Coronavirus wiped out the entire spring calendar of big fundraising events in Dallas. And, while many charitable luncheons and galas got canceled or moved to an already crowded fall, some are using technology to go digital.
From online auctions to virtual visitors at Zoom meetings, here are five hot high-tech initiatives raising money for worthy causes in Dallas this month.
Junior League of Dallas
Junior League's annual Auction Party is one of the most anticipated events of spring for Dallas young professionals. This year's party, themed, “Deep in the Heart of Dallas,” got canceled. But the community agencies JLD supports still need them, so the group has taken its auction online.
JLD's virtual auction, May 7-14, features more than 275 items including getaways, jewelry, clothes, spa and gym packages, photography packages, items for the home and pet, golf outings, kids' items, restaurant gift cards, and more. Bidding ends at 10 pm Thursday, May 14, and items will be available for pickup at JLD Headquarters May 21-23. There's even a diamond pull for $50 per ticket.
To view items and join the auction, go here.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra League
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League is hosting an online raffle in place of its annual Savor the Symphony seated dinner. Proceeds benefit the outreach and education programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Raffle items are divided into two tiers. Tier 1 items include a Bravo! Festival in Vail package and a Gold Stradivarius Membership. Tier 1 tickets are one for $500, three for $1,200, five for $2,000. Tier 2 Raffle items include Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala Tickets, Loge Tickets & Dinner, and Sip & Savor and Wine & Dine packages. Tier 2 Tickets are one for $100 and seven for $500. In addition, underwriting sponsorships and "in honor of" donations may be made.
Raffle ticket payments must be received by Wednesday, May 13 to be included in the drawing. Blind drawings will take place on May 22.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the Savor the Symphony website.
AWARE
The annual AWARE Affair gala raises critical funds for organizations that help to fight Alzheimer's. The canceled gala has been turned into an online auction for dozens of fabulous prize packages and experiences. They include gift cards to top Dallas restaurants, fashion accessories and shopping excursions, spa treatments, sports tickets, and luxury hotel stays. Bidding opens at 9 am Friday, May 15 and closes at 8 pm Friday, May 22.
Browse the auction items and register to bid on the event's website.
Girls Inc.
To celebrate 50 years of transforming girls’ lives, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas will hold a virtual gala at 5:30 pm Saturday, May 16. Former WFAA anchor Gloria Campos will host the evening, which will include with a special musical performance by best-selling singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor. Cecilia and Garrett Boone will be honored at the interactive event. The virtual gala is free to attend, but registration is required by May 15.
The goal of Girls Inc. is to provide young girls — especially those in low-income households — with academic and emotional support that will help them overcome obstacles they face growing up.
For more information and registration, visit the event's website.
Equest
Equest provides equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities, as well as veterans. The organization has made a creative pivot after the loss of its big spring gala.
Equest’s therapy horses are making cameo appearances on company video conference calls. Customers can reserve 10 minutes live with one of Equest’s 30 therapy horses — miniature or full-sized — or Taco the miniature donkey, for a $50 donation. Money raised helps support Equest’s mission to provide hope and healing through the human-horse connection.
To schedule a horse appearance, call 972-412-1099 with the date and time of the video conference, payment information, and horse preference. Horses are available weekdays, 9 am-5 pm, on a limited basis.
For more information and to view the horses, visit Equest's website.
Madison Finley, Brooke Grewcock, and Holly Schlein at the 2019 Junior League Auction Party. It is happening online now.
Kelcey Wetterberg and Nate Crnkovich were married in a two-day extravaganza, December 30 and 31, 2024. Photo by DGass Photography via People magazine. 
Christie Brinkley, Gloria Campos. Photo by Tamytha Cameron 
Post Malone performed at Cattle Baron's Ball. Photo by Adam Degross 
Laura Pierson (in Lela Rose), Francis Harrison (in St. John) Julianne Santarosa (in Terry John), Bailey Harrison (in Sue Gragg), Sharon Lee Clark (in Ese Azenabor), Caroline Harrison (in Sue Gragg) Photo by Ashley Gongora