Celebrating Turtle Creek Gala was a sold-out affair benefiting the Turtle Creek Association

The latest model of a Bentley Continental GT provided by Valet Sponsor Bentley Dallas set an impressive scene at the VIP entrance of the Turtle Creek Association’s Annual Gala Celebrating Turtle Creek at the Virgin Hotel Dallas. Greeters welcomed guests with servers offering champagne, sparkling water and wines surrounded by plentiful fall décor of pumpkins and fall foliage.

Mari Epperson, Karisti Julia, Tour of Homes Co-Chair

The elegance of this upscale welcome was complemented by an escort accompanying each guest to the elevators leading up to the ballroom Champagne Reception sponsored by honored guest Michael Simon, who had jetted in from New York for this weekend celebrating Turtle Creek Association, including the Tour of Homes happening the next Sunday. 

Roaming Photo Robot

Sharon Ballew, gala chair and Vice President Fundraising, brought in the Social Hubb, a roaming photo robot, captivating fans all around while they also bid on some one-of-a-kind silent auction items, including jewelry, special wine offerings and more. 

Martin Grubman, Leslie Fornino, Michael Simon, Honored Guest and Reception Sponsor

Honorary chairs of both the Tour of Homes and the gala, Elyce and David Walthall, were joined by their son, Christopher Walthall; gala presenting sponsor Teresa Byrd; Tour of Homes presenting sponsor THE URBAN TEAM Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Kyle Crews and Ani Nosnik; JD Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association; Deborah Stanford, board chair and Tour of Homes event chair; Karisti Julia and Wayne Smith, Tour of Homes co-chairs; Mari Epperson, décor chair; Dr. Ann Stuart, Luis Julia, Sharon Smith, and more. 

Sharon Ballew, Gala Chair; J.D. Trueblood, President and CEO, Turtle Creek Association; Deborah Stanford, Board Chair and Tour of Homes event chair

Sharon Ballew welcomed everyone and introduced JD, who thanked her and Mari for their support of the Turtle Creek Association and its mission, their commitment to the community and for their hard work in making the gala a success. He gave special recognition to the Walthalls for serving as honorary chairs and presented David with an opulent bouquet of Texas yellow roses.

Mike Sadler with Heritage Auctions took the stage as auctioneer as JD encouraged bidding. Supporters competed in an exciting live auction featuring items such as an exquisite pair of diamond earrings, a six-course tasting menu for 10 from Chef Darren McGrady (which sold twice), exclusive vacations and a NorthPark shopping spree. 

Sharon Smith; Wayne Smith, Tour of Homes co-chair; Pam Morgan

JD invited Gala Presenting Sponsor Teresa Byrd to the stage. He thanked her for her unwavering support for the Turtle Creek Association, the significant impact she has made and presented her with the TCA President’s Award. JD also recognized some founders of the Turtle Creek Association, asking Judith Lifson and Jane Manning to stand. Calling on Kyle Crews, a presenting sponsor for the Tour of Homes, JD said that since the beginning of TCA, he has been there for the nonprofit, offering guidance, support and rallying the troops when necessary. He presented Kyle, as one of the original founders, the TCA Founder’s Award. 

Elyce Walthall, David Walthall, Honorary Chairs; Christopher Walthall

With sincere gratitude, JD thanked Diamond Sponsor, Lyda Hill Philanthropies. Sharon thanked Ruby Sponsors Dick Babb and Phil Neely, JD Trueblood and Franco Dooley; Elyce and David Walthall, Gloria and Jerome Westheimer, Susan and Bill Montgomery. 

Suddenly, there seemed to be a commotion on one side of the ballroom. The doors flung open, the music volume turned up and a flash mob of the Dallas Mavericks performers took to the dance floor, which brought the energy to the highest level, as everyone stood in applause.

The party continued into the night with dancing to the ever popular and dynamic Emerald City’s Limelight Band. 

To learn more about the Turtle Creek Association, visit the website at www.turtlecreekassociation.org