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

Folds of Honor Kicks-Off The 2022 Gala with a Patriotic Celebration

Folds of Honor North Texas kicked-off its 2022 gala with a celebration hosted by Monica and Joe Eastin in their lovely Preston Hollow home. It was an evening of vibrant and lively conversation in support of Folds of Honor and its mission to provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Monica Eastin and Joe Eastin, hosts

Guests were welcomed by a festive red, white and blue party table full of take-home favors, balloons and more, which set the scene for a fun event and echoed the patriotic theme throughout the home. Servers enticed everyone with hearty Tex-Mex hors d’oeuvres as cocktails were served in the outside verandah, open to the fresh breezes of spring as live music serenaded in the background.

Ty and Sarah Duncan, Charlotte and Mark Colby

Sarah Duncan, Regional Development Officer, Folds of Honor, welcomed guests and introduced the guest of honor and speaker, Michael Lammy. Michael gave an inspired and emotional presentation, speaking about his personal journey from being stationed in Guam as a member of the United States Navy where he met his wife and began a family. After a horrific accident, he was unable to continue his service. He turned to Folds of Honor to assist in securing an education for his children. Not only did Folds of Honor provide full scholarships for his wife and two daughters to complete college, his third daughter starts Texas Tech in the fall, thanks to a Folds of Honor scholarship, as well. He said that the gift of education is one that never ends and without the help from FOH, his family would not have been able to afford the education they now treasure. It has truly made a difference in their lives now and certainly in the future.

Meredith Land, Xan Moore

After a rousing round of standing applause, Sarah shared her story as the daughter of a fallen hero and scholarship recipient. She said that after losing her father, Captain Dennis Michael White, Folds of Honor stepped in with a scholarship, which allowed her to attend Auburn. She graduated in 2011. She said that opportunity has made her who she is today. Both stories brought to life the meaning of the nonprofit’s mission and how the crucial funding for Folds of Honor scholarships directly benefits the families of disabled and deceased military members.  

Cameron LeSeane, Chase Cappo, Jordan Smith

The annual gala will take place on Saturday, November 12th on the field of AT&T Stadium. The evening will bring together military families, veterans, scholarship recipients, and members of the North Texas community in an event of celebration that includes dinner, an auction, live entertainment by Emerald City, and fellowship. The money raised is used to provide educational scholarships to the nation’s most deserving families, the ones that sacrifice to protect our freedoms.

Ralph Stow, Linda Armstrong, Scott Kildebeck, Brittany Kildebeck

Dallas Arboretum’s 2021 Cool Thursday Concert Series

 

With 10 new bands, the return of popular performers, and having to skip a year due to the pandemic, the Dallas Arboretum’s 2021 Cool Thursday Concert Series is the place to listen to some favorite and new bands perform. Single tickets and fall subscriptions are now on sale to the public for the spring/summer and fall concert series that starts on April 1^st with local favorite Emerald City. The Emerald City concert is already sold out, but other dates still have availability. Bands perform on the award-winning Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn overlooking White Rock Lake, a picturesque view that includes the sun setting in the background during the concerts.

 In addition to the coolest view of White Rock Lake, attendees can bring picnics and beverages or purchase food items from some of DFW's favorite food trucks. The gardens are open to stroll through before the concert to enjoy the breathtaking spring displays of Dallas Blooms, presented by IBERIABANK/First Horizon, featuring more than 500,000 spring blooming bulbs. The spring/summer concert series continues through July 1. Gates open at 6 p.m., and concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. There is free parking on concert evenings.

