Volunteer Opportunity: Dallas CASA

 

Register for an Information Session: Become a Volunteer Advocate – Dallas CASA

Volunteer Opportunity: Dwell with Dignity

Dwell with Dignity Studio Work Nights & Days

Join Dwell with Dignity this month to create two homes for some very special families.

Children ages 16 years and older are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent if younger than 18 years. 

Dallas Dwell with Dignity: Dallas JUNE 2025 Volunteer Opportunities

Dwell with Dignity Featured Family Home Transformation

Take a look at Dwell with Dignity's May Habitat for Humanity family home installation 

for a mother and her two daughters! 

Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit Raises Record $173,000 for Grant Halliburton Foundation

Celebrating its 13th anniversary, the Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit on May 29 at the Longhorn Ballroom raised more than $173,000—a new record—for Grant Halliburton Foundation with 640 in attendance. The evening included a VIP party for sponsors with food from Eddie’s Tex-Mex Cocina where Nadel visited with and took photos with guests. The evening included live and silent auctions and music performances by double headliners The Secret Sisters and Shinyribs. The event was presented by Haynes Boone, and the media sponsor is KXT 91.7.

Eric Nadel and Michelle and Andy Heinz
Photo Credit: Stacey Brooks

Eric Nadel, Texas Rangers Hall of Fame broadcaster and mental health advocate, hosted the annual birthday benefit and welcomed guests.

“I’m thrilled that you are here to help celebrate my birthday,” Nadel said. “We started off at The Kessler, but we ran out of space because more people wanted to attend. So we moved to the Longhorn Ballroom, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Five years ago, I decided to partner with Grant Halliburton Foundation, a Dallas nonprofit that provides mental health education, resources, and support to children, teens, and their families. The work they do is important, and I want you to know more about them.”

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, Lucy and Don Witte

Nadel then introduced Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation president. 

“Eric, we’re grateful for your courage and inspiration as a dedicated mental health advocate and for the impact you’ve made for us,” Kevin Hall said. “We’re honored to be the beneficiary again. I want all of you to know more about our organization through this video.” 

Amber Maxwell, Kathy Williams, and Judy Rawle

After the video played, Ronnie Conger, auctioneer, invited those who purchased beads to stand up to play a spirited game of heads or tails. Then he led the live auction, which included watching a Texas Rangers game with Eric Nadel, a Jazz Cruise getaway with Elvis Costello and Boz Scaggs and a dinner with Texas Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy. 

Shinyribs

Following the live auction, Alabama-based The Secret Sisters played their emotional songs and ended by singing happy birthday to Nadel who joined them on stage. Then, Shinyribs, led by the animated Kevin Russell performed their blend of Texas blues, New Orleans R&B funk and horn-inspired Memphis soul music. Russell even took to the floor dancing enthusiastically with several guests, while others danced. 

Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Unveils 2026 Debutantes at 40th Annual Presentation Ball Announcement Weekend

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) set the stage for an unforgettable season as they proudly introduced the 2026 debutantes during a week-long series of events, starting with the announcement of this year’s Debutantes at a party on May 15. Events continued with a Deb and Honor Guard Family dinner at the historic downtown El Fenix, a couture gown showcase hosted by Stanley Korshak at their luxurious Bridal Salon, and a gown presentation at Neiman Marcus Downtown. The series of events officially kicked off the season that will culminate in the much anticipated 40th Annual Presentation Ball, scheduled for February 21, 2026, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. 

2026 Debutantes
Photo by Gittings

Presentation Ball Co-Chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam, along with DSOL President Claire Catrino, orchestrated the week’s events. Claire is a former debutante who made her debut in 2011 and has been a part of the ball’s planning and organization since that time.  

Co-Chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam with DSOL President Claire Catrino
Photo by Deborah Brown

“It is an honor to serve as President for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League,” said Claire. “Our debutantes and their families will enjoy many wonderful events, make new friends and have one-of-a-kind experiences all while supporting the outstanding education and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  

Meredith Burkhart, Ryan Brown, Margaret Thompson, Ellie Browne, Olivia Zambrano, Elena Zeballos
Photo by Gittings

Kristin Hallam proudly announced that her in-laws, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, will serve as the Honorary Chairs. The Hallams have a longstanding and meaningful connection to the Dallas Symphony. Howard served for many years on the Board of Governors of the Dallas Symphony Association, including a term as Chairman.  Their leadership gift was pivotal in launching the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program – one of the initiatives supported by the Ball – and they have generously endowed the DSO Co-Concertmaster Chair. 

