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Fashionable philanthropists were on the list for this year's stylish House of DIFFA gala

One of the Dallas society scenes' biggest bashes recently closed out the spring gala season, and as per usual no stops went unpulled.

House of DIFFA, the major fundraising party and fashion show for DIFFA Dallas that's presented by The Louis L. Borick Foundation, lit up the Hilton Anatole on May 13 with more than 1,400 people in attendance. This year's theme was The List, hosted by co-chairs Haley Clark and Richard Rivas.

VIPs showed up early to mingle in the exclusive Don Julio and Ketel One lounge, while other excited patrons marveled at the famous collection of luxury jackets. Pieces from Michael Bush, Joseff of Hollywood, Hive & Colony, Brandon Harris, and Ese Azenabor were all up for bidding, totaling more than 70 custom jackets in all.

Aerialists wowed the crowd during a very busy cocktail hour, and then it was time to head into the ballroom for dinner.

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth performed multiple songs throughout the evening, while also acting as emcee.

After the Style Council Ambassador and DIFFA Legends runway walk it was awards time. The evening's award recipients included:

Ken Downing, Excellence in Fashion Award
Gilead Sciences, Health Award
Lee Borchet, Excellence in Design Award
Justin Bundick, Donna Fishel Community Hero Award
Fern Mallis, Legend In The Fight Against AIDS Award
DIFFA Dallas board chair David White, the Legacy of Love Award

Following the spirited live auction, which included items like a one-of-a-kind Halston fashion experience, a luxury Los Cabos getaway for two, and lots of art, Chenoweth introduced the highly anticipated fashion show presented by JSX.

Fittingly for House of DIFFA's extravagant atmosphere, the first segment was themed to Studio 54 with look-a-likes of Andy Warhol, Deborah Harry, Cher, and Halston taking the runway.

The fashion traveled through different decades and movements, like '80s glam rock, London punk rock/CBGB, Starck club, '80s rap, teen pop, grunge, hip hop, EDM, and closed with the “Metaverse.”

After the grand finale, models led attendees to the afterparty next door, where DJ Adante kept the guests dancing 'til early in the morning.

Ken Downing and models on runway wearing Halston

Photo by Lori Sapio

Ken Downing as Halston, with models on the runway.

DIFFA is one of the largest and most successful fundraising organizations aiding HIV/AIDS, with chapters in Dallas, New York, Chicago, Kansas City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The Dallas chapter, formed in 1984, is one of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations in Texas that provides funding to local HIV/AIDS service organizations within our community.

DIFFA/Dallas has raised more than $51 million to benefit more than 20 HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas providing direct care to those living or affected by HIV/AIDS.

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Hot to trot

Equest Dallas patrons pony up record $700K at blue ribbon-worthy ball

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

A sold-out crowd of 570 supporters stampeded into Gilley’s Dallas on April 25 for the 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala. The Western-chic affair, always one of the most highly anticipated galas of spring, would have a record-breaking night.

Co-chairsKristin and James Hallam and honorary chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor welcomed patrons decked out in cowboy boots and hats to Gilley's, which had been transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest by event designer Steve Kemble. A “disco saddle” centerpiece even hung from the ceiling.

Emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton welcomed the crowed with a hearty "yee haw!" Equest founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her an Equest organization legend. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client.

New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to underscore Equest’s mission to provide equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling (much of it free of charge) to children, adults, and veterans. He shared the nonprofit's bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment.

His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord with the crowd, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and patrons did that in spades. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles stridently, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. Bidding got fast and furious live auction packages that included fabulous trips (with destinations such as France, Antigua, and Montana) and more. The most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Murad - ever the showman - auction off his own sparkling jacket. It fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber (who clearly loves a good statement piece).

In total, the gala raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history. The Blue Ribbon Ball's proceeds go directly to equine-assisted therapies and other services provided by Equest; for more information, visit the organization's website.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

After a night of sipping, dining, and fundraising, patrons tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the evening, were Donna Weitzman, Nancy Greenbach, Natalie Taylor, Therese Rourk, Anne Seanor, Courtney Conley, Maggie Spiegel, Tyler Bridges, Lea LaFortune, Lee and Paul Michaels, Ryan and Kelly Casey, Christina Eubanks, Megan Pharis, Julie Bagley, Laura Johnson, Parker and Katy Brooks, Sharon Lee Clark, Max Clark, Jordan Glasgow, Anna Gresham, Khaki Christopher, Jessie Dornak, Jeff Netzer, Lynn McBee, Sarah and Trey Pederson, Luis Araujo, Amy Green, Kayten Elder, Sila Grogan, Melissa Placet, Tayler Reiter, Danny and Tanya Rice, Tina and Michael Beasom, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.