To purchase tickets, call 214-515-6615 weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or reserve online at https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/cool-thursdays-concert-series/

SPRING 2021

April 1 – Emerald City,* Dallas’ Favorite Party Band – SOLD OUT

April 8 – The Motowners,** A Tribute to Motown

April 15 – Desperado,** Texas’ Premiere Eagles Tribute, sponsored by Baker Triangle

April 22 – Hot August Night,*** A Tribute to Neil Diamond (NEW)

April 29 – Turnstiles,** The Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band, sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors

ZOO TO DO 2017: Animal Gathering Kicked Off at the Simmons Hippo Outpost at the Dallas Zoo

Zoo To Do kicked-off the Animal Gathering with a private soirée at the Dallas Zoo’s new $14 million, 2.1-acre Simmons Hippo Outpost. The new hippo exhibit is the zoo’s first major exhibit since 2010 and was funded solely through private donations. The impressive new space features an immersive African waterhole habitat which includes an underwater viewing area of the zoo’s two newest hippo residents, Adhama (uh-DAHM-a) and Boipelo (BOY-pa-lo).  

Barbara and Don Daseke, Zoo To Do Chairs

 A cool breeze was in the air and everyone was in a festive mood as they boarded the trams taking them to this special outpost for the kick-off event. In a salute to the Animal Gathering theme, a flamboyance of plastic flamingos (DID YOU KNOW?: a gathering of flamingos is known as a flamboyance?) served as a beautiful welcoming party and brought smiles from the crowd, as did special appearances by hometown guests, including flamingos Aruba and Bermuda, mother and daughter tamanduas, Chispa and Cora, along with Dulce the spectacled owl. 

Tom Leppert, Karen Waller, Kevin Hanrahan

Zoo To Do chairs Barbara and Don Daseke set the scene for the evening while the hippos roaming and swimming in their habitat provided the perfect backdrop for photos outside. Inside, tables were set with gourmet delights created by the Zoo’s Executive Chef Ian Feiwus paired with wines curated by Hayley Cogill, a certified sommelier and certified specialist of wine.

Joan Walne, Zoo board chair; Alan Walne

Gregg Hudson, president and CEO of the Dallas Zoo, thanked everyone for their support and for attending the evening’s event, and touting the zoo’s record-setting 1.2 million visitors last year. Joan Walne, Zoo board chair, congratulated everyone on last year’s event, which earned a record $1,475,000. She thanked last year’s chairs, Hal Brierley, Don Glendenning and John Levy.

Alisha Gummer, Chris Gummer, Cindy Gummer, Chuck Gummer

Chairs Barbara and Don Daseke said they were delighted to chair the 2017 event and noted that since they went on their trip to Africa, they have grown to appreciate how important natural habitats are to the animals and are thrilled to help bring awareness to the Dallas Zoo’s dedication to its mission to create a better world for animals. As longtime Dallas Zoo and Zoo To Do supporters, they have brought on many friends and some former Zoo To Do chairs to join their committee this year, including Honorary Chair Mary McDermott Cook, Live Auction Chairs Diane and Hal Brierley, Host Committee Chairs Barbara and Steve Durham, Underwriting Chairs Kate and Lane Britain, Decorations Chair Cindy Gummer, Honorary Chef Chair Dan Landsberg from Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa, Chef Wrangler Brett Krafft from the Hilton Anatole, and Chef Chair Sarah Barr from Hotal ZaZa.

Kevin Rabe, Nancy Rabe, Douglas Rabe

Slated for Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 and hosted at the Dallas Zoo, guests and patrons of the 2017 Zoo To Do Animal Gathering will stroll through the award-winning Giants of the Savanna exhibit, sample exquisite dishes from more than 25 of Dallas’s premier chefs and restaurants, and enjoy interactive animal demonstrations and musical entertainment. Following dinner, guests will move to the Wilds of Africa plaza for a live auction featuring rare zoo experiences, travel and more! Finally, partygoers will dance the night away to music from Emerald City All Stars.

          Zoo To Do is a major source of funding for the Dallas Zoo. Proceeds from the event help support the zoo’s dedication to providing the best animal care, delivering unique education offerings and furthering its wildlife conservation efforts. 
          Sponsorships range from $7,500 to $50,000. Underwriting ranges from $7,500 to $100,000. Individual tickets are $750 each and a VIP ticket pack is $3,000. For more information, visit the website at http://www.DallasZooToDo.com or contact Stephanie Thompson, events manager at 469-554-7441 or via email at Stephanie.Thompson@DallasZoo.com.

