Off the Beaten Path

Huffines Communities bash at The Rustic captures the spirit of Texas

Realtors, builders, vendors, and other partners of Huffines Communities kicked up their (cowboy) heels at a recent appreciation event held October 17 at The Rustic.

Don Huffines launched Huffines Communities in 1985. Today, alongside his twin brother Phillip, the family-run company is one of the largest residential and multi-family real-estate development companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, having owned, developed, operated nearly 20 communities and properties to date.

Guests certainly felt a part of the family at the music-fueled celebration, which began with a performance by Silverada.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Silverada started the evening off with a bang.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

A tall Texas welcome.

Known for their deep Texas roots and authentic blend of soulful rock and country, Silverada combines rich vocals, captivating guitar riffs, and heartfelt lyrics. Their performance set the tone for a laid-back but festive evening, and got the crowd energized for a party full of surprises.

Texas-inspired attractions were all around the indoor-outdoor restaurant and concert venue, including bigger-than-life cowboy stilt-walkers and a charming beer and water-toting donkey that was a hit with guests.

Huffines Communities appreciation event The cutest server.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

Attendees could also step into a VR experience showcasing Huffines’ newest communities, Solterra and others, or test their roping skills on a calf-roping simulator.

At the Huffines Mercantile, guests picked up exclusive Huffines-branded items like custom tote bags, coffee mugs, and bandanas. Guests could even personalize their items with a custom chain stitcher and brand their boots, hats, and leather keychains with a custom brander.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Take your pick from Bubba's wares.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

Of course, this full sensory experience extended to attendees' palates.

A menu expertly prepared by The Rustic featured a variety of bold Texas flavors and creative drink offerings, including specialties like wild boar meatballs, spicy tamales, chicken tinga tacos, and smoked brisket tacos. These were complemented by sides of grilled mushrooms, poblanos and onions, chunky avocado salad, jalapeño spoon bread, and handmade bacon fat corn tortillas.

The drinks were equally impressive, with signature cocktails crafted as a tribute to some of the company's most beloved communities. These included the Huffines House Margarita, the Solterra [Vodka] Soda, the Horizon Lakes G & T, and the Waterscape Woodford Cola.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Nothing beats a Huffines House Margarita.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the 2024 Jeep Wrangler giveaway, a thrilling raffle that narrowed the pool of potential winners down to 10, then five who advanced to a lockbox drawing, with those five each excitedly trying a key fob to discover which would win the grand prize. It was Britney Stewart, a standout real estate professional from Solterra, who finally unlocked the Jeep, with the crowd erupting in cheers.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Grand prize winner Britney Stewart.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

“I’m absolutely thrilled and so grateful to Huffines Communities," said Stewart. "Solterra is a wonderful place to work and share with clients. Winning this Jeep makes an already amazing experience even better.”

The night ended on a high note when Cory Morrow took the stage. A beloved icon of the Texas country music scene, Morrow is known for his engaging stage presence and heartfelt songs that capture the essence of Texas life.

Huffines Communities appreciation event Cory Morrow closed out the night.Photo courtesy of Huffines Communities

He quickly had the crowd singing along on such fan favorites as “Texas On My Mind” and “Big City Stripper.” His upbeat, authentic style made for an unforgettable experience, reminding everyone of the importance of community, celebration, and appreciation.

With more exciting developments and events on the horizon, there’s always something to look forward to with Huffines Communities. Explore the company here.

concerts music the rustic silverada cory morrow huffines communities promoted

Fun in fundraising

The 7 must-hit spring galas and parties for Dallas young professionals

Photo courtesy of Genesis

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The future of Dallas philanthropy is in good hands, if this spring's lineup of fundraising galas, luncheons, and parties for young professionals is any indication.

To be clear, these events aren't just for Gen-Z. But with high-energy party vibes, later start and end times, and slightly lower ticket prices than the city's ritziest black-tie balls, they're highly attractive to a young and vibrant crowd.

Here are the seven top social events every Dallas young professional should have on her or his calendar this spring.

