Big Dreams Come True

Dallas gala fetes 40 years of making big dreams come true for Latino families

What: The Concilio Big Dreams Gala

Where: On the Levee

The 411: The Concilio, a Dallas nonprofit with a mission to build stronger communities by creating opportunities for Latino families, celebrated its milestone 40th anniversary at a gala that also marked the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month.

On September 15, Concilio patrons, supporters, and local and state dignitaries gathered for a festive event that included Latin-inspired cuisine, Ballet Folklorico dancers, and fireworks to end the night.

Guests were given a warm welcome by Concilio board chair Whitney Strauss, president and CEO Florencia Velasco Fortner, and Sandra Rosa with presenting sponsor Santander. They recognized the two women who put the event together, Monica Lira Bravo and Bridget Lopez, as well as The Concilio's co-founders, Nellie Tafalla and Gus Gonzales.

A video introduced Claudia Juarez, a 2012 graduate of one of The Concilio’s parent engagement programs who began her career in housekeeping and now owns a staffing service. She shared how the organization equipped her to help her son, Alberto Garcia, pursue his dream of going to college and becoming an entrepreneur.

The presenters recounted the myriad ways that the organization has helped families, especially during the pandemic. Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson then read a congratulatory resolution.

In total, the event raised $227,000 to support Latino families.

Who: Judge Clay Jenkins, Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Alberto Bravo, Herlinda Resendiz, Deb Richard, State Representative Victoria Neave Criado, Beatriz Joseph, Dr. Elba Garcia, Claudia Rivas, Laura Leathers, Katie Doherty, Rachel Wilson, Rani Khamesva, Michelle Hicks Jorge Bastida, Adriana De Urquidi, Pauline Guerra, Kenneth Gonzalez, Monica Christopher, Brent Christopher, and many more.

Photo by Simon Luna

Jorge Bastida, Adriana De Urquidi, Pauline Guerra, Kenneth Gonzalez

fundraisers galas

Alfresco evening

Dallas’ Klyde Warren Park patrons party under the stars to raise $1.1M

Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Kelly Alexander

Trevor and Kellen Smith, Jess Bass Bolander and Tyler Bolander.

WHAT: Party in the Park

WHERE: Klyde Warren Park

THE 411: Dallas’ favorite green space sparkled under the city lights as the nonprofit Klyde Warren Park celebrated its 13th anniversary on October 9. Presented by Republic National Distributing Company, the open-air bash drew 960 guests and raised an impressive $1.1 million to keep the beloved urban oasis thriving.

Party in the Park 2025 Myrna and Bob Schlegel, Margot Perot.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Kelly Alexander

The evening kicked off with a lively cocktail reception beside the Nancy Best Fountain, hosted by First United Bank, where guests mingled amid the sound of splashing water and the glow of downtown’s skyline. A starlit supper sponsored by SMU followed, with HALL wines flowing freely and the scene set by lush florals and sleek décor from Todd Events.

Entertainment was as dazzling as the setting. Texas-born singer-songwriter Erin Duvall opened the show with a soulful performance before the crowd hit the dance floor for Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees, the world’s top Bee Gees tribute band. Sequins, shimmer, and a whole lot of disco fever kept guests grooving late into the night.

Guided by honorary co-chairs Debbie and John Tolleson and their children Amy and Peter Baldwin and Kacy and Carter Tolleson, who served as event co-chairs, the celebration underscored Klyde Warren Park’s vital role as Dallas’ town square.

Party in the Park 2025 Peter and Amy Baldwin, John and Debbie Tolleson, Kacy and Carter Tolleson.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Kelly Alexander

Since opening in 2012, the park has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors annually and hosted over 1,300 free community programs each year.

WHO: Jason and Porschla Kidd, Klyde Warren Park president and CEO Kit Sawers, Myrna and Bob Schlegel, Margot Perot, Paul von Wupperfeld and Andy Smith, Lynn McBee, Jennifer Staubach Gates, Jody and Sheila Grant, Lyda Hill, Randy and Nancy Best, James and Kristen Hallam, Brent and Monica Christopher, Gillian Breidenbach, Aleta Stampley, Michelle Fojtasek, Brendan and Helen McGuire, Calvert Collins-Bratton and Vince Bratton, Gavin and Caroline Loehr, George and Lindsay Billingsley, Lloyd Pierson and Laura Ginsburg Pierson, Heather and Barrett Linburg, Mary Jalonick, Monica and Brent Christopher, Ray and Heather Washburne, Tori and Ross Mulford, Trevor and Kellen Smith, Jess Bass Bolander and Tyler Bolander, Penny Reid and Tom Nolan, Chantel and Robb Boudreaux, Muffin Lemak, Julie Butler, Lee Cullum, Caren Kline, Theo Ross, Troy and Kari Kloewer.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Kelly Alexander

Trevor and Kellen Smith, Jess Bass Bolander and Tyler Bolander.

fundraisers galas klyde warren park