Ooh La La

Dallas Symphony Orchestra whisks guests to Paris for très chic concert + gala

One of autumn's most elegant galas got an international twist on September 30, when the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center channeled France for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's "An Evening in Paris."

Chaired by Kim and Greg Hext, with Diane and Hal Brierley serving as honorary chairs, the black-tie evening began with an interactive Champagne wall that doubled as a fun photo backdrop.

Twinkling Eiffel Towers dotted the Hart Lobby, and a trio of Young Strings musicians played a charming serenade as guests found their seats for a dinner of Aberdeen Angus filet mignon.

Following the live auction, where such packages as four nights at a Cabo penthouse and golf with DSO music director Fabio Luisi raised big bucks, the crowd headed into the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall for the program.

They were welcomed by DSO’s president and CEO Kim Noltemy, the Hexts, and Cece Smith, chair of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Board of Governors.

“Throughout its history, the Dallas Symphony has been a driving force in developing Dallas’ cultural identity as a vibrant international city,” said Noltemy. “Now one of the top orchestras in the country, the DSO connects with millions of people locally and around the world each year through concerts, recordings, radio broadcasts, online and TV shows, and education programs.”

“Art and music are an integral part of a well-rounded education, and the educational programming that tonight’s event supports enhances our community and opens doors for our city’s youth,” said Hext. “The Dallas Symphony is one of our city’s greatest treasures.”

After her remarks, Hext introduced Smith, who further highlighted the DSO’s education initiatives, including the new Jeanne R. Johnson Education Center, slated to open in fall 2024.

“The Dallas Symphony’s education programs are a bold investment in the future of this city,” said Smith. “We are proud to have one of the most robust instrument training programs in the country, serving more than 900 students each year.”

Noltemy recognized the 2023 gala sponsors, including Capital One and J.P. Morgan Chase, as well as members of the Dallas City Council and several arts community leaders who were in attendance, including Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins and Paul Ridley.

Gala patrons enjoyed a performance led by Luisi, which featured mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, who dazzled in her DSO debut with selections from Bizet’s Carmen; and a stunning performance of Chopin favorites by pianist Emanuel Ax.

Among those showing their support for the 2023 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala were: Lucy and Henry Billingsley, Mary Cook McDermott and Dan Patterson, Grace Cook, Carol and Don Glendenning, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Zenetta Drew, Marena and Roger Gault, Tara Lewis and John Swords, Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger, Jan Miller and Jeffrey Rich, Anne and Steve Stodghill, Venise and Lawrence Stuart, and Donna and Herb Weitzman, the chairs of last year's gala.

During the afterparty, appropriately themed “Midnight in Paris” and chaired by Jane Humphrey and Samantha Wortley, guests queued for macarons, petit fours, crepes, coffee, and custom cocktails before dancing the night away to a rousing set by Q the Band. (Slippers were helpfully provided for anyone seeking comfort from too-high heels.)

Proceeds from the gala benefit the DSO’s education and community programs. Next year's gala is already set for September 28, 2024, so mark your calendars.

Photo by Kristina Bowman

Gala chairs Greg and Kim Hext.

Humans, Horses, Hope

Run for the Roses theme spurs Equest’s 45th anniversary Dallas gala

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Nancy Gopez, Lynn McBee, Steve Kemble, Maggie Cooke Kipp

While spring rainstorms swirled around Dallas-Fort Worth on a recent Saturday night, Gilley’s Dallas reined in one of the city’s most hot-to-trot crowds for Equest’s milestone 45th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Gala.

The sold-out April 25 event drew 600 supporters - outfitted in swingy sequin frocks and polished cowboy boots - to honor more than four decades of transforming lives through equine-assisted therapies and activities.

Chaired by Melinda and Mark Knowles, with Lynn McBee serving as honorary chair, the gala glittered a little more than usual - no surprise with event designer Steve Kemble overseeing a “Run for the Roses” theme. Guests stepped into a dramatic sea of red, with cascading roses, luxe linens, and a whimsical cowboy boot-shaped disco ball setting a glamorous Texas-meets-Kentucky Derby tone.

The evening began with cocktails and silent auction bidding before guests sat for a three-course dinner. After the Rev. Kenneth H. Brannon offered the invocation, mistress of ceremonies Calvert Collins-Bratton guided the program, which included a Color Guard presentation, moving client testimonials, and fundraising opportunities led by auctioneer Louis Murad.

One of the evening’s most poignant moments came when Equest co-founder Susan Schwartz and Adam Telessy of Fred Astaire Dance Studios performed a memorial dance tribute. Schwartz returned to honor Leslie and Hawkins Golden with the Founders Award.

Equest CEO Eric Lindh presented the 2026 Citation Award to Carol Huckin and gave the crowd of patrons and supporters a vision of the future of the organization.

Equest’s guiding message — “Humans. Horses. Hope.” — was woven throughout the night. The organization, founded in 1981, provides equine-facilitated therapies, counseling, and therapeutic horsemanship to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, and learning disabilities, as well as veterans through its Hooves for Heroes program. In 2025 alone, Equest directly served 727 individuals and reached more than 1,500 others through outreach and education, they say.

After an evening celebrating Equest’s 45 years of impact, guests took to the dance floor to the sounds of Jordan Kahn's Manhattan Orchestra.

Among those in attendance were committee members, including: Underwriting co-chairs Nancy Carlson, Alison Malone, and Stacey Walker; auction co-chairs Maggie Cooke Kipp and Nancy Gopez; patron party chair Amy Turner; reservation chair Bonner Allen; and hundreds of VIPs and supporters including Chuck Steelman, Julie Moran, Daniel Valentine, Sarah Valentine, Denise Vrana, Tad Vrana, Anne Ray, Robert Ray, Fonda Arbetter, Shelly Hammer, Carol Huckin, Paige Locke, Chuck Locke, Lisa Laughlin, Peter Weeks, Kay Weeks, Ashling Besgen, Matthew Besgen, Blake Frye, Heather Wiese, Callie Wade, Amanda Gadison, Amy Green, Luis Araujo, Karla Noone, Andrew Noone, Kevin Ward, Meredith McKay, John Riveria, Nico Zevallos, Mackenzie Sork, William Avondet, Harley Cozewith, Blane Balch, and many more.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Nancy Gopez, Lynn McBee, Steve Kemble, Maggie Cooke Kipp

fundraisers charity equest equest blue ribbon ball galas