Chamberlain Performing Arts Presents Signature 2014

The Board of Directors of Chamberlain Performing Arts and the Chamberlain Guild Performing Arts are pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Signature 2014.

On February 21, 2014, guests will gather at Eddie Deen's Ranch in downtown Dallas to help fund community outreach programs for Chamberlain Performing Arts.  Dinner, beverages, live and silent auctions, and entertainment by Emerald City’s Limelight, are sure to make the evening a memorable one.

The goal for Signature 2014 is to raise $50,000 to help support:

The Nutcracker Community Connections Performance – More than 28,000 underserved community members have benefitted from this complementary performance since 1991.

Relevé School Dance Program – Since 1996, over 1,100 children have participated in this program offered in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County.

Shining Stars Program – serving special needs students

Guests attending Signature 2014 – A Lone Starry Night will be treated to a Western evening featuring Eddie Deen’s Bar-B-Que and a stocked Watering Hole underwritten by Meadors Wealth Management Group, along with Midway Fun and Boot Scootin’ the night away to Emerald City’s Limelight band. Tickets are $100 per person and tables for eight begin at $800. Sponsorship packages are also available.

For more information on Signature 2014, to buy tickets, to make a donation, or to volunteer, please visit www.chamberlainperformingarts.org. Space is limited and Chamberlain is anticipating 200 guests, so purchase your tickets today.

The Ultimate Dallas Cowboys Tailgate Party Returns to The Glass Cactus

Get ready to tackle hunger at the ninth annual Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Dallas Cowboys Tailgate Party, presented by Lockheed Martin.

The event returns to The Glass Cactus at the Gaylord Hotel on Sunday, April 21st at 6:00 pm. Join hosts DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher, Abacus executive chef and proprietor Kent Rathbun, former Dallas Cowboys Preston Pearson, Daryl Johnston and Chad Hennings along with the area’s hottest celebrity chefs and Emerald City Band, as they transform this classic tailgate party into a party with a purpose.

You'll dine on delicious gourmet tailgate fare, signature cocktails and a fantastic live and silent auction - all while helping raise funds that will feed North Texas children in need!

Since its inception in 2004, Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Dallas Cowboys Tailgate Party has provided more than 2.5 million meals to hungry North Texas children by raising vital funds for the North Texas Food Bank’s feeding and education programs.

For more information and to register, click here:

https://web.ntfb.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=364

Participating Chefs:

Kent Rathbun – Kent Rathbun Concepts: Abacus, Jasper’s & Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen
Graham Dodds – Central 214, Hotel Palomar Dallas
David Holben – Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Aaron Henschen – Del Frisco’s Grille
Bronwen Weber – Frosted Art Bakery & Studio
Orazio LaManna – Legends Hospitality (Dallas Cowboys)
Taylor Kearney – Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse
Beverly Eskridge – NTFB Community Kitchen
Vincent Ginatta – Paciugo
James Johnson – Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Scott Gottlich – The Second Floor
TJ Lengnick – Shinsei
Ernie Mendoza – Suze Restaurant
Patrick Smith – Tejano Brothers
Sascia Marchesi – Zeppole

Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Cowboys Tailgate Party

 Foodies and football fans will huddle up to take a bite out of childhood hunger at Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Cowboys Tailgate Party benefiting the North Texas Food Bank.  Event Chair DeMarcus Ware #94 welcomes Former Dallas Cowboy Chad Hennings, who joins Cowboys legend Preston Pearson and Executive Chef Kent Rathbun, to co-host the 8th Annual "Party with a Purpose." This year's event moves to the new Omni Hotel Dallas Trinity Ballroom, which will receive a gridiron makeover when the festivities touch down on Sunday, May 20, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

Advance tickets are on sale now for only $125 a person or $225 a couple. This year’s Tailgate Party has all the ingredients of a winning evening, including: 20 gourmet food stations from chefs representing some of DFW’s hottest restaurants and purveyors; Current and former Dallas Cowboys hosts and special guests, including Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders; Live music by headliner Emerald City; Silent and live auction items featuring great escapes, experiences and one-of‐a-kind merchandise like a Louis Vuitton bag, an overseas trip, Southwest Airlines vouchers, signed sports memorabilia; Fund-a-Cause opportunities enabling bidders to sponsor children utilizing NTFB programs at commitment levels of $100, $500, $1,000 and $2,500, emceed in a live auction-style format. Reserve a spot today online.