CASAblanca, January 30
The Dallas CASA Young Professionals kick off social social season with a high-energy casino party filled with games, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, silent auctions, prizes, and dancing at a new location this year - The Adolphus hotel in downtown Dallas. After trying their luck at the blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette tables, guests can let lose on the dance floor to the sounds of The Special Edition band. The black-tie optional gala, which has an appropriate "Winter Wonderland" theme, is under the guidance of co-chairs Matthew Brown, Bayley Irish, Vivian Satterfield, and Hayward Woodmansee, and proceeds benefit the children served by Dallas CASA. Tickets (starting at $215 for nonmembers) are sold out. More information, including more opportunities to give or become involved, are here.

Casablanca Dallas 2025 CASAblanca is the annual YP casino party benefiting Dallas CASA. Photo by Ray Carlin

Genesis Masquerade, February 20
The Genesis Young Leaders are once again heading to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science for an interactive "Night at the Museum" gala. The black-tie ball promises a roaming dinner, signature cocktails, silent auction, live entertainment, and more. Event co-chairs are Courtney & Christian Arroyave, and GYL board president is Kendal Bohnsak. Genesis Young Leaders is an auxiliary group of young professionals dedicated to ending domestic violence. All proceeds go to the many programs of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support. Tickets (starting at $125 for individuals and $225 for couples) are available here.

Junior League Milestones Luncheon featuring Priya Parker, April 10
This year's Junior League power lunch will be headlined by acclaimed author, facilitator, and strategic advisor Priya Parker. Mary M. Jalonick will be honored as Sustainer of the Year at the event, taking place at Fairmont Dallas Hotel and chaired by Krystle Craycraft, with sustaining chair Diana Hamilton. The luncheon benefits the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund, which supports the organization's many civic causes throughout greater Dallas. For more information, tables (starting at $3,000), and tickets ($300 or $500 for VIP), go here.

Priya Parker is the author of "The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters."Photo by Fernando Palafox

Yellow Rose Gala, April 18
The Yellow Rose Gala celebrates the organization's milestone 40th anniversary with the theme "Since 1986: A Legacy Led by Legends." Taking place at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, the black-tie gala will throw it back to 1986, with a totally rad night of dinner, cocktails, auctions, and dancing led by emcees, TV broadcasters Lauren Pryzybl and Tim Ryan. Sheree J. Wilson, CeCe Hays, and Fay Sheehan are the event co-chairs who'll help the organization raise money for a cure for MS. The Dee Wynne Courage award will be presented to Sharon Henley. Tickets (starting at $175 for those age 35 and under, and $500 for guests over 35) are available here.

Dallas Cotillion Club Annual Gala & Silent Auction, May 1
The Dallas Cotillion Club’s 82nd annual Gala & Silent Auction will bring together the city’s young professionals for a black-tie evening, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. The gala will include a VIP cocktail hour, silent auction, and more. While the Cotillion Club is a private, membership-based social club for women, the gala is open to all young adults in Dallas. This year’s location, theme, and more details will be revealed later this spring; contact president Brighton Charles for more information.

Day at the Races, May 2
Can't make it to Churchill Downs for "the greatest two minutes in sports?" Dallas has the next best thing in this annual Kentucky Derby soiree starring mint juleps and Derby-worthy hats. Guests should show up to Turtle Creek Park dressed in their Derby best for Southern food and beverages, a silent auction, table games, "wagering," music, dancing, a best-dressed and best-hat competition, and of course, Kentucky Derby viewing. The 2026 event is chaired by Kim and Greg Hext with honorary chairs Tracey and Ben Lange, and benefits the work of Turtle Creek Conservancy. For more information and tickets (starting at $300), go here.

Lee Park, Day at the Races Day at the Races brings Derby style to Dallas. Photo by Clark Cabus

CultureMap Dallas Tastemaker Awards, May 7
Save the date for the most delicious foodie event of the season (not that we're biased) and get ready to raise a glass to Dallas' restaurant and bar stars. The annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards are a spring tradition — and tickets will be on sale soon. Join us May 7 at Astoria Event Venue for an evening honoring the very best of Dallas' culinary scene, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting a nonprofit partner. More details and ticket info will be revealed soon.

young professionals luncheons parties fundraisers galas