The Junior League of Dallas’ fundraising prowess is matched only by its ability to throw a grand gala. The 54th annual JLD ball, themed “To Dallas With Love,” not only was a nod to James Bond, but also a tribute to the women themselves, who serve as charitable secret agents throughout the community.
Ball chair Ashley Allen, along with honorary chair Debbie Oates, tapped Tom Addis Productions to create the 007 evening, held at the Hilton Anatole. During the reception, beautifully dressed attendees — Meredith Mosley, Bonner Allen, Isabell Novakov, Ashlee and Trey Weidner, Christie Carter, Julie Bagley, Susan Wells Jenevein, Melissa and Steve Cooksey, Catherine and Stephen Tolerico, David Sparkman, Greg Nieberding, and Susan and Dean McSherry — posed for pictures in front of iconic James Bond imagery. Throughout dinner and during the after-party, scenes from the films were projected behind the stage while Lone Star Wind Orchestra and Think Big Party with the Bulletproof Brass Band performed.
If anyone needed proof about how seriously these Junior Leaguers take their commitment to service, the evening’s program was 80 pages long — many filled with details about beneficiary organizations. Grouped by category — arts and cultural enrichment, education, family preservation, poverty prevention — the list includes worthy nonprofits such as Boys & Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and dozens more.
The Junior League of Dallas is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. JLD members provide more than 130,000 hours of community service each year, while making sure that each donated dollar works its hardest to help those in Dallas who need it most.
Tim Johnston, Melissa Johnston, Kristen Baker, Jeff Baker
