Formal fundraising

Beto O'Rourke makes formal appearance at Dallas' glamorous Black Tie Dinner

Black Tie Dinner has consistently been one of Dallas' most impressive events, so it's no surprise that this year featured Texas' hottest political figure as the headlining speaker: Beto O'Rourke. The U.S. Congressman from El Paso addressed a room full of fans and supporters, all with the common goal of raising funds for the LGBTQ community.

More than 2,500 guests celebrated the 37th annual event at the Sheraton Hotel downtown on November 3 — a few days before O'Rourke's midterm Texas Senate election loss to Ted Cruz. With the theme "Visible," the glamorous evening highlighted ideas of empowerment, education, acceptance, and inclusion.

In addition to O'Rourke, guest speakers and awards recipients included actor and activist Matt Bomer, Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings, actor Erich Bergen, TV personality Jessi Cruickshank, local activist and philanthropist Kay Wilkinson, and speaker Chad Griffin — all greeted with palpable excitement. Kim Petras provided entertainment and comedienne Dana Goldberg served as the luxury auctioneer host.

Co-chaired this year by Nathan Robbins and David Gifford-Robinson, Black Tie Dinner is the largest all-volunteer, one-night LGBTQ fundraiser in the nation, and has raised upwards of $23 million for national and local charities since its 1982 inception. The nonprofit chooses as many as 20 North Texas beneficiaries to receive Black Tie Dinner proceeds, as well as the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

Guests dined on radicchio and frisse salad, pan-roasted beef tenderloin and citrus-scented halibut, a roasted potato gnocchi vegetarian option, and white chocolate cheesecake with macerated berries.

The evening also included a silent auction filled with eye-catching furniture, art, jewelry, and decor. The luxury auction offered enviable travel packages such as a VIP Coachella experience and a $15,000 Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams shopping spree.

Notable attendees spotted in the crowd included Colin Allred (a few days before he won a seat in Congress), Dale Hansen, Chris Hansen, Aida Wondwessen Babalola, Aundrea Gamble Holt, Mey Ly Ortiz, Morgan Cox, and Derrall Hill.

Funds raised at the event will be revealed and distributed at a party December 6 at the Winspear Opera House.

Erich Bergen, Beto O'Rourke

Photo by Sheryl Lanzel

Erich Bergen, Beto O'Rourke

Gala preview

Dallas' most glam fall gala to honor Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron

Universal Pictures Presents "The Odyssey" Paris Premiere

Photo by Pierre Mouton/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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Hollywood star Charlize Theron will be the guest of honor at one of Dallas' hottest-ticket galas of 2026: She will receive amfAR's Award of Inspiration at the organization's black-tie ball on October 24.

For a second year, the glamorous fall fundraiser will take place at the home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby, a release says. Taking over where Dallas' TWO x TWO gala left off when it ended in 2024, the amFAR gala has quickly become one of Dallas' marquee social events, drawing philanthropists, collectors, and high-profile guests in support of amfAR's mission to end HIV/AIDS.

Theron, who won an Oscar for Monster, is currently on a worldwide press tour ahead of her starring role in one of the summer's biggest movies, The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of the Homer epic (opening July 17).

Beyond her film career, Theron serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which supports organizations focused on youth health, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and combating gender-based violence across Southern Africa.

"Charlize Theron’s longstanding support of amfAR and HIV/AIDS care and prevention through her own foundation make her an inspiration to us all," said amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford in a statement. "We are grateful to her for her tireless work and are thrilled to be able to recognize her at our event in Dallas this year."

According to amfAR, programs supported by CTAOP have reached more than 4.8 million young people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theron and the foundation also launched the Together for Her campaign with CARE and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to address gender-based violence, and later partnered with the Ford Foundation to advocate for global vaccine equity.

Founded in 1985, amfAR has invested more than $950 million in research grants supporting HIV/AIDS and other diseases in which viruses and the immune system play a significant role. Over the past 26 years, supporters in North Texas have raised more than $66.5 million to advance amFAR's ongoing HIV research and global health initiatives, the organization says.

This year's gala will feature cocktails, a seated dinner, musical performances, and a live auction offering luxury goods, travel experiences, and contemporary art. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available, starting at $2,500.

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