The No Tie Dinner And Dessert Party crowd just doesn’t do anything without beautiful people, great food, music and grown-up libations. To prepare for the AIDS Services of Dallas fundraiser at Frontiers of Flight Museum on Saturday, April 9, they gathered at Marie and Angel Reyes home on Saturday, March 12, with all types of plans being revealed. Here’s a report from the field:
The night was filled with music . . . a cabaret of song, piano, chatter, and praise. Toasts were made. Delectable food was devoured. The musical night was an appreciation to those who support the upcoming No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party, presented by the Purple Foundation. The gala is the largest fundraiser for AIDS Services of Dallas which has improved the lives of economically disadvantaged individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS for over 25 years.
Honorary Chairs Angel and Marie Reyes (who will soon be appearing on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Dallas” on April 11) opened up their beautiful new Preston Hollow home to host the special event. No Tie Chair David Nelson, well-known in Dallas as a Renaissance man for his style, artistry, interior design, and witty jokes, and pianist/musician Leslie Frye took center stage in a deluxe entertainment room complete with lounge chairs, state-of-the-art audio and sound, and stage, in a duet of song and piano.
Nelson said, “I haven’t performed for 10 years but can’t think of a better reason to start than to thank our event’s wonderful dinner hosts and sponsors.”
Guests mingled, savoring the scrumptious meal of gourmet meats, sushi, and cheeses prepared by Texas de Brazil. The signature Reyka Double Bond cocktail, made with Reyka Vodka, cranberry juice and ginger ale, proved popular. Ben E. Keith provided wine and beer to complete the festive occasion.
Event Director Kristi Holman shared exciting fundraising news. “This year, those who purchase a Month of Housing before the live auction gets to enter a drawing for a chance to win their choice of a live auction package (excluding the vacation in Maison Rouge, an 800-year-old, five-bedroom vacation home in the French countryside amid vineyards, ancient bastides and medieval villages). A Month of Housing per resident is $1,218, which provides shelter and care to help individuals regain and maintain their health and lead an independent life.”
A few of the live auction packages include a getaway for two to Los Angeles and visit to the Magic Castle, an exotic couple’s vacation in Belize, and a book autographed by Lady Gaga (contributed by former No Tie Honorary Chair and RHOD diva LeeAnne Locken) plus a suite at American Airlines Center.
The patron party, attended by approximately 150 guests, included Purple Foundation’s Dylan Orrell, Sara Fangmeyer, and Chris Huffstutler; AIDS Services of Dallas Chairman of the Board Don Neubauer; Dennis Kershner, who retired as ASD Chairman of the Board and No Tie Chair this year; former Honorary Chairs Patricia Deason and Jody O’Donnell; 192nd Civil District Court Judge Craig Smith; Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez; Rob and Deanna Cahill (who appeared as Jacqueline Kennedy on Hulu’s 11/22/63 mini-series); Tricia Sims, and Sheri and Patrick Moneymaker.
The 2016 No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party will be held on Saturday, April 9, starting at 7:00 p.m., at the Frontiers of Flight Museum (6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75209). VIP tickets are $150 (includes deluxe VIP lounge with bar and exclusive auction and raffle items), and general admission tickets are $75. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.notiedinner.org.
* Photo credit: Kim Grubbs