Cynthia Smoot Archives - Society Texas

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | Marketplace, R.S.V.P. FORT WORTH, Fall/Winter 2024

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES

Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Raises $2.5 Million On The Turf

By Cynthia Smoot Photography courtesy of the Texas Rangers

THE SETTING: Nearly 1,500 guests gathered on the outfield turf at the Globe Life Field for the TEX Gala presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in support of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. The VIP Reception, presented by American Airlines, had guests mingling with National Baseball Hall of Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, who also received his World Series Championship ring during the reception. When the West Marketplace gates opened to the guests, they made their way down to the field for cocktails and carnival-style games reminiscent of the State Fair of Texas’ famous Midway. Photo opportunities were plentiful, and the silent auction was chock-full of autographed sports and Hollywood memorabilia, assorted gift baskets, and an array of one-of-a-kind items.

THE STYLE: After cocktail hour, presented by Coca-Cola, guests enjoyed a seated dinner and a brief video about the Texas Rangers Foundation, bringing life to the causes they were collectively there to support. The live auction followed and certainly did not disappoint. Packages included a VIP All-Star Week experience, suites to Globe Life Field’s 2024 concerts, luxury vacations, and, as an impromptu surprise, country music’s Pat Green took the stage to auction off a private concert. A handful of Texas Rangers players and coaches, alongside the attendees, enjoyed the evening and the big finale, a concert from Country Music Hall of Famers Brooks & Dunn. They sang classics like Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Neon Moon, and You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.

THE PURPOSE: The TEX Gala is the Foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year, propelling the charitable component of the World Series Champions Texas Rangers organization to function to its fullest potential. This year’s event raised a record-high of $2.5 million in gross revenue, which will directly impact those who benefit from the Rangers Foundation’s year-round programming, which includes the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, education-based initiatives and scholarships, community distributions, and military/first responder-focused initiatives. The record-setting night brings the combined total raised since the TEX Gala’s inception in 2021 to a whopping $7.975 million.

A ROARING SUCCESS

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Fall/Winter 2024

Evening Of Fundraising Raised Over $1.4 Million For Dallas Zoo

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Thomas Garza and Rob Wythe

THE SETTING: The Dallas Zoo’s largest annual fundraiser, themed Adventure Awaits, was presented by The Eugene McDermott Foundation and Honorary Chair Lyda Hill. As guests embarked upon the Dallas Zoo Entry Plaza, they were met with an impressive display of vehicles from Sewell Automotive Group. After passing through the front gates, they were greeted by beautiful flamingoes mingling with the crowd courtesy of the Dallas Zoo’s Animal Adventures Outreach program, which also served as the perfect backdrop for photos and selfies, as welcome cocktails were served.

Co-chairs Steven J. Roth and Thai-lan Tran greeted guests dressed in festive Safari chic as trams loaded VIPs for private tours. Others chose to indulge in the gourmet offerings at the Gorilla Research Station VIP reception, traveling by trams past the huge animal lanterns lit up for the Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant holiday event. Arriving at the Giants of the Savanna habitat, a lively scene of bar stations glowing with colorful images of animals from the event’s fabulous invitation and towering balloons lit with sponsors’ names created an exceptional experiential feeling before the robust live auction began.

THE STYLE: Patrons strolled around the silent auction, savoring the culinary delights offered by some of Dallas’ most significant restaurants. Along the way, the Zoo staff was armed with animal encounters, including a boa constrictor, an armadillo, and an owl. The adventurous were also able to indulge in the ultimate fun, as they were welcome to feed the giraffes. Late night was a special treat, with fun desserts and late-night bites from even more outstanding restaurants that were stationed in the Wilds of Africa Plaza.

THE PURPOSE: This event is a major source of funding for the nonprofit Dallas Zoo, bringing in more than $1 million each year to help support the Zoo’s dedication to providing the best animal care, delivering unique educational offerings, and strengthening its wildlife conservation efforts with 37 conservation partners over four continents. The 2024 Zoo To Do will be held on November 2, 2024. For more information, visit DallasZoo.com.

HOLLYWOOD FLAIR

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Fall/Winter 2024

Rita Wilson Speaks At 18th Annual Event That Benefits Community Partners Of Dallas

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Kelly Alexander, Tamytha Cameron, Celeste Cass and Nate Rehlander

THE SETTING: Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) hosted its 18th annual Chick Lit Luncheon, presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel at the Hilton Anatole. Luncheon Co-chairs Cathy James and Lisa Ogle, with Honorary Chair Christine McKenny, were joined by over a thousand attendees at the annual event, featuring a conversation with NBC5’s Laura Harris and actress, singer/songwriter, and producer Rita Wilson.

THE STYLE: Upon arrival at the venue Chick Lit devotees mingled and sipped wine at the pre-luncheon reception in the Trinity Ballroom foyer. Nearby, in the Wedgwood Ballroom, top sponsors gathered for champagne, a meet and greet, and a photo opportunity with Wilson.

