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    The gown lowdown

    Save the date for Dallas' 15 grandest galas and luncheons of spring 2024

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Feb 6, 2024 | 12:37 pm
    Dallas Mavs Ball

    Mavs Ball is a can't-miss spring gala.

    Photo courtesy of Dallas Mavericks

    Glittery galas, posh parties, and lavish luncheons pop up like wildflowers on the spring social calendar in Dallas. This season's bounty of fundraising events brings to town two acclaimed TV journalists with the last name Roberts - Robin and Deborah - who will headline two different benefits. Mad Hatter's goes Greek, House of DIFFA "untames" royalty, and the Rangers continue their World Series celebration with a home-run gala headlined by Brooks & Dunn.

    Beyond being fun, fabulous parties, these events raise critical funds for local nonprofits, from arts groups to health initiatives. Here are 15 dates to circle in your social diary this spring.

    Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon, February 8
    The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will mark the 40th anniversary of its beloved Saint Valentine’s Day Fashion Show & Luncheon at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The afternoon - chaired by Brooke Shelby and Samantha Wortley - will include a champagne reception, recognition of 2024 award recipients, and a runway show with fashions provided by Highland Park Village, all followed by a seated luncheon. The Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show has raised more than $15 million in its 40 years. More information and tickets are here.

    Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball, February 10
    The DSOL will present 44 new debutantes in a spectacular night of pomp and pageantry at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The 38th ball, chaired by Kristin Cordiak with honorary chairs Margaret and Barry Hancock, is the culmination of nearly a year of parties, training, and philanthropy for the young women. The opulent evening will include a cocktail reception, presentation of debutantes, multicourse dinner, and dancing to Limelight. Funds raised support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Education and Community Outreach Programs.

    DSOL debutante ballThe DSOL Presentation Ball always includes a sweet father-daughter dance. Photo by Gittings

    Go Red for Women Luncheon, March 8
    Happening on International Woman's Day, the popular luncheon that supports American Heart Association's efforts toward women's cardiovascular health marks its 20th year in 2024. The event, which also includes a reception with health screenings and demonstrations, will take place at the Omni Dallas Hotel under the guidance of co-chairs Stacy Nahas and Susan Wetzel; tickets are available here. Then save the date for AHA's fancier Côtes du Coeur celebrity-chef wine dinner and auction, April 27 at the Omni. Expect the biggest event yet to celebrate AHA's 100th anniversary.

    Mavs Ball, March 22
    Dallas Mavericks fans won't want to miss the ninth annual Mavs Ball, featuring appearances from favorite players, CEO Cynt Marshall, and Governor Mark Cuban. The star-studded night at the Hilton Anatole includes a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment. The gala is the premier fundraising event for the Mavs Foundation and celebrates the year's grantees and charitable work of the Dallas Mavericks during this season. Information and tickets are available here.

    Junior League Milestones Luncheon featuring Robin Roberts, April 5
    Known for snagging high-profile celebrity speakers, this year's Junior League power lunch will be headlined by Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. Kathleen Gibson will be honored as Sustainer of the Year at the event, taking place at Omni Dallas Hotel and co-chaired by Sally Pretorius Hodge and Linda Secrest. 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, and tickets, go here.

    Bruce Wood Dance Performance & Gala, April 6
    Bruce Wood Dance's 14th anniversary Performance & Gala will feature special guest artist and Broadway star NaTasha Yvette Williams on stage at the Moody Performance Hall. Nine Sinatra Songs by Twyla Tharp and Anything Goes by Bruce Wood will be performed under the guidance of artistic director Joy Bollinger, and the evening will recognize 2024 BRUCE Award honorees Dabney and Ric Abel. Ticket options range from the performance only to a full VIP experience that includes cocktail reception, performance, live auction, dinner, and dancing.

    Genesis Annual Luncheon featuring Sheryl Lee Ralph, April 12
    The 31st annual edition of this cherished Dallas luncheon will feature acclaimed actress Sheryl Lee Ralph as its keynote speakers. It will take place, per usual, at the Hilton Anatole. The luncheon raises funds for the organization's mission to provide safety, shelter, and support for women who have experienced domestic violence. Tickets and more information are here.

    Art Ball, April 13
    Considered the most glittering gala of spring, this beautiful black-tie ball at the Dallas Museum of Art is now in its 62nd year. Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld will chair the ball, which supports the museum's mission to offer free admission, present diverse exhibitions, and care for a collection of 25,000 objects. Tickets will be coveted and limited. (Can’t snag a ticket? Try for a seat at the DMA’s annual Art in Bloom Luncheon on March 4.)

    Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, April 18
    Call it “the big fat Greek” event of the season. The 36th Mad Hatter’s Luncheon is themed “Gardens of Greece” and chaired by Allison Brodnax, with Barbara Bigham as honorary chair and Karen Sargent serving as president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum. The afternoon will include a champagne reception, luncheon, hat contest, and fashion show presented by NorthPark. Funds raised benefit A Woman’s Garden. Information and tickets here.

    Mad Hatter's Tea 2021Time to start making those over-the-top hats for Mad Hatter's. Photo by Ashley Gongora

    Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, April 19
    Dallas Cowboys greats Troy Aikman and Dak Prescott once again will team up as honorary chairs for the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, themed “A Knight to Remember,” at the Hilton Anatole Dallas. Besides being an epic evening that includes dinner, auctions, and a VIP reception, the black-tie ball always tugs at the heartstrings because the highlight is seeing pediatric cancer patients rocking the runway in a fashion show, alongside their idols and favorite superheroes. Author Emberli Pridham is the gala chair, and tickets and information are available here.

    TEX Gala, April 22
    Expect a sell-out crowd for the 2024 gala benefiting the World Series-champion Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, which improves the lives of children, the military, and first responders' families in the community. Attendees will experience a red-carpet arrival, cocktail hour and dinner on the playing surface of Globe Life Field, auctions featuring exclusive Rangers experiences and Hollywood memorabilia, and a live performance from country superstar duo Brooks & Dunn. There are always some surprise sports hero and celeb appearances, too; last year’s TEX Gala, headlined by Kenny Chesney, saw Matthew McConaughey drop by for a few words and raised a record $2 million. For information and tickets, visit the website.

    House of DIFFA: Royalty Untamed, April 27
    Happening at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel this year, spring's most colorful black-tie gala features a one-of-a-kind runway show and killer silent auction for a whopping 1,500 guests. The 2024 theme, "At House of DIFFA: Royalty Untamed," will celebrate "not just the grandeur of monarchs and icons, but every form of regality that touches our existence," they say, "from pop icons that dominate our playlists ... even the majestic king of the jungle." Tim Garippa and Jacob Samson co-chair the gala, which benefits organizations that help raise awareness, advocate for individuals, and fight HIV/AIDS in the Dallas community. More information and tickets are available here.

    House of DIFFAHouse of DIFFA is one of the most colorful events of spring. Photo by Jerry McClure

    Equest Blue Ribbon Gala, April 27
    Typically held outdoors during the summer, Equest's 43rd annual gala - themed "Hope Unbridled" - moves up on the calendar, to April 27, and indoors to the Hilton Anatole. Calvert Collins-Bratton and Melissa Oates serve as co-chairs, with Kristy and Patrick Sands as honorary chairs. The Texas-chic event will include cocktails, a seated dinner, auction, entertainment by The Manhattan Orchestra, and recognition of honorees Pamela Dealey Petty (Founder’s Award recipient) and Carolyn Anderson (Citation Award recipient). Equest provides equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling to children, adults, and veterans. More information and tickets are here.

    Texas Women's Foundation Awards Celebration featuring Deborah Roberts, April 30
    This day-long event at the Omni Dallas Hotel starts with #BESTSELF, a half-day empowerment program for teen girls. Then there are Leadership Forums featuring the 2024 Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader recipients. The evening concludes with the Awards Celebration and dinner, led by Deborah Roberts, senior national affairs correspondent, ABC News, and anchor of ABC's 20/20. Co-chairs are Sakina Rasheed Foster and Veronica Torres Hazley, and the event benefits Texas Women’s Foundation, which advances economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls. For more information and tickets, visit www.txwf.org

    CultureMap Dallas Tastemaker Awards, May 16
    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 ceremony is a spring tradition — and tickets will be on sale soon. Join us May 16 at Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) for an evening honoring the very best of Dallas' culinary scene, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting a nonprofit partner, Harvest Project Food Rescue. More details and ticket info will be revealed soon.

