No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party 2014 was a Sweet Success

Leeane Locken, Christopher Wright, Steve Kemble, Melissa Samei, Tama Tran

The ninth annual No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party at the Frontiers of Flight Museum on Saturday, April 12, themed “La Dolce Vita,” sang of sweetness, fantasy and glamour with Fellini-inspired costumed models, 20 dessert stations, and a grand finale of guests dancing The Wobble to the tunes of Mark Ridlen (aka Mr. Rid). With approximately 2,000 dessert fans, No Tie is the largest fundraiser for AIDS Services of Dallas (ASD). Guests enjoyed complimentary cocktails including the signature Adult Italian Soda made with Reyka Vodka, while nibbling on a diverse array of desserts, such as Hillstone’s key lime pie, profiteroles from Café Gourmet on the Go, and Dallas Affaires’s glittery cake balls. Two levels of floors displayed over 400 auction items, from hand-blown vases and jewelry to original art pieces and a two-day Ferrari car rental from Platinum Motorcars. The beautiful husband and wife duo, Rob and Deanna Cahill, masterminded an exhilarating dance performance captured by “paparazzi” that ended too quickly.

Don Neubaeur, David Nelson

A high-profile cast led the team: Co-Chairs David Nelson and Dennis Kershner and Honorary Chair LeeAnne Locken. Patricia Deason received the Sheila Dolezal Humanitarian Award for her volunteerism and continual support throughout the years. Other sociables in attendance included ASD President Don Maison, Tricia Sims, David Finn, former state District Judge Susan Hawk, 2013 Honorary Chair Steve Kemble, and Benny Black.

Don Neubauer and business partner Les Siter of Siter-Neubauer & Associates, an executive recruiting and management firm, were in attendance and were applauded for their corporate’s in-kind service that successfully recruited over 70 dinner hosts this year.

The mission of ASD is to create and strengthen healthy communities through the delivery of quality, affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS who are economically disadvantaged and to coordinate a broad range of direct services and programs, including advocacy and education. ASD’s mission includes advocacy, education, and the development of affordable housing options and community development opportunities, both for its residents living with HIV/AIDS, and for economically disadvantaged people. For more information about ASD, visit www.aidsdallas.org.

Photo credit: Jonathan Zizzo