More than 1,500 guests recently teased their hair and popped their collars for an '80s prom-themed night benefiting AIDS Services of Dallas. The 13th annual No Tie Dinner and Dessert party, presented by Purple Foundation, took over the Frontiers of Flight Museum for "A Night to Remember," all in support of AIDS Services of Dallas.
Chair Leslie Frye, honorary co-chairs Dr. Steven Pounders and Kameron Westcott, and publicity chair Susan Friedman welcomed the totally rad partiers, who entered through a gauzy tunnel strung with twinkle lights and then assumed the traditional "prom pose" for photographers before continuing inside. Kristi Holman of K&L Management was the producing mastermind behind the event.
Cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, chocolates, and even liquid nitrogen ice cream, all from some of the city's finest eateries, greeted the revelers, who were ready to indulge in the evening's titular desserts. The way No Tie works is that groups of people across DFW host social gatherings — from backyard barbecues for as few as 10 people to formal dinners for 30 or more — with guests making a donation of $75 or more to ASD. Then everyone convenes at the big party to celebrate together.
And celebrate they did, with many costumed guests carrying light-up cups that held the signature Totally Tubular cocktail, made with Reyka Icelandic vodka, grapefruit juice, and cranberry juice. The Jam Wows kept the crowd moving with popular '80s hits, while drag queens Patti Le Plae Safe, Star Michaels, Angela Karrmichael, and Analee Pleasured led the crowd in an attempt to break the world record for the most people holding a dessert while dancing to Kenny Loggins' song "Footloose."
Spectacular live and silent auction items included one-of-a-kind experiences and packages, from a four-night stay at Fairmont Chateau Whistler to a Dallas showroom shopping experience at Bungalow 5, and even an Elton John VIP package.
Art enthusiasts enjoyed bidding on a selection of more than 150 art pieces, many of which were original works from local designers. No Tie's art curator and artist Christina Yielding live-painted during the night on the VIP mezzanine, with her resulting masterpiece fetching a high price on the auction block.
Spotted among the balloons were ASD president and CEO Don Maison; ASD board member (and founder of No Tie) Dennis Kershner and his partner John Moreno; former ASD chairman of the board and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Don Neubauer; past No Tie chair David Nelson; Purple Foundation's Chris Huffstutler, Chandler Rasnake, James Hall, and Erik Vasquez; media personality Amy Vanderoef; and Tricia Sims.
Bravo's The Real Housewives of Dallas was filming for the just-announced third season, with cast members D'Andra Simmons, Cary Deuber, Stephanie Hollman, and Brandi Redmond joining Westcott, who passed her crown off to newly elected prom queen LeeAnne Locken. John Rieger joined her as prom king.
AIDS Services of Dallas' mission includes advocacy, education, and the development of affordable housing options and opportunities for both its residents living with HIV/AIDS and economically disadvantaged people. Established in 2001, the all-volunteer nonprofit Purple Foundation has raised more than $750,000 to support local charities that improve the lives of people in the Dallas area who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Steven Pounders, Kameron Westcott, Leslie Frye
Texas Ballet Theater and The Dallas Opera performed together during cocktail hour.Photo by Can Turkyilmaz
Headliner Michael Cavanaugh and honorees Shannon and Ted Skokos.Photo by Can Turkyilmaz
Dinner was served on the Winspear Opera House stage.Photo by Can Turkyilmaz