The co-chairs took the stage to welcome guests to this year’s event. They also shared that this year’s luncheon had set a new record for sponsorships in the event’s 18-year history. DJ Lucy Wrubel provided a cool vibe during the opening reception and throughout the luncheon. President and CEO Joanna Clarke recognized the 2024 Paige McDaniel Partners for Children Award recipient, Capital for Kids, with its founders Dawn Blankenship, Eliot Raffkind, and Reid Walker accepting the award. It was then time for the inimitable Rita Wilson and NBC5’s Laura Harris to settle in for an entertaining and engaging chat. Wilson covered topics about her Greek and Bulgarian heritage, how she began her music career, her album featuring duets with other artists…and her very first acting role on The Brady Bunch.

THE PURPOSE: Since 1989, Community Partners of Dallas has ensured safety and restored dignity and hope to abused and neglected children by providing crucial resources and support to the caseworkers of Dallas County Child Protective Services. Community Partners of Dallas provides items such as winter coats, diapers and formula, holiday gifts, school uniforms, personal hygiene products, food, and more to send the abused children in our community the message that someone does care. The 2025 Community Partners of Dallas Chick Lit Luncheon will be held on March 28, 2025. For more information, visit CPDTx.org.

A REGAL ADVENTURE

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Fall/Winter 2024

House of DIFFA’s Royalty Untamed Takes Art Of Fashion & Fundraising To The Next Level

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Danny Campbell, Tamytha Cameron, Thomas Garza, and Francesca Nelo

THE SETTING: The Sheraton Dallas was the setting for Texas’ own version of the Met Gala. Over 1,200 of the state’s most notable community leaders, sociables, fashion lovers, and philanthropists turned out for the 32nd annual House of DIFFA. This year’s theme, Royalty Untamed, included incredible fashion and moving tributes for a worthy cause.

THE STYLE: The avant-garde chic crowd brought an amazing array of fashions that had to be seen to be believed. Classic black tie ensembles mixed with avant-garde gowns and custom suits created a festive environment for all attendees. Partygoers began the night by posing for images on the vibrant red and black step and repeat. Next, they gathered in the ballroom foyer for the cocktail hour. During the cocktail reception, guests perused DIFFA’s legendary silent auction that included over 80 customized jackets from a range of high-profile designers. The doors then opened to the ballroom and attendees filed in for the main program where guests were treated to words from the event leaders showcasing how DIFFA has positively impacted the lives of so many throughout Texas. Guests also participated in a spirited live auction that raised a record amount of funds from luxe packages. The night’s main event was an epic fashion show, where hundreds of models strutted down the runway in stunning couture looks that wowed the crowd. The event was capped off with an after party where the fun continued into the wee hours of the morning.

THE PURPOSE: House of DIFFA: Untamed Royalty was co-chaired by Tim Garippa and Jacob Samson. Proceeds raised from DIFFA will provide grants and funds to various nonprofits in North Texas that provide AIDS services to those living with HIV and AIDS throughout the state. The 2025 House of DIFFA will be on May 3, 2025. For more information, visit DIFFADallas.org.

MOMENTUM, MEET MAGIC

by societytexas | Sep 1, 2024 | R.S.V.P. DALLAS, Fall/Winter 2024

THE SETTING: Many art connoisseurs, fashion aficionados, and influential figures stepped into the sophisticated elegance of Art Ball 2024 presented by Neiman Marcus at the Dallas Museum of Art, embarking on its 62nd year, the gala continued its legacy with an unforgettable black tie affair, themed Momentum. Featuring an evening of dinner, drinks, a live auction, and an exciting after party, the event showcased the dynamic and forward-thinking vision of the DMA, all while honoring the legacy and impact of the organization. This year’s theme embodied the pulsating force propelling the Dallas Museum of Art forward, infusing the Dallas Arts District with a vibrant sense of energy and progression.

THE STYLE: Art Ball guests arrived at the Dallas Museum of Art’s Hamon Entrance for a sophisticated evening that was created and designed by Todd Fiscus of Todd Events. Guests entered a sleek, floor-to-ceiling, climate-controlled tent where they enjoyed cocktails and lively conversation in the PNC Lounge. Guests were clamoring for a turn at the interactive photo booth, designed to look like an elevator adorned with an insignia from Neiman Marcus. With it, mechanical doors opened and closed allowing attendees to direct their own slow-motion video. Guests then ventured to the Hamon Atrium for dinner while tunes from DJ Romi Q echoed throughout the space. After dinner, late-night revelers returned to Eagle Family Plaza for a rousing after party. A décor flip during dinner had transformed the space into a seductive space in homage to Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle in New York City. The room showcased Dallas-style floating artworks inspired by artist Ludwig Bemelman. Guests found themselves up on their feet dancing to a sensational showcase by the talented L.A.-based Sergio Vellatti, who crooned big band tunes and pop vocals throughout the night. Showgirls, dressed in dazzling costumes, magically appeared during several of the numbers.

THE PURPOSE: The event’s co-chairs were Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld. All Art Ball proceeds directly support the DMA’s commitment to presenting diverse exhibitions, providing innovative educational and public programs, and caring for a collection of over 25,000 objects—all while offering engaging access to incredible works of art. DMA is an inclusive, welcoming space for everyone to see its global collection of more than 25,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history and a range of world cultures, and it is one of the largest art museums in the United States.