Fundraising pivot

The latest Dallas spring charity soirees to reveal pandemic-safer plans

Turtle Creek Conservancy Day at the Races 2019

None of this gathering and yelling at the TV. This year's Day at the Races will involved a "Derby in a Box."

Photo by George Fiala

Although things are starting to feel "pre-pandemic normal" as more Dallas-Fort Worth residents get vaccinated against COVID-19, large gatherings still aren't safely feasible. So local nonprofits continue to come up with creative ways to raise important funds for their operations and services. Below are the newest ones to announce pandemic-safer plans — outdoor events, live streams, and some hybrid happenings. (You'll find more here, here, and here.) Click to join in the fun they have planned for good causes.

RB Charity 15 golf tournament series, April 10-September 25
While an outdoor golf tournament isn't necessarily a "pandemic pivot," the RB Charity 15 event raises money for other nonprofits that have not been able to raise as much for themselves during the COVID-19 crisis. Last year, the series raised over $100,000 for 10 North Texas charities suffering the financial effects of coronavirus, and this year, it seeks to raise at least $150,000 for 15 nonprofits throughout Jack and Wise counties. The first tournament takes place Saturday, April 10, benefiting Casa of Wise and Jack Counties. Events are then scheduled through September 25 — all at the top-rated RB Golf Club & Resort in Runaway Bay. The highest scoring tournament players at each tournament will be invited to compete for $15,000 in prize money at the second annual RB Golf Club & Resort Invitational in October. The entry fee for each tournament is $100-$250. For more details and to sign up, visit www.rbgolf.com/charity15.

The Firehouse Theatre Dream Big Virtual Gala, April 18
The Firehouse Theatre's one-night-only "Dream Big" Gala will stream at 7 pm Sunday, April 18. In addition to a variety of performances, a silent auction, and donor-sponsored song dedications, patrons will enjoy the unveiling of six musicals coming to the new season, as well as information about The Firehouse Theatre University – an expanded education initiative – led by Broadway’s Ashley Kate Adams. Master of ceremonies Craig Boleman will lead an evening full of performances by top-notch Dallas actors including Owen Beans, Nick Hill, Bethany Lorentzen, Tomas Moquete, Jamie Perrin, Lauren Scott, Lindsey Kay Smith, Jason Craig West, Katie Moyes Williams, and more. The theater will also host a VIP Watch Party in the ballroom at The Victoria Restaurant, where attendees will be expected to follow specific Risk Mitigation and Code of Conduct protocols. Tickets to the VIP Watch Party (including dinner) are $70 for an individual, $125 for a couple, and $350 for a table for six. Tickets to stream the gala are $15 for a single stream and $25 for a family stream. More information and tickets on the website.

Dwell with Dignity Thrift Studio Live, April 19-30
Dwell with Dignity's popular Thrift Studio, one of the first events to go virtual last year, is returning as a hybrid experience in 2021. The spring edition of the charity shopping event will offer both in-person shopping and inspiring vignettes created by interior designer Zara Taitt, on April 19-30. Guests can shop virtually 24/7 at www.thriftstudio.com/live or in-person at a West Village pop-up shop at 3699 McKinney Ave #103, on April 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30 between 10 am-4 pm. Masks are required, and social distancing encouraged. Both shopping experiences will feature artfully designed vignettes and unique home décor items. Pieces will be available to purchase at extreme discounts with all proceeds benefiting Dwell with Dignity’s mission to transform lives through design for those struggling with homelessness and poverty. Additionally, Thrift Studio Live will showcase designers of color; the talent will be curated by celebrity interior designer Nikki Chu. A special, pre-Earth Day shopping event will take place 5-7 pm April 21. For more information, visit www.dwellwithdignity.org.

