Cynthia Smoot
The Legendary Gilley’s Was Transformed Into A High-Energy Celebration Of Philanthropy And Purpose As Aware North Texas Welcomed Supporters For An Unforgettable Evening Of Custom Cowboy Hats, Bourbon Pulls, Dazzling Experiences, And Powerful Fundraising In The Fight Against Alzheimer’s And Dementia
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Thomas Garza and Rob Wythe
THE SCENE: The 2026 edition of AWARE Affair, “Boots, Buckles & Brain Health” arrived at Gilley’s Dallas with the full force of a Texas thunderstorm: spectacular, impossible to ignore, and impossible to forget. Before a single guest crossed the threshold, they were greeted by perhaps the evening’s most unforgettable host: a living, breathing Texas longhorn, stationed at the entrance courtesy of Reeder Capital Partners, his magnificent horns spanning the doorway like a crown.
Inside, the cocktail hour unfolded less like a preamble and more like a world of its own. The silent auction pulled guests into spirited competition, while the Fleastyle Original Hat Bar transformed simple straw and felt into something personal, custom-crafted cowboy hats that guests wore proudly for the rest of the night. The Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott pop-up glittered nearby, and Bachendorf’s diamond earrings had hopeful raffle-ticket holders pressing their luck with a smile. The Bourbon and Whiskey Pull became the evening’s open secret: once word spread, the line never quite disappeared.
At the ballroom’s entrance, Belmont Village Senior Living brought playfulness with purpose, inviting guests into “Brain Games”… a timely nod to the evening’s mission and to the community AWARE exists to protect. Just steps away, a photo booth, sponsored by Karen and Mark Carney, unveiled something genuinely new: entrepreneur Yasmeen Tadia’s ZIYĀ AI Watercolor Photo Experience, which turned portraits into luminous, painterly keepsakes that guests carried home like small pieces of art.
THE VIBE: The room itself was a gathering of Dallas at its most generous. Among those lending their presence and their hearts to the evening were Sharon and Maurice Ballew, Jennifer Burns and Jay Mitchell, Emily and George Collins, Mari and Don Epperson, Diana and Steve Hamilton, Karisti and Luis Julia, Karen and Keith Koop, Ann and Mike McKinley, Jackie and Michael McKinley, John and Mallory Muse, Sheridan and Bryan T. Reeder, Anne and Bill Seanor, Robyn and Michael Siegel, Kamilia Smith, MD, Cathy and Bill Davis, Merritt and Taylor Russ, Lora Farris, Catherine Weber, Nick Wingo, and many more who came understanding what was truly at stake.
Because beneath every sequin, every bid paddle raised, and every toast made, there was the reason this night exists: AWARE’s relentless work funding Alzheimer’s research, supporting those living with the disease, and fighting for a future where a diagnosis is no longer a sentence. The funds raised here through every auction lot, every raffle ticket, every pull of a bourbon bottle move that future closer.
Not abstractly. Concretely. In laboratories. In care facilities. In families who are still waiting for good news. That is what makes the AWARE Affair more than a gala. It is a community declaring, in the most Texas way imaginable, that they refuse to give up.
THE NON-PROFIT: Founded in Dallas in 1989, AWARE North Texas is a nonprofit on a singular mission: empowering North Texans to rise above the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, together. In more than three decades of work, AWARE has invested over $15 million in local providers, researchers, and innovators, with every granted dollar staying in North Texas to benefit the community it serves. Through Friends of AWARE, patients, care partners, and professionals connect, learn, and advocate for better care today and a cure tomorrow.
Check Out The 7 Standout Highlights From AWARE Affair 2026…
A Texas Longhorn Welcomed Guests At The Door
Attendees arriving at Gilley’s Dallas were greeted by a live Texas longhorn courtesy of Reeder Capital Partners, instantly setting the tone for the unforgettable Texas-themed evening.
Custom Cowboy Hats Became The Must-Have Accessory Of The Night
The Fleastyle Original Hat Bar allowed guests to create personalized cowboy hats that quickly became one of the evening’s biggest hits.
The Bourbon And Whiskey Pull Drew Crowds All Night Long
Once word spread about the popular activation, guests lined up throughout the evening hoping to score premium bottles and surprise selections.
Luxury Pop-Ups Added Extra Glamour To The Event
Guests explored The Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott pop-up while raffle hopefuls competed for stunning Bachendorf’s diamond earrings.
Interactive ‘Brain Games’ Brought Purpose To The Party
Belmont Village Senior Living created an engaging activation reminding guests of the evening’s mission to support Alzheimer’s awareness, research, and care.
AI Watercolor Portraits Became Instant Keepsakes
Entrepreneur Yasmeen Tadia’s ZIYĀ AI Watercolor Photo Experience transformed guest portraits into painterly works of art that attendees proudly carried home.
The Night United Dallas Around A Powerful Cause
Beneath the sparkle, auctions, and celebrations, the evening reinforced AWARE North Texas’ mission to fund Alzheimer’s research and support families facing dementia across North Texas.
