When James Bond would loosen his tie, you just knew he was taking enjoyment to a new high. So, how fitting it was that the 2016 No Tie Dinner And Dessert Party would have a Bond theme at Frontiers of Flight Museum on Saturday, April 9, complete with grown-up beverages, Bond babes and partying. Here’s a report from the field:
Only David Nelson and his creative team can make a casual-chic affaire go glam without a tie. Welcome to No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party! The eleventh annual fundraiser for AIDS Services of Dallas, presented by Purple Foundation, went Bond-chic at The Frontiers of Flight Museum on Saturday, April 9, with the theme “You Only Live Twice” to celebrate the non-profit’s long history of providing a second chance at life for its residents.
No Tie Chair David Nelson and Honorary Co-Chairs Marie Reyes (as seen on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Dallas) and husband Angel Reyes greeted the 1,500 guests who indulged in lavish cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, chocolates and pies from some of the city’s finest eateries, such as Apples and Onions, Dallas Affaires Cake Co., Daisy Cakes, Uncle Willie’s Pies, and Frosted Art Bakery & Studio, among many others. The signature Reyka Double Bond cocktail made with Reyka vodka, cranberry juice and a splash of ginger ale proved popular at the bars generously sponsored by Ben E. Keith (Bud Light) and William Grant & Sons (Reyka, Sailor Jerry, Tullamore D.E.W., and others).
Upon arrival, one might have caught a glimpse of the stunning Deanna Cahill poised on top of a cupcake platform dressed in her Bond-girl finest of all black leather. She and husband Rob Cahill and Alika Ray produced a surprise dance performance by the Dallas Cowboy R&B dance team set to Madonna’s “Die Another Day.” Another surprise was the announcement of Carol Hatton as the recipient of the “Sheila Dolezal Humanitarian Award” for her volunteerism and community support and the newly-retired Dennis Kershner as the recipient of the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his long-term support as ASD Chairman of the Board for seven years and No Tie Chair for ten years.
Thanks to DJ Mark Ridlen, the dance floor bounced with energy to set the stage for the live auction which showcased everything from an $8,500 Louis Vuitton Chaise Lounge Chair donated by Scott + Cooner to a vacation package in a fully-restored 800-year-old, three-story chateau in the French countryside. Other vacation packages included trips to Belize, Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado and Hotel del Coronado Resort in San Diego. Guests could also bid on silent auction items and original artworks, curated by Christina D. Yielding, who also featured “live art” throughout the evening.
Other attendees included: ASD President/CEO Don Maison, ASD Chairman of the Board Don Neubauer, Purple Foundation’s Blake Baker, Chris Huffstutler, Sara Fangmeyer and Dylan Orrell, Sterling Deason O’Donnell, Patricia Deason, Tricia Sims, Merlene Phillips and Tony Fielding among others.
* Photo credit: Gregory Martin