Turtle Creek Conservancy's Day at the Races Hybrid Event, May 1
After last year's successful "Derby in a Box" at-home event, Turtle Creek Conservancy is making this year's Day at the Races party a hybrid fundraiser. Patrons can enjoy the Kentucky Derby-themed fete two ways. 1) The “Derby in a Box” can be ordered and picked up or delivered at home so virtual attendees can host their own Derby party and watch the live event broadcast from Turtle Creek Park. 2) Those who want to venture out can head to Turtle Creek Park with or without their "Derby in a Box" kit and picnic without watching the live stream. The streamed event will include a hat contest, live and silent auctions, running of Kentucky Derby, and more. “Derby in a Box” includes biscuits with ham, smoked salmon, cheese and cracker platter, macarons, mini Kentucky Derby pies, mini bourbon for Mint Juleps, and more. Each box serves two to four people and costs $150. Buy the boxes and find out more on the website.

Dallas Summer Musicals' Virtual Fun Run "Bolt to Broadway and Back," May 8-31
Dallas Summer Musicals' first-ever virtual fun run and step challenge will take place in May with a goal to raise $15,000 and complete 3,000 miles, equaling one round trip from the Music Hall at Fair Park to Times Square in New York City and back. All proceeds will support DSM’s Give A Kid A Seat, a fundraising campaign that provides thousands of youth from underserved communities in North Texas free and subsidized tickets to attend DSM’s Broadway shows. The race officially begins May 8, and participants can register now until the final day of the race, May 31. The fun run and step challenge can be completed from any location and miles can be tracked via fitness devices or entered manually. Steps from other activities like the elliptical, biking, golfing count, too. The grand prize is a trip to New York City. For more information and registration, visit the website.

health fundraisers

Park news

Dallas civic leader Calvert Collins-Bratton named Klyde Warren Park CEO

Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the new executive director of Klyde Warren Park.

A respected figure in Dallas philanthropy and parks is stepping into a new leadership role: Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the next president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, beginning September 1.

Collins-Bratton succeeds Kit Sawers, who led the park for eight years; her final day in the role was July 20.

The transition comes as Klyde Warren enters its next phase, including a recently announced expansion that will add 1.7 acres over Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

Collins-Bratton most recently served as chief relationships officer at Communities Foundation of Texas, where she oversaw fundraising, donor engagement, corporate philanthropy, and community partnerships, a press release notes. Her ties to Klyde Warren Park stretch back more than a decade through her service as chair of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, where she advocated for investments in public spaces. She's also been a longtime donor and supporter of the park.

"Few people understand the significance and potential of Klyde Warren Park as deeply as Calvert does," foundation board chairman Jody Grant says in the release. "She has been an advocate for public spaces throughout Dallas, a trusted philanthropic leader, and a longtime supporter of the Park. Her experience and expertise make her exceptionally qualified to lead Klyde Warren Park into the future."

Klyde Warren Park has recently announced an ambitious expansion project. Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Before joining Communities Foundation of Texas, Collins-Bratton was vice president of communications and strategic events for Methodist Health System Foundation. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade as a television reporter and anchor in Omaha, Las Vegas, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

She was selected following a national search led by former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, a member of the Klyde Warren Park Foundation board.

As president and CEO, Collins-Bratton will oversee the park's operations, programming, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and long-term vision as the 5.4-acre deck park continues to grow.

"Klyde Warren Park is one of Dallas' great success stories and one of the most beloved gathering places in our city," Collins-Bratton says. "I look forward to working with the Foundation's board, staff, donors, partners, and community supporters to build on its incredible momentum and ensure its impact continues to grow for generations to come."

In a separate, farewell note, Sawers announced she'll become CEO of the newly created SMU Dallas Office on August 3. She called leading Klyde Warren Park one of the greatest privileges of her career.

"I leave knowing the Park is exceptionally well positioned for the future. It has a talented and dedicated team, an engaged Board, strong community support and exciting opportunities ahead, including a 1.7-acre expansion," Sawers wrote. "The overwhelming response to this summer’s World Cup watch parties once again demonstrated the Park’s unique ability to bring our community together."

Since opening in 2012, Klyde Warren Park has become one of Dallas' signature public spaces, drawing more than 2 million visitors annually with free concerts, fitness classes, festivals, food trucks, and other community programming, they say. The park recently unveiled plans for a $175 million expansion that will nearly double its event lawn and add new green space, play areas, and pedestrian connections.

Collins-Bratton's appointment comes on the heels of another key Dallas leadership announcement: That of Ahava Silkey-Jones as executive director of the Dallas Arts District.

executives parks klyde warren park