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    Red-carpet events

    TV and arts icons bring star power to top Dallas luncheons this spring

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Feb 13, 2026 | 2:39 pm
    Mariska Hargitay
    Courtesy photo
    Mariska Hargitay

    Fundraising luncheons in Dallas can be as glamorous and impactful as evening galas, often welcoming A-list stars from stage and screen to deliver keynote speeches that draw hundreds of philanthropic attendees. Spring 2026 events are no exception. This season's lineup of celebrity presenters includes legendary TV actresses, a ballet icon, and more. Here are seven spring luncheons bringing major star power to the table in Dallas.

    Destiny Award Luncheon featuring Misty Copeland
    February 27 at Omni Dallas Hotel
    Ballet trailblazer Misty Copeland, the first Black woman promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre and one of the most influential artists in the world of dance, will headline the 26th annual luncheon benefiting St. Philip’s School & Community Center. The event begins with a student showcase, followed by a luncheon featuring an intimate conversation with Copeland (moderated by Lael & Peter Brodsky) about her rise in the world of ballet and her advocacy work. The luncheon, chaired by Pamela Wills-Ward and Mitchell Ward, is the school’s largest fundraiser, and this year will highlight the grand opening of the Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center. Tickets ($350) and more information are available here.

    Beacon of Hope Luncheon featuring Steve Burns
    March 13 at Omni Dallas Hotel
    Steve Burns, the original host of the longtime Nickelodeon series Blue's Clues, will headline the 2026 luncheon benefiting Grant Halliburton Foundation. In a presentation titled “The Cost of Showing Up Happy: Burnout and the Wisdom of Asking for Help,” Burns will reflect on living with undiagnosed depression at the height of his fame and the lessons he has learned about burnout. The luncheon, which marks the nonprofit's 20th anniversary, supports youth mental health education and suicide prevention programs across North Texas. Amy and Michael Roseman and Meredith and David Camp are the event co-chairs, and Kevin Hall is president of Grant Halliburton Foundation. Tickets ($250) are available here.

    Mariska Hargitay

    Courtesy photo

    Mariska Hargitay will be the featured presenter at the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support Luncheon.

    Chick Lit Luncheon featuring Lauren Graham
    March 27 at Hilton Anatole
    Actress Lauren Graham, beloved for her roles on Gilmore Girls and Parenthood, will headline the 20th annual luncheon benefiting Community Partners of Dallas. Presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, the landmark event will feature a wine reception, seated lunch, awards presentation, and onstage conversation with Graham, also a New York Times bestselling author and SMU grad with local ties. The luncheon is chaired by Brooke Bailey and Elizabeth Dacus, with Leigh Anne Haugh serving as honorary chair. Community Partners of Dallas serves thousands of abused and neglected children annually across greater Dallas. Tables and platinum-level individual seats (starting at $1,000) are available on the website.

    Junior League Milestones Luncheon featuring Priya Parker
    April 10 at Fairmont Dallas Hotel
    This year's Junior League power lunch will be headlined by acclaimed author, facilitator, and strategic advisor Priya Parker, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters. Mary M. Jalonick will be honored as Sustainer of the Year at the event, which is chaired by Krystle Craycraft, with sustaining chair Diana Hamilton. Following the luncheon program, Parker will host a book signing. The event benefits the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund, which supports the organization's many civic causes throughout greater Dallas. For more information, tables, and tickets ($300 or $500 for VIP), head here.

    Educational First Steps Luncheon Featuring Leland Vittert
    April 17 at Fairmont Dallas Hotel
    Leland Vittert, chief Washington anchor for NewsNation and author of Born Lucky, will headline the inaugural luncheon benefiting Educational First Steps. The longtime journalist, who has reported from global conflict zones, will discuss his career and experience growing up with autism in an "unplugged" conversation that underscores the power of early intervention and family support. Chaired by Katie Rose and Shelby Sticksel Bliss, the event - which will also include a VIP "bellinis & bites" reception and meet-and-greet - will also honor United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the Morris Foundation. Educational First Steps works to strengthen early childhood education across North Texas. For more information and tickets (when they become available), visit the website.

    Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support Luncheon starring Mariska Hargitay
    May 8 at Hilton Anatole
    Actress Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, will keynote the 33rd annual luncheon benefiting Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. Inspired by her iconic role as Captain Olivia Benson on the NBC crime drama, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which works to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The luncheon and awards presentation is chaired by Stephanie Bond and Angela Crates, and will raise critical funds for Genesis’ shelter and services for women and children escaping domestic violence. Sponsorships are currently available at the website.

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