As one of the first events of spring society season, not to mention an essential party for young professionals, CASAblanca is a guaranteed glamorous night of gambling (with fake money, of course), dancing, and donating.
As always, proceeds from this year's sold-out event benefit Dallas CASA, which helps recruit, train, and supervise community volunteers that serve as advocates for local children in foster care. With that in mind, hundreds of YPs arrived at The Hall on Dragon ready to throw down dollars as well as dice.
After posing for pics at the photo booth and in front of the step-and-repeat, guests could either get down to betting business or browse the sumptuous silent auction, all while sipping watermelon margaritas studded with smoking dry ice.
Chairs Anuka Dhakal, Brooke Donelson, and Melissa Wongbust led the crowd to bust a move on the dance floor, with The Special Edition Band providing a high-energy soundtrack all night long.
Spotted on the dance floor and at the tables were Keaton and Michelle Mai, Christina Stephenson, Mike Feather, Michael and Cristina Swartz, Melody and Maurice Tisbe, Christina Nelson, Taylor Pearson, Latisha Chaney, Nicole Streich, Emily Black, Daniel Lopez, Tara Mulvey, Lacey Spell, Carson and Lizzy May, Tyre Wilson, Juan Nevarez, Sandra Martinez, Stephanie Felton, Scott Nixon, Rowan Gilvie, Liv Murphy, Rylie Hoover, Jeff Hummel, Maddie Kress, Kenzie Radke, Lauren Goodson, Chase Davis, Jordan and Chandler Dinardo, Lindsay and Jarrod Williams, Chance and Christy Woodard, Careyann and Corey Thomas, and Madi Wheeler.
In between shouts of "Red!" and "Blackjack!," attendees enjoyed passed appetizers and a well-stocked bar. Chefs served up veggie fried rice in traditional Chinese take-out containers, before ending the evening with take-home fried chicken biscuits.
Extra-special guests gathered in the roped-off VIP area, sponsored by Megan and Tom Sterquell.
All those hard-won chips translated into raffle tickets for prizes, such as a mirror ball-decorated bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a gift basket custom-made for hard-core coffee lovers.
CASAblanca began as a way to raise awareness among young Dallas citizens of the critical role an advocate can play in the life of a child living in foster care. Dallas CASA Young Professionals is an outreach, volunteer, and fundraising arm for Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). The group is open to anyone ages 21 to 40 who wants to make a difference in the lives of abused children.
Photo by Ray Carlin
