Party in the Sky

North Texas literacy advocates get lifted to new heights at penthouse party

To kick off Toast to Literacy, its largest fundraiser of the year, Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT) held a penthouse soiree at The House at Victory Park, hosted by Dave Perry-Miller and Ebby Halliday. Supporters indulged in food and drink and toured residences, but they also learned an important lesson about the organization’s mission — and some shocking statistics about literacy in North Texas.

One important fact guests wouldn’t soon forget: One in five adults in Dallas is considered illiterate.

“Imagine the heartbreak of being unable to assist your child with homework or the frustration of trying to apply for a job when you can’t communicate effectively,” said Lisa Hembry, president and CEO of LIFT. “There are more than 850,000 low-literate persons in North Texas who experience this each day. By the year 2030, the number will be close to a million if we don’t reverse the trend.”

In an effort to do just that, on September 18, LIFT will welcome literacy advocates and wine enthusiasts to Union Station in downtown Dallas for seated dinner, live auction and raffle, and keynote speech from bestselling author Matthew Bondurant. New York Times bestselling author Kathleen Kent and Dallas real estate executive C.C. Allen will serve as co-chairs of the fundraiser.

Sponsorships of $5,000 and above entitle those donors to an exclusive pre-dinner wine tasting; individual seats are $200. All proceeds from the event benefit LIFT literacy programs, which help empower learners with reading skills to improve their quality of life.

Founded in 1961, LIFT’s mission is to enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. Each year through the dedication of more than 350 trained volunteers, LIFT serves thousands of adult learners in four program areas: adult basic literacy, GED preparation, English as a second language and family literacy.

LIFT supporters gathered to kick off this year's Toast to Literacy, which takes place September 18.

Kate Watson and husband, toast to literacy kickoff

Photo by Micheal Neal

LIFT supporters gathered to kick off this year's Toast to Literacy, which takes place September 18.

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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