be. Come dressed in your Sunday best and spend the afternoon sipping mint juleps, playing lawn games, strolling the park, snacking on Southern fare, and dancing to live music. You’ll definitely want to splurge on a head-turning hat — this is a competition, after all. Tickets are $125 and have yet to go on sale, but your purchase supports the preservation and conservation of Arlington Hall, and further developments of Lee Park.
The White Party
June 10, Saint Ann Restaurant Bar & Grill
After a brief stint at Sixty Five Hundred last year, the party planners at Young Friends of Wilkinson Center are moving the late-night fête back to Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar. Which we don't mind because we just want to be there — wherever there is. And you will too, because when else can you rock a little white cocktail dress in June without breaking the cardinal wedding guest rule? The only fashion faux pas here is flaunting any other color. Tickets are $100 and proceeds help local families facing difficult times maintain self-sufficiency, dignity, and respect.
