Dallas Datebook

The 10 most fantastic fall fêtes that no Dallas socialite should miss

Somehow the lazy days of summer have come and gone, and the fall social season is officially upon us. From star-studded luncheons to extravagant galas, Dallas plays host to any and every kind of philanthropic fete this fall. They benefit the arts community, health initiatives, LGBTQ causes, and more. Here are 10 top events that every Dallas socialite should have on the calendar.

Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Luncheon, September 14
This luncheon unofficially marks the beginning of fall social season in Dallas. Luncheon chair Heather Esping welcomes guests to Neiman Marcus Downtown, where honorees — Anita Arnold, Delilah Boyd, Lisa Cooley, Jennifer Dix, Tucker Enthoven, Cate Ford, Cara French, Amy Hegi, Kimberly Whitman, and Piper Wyatt — will rock Oscar de la Renta down the runway. Robyn Conlon is the 2018 Hall of Fame honoree.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala, September 15
Event chairs Lisa and Bob Segert helped recruit Tony Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth to join the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for an evening of her favorite Broadway show tunes, love songs, and classical repertoire. After the reception and concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center, the party will keep singing and swinging at the After Party. And, new this year: An upgrade to the "VIP Experience" includes an After Midnight Party from midnight-2 am at Dallas hot spot The Tipsy Alchemist.

TACA Lexus Party on the Green, October 5
The Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park at the AT&T Performing Arts Center will be transformed into the bubbly-fueled fete for a good cause. There will be great food, live entertainment, and a silent auction and wine pull. Ann Mahowald and Ann Whitley Wood are the chairs tasked with making this traditionally late spring soiree the new "it" fall event. Individual tickets are $350 and benefit the North Texas arts and cultural community.

Dallas Opera First Sight/ First Night, October 11-12
The glittering two-day affair brings together Dallas' fashion lovers and opera lovers like no other event of the year. The festivities start at The Winspear Opera House with a fashion show showcasing designs from CH Carolina Herrera, followed by a lovely luncheon, chaired by Joyce Goss. First Night event chairs Shelle and Dr. Michael Sills then will welcome opera fans back the following night for a performance of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman. Both the pre-performance dinner and a late-night after party will take place under a luxe tent on the grounds of the Winspear.

Cattle Barons Ball, October 20
Gilley's Dallas has become the go-to location for this Dallas extravaganza that helps the American Cancer Society stomp out cancer. Event chairs Jonika Nix and Katy Bock have scored one of the hottest acts in country music — Zac Brown Band — along with the Charlie Daniels Band, for the Sapphire & Spurs-themed party. This is one of the city's favorite annual events, and not just because you get to wear jeans and boots.

Two x Two for AIDS and Art, October 27
This star-studded black-tie gala and art auction, now in its 20th year, is always one of the highest-profile parties of the season. And with Tim Headington serving as 2018 gala chairman, the sky might not be the limit at the Rachofsky House. This year's gala will honor artist Dana Schutz, and actor Alan Cumming will serve as master of ceremonies. The event jointly benefits amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

Black Tie Dinner, November 3
The 37th annual celeb-fueled gala, taking place at the Sheraton Dallas, helps raise crucial funds for LGBTQ supportive organizations serving North Texas. Expect to see local and national figures, enjoy live entertainment, recognition rewards, auctions, and more at this, the nation's largest, one-night LGBTQ fundraising dinner. It has raised over $21 million since its inception. This year's theme is "Visible;" more details will be available here as they are confirmed.

Dallas Women’s Foundation Luncheon, November 7
Event Chairs Lael Brodsky and Tricia Miller will welcome 1,500 guests to the Hilton Anatole for this powerful luncheon. This year's event features a discussion with A Wrinkle in Time and Selma director Ava DuVernay, moderated by noted radio journalist Michele Norris. The annual luncheon is the foundation’s main fundraiser in support of its work to advance women’s economic security, leadership, childcare access, and healthcare in North Texas. Men are encouraged to attend, too.

Junior League of Dallas Milestones Luncheon, November 16
Two-time Oscar nominated, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress Laura Dern will headline Junior League's annual luncheon. Dern has appeared in iconic films such as Jurassic Park, Rambling Rose, and Wild. She won her first Emmy in 2017 for her role in the HBO series Big Little Lies. The Milestones Luncheon is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund. Ambassador Jeanne L. Phillips is being honored. Co-chairs are Nicole Brewer and Natalie Lesikar.

Crystal Charity Ball, December 1
The gala of all Dallas galas is set to impress once again as Claire Emanuelson chairs this year's ball, themed “A Celebration in Nouvelle-Orléans." As always, the event will take place in the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole and all proceeds benefit the eight deserving, local charities that were selected as this year's beneficiaries.

Dan Hunt, Toni Munoz-Hunt, Sabrina Harrison, and Field Harrison at the 2017 Crystal Charity Ball.

Dan Hunt, Toni Munoz-Hunt, Sabrina Harrison, Field Harrison, crystal Charity 2017

Photo by WJNPHOTO

Dan Hunt, Toni Munoz-Hunt, Sabrina Harrison, and Field Harrison at the 2017 Crystal Charity Ball.

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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.

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