Curated Texan
The Texas Fall social season continues to roar as we head into the holiday season. Here are 10 stellar galas and signature fundraising events we recommend you have on your radar to support between November 15th and December 15th. See you there.
Austin – Andy Roddick Foundation Gala – November 15
Always a crowd-pleaser that draws hundreds of Austin’s top sociables, The Andy Roddick Foundation Gala heads back to ACL Live at The Moody Theatre this year for what will be an unforgettable night combining philanthropy with comedy and music. The night will be emceed by comedian and nationally syndicated radio personality Bobby Bones, which ensures the laughter flows as freely as the cocktails. Capping off the evening will be a show-stopping musical performance by multi-platinum country music artists Riley Green and Matt Stell. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit foundation programs that keep kids learning while school is out.
Dallas – Salvation Army Doing The Most Good Luncheon – November 16
The Salvation Army of North Texas’ Doing the Most Good Luncheon has long been one of Dallas’ biggest luncheons of the year that also serves to unofficially kick off the holiday season. This year is no different as powerhouse co-chair duo Lisa Cooley and Lisa Singleton roll out the red carpet for hundreds of the city’s most notable sociables, philanthropists, sports enthusiasts, and community leaders. Held at the Hilton Anatole, the event raises funds for programs for six counties in the DFW Metroplex with this year’s luncheon featuring a keynote address from James Brown, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee and host of The NFL Today.
Dallas – Dallas Historical Society History Makers Luncheon – November 17
Held this year at the Fairmont Hotel, the Dallas Historical Society is kicking off its second century (yes, you read that correctly) with a new name for its annual luncheon, now known as the History Makers Awards for Excellence Luncheon. The luncheon has honored civic and community leaders who have sought to preserve the history and integrity of Dallas for over 40. Co-chaired this year by Daniel Murchison and Laura Woodall, 9 Dallas residents will be honored for their contributions in various fields including History, Education, Humanities, Sports Leadership, and more. This year will also unveil a new award, the Dallas Historical Society Benefactor of the Year Award, which will be received by El Dorado Motors owner Stan Graff.
Houston – Museum of Fine Arts Houston Grand Gala Ball – November 17
Held each year inside the stunning grand hall of the world-class museum, the Grand Gala Ball, hosted by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is one of the city’s most stylish, high-profile events in a city well known for throwing fabulous galas. The museum’s largest annual fundraiser will draw several hundred of the city’s top art patrons, community leaders, fashionistas, and philanthropists who don their finest black-tie ensembles for an unforgettable evening of fun. Overseen by honorary chairs Nicole and Evan Katz, proceeds raised from the event will benefit programs at the museum.
Dallas – AT&T Performing Arts Center Bravo! Gala – November 18
The 5th annual Bravo! Gala benefitting the AT&T Performing Arts Center has quickly becoming one of Dallas’ top galas supporting the arts. Held at the Winspear Opera House, this year’s gala will be hosted by Diane Brierley and Ellen Winspear and honor The Moody Foundation for their generosity, commitment, and advocacy of the AT&T PAC. At the black-tie optional event, guests can expect a one-of-a-kind, bespoke evening at Winspear, complete with a cocktail hour where guests can soak in the world-class space with performances from various resident companies serving as a perfect ambient backdrop. Patrons then head to the Winspear stage for the Bravo! Gala’s first-ever dinner on stage, which will include the honoree dedication and a surprise featured performance.
Houston – Holocaust Museum Houston Guardian of the Human Spirit Luncheon – November 20
The Guardian of the Human Spirit Luncheon benefiting the Holocaust Museum Houston has long been of Houston’s top annual luncheons. Held at the Hilton Americas-Houston, this year is bound to dazzle with an impressive afternoon led by co-chairs Mandy and Ronnie Caress, Denise and Steve Estrin, and Jessica Strehlow and Brian Caress. The program will be emceed by KPRC meteorologist and host of Houston Newsmakers Khambrel Marshall. The event will honor supporters since the museum’s inception in 1996, Rhona and Bruce Caress, and feature a keynote address from award-winning producer and native Houstonian Thomas Schlamme.
Austin – Sergio and Angela Garcia Foundation FOREKids ATX and Par-TEE – December 1-2
One of Austin’s hottest new events of the Fall social season, FOREKids ATX benefiting the Sergio and Angela Garcia Foundation is back for its sophomore year after an impressive $2 million raised from its inaugural event last year. Proceeds from the event go towards sports and children’s causes near to the heart of the couple including Dell Children’s Medical Center, Foster Village, The Muny Conservancy, and The UGLI Foundation. The two days of festivities kick off with the 400 person Par-TEE, which includes a cocktail hour, dinner, live auction that includes two VIP experiences for four: an Austin FC Away Game Package, and a trip to Spain for the Valderamma LIV Tournament in the Summer of 2024. The night will also include interviews with several professional golfers including host Sergio Garcia, Talor Gooch, David Feherty, and others. The following day, patrons will head to the links and The FORE Kids Golf Tournament at Fazio Canyon’s Course at Omni Barton Creek and a 19th-hole party celebration at Canyons Grill.
Austin – Center for Child Protection Dancing with the Stars Austin – December 9
Always one of Austin’s most fun and inspiring nights of philanthropy, Dancing with the Stars Austin, benefiting the Center for Child Protection and presented by Mercedez-Benz of Austin, is one of the Capital City’s most popular galas each year, drawing in excess of 1,000 attendees. Held each year at the JW Marriott, this year proves to be one of its best yet with the dynamic duo of Betsy Hudson and Stephanie O’Neill returning to co-chair for a second consecutive year along with emcees Glenn Ball and Holly Mills-Gardner. In addition to a trio of talented judges including Jeff Jumonville, actor JR Martinez, and actor Becca Tobin of Glee, there is an impressive mix of 11 celebrity dancers who will cut a rug and compete for the coveted mirror ball trophy to cap off the Fall social season in Austin.
Dallas – Crystal Charity Ball – December 9
In a Dallas Fall social season that has been one for the record books, it is only fitting the season ends with a bang courtesy of the legendary Crystal Charity Ball, which will be held at the Hilton Anatole. Setting the Dallas scene ablaze for over 70 years, the Crystal Charity Ball is a group of 100 active, dynamic women in Dallas who over the past 71 years have given over $190 million to hundreds of charitable causes in North Texas. This year’s ball, chaired by the dynamic Angie Kadesky, includes a Masterpieces in the Making theme which perfectly illustrates that an organization will provide nearly $6.7 million to seven beneficiaries primarily services children’s causes.
Houston – Legacy Community Health Holiday Schmooze – December 14
Ending the social season in Houston on a holiday festive note, is one of the best cocktail parties in Texas. Legacy Community Health’sHoliday Schmooze. Hosted at a different location each year, this year’s event is hosted at the home of Gerry Heard and Taylor Hearn, where guests don their best holiday-chic attire for a night of epic fun and mingling. Proceeds raised from the events will go towards the Jackson Hicks Endowed Fund for the Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment of HIV/AIDS in honor of the late, great Prince of Parties, Jackson Hicks.
