The Turtle Creek Association kicked off a busy weekend for its fundraising efforts on Friday, October 20, at the Marriott Uptown at its annual gala with music, dining, cocktailing, bidding and a reminder of the Association’s mission “to protect and preserve this natural habitat for future generations.”
Following the night of partying, the Association held its 22nd Tour of Homes on Sunday to cap off the weekend. Here’s a report from the field:
At the Turtle Creek Association’s Annual Gala, the buzz was all about old friends and new enjoying the cocktail hour, sumptuous hors d’oeuvres, chatting about the continuing improvements along the Turtle Creek corridor and the upcoming plans for the future as they bid on the silent auction items serenaded by Johnathan Ballew softly strumming classic rock and pop hits.
Turtle Creek Association (TCA) President/CEO JD Trueblood along with VP of Development Sharon Ballew led two very exciting events: The annual Turtle Creek Association’s gala presented by Honorary Chair Teresa Byrd and the Tour of Homes presented by Honorary Co-Chairs Kyle Crews, Ani Nosnik and The Urban Team of Allie Beth Allman and Associates, A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate.
Joining in the gala were Reception Sponsor Sue Krider, Board Chair Dee Genova, Karisti Julia, Deborah and Richard Stanford, Barbara Smith, Dr. Ann Stuart, Elyce and David Walthall, Christopher Walthall and more.
The ballroom was transformed into an elegant celebration featuring uplit walls in a rich turquoise with sophisticated black table settings featuring white orchids floating in tall vases and on some tables, tall calla lilies filling the vases.
JD welcomed the crowd and immediately introduced auctioneer Wendy Lambert and her team, which conducted a rousing live auction featuring items such as a stunning diamond halo link bracelet, a six-course tasting menu for eight by Chef Darren McGrady, a rare double vertical wine collection, Montana vacation for two, Belize for four and a website production package.
A compelling video emphasized the Turtle Creek Association’s constant challenge of leading the effort that is manually removing 2.5 tons or 5,000 lbs. of trash quarterly while working on designing a permanent solution. A comprehensive plan is in place, but the Association needs help from the community to protect and preserve this natural habitat for future generations.
Though known for its beauty, Turtle Creek is an 8.83 square mile catch basin for various contributory streams and storm pipes. A large volume of the city’s stormwater drains into Turtle Creek. Every time it rains, the creek fills with trash and debris, choking it and endangering wildlife. The rushing waters erode the banks. A storm in 2022 caused dozens of trees to fall into the waterway when the banks couldn’t contain the water.
A paddle raise and call for contributions preceded a delicious gourmet three-course dinner.
JD presented Teresa with a lovely gift, thanking her for her energy supporting the Turtle Creek Association and help as honorary chair of this year’s gala. He also presented Kyle and Ani with gifts thanking them for their support for the second year in a row as sponsors and honorary chairs. He thanked Lyda Hill Philanthropies for stepping up to the plate as Diamond Sponsor and gave special recognition to Sharon for her help and support.
Speaking to the crowd, JD said, “I stand before you tonight with a heart full of gratitude for your unwavering support. It is a testament to the power of unity. You are the heart of Turtle Creek Association and I thank you.” He continued saying, “The Tour of Homes includes remarkable homes that stand as testaments to architectural excellence in the heart of the Turtle Creek Corridor. We thank the gracious homeowners who have opened their doors for our Tour of Homes, allowing us to showcase the distinctive charm and innovation that defines this remarkable community.”
City Councilman Paul Ridley thanked JD for his tremendous leadership and both JD and Dee for working to preserve and enhance the Turtle Creek corridor. Reading an excerpt from the City of Dallas Special Recognition saying in part, “The Turtle Creek Association has been dedicated to being the primary guardian, advocate and champion that leads in the preservation, protection and enhancement of Turtle Creek since 1985,” and signed by The City of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
The party continued on into the night with dancing to the ever popular and dynamic Emerald City’s Limelight Band.
To learn more about the Turtle Creek Association, visit the website at www.turtlecreekassociation.org.
* Photo credit: Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio