Jewel of the Lake

White Rock Lake Foundation's inaugural gala dives in to raise $78K for 'the jewel of Dallas'

What: The White Rock Lake Foundation Jewel of Dallas Gala

Photo by Carol Hensley Photography

Brittany Grignon, John Boerger

Where: The Granada Theater

The 411: The White Rock Lake Foundation, which aims to help maintain and improve the Dallas lake, pulled together a roster of top chefs, entertainment, and auction items for its successful inaugural Jewel of Dallas Gala.

Held Thursday, October 13, the event's highlight was dinner courtesy of chefs set up at stations, serving signature menu items, around the room. They included: Chef Peja Krstic (Môt Hai Ba), Chef Irwin Torres (Sfuzzi), Chef Ross Demers (Cry Wolf), Chef Steven Dawson (Sundown at Granada), Chef Junior Borges and Chef Tony Ibarra (La Mina), and Chef de Cuisine Josh Healy (Loro).

In addition to noshing and sipping cocktails, guests were entertained on stage by Ricki Derek and his 15-piece band.

Andrea Sanders, of presenting sponsor Oncor, welcomed guests. Then WRLF board member Joe Kidwell and Dallas Park and Recreation Department director John Jenkins underscored the importance of the organization's mission.

“The foundation has been around for over 30 years, supporting the lake, and when we say White Rock Lake is the jewel of this city, it is truly a jewel,” Jenkins told the crowd.

Kidwell announced that the money raised during the gala would renovate the historic Winfrey Point, an event space that, he enthused, has “one of the best scenic views in Dallas.”

Motivated guests put in big bids on fabulous auction items, including private sailing cruises on White Rock Lake, a private dinner for eight prepared by Chef Junior Borges, a backyard BBQ for 10 provided by Ferris Wheelers, luxurious stays in homes in North Carolina and the Texas wine country, and more.

At the end of the evening full of celebration, fundraising, and entertainment, more than $78,000 had been raised for the foundation.

Who: Brittany Grignon, John Boerger, Michael and Lisa Mellon, Aimee McClanahan, Rachel Richards, Bill and Beth Dunham, David and Debbie Holley, John Jenkins, Ted Ellis, Kate McCoy, Scott and Brittany Lowe, Robin and Wade Lowe.

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Gala preview

Dallas' most glam fall gala to honor Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron

Universal Pictures Presents "The Odyssey" Paris Premiere

Photo by Pierre Mouton/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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Hollywood star Charlize Theron will be the guest of honor at one of Dallas' hottest-ticket galas of 2026: She will receive amfAR's Award of Inspiration at the organization's black-tie ball on October 24.

For a second year, the glamorous fall fundraiser will take place at the home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby, a release says. Taking over where Dallas' TWO x TWO gala left off when it ended in 2024, the amFAR gala has quickly become one of Dallas' marquee social events, drawing philanthropists, collectors, and high-profile guests in support of amfAR's mission to end HIV/AIDS.

Theron, who won an Oscar for Monster, is currently on a worldwide press tour ahead of her starring role in one of the summer's biggest movies, The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of the Homer epic (opening July 17).

Beyond her film career, Theron serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which supports organizations focused on youth health, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and combating gender-based violence across Southern Africa.

"Charlize Theron’s longstanding support of amfAR and HIV/AIDS care and prevention through her own foundation make her an inspiration to us all," said amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford in a statement. "We are grateful to her for her tireless work and are thrilled to be able to recognize her at our event in Dallas this year."

According to amfAR, programs supported by CTAOP have reached more than 4.8 million young people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theron and the foundation also launched the Together for Her campaign with CARE and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to address gender-based violence, and later partnered with the Ford Foundation to advocate for global vaccine equity.

Founded in 1985, amfAR has invested more than $950 million in research grants supporting HIV/AIDS and other diseases in which viruses and the immune system play a significant role. Over the past 26 years, supporters in North Texas have raised more than $66.5 million to advance amFAR's ongoing HIV research and global health initiatives, the organization says.

This year's gala will feature cocktails, a seated dinner, musical performances, and a live auction offering luxury goods, travel experiences, and contemporary art. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available, starting at $2,500.

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