This is a two-tiered event, with the dessert soiree following a series of private dinners held at hosts homes. I started my evening at the home of D'Andra Simmons, one of the evenings Development Ambassadors, and enjoyed a lavish buffet with BLKLN designer Jim Duran, Christopher Wright, Kimber Covington, Melissa Samei and LeeAnne Locken.
With an estimated 2,000 patrons and a high-profile cast leading the event, Co-Chairs Dennis Kershner and David Nelson, made sure that No Tie is no square event. It was a shag-tastic evening with DJ Mark Ridlen managing the groove on the dance floor, live and silent auction, Whiskey a Go-Go cocktails, and guilty-pleasure desserts galore from some of Dallas’ finest restaurants and caterers including Hattie’s, Frosted Art Bakery, Tart Bakery, Komali Restaurant, Two Sisters Catering and many, many more.
There was a surprise performance by The Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue Dancers and Drum Corps coordinated by Rob and Deeana Cahill. They performed a drum procession and then the “go-go” dancers did what they do best – shake and shimmy. Jan Strimple let the charity borrow her closet and wigs to dress the dancers. Congrats to Don Neubauer, who was awarded the Sheila Dolezal Humanitarian Award which recognizes one person has gone above and beyond to support AIDS Services of Dallas. No Tie is the largest fundraiser for AIDS Services of Dallas which provides housing and supportive services for low-income and formerly homeless men, women, children, and families living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit www.notiedinner.org.
photos: Bob Manzano
