Photos by Crystal Chatmon
No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party Chair David Nelson brought art to life at the twelfth annual fundraiser for AIDS Services of Dallas (ASD), presented by Purple Foundation. On April 8, more than 1,500 guests joined Nelson and Honorary Co-Chairs Tricia Sims and Dr. Alan Berg at the Frontiers of Flight Museum to celebrate An Artful Life and ASD’s 30th Anniversary. The pop art theme was plentiful throughout the evening. Guests were greeted by the stunning models, Deanna Cahill and Alika Ray, poised on top of a cupcake platform dressed as Roy Lichtenstein-inspired super heroes, while three Andy Warhol impersonators mixed with the crowd and posed for photos. The aroma of delectable desserts filled the air as guests indulged in lavish cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, chocolates and pies from some of the city’s finest eateries, such as, Crush Sweets, Daisy Cakes, Dr. Sue’s Chocolate, Frosted Art Bakery & Studio, among many others. The signature cocktail, The Warhol, made with Reyka Icelandic Vodka, club soda and angostura bitters proved popular at the bars generously sponsored by Ben E. Keith (Bud Light) and William Grant & Sons (Reyka, Sailor Jerry, Tullamore D.E.W., and others).
DJ Mark Ridlen kept the energy alive as guests gravitated to the main stage to watch artists Christina D. Yielding and Clay Austin create works of art. Towards the end of the evening, party patrons gathered around the main stage to watch a moving video featuring ASD’s 30-year mission to deliver quality, affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals and families in need. Awards were given to two deserving individuals; Wayne Thomas received the Sheila Dolezal Humanitarian Award, and Mary Beth O’Connor was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. All eyes turned as the talented Hedda Layne began singing from across the room and gave an explosive live performance as she made her way through the crowd and to the stage. Other attendees included: ASD President and CEO Don Maison, ASD Chairman of the Board Don Neubauer, ASD board member and founder of No Tie Dennis Kershner and his partner John Moreno, former Honorary Chair LeeAnne Locken of The Real Housewives of Dallas, radio host Nicole Barrett, and Blake Baker, Chris Huffstutler, Sara Fangmeyer and Dylan Orwell of the Purple Foundation. For more information about ASD, visit www.aidsdallas.org.