The year will be one with many milestones reached: the DSOL will celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Presentation Ball is entering its 40th year, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will turn 125 years old.

The formal announcement of Debutantes by Master of Ceremonies Stan Gardner went flawlessly. Marena Gault and members of the Assembly, a group of former Debutantes, played a pivotal role behind the scenes coaching the Debutantes and Honor Guard for a smooth presentation.

Stella Grabham, Ashley Goldman, Gigi Enrico, Kate Eastin
Photo by Gittings

Notable attendees for the evening included Michelle Miller Burns, Ross Perot President and CEO of the DSO; Roger Gault, Chairman of the Board of Governors; Diane and Scott Sealy; The Honorable Clay and Ramsey Jenkins; and Denton Bricker.   

Also present was longtime League member Barbara Paschall Averitt who has been a dedicated and influential figure in the Presentation Ball since its inception in 1987. She has continuously contributed to the event, including serving as co-chair for the 2025 Presentation Ball. 

Introducing the 2026 Debutantes: Claire Francis Andrews, Madeline Grace Behrens, Claire Louise Bradshaw, Ryan EllaMarie Brown, Eleanor Baxter Browne, Meredith Lilly Burkhart, Catherine Sophia Cox, Larkin McKay Devening, Marbella Mora Duarte, Sophie Elizabeth Dybala, Kathryne Grace Eastin, Gisele MaryRose Enrico, Ashley Shannon Goldman, Stella Jane Grabham, MaKenna Loy Harvey, Elizabeth Ann Hautt, Jane Penny Hochman, Madeleine Christine Jenkins, Livia Grace Lange, Charlotte Bryant Lauten, Sue Sealy McGowin, Attales Grace Meyer, Elizabeth Catherine Nance, Madelyn Leigh Neuhoff, Carly Nicole Polka, Chloe Olivia Polka, Rachel Camille Rader, Sofia Marie Reyes, Marlo Elizabeth Rivas, Campbell Ann Schultz, Kathleen Brooks Searcy, Lindy Kate Smith, Sienna Alexis Stagen, Tessa Elizabeth Stephenson, Charlotte Spencer Stiles, Harper Catherine Tagg, Margaret Lee Thompson, Corinne Elizabeth Tinker, Georgia Bedell Williamson, Virginia Anne Wilson, Olivia Constance Zambrano, and Elena Catherine Zeballos.  

The presentation of these remarkable young women highlights the values and support instilled by their families and mentors. Their achievements and character are a testament to the collective effort of their loved ones, shaping them into the exemplary individuals they are today.

Texas Women’s Foundation Empowers Women & Girls at #BESTSELF and the Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration

As part of its ongoing investment in lifecycle leadership development for women and girls, Texas Women’s Foundation hosted a powerful day of leadership, learning and inspiration on May 8th at the Omni Dallas Hotel. From thought-provoking conversations to unforgettable moments honoring trailblazing women and rising young leaders, the day helped support the Foundation’s mission of building #StrongWomenBetterTexas

The day began with #BESTSELF, where nearly 200 students who came together for engaging workshops focused on making smart, informed decisions, navigating the physical and emotional changes of adolescence, and harnessing the power of their voices to create meaningful change.

Karen Hughes White, Cris Zertuche Wong, Carrie Freeman Parsons

In the afternoon, TXWF hosted its annual Leadership Forum – a dynamic masterclass featuring microlearning sessions with the recipients of the 2025 Maura and Young Leader Awards. Author, speaker and 2025 Maura Award recipient Anne Chow kicked things off with a Ted Talk-style “ANNE Talk,” sharing insights from her book Lead Bigger. TXWF Board Director Deborah Hunter Johnson led a ”POWER Panel” discussion on advancing women and girls in STEM with 2025 Maura awardees Dr. Carine Feyten, Dr. Nuripama “Rupa” DeSilva, and Jennifer Bartkowski. Afterward, the crowd was treated to exciting “5 in 5” interviews in which two young students from Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, a Young Women’s Preparatory Network School, asked five “rapid-fire questions in five minutes of TXWF’s 2025 Young Leader awardees Haleigh Jones and Cristal Retana Lule. The Forum wrapped up with some “REAL Talk” between Anne Chow and NBC5 Anchor Deborah Ferguson. 

