A Royally Good Time

Greer Garson Gala ensures royal treatment for Texas Health advocates

More than 350 supporters were in for a royally good time at the annual Greer Garson Gala. Themed “A Royal Affair,” attendees jumped the pond, so to speak, for an evening filled with dinner, dancing and proper fun at the Omni Dallas hotel.

Guests rolled the dice at casino tables, placed their bids in the silent and live auctions, and purchased royal surprise bags — all in the name of fundraising for the Margot Perot Center for Women and Infants at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. With tickets sales and sponsorships included, the event raised more than $250,000 for this important institution.

For a greater understanding of the center’s good work, patrons — including Sharon and Luke Gorman, Nikki and Marc Fein, and Nanci and Len McKenzie — watched a video (see below) featuring Keri Tonn, David Heard, Kelly and Chuck Crider, and Mary Ellen and William Kendall. Each of the three families navigated difficult circumstances surrounding pregnancy and childbirth, so they shared their experiences at the Margot Perot Center for Women and Infants at Texas Health Dallas.

“My husband David and I were so honored to be a part of this great tradition,” said chair Keri Tonn. “It was inspiring to see how generous Dallasites are to their community and to critical needs at Texas Health Dallas.”

After a magnificent meal prepared by chef Bryce Dahlgren (think Cabernet-braised short ribs and creamy lobster couscous), partygoers — decked out in royal props, of course — let loose in the photo booth. And, just as every good gala should, the evening closed out with a performance by popular Beatles cover band Hard Night’s Day.

Texas Health Resources Foundation giving strives to enhance the delivery of quality patient care by joining with committed donors to sustain the long-term fiscal viability of Texas Health Resources. The foundation raises funds that support clinical, educational and research programs across the Texas Health system.

Kirsten Carter, Preston Simons, Chirstina Buss, Zack Pucheu

Kirsten Carter, Preston Simons, Christina Buss, Zack Pucheu, Greer Carson Gala

Photo by Kristina Bowman and Lara Bierner

Kirsten Carter, Preston Simons, Chirstina Buss, Zack Pucheu

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Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

Jazz and classical mix at Dallas Symphony Orchestra's New Orleans-style gala

Photo by Kristina Bowman

Patrick Means, Laura Harris-Means, Cassandra Johnson, Avery Johnson.

For one night only, Dallasites got to pretend they were in the Big Easy without ever leaving Texas. More than 420 guests gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on September 28 for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's gala, themed this year around the colorful culture of New Orleans.

The evening began with a champagne cocktail reception featuring the David Washburn Jazz Band playing New Orleans-style jazz on the Meyerson’s radial staircase. When the time came to transition to dinner service, members of the DSO Young Musicians played “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In” and led a second-line-style procession down the steps and through the lobby.

DSO gala 2024 It'd be impossible not to follow them.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Gala chairs Laura Harris-Means and Patrick Means, along with honorary chairs Cassandra and Avery Johnson, followed with umbrellas waving above their heads to signal to guests that it was time to be seated for an elegant dinner. The New Orleans theme continued with a Creole-inspired menu that included filet of beef, blackened Gulf prawns, asparagus, dauphinoise potatoes, and tricolored carrots.

DSO gala 2024. Patrick Means and Laura Harris-Means led the second line.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Spotted at the tables were Venise and Larry Stuart, Marena and Roger Gault, Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld, Rachel and John Koryl, Chuck Steelman, Nancy A. Nasher, David J. Haemisegger, Grace Cook, Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, and District 14 Councilmembers Paul Ridley and Jamie Resendez.

After dinner, guests moved into the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall to enjoy world-renowned pianist Lang Lang in his first appearance with the DSO orchestra since the 2016 DSO gala.

The sold-out concert begin with Dallas Symphony Association chair of the Board of Governors Cece Smith thanking the 1,700 concert attendees. Smith then introduced Michelle Miller Burns, the DSO’s new president and CEO, who reminded the crowd that proceeds from the evening support the DSO’s education programs, including the Young Strings and The Kim Noltemy Young Musicians programs. These programs touch the lives of more than 243,000 North Texas residents annually, including more than 30,000 children.

DSO gala 2024 Laura Harris-Means and Young Strings student Patrick Miranda.Photo by Kristina Bowman

The 28 Young Strings, Young Musicians, and Teen Council students who were in the audience then stood to thunderous applause.

And with that, the legendary Lang Lang took to the stage on piano alongside the DSO, conducted by music director Fabio Luisi. On the program were Rachmaninoff’s expressively virtuosic Second Piano Concerto and two encores, Charlotte Sohy’s "Romance" followed by his own arrangement of the Disney/Elton John hit “Can You Feel the Love Tonight."

DSO gala 2024 Lang Lang during the performance.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

After the performance, guests returned to a lobby that had been magically transformed into Club Toulouse, an Cajun-flavored after-party experience with savory snacks, sweet desserts, and dancing to tunes spun by DJ Endolena.

DSO gala 2024 Guests danced their hearts out at the after-party.Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Photo by Kristina Bowman

Patrick Means, Laura Harris-Means, Cassandra Johnson, Avery Johnson.

Next year’s gala is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025.

fundraisers classical music dso concerts galas