Rob Giardinelli
The Joule Hotel Gathering Raises Funds For The Preservation Of Beloved Park
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Rob Wythe of Wythe Portrait Studio
THE SCENE: The Joule Hotel in Dallas was the setting for one of North Texas’s most successful annual luncheons. Several hundred of the area’s top community leaders, nature lovers, sociables, and philanthropists attended the annual Azalea Luncheon. Benefiting the Turtle Creek Association, the afternoon celebrated 40 years of the beloved organization, complete with a fashion show and a special announcement.
THE VIBE: The luncheon-chic crowd donned their finest spring attire. In the crowd, one could spot a garden mix of bright colored ensembles, floral prints, and pastels that created a welcoming environment for all who attended.
The afternoon started with a champagne reception on the Joule Hotel rooftop terrace. In a space enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a roof draped with string lights, guests sipped on bubbles and the iconic Joule Margarita while enjoying passed bites.
The action then moved to the Joule Ballroom for the main program. As guests dined on their delectable lunches, they were treated to words from organization and event leaders thanking them for supporting the organization for the past four decades and recognizing Judith Lifson, one of its founding members.
Next came a fashion show with a dazzling array of men’s and women’s looks. The women’s fashion show was sponsored by Betty Reiter, while the men’s fashion show was sponsored by Pockets and featured special guest designer Levi Palmer of Palmer//Harding.
and Sharon Smith
The afternoon capped off with a short video highlighting the organization’s next initiative to remove debris accumulating in Turtle Creek. Turtle Creek Association President & CEO JD Trueblood announced the organization will benefit from $1 million in funding courtesy of the City of Dallas 2024 Bond Program, and recognized Patrick Rea, who manually cleans the creek for his hard work, culminating in a thunderous round of applause as the event came to a close.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Azalea Luncheon was chaired by Sharon Ballew, Mary Brinegar as honorary chair, and Deborah Stanford and Ann Stuart, PhD, as honorary chairs emeriti. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Turtle Creek Association, which serves as the foremost guardian, advocate, and leader dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the Turtle Creek corridor for all to experience.