Theresa Flores, Liz Cedillo-Pereira, Linda Valdez Thompson

At the Celebration Dinner following the Forum, event co-chairs Debbie Dennis, Chief Customer Officer and SVP Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Oncor Electric Delivery, and Brooke Hopkins, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal, welcomed attendees and thanked key partners.

Debbie Dennis, Brooke Hopkins (event co-chairs)

Texas Women’s Foundation Board Chair Carrie Freeman Parsons greeted event guests, sharing, “With clarity of purpose and your support, we’ve continued to fulfill our mission and grow our impact year over year for the past 39 years.” Carrie also introduced the individuals who nominated the 2025 Young Leader awardees:   

·      Trey Crawford introduced Haleigh Jones,  Crawford, Wishnew & Lang Attorney. 

·      Maria Mendez introduced Cristal Retana Lule, Children’s Health Vice President of Community Relations.

Dr. Carine Feyten, Haleigh Jones, Dr. Rupa DeSilva, Anne Chow, Jennifer Bartkowski, Cristal Retana Lule

Awards Selection Committee Co-chair and previous Maura Award recipient Brenda Jackson introduced the 2025 Maura honorees and their presenters. 

·      Kim Lyle introduced Jennifer Bartkowski, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas CEO.

·      Mylinh Luong introduced Anne Chow, The Rewired CEO Founder. 

·      Samantha Barakat introduced Dr. Rupa DeSilva, Parkland Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center Professor. 

·      Christopher Johnson introduced Dr. Carine Feyten, Texas Woman’s University Chancellor and President. 

·      Former TXWF Board Chairs Caren Lock and Shonn Brown introduced Cynt Marshall, Marshalling Resources Founder and The Dallas Mavericks (retired CEO), who was unable to attend the event. 

Dianne Chipps Bailey, Dodee Frost Crockett, Jennifer Chandler, Alesia Coffman, Crissie Fortmeyer

Dia Wall, WFAA anchor and reporter, hosted a conversation with the 2025 Maura Award recipients who shared their insight on everything from healthcare, to education, the wage gap and increased representation of women and Women of Color in leadership.

Karen Hughes White, Effie Dennison, Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Caren Lock

Incoming TXWF Board Chair, Cris Zertuche Wong closed out the program by thanking all in attendance and invited guests to attend TXWF’s upcoming 40th Annual Luncheon at the Omni Hotel on November 14.

For additional partners and patrons, visit https://txwf.org/join-us/events/lfac-event/

Photo credit: Kim Leeson and Guy Rogers/TXWF

36th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo

 

Saddle up! Dust off those cowboy boots and giddy up to the 36th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, July 26, at 7 p.m. at the Fair Park Coliseum (1438 Coliseum Dr., Dallas, Texas 75210). Doors open at 6 p.m., with the Grand Entry Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the competition at 7 p.m. 

Presented by and benefiting the African American Museum, Dallas, the family-fun rodeo showcases Black cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes in bronc and bull riding, calf and steer roping, barrel racing and a Pony Express relay race. The evening also features on-field kids’ activities, trick lasso performances, live music, concessions, and more.

With proceeds benefiting the African American Museum, Dallas, rodeo tickets are $15 and VIP seats are $43 (plus fees) at fairparktix.com. Tickets are also available at the museum and at the coliseum on the day of the event (although last year’s event sold out early).

State Fair Saddle Up

 

The State Fair of Texas is proud to announce the return of the State Fair Saddle Up fundraising event benefitting Texas students for 2025. This event is hosted by the Big Tex Champion Club, and funds raised will support the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than $33 million in auction awards and college scholarships in its history. Click here for more details on this event with the opportunity to be a part of the host committee or to volunteer: Big Tex Champion Club | State Fair of Texas

2025 State Fair Saddle Up | Murad Auctions

KidneyTexas, Inc. - 2025 Luncheon and Fashion Show

KidneyTexas, Inc. Luncheon and Fashion Show The French Connection is slated for Friday, September 26 at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas. 

Allison Brodnax is chair. Donna and Herb Weitzman are honorary chairs. Anne and William Seanor are presenting sponsors. Mari Epperson is president, KidneyTexas, Inc.

The morning will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a champagne reception followed by a runway fashion show featuring fashions from NorthPark Center produced by Robin Chauvin. It is all topped off with a delicious luncheon. 

Tickets and sponsorship are available now: https://e.givesmart.com/events/G4L/