Dallas is all set to razzle-dazzle with several star-studded fundraising events slated for this fall.
Nearly a dozen swanky galas and sumptuous luncheons are being organized in the coming weeks, not only to give attendees a chance to rub elbows with the who’s who of the city but also to encourage philanthropists to contribute to a variety of worthy causes.
Here are some of the unmissable events being hosted in Dallas this fundraising season where opulence will meet compassion.
- The Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show and Luncheon, September 8
Be sure to sport your best duds at the latest installment of the Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed fashion show and luncheon to benefit seven local children’s charities under the aegis of Chairs Angie Kadesky and Patty Leyendecker.
This annual event will kickstart the fall fundraising season at Neiman Marcus Downtown, located at 1618 Main St. The festivities commence with a late-morning champagne reception and a seated luncheon.
These will be followed by a highly-anticipated fashion show, which is celebrating its 49th anniversary, led by guest designer Adam Lippes.
The show will feature this year’s Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas, including honorees such as attorney Marybeth Conlon, bank executive Wendy Messmann, news anchor Meredith Land, and philanthropists Lisa Rocchio, Sunie Solomon, Monica Eastin, Ann McPherson, Kim Hext, Libby Hegi, and Kim Quinn.
Also of note, this year’s Crystal Charity Ball will be held on December 9 at the Hilton Anatole.
- New Friends New Life Luncheon, September 29
The Hyatt Regency Dallas at 300 Reunion Blvd. will host the annual luncheon of New Friends New Life, an organization that aims to give victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation a new lease on life.
The luncheon begins at 11 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, located at 300 Reunion Blvd.
Co-chairs of the luncheon are philanthropists Tracey Nash-Huntley and David Huntley, and Elizabeth Carlock Phillips and Kevin Phillips, with Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt, Pat and Pete Schenkel, and Gail and Dr. Gerald Turner serving as honorary co-chairs.
Emmy award-winner Kerry Washington will take center stage at the luncheon to celebrate New Friends New Life’s silver jubilee after 25 years in operation.
Washington, a longtime political advocate, will give a keynote speech to raise awareness about trafficking and sexual exploitation and raise funds for its victims.
The minimum ticket price is $250, with proceeds going towards the organization’s outreach and rehabilitation efforts.
- Dallas Symphony Gala, September 30
The Dallas Symphony Gala and after-party promise musical brilliance and fun, all while supporting the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and its various educational initiatives.
This multifaceted gala, chaired by Kim and Greg Hext, will take place at Meyerson Symphony Center in the Arts District at 2301 Flora St. Diane and Hal Brierley are serving as honorary chairs.
Musical performances from eminent pianist Emanuel Ax and mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard peppered throughout the event promise to be highlights, culminating with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s show.
Attendees can purchase tickets to attend a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, the Gala Concert, and an after-party separately or enjoy premium seating and a full night of festivities for $1,250 per person.
The after-party is co-chaired by Jane Humphrey and Samantha Wortley and will feature dancing with both DJ-spun music and live music from Q The Band.
- Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon, October 10
This annual luncheon has the twofold aim of honoring those working to end family violence and raising funds for organizations like The Family Place, a longstanding nonprofit endeavoring to aid victims of family violence in North Texas.
It will take place at the Hilton Anatole at 2201 N Stemmons Fwy., with model, actress, and author Brooke Shields serving as the keynote speaker.
While Holly Kurg and Lindsay Jacaman are serving as co-chairs, Stephanie and Travis Hollman are honorary chairs for the luncheon.
Ryan Rogers, CEO of Mary Kay, will receive the 2023 Texas Trailblazer Award for The Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s longtime contributions to women’s shelters and more.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia and Rep. Victoria Neave Criado have been named recipients of the 2023 Legislative Impact Award.
Tickets begin at $350 and include a VIP reception and a seated luncheon. A raffle is also being held, with tickets going for $25 a piece or five for $100.
- Cattle Baron’s Ball, October 14
Country music star Shania Twain will headline the much-awaited 50th anniversary of the Cattle Baron’s Ball at Southfork Ranch. Randy Rogers Band will also grace the stage as a performer at the special VIP party sponsored by financial advisor and philanthropist Anne Davidson.
The ball — which this year is themed “Iconic” — is the world’s largest single-night cancer research fundraiser, according to its website, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.
Considering that tickets are already sold out, it seems this event presented by Texas Oncology is set to continue that legacy.
A wait list is available for those looking for a chance to join the festivities, including barbecue, beer, and bidding in a massive luxury auction.
- SPCA Fur Ball, October 20
This gala to benefit the SPCA of Texas will include a black-tie dinner and dancing, plus both live and silent auctions.
Hosted at The Factory in Deep Ellum, located at 2713 Canton St., the event is set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
SPCA Fur Ball is being chaired by Christie and Elbert Choi, with honorary chair Jack D. Knox.
Tickets cost $400 a piece and special rates have been arranged for bookings at the nearby HALL Arts Hotel.
The SPCA of Texas has a longstanding reputation for working towards improving animal welfare in North Texas.
It finances spay and neuter campaigns to curb the number of strays, helps prosecute criminals with its Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit, and runs foster and adoption programs to help rescued animals find loving homes.
- Two x Two Gala, October 21
TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art 2023 Gala and Auction is a twofold event meant to benefit both nonprofit amfAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research) and the Dallas Museum of Art.
Colombian-born large-scale artist Maria Berrio is the special honoree of this black-tie affair, hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and Lisa and John Runyon.
Taking place at the Rachofsky House at 8605 Preston Rd., the Two x Two Gala will feature a seated dinner and a live and silent auction of contemporary art pieces.
Tickets are already sold out since it is one of the most in-demand events in the city, yet it might be worth checking out the auction catalog online.