The following star chefs have already committed to take time out from their own kitchens to participate: Kent Rathbun (Abacus, Jasper’s, Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen & KB’s WoodFire Grill), Sean Merchant (Bob’s Steak and Chop House, Omni Dallas Hotel), Graham Dodds (Central 214, Hotel Palomar Dallas), David Holben (Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House), Orazio LaManna (Legends Hospitality, Cowboys Stadium), Anthony Bombaci (Nana, Hilton Anatole Hotel), Rodman Shields (Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse), James Williams (North Texas Food Bank, Community Kitchen), James Johnson (Pappas Bros. Steakhouse), Jaime Corona (Place at Perry’s), Tiffany Derry (Private Social), TJ Lengnick (Whiskey Cake).

Guests can choose to make a night of it by booking a special $179 room rate at the Omni Hotel Dallas. Simply call 214-744-6664 to make a reservation and reference Taste of the NFL to receive the special rate

Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Cowboys Tailgate Party raised a record of more than $201,000 (up 13.5%) - helping provide over 603,000 meals to kids in need across our community. Organizers hope to cross the $1 million dollar fundraising milestone this year for funds generated since the event started in 2004.

According to recent USDA data, Texas has one of the highest rates of food insecure children in the country; currently 1 in 4 lives in a household without consistent access to nutrition. Please visit the Food Bank’s website at http://www.ntfb.org/ for additional event information, to learn more about NTFB's programs serving children, for volunteer opportunities, or to see how the organization is committed to “ReThinking Hunger” by bringing healthier, smarter and stronger solutions to the table to address demand. For every $1 donated, NTFB is able to provide three meals. Let's tackle hunger together!

Zoo to Do 2011

The Dallas Zoo has been one of Dallas’ most beloved attractions for than 100 years. This year, Zoo to Do goes Hollywood!

Zoo To Do is a major source of funding for the Dallas Zoological Society. With the proceeds from the event, the Society is able to continue in its mission to support the Dallas Zoo as an outstanding center of education, entertainment, and wildlife conservation.

The party will be held on Saturday, November 5, in the Giants of the Savanna exhibit at the Dallas Zoo. The evening begins at 5:00 PM with cocktails, a stroll through the Savanna, and the opening of the silent auction. It continues with more than 25 of Dallas’ finest chefs and restaurants providing food at different stations throughout the event. It is a true “grazing” event. Music, dancing and live entertainment will continue throughout the evening and will be followed by a spectacular live auction and late night dancing under the stars.

Click here to purchase your tickets to this fabulous event!

Crescent Fall Celebration

Friday, September 30, 2011
6–10 p.m.
The Crescent Fountain

$75 per person
Complimentary valet
For reservations, please call 866.228.3243 or email crescent@rosewoodhotels.com
Purchase tickets online here

Caroline Rose Hunt - Honorary Chair

::Live entertainment by Emerald City
::Silent Auction
::Cork Pull benefitting Les Dames d'Escoffier Dallas Scholarship Endowment Funds
::Fashions by Stanley Korshak
::Food Sampling from Arcodoro & Pomodoro, The Conservatory, Capital Grille, The Crescent Club, Nobu, Palomino, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, CordeValle, Rosewood Mayakoba, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
::Crescent Specialty Drink Wine Tastings
::Mini Spa Experiences by The Spa at The Crescent

Benefiting AT&T Performing Arts Center - leveraging the arts to improve our city