Cynthia Smoot
The Al Fresco Gala Marked A Major Milestone With Its 13th Anniversary Celebration
By Cynthia Smoot Photography By Tamytha Cameron and Kelly Alexander
THE SCENE: Klyde Warren Park marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 13th anniversary in grand style with the annual Party in the Park fundraiser, presented by Republic National Distributing Company. The highly anticipated event brought together nearly a thousand guests for an unforgettable evening of food, music, and philanthropy, raising more than $1.1 million to support the Park’s year-round programming and maintenance.
The evening began with a lively cocktail reception hosted by First United Bank at the Nancy Best Fountain, where guests mingled to the backdrop of glistening water and the city skyline. Attendees sipped handcrafted cocktails and enjoyed light bites as twilight descended, capturing photos by the Park’s iconic fountain.
The sound of laughter and music filled the air, setting the stage for a night that perfectly reflected the spirit of Dallas: vibrant, social, and community-driven. Notables in attendance includedJason and Porscha Kidd, Jody and Sheila Grant, Kristin and James Hallam, Randy and Nancy Best, Luke and Krystal Davis, Margot Perot, Myrna and Bob Schlegel, Rachel and Michael Osburn, the Tolleson Family, and Erin Duvall.
THE VIBE: Following the reception, guests transitioned into a beautifully appointed tent for a casually elegant starlight supper, generously sponsored by SMU. Designed and executed by Todd Events, the setting was nothing short of stunning. Continental-style tables adorned with lush greenery, flickering candles, and modern gold accents created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Each table featured HALL Wines, pairing perfectly with the evening’s three-course dinner.
As guests dined under the softly lit canopy, the night’s program honored those who have long championed Klyde Warren Park and its mission. Honorary Co-Chairs Debbie and John Tolleson guided this year’s event, joined by their children, Amy and Peter Baldwin, and Kacy and Carter Tolleson, who served as event co-chairs. Together, the Tolleson and Baldwin families exemplify the generosity and community leadership that have enabled the Park’s continued success.
After dinner, guests were treated to an intimate performance by Texas-born singer-songwriter Erin Duvall, whose soulful set added a touch of homegrown talent to the evening. Her smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics created a relaxed yet celebratory mood that perfectly bridged the transition from dinner to dancing.
Then came the night’s high-energy finale: a performance by the world’s premier Bee Gees tribute band, Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees. The magic of the evening, from the glittering fountain cocktails to the final dance under the stars, dazzled the attendees. Smiling guests, elegant tablescapes, and the shimmering downtown skyline served as reminders of how Klyde Warren Park continues to bring beauty and joy to the heart of Dallas.
THE NON-PROFIT: Since opening in 2012, Klyde Warren Park has served as Dallas’ signature gathering place—a 5.4-acre green space connecting Uptown to Downtown and offering over 1,300 free community events annually. Each year, Party in the Park stands as the Park’s only fundraising event, providing essential support to keep the beloved urban oasis clean, safe, and active for all. Beyond the celebration, the night also underscored the Park’s greater mission: to provide a free, inclusive, and safe space for all members of the community.
Every dollar raised during Party in the Park directly supports the Park’s operations and programming, from yoga and fitness classes to children’s activities, concerts, and cultural events. As the only annual fundraiser for Klyde Warren Park, Party in the Park plays an essential role in ensuring that more than 1,300 free programs can continue to enrich the lives of Dallas residents and visitors alike.
Now more than ever, the Park serves as a place of connection—where families picnic on the lawn, coworkers gather for lunch, and friends meet to enjoy music, movies, and art. Its success is sustained not only through events like Party in the Park but also through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners who recognize its importance to the city’s cultural and social fabric.
