On November 4, the wait was finally over: the fourth annual Dallas Autumn Ball had arrived. So young professionals got dressed to the nines and headed for Hotel ZaZa not only to party, but also to help improve education in the city.

First stop for supporters: the step-and-repeat, where they posed for pictures before heading inside to dine, drink, and dance. We were particularly impressed by the glamorous getups this evening, especially those worn by Kristina Madsen, Emily Constantino, Thao Li, and Veronica Phillips.

When the doors to the main ballroom swung open, guests grabbed their drink of choice from an open bar and helped themselves to hors d’oeuvre aplenty. Dallas Autumn Ball founder (and CultureMap Top Texan Under 30) Adam Kraus addressed the group, thanking both the sponsors and those who turned out for the sold-out event.

Then it was time to dance the night away to the sounds of Emerald City Band. Attendees — including Shaun Moore, Michelle Keys, Paige Phillips, James Edward, Emily Harris, Jackson Nicholson, Anna Pops, Maddie Reingold, Jamisha Johnson, Kristina Tsavussis, Alexa Jeffus, Lulu Bretherton, Kirby Lindley, and Ashlea Gutierrez — took breaks only to snap pics at the photo booth.

In total, the evening raised $30,000 for Reading Partners of North Texas, which places community volunteers in low-income schools to help students master basic reading skills through one-on-one tutoring.

Founded in 2013, the annual Dallas Autumn Ball is an inclusive black-tie event for civic-minded young adults to unite in the name of giving back and celebrating charity in a festive, philanthropic environment. Since its inception, DAB has donated more than $85,000 to Dallas education organizations.

Shaun Moore, Michelle Keys, Paige Phillips, James Edward

  

Photo by WJNPHOTO

Shaun Moore, Michelle Keys, Paige Phillips, James Edward