General Admission tickets for the 66^th Annual Junior Symphony Ball (JSB)  - "Purpose with a Party" are SOLD OUT and several hundred names are on the wait list. The Steering Committee consists of over 800 students and there are just a few of those tickets still available on the website starting at $395. Visit  https://www.dallassymphonyleague.com/Junior-Symphony-Ball-Steering-Committee

Over 2,500 high school students from 35 schools are expected to attend the event set for Saturday, January 27^th at Gilley’s from 7:30 – 10:30 pm. The JSB is a “Purpose with a Party” fundraising event where high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors come together and celebrate with an evening filled with live music, dancing, professionally staffed gaming tables, raffles, prizes and refreshments. Chris Ferrara and The Common Good will headline the JSB when the band takes over the iconic Gilley's Dallas for the night of music and dancing.

The night will begin with DJSC, the exclusive DJ for The Dallas Cowboys. DJSC, also known as 13LACKBEARD, has also opened for Snoop Dog, Chris Stapleton, and Taylor Swift, to name a few. He has a bigger than life personality and is known by fans as the “ultimate hype machine”.  “The fans love him –he hits every major genre-and the feel-good energy at his shows is awesome to experience.”

JSB headliner, Chris Ferrara is one of the hottest acts in Nashville and is the headliner at Nashville Barstool almost every Friday and Saturday night. His combination of city boy swagger and country boy soul with be just the right mix for an energetic and exciting night for these Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors!

JSB is in its 66th year and is the longest running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting DSO outreach programs such as the Young Strings program and the Young Musicians program. It was founded with the concept of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership. While JSB has evolved in scope and participation size, it has always been a high school student fundraising event for the DSO hosted by area 10^th-12^th grade high school students and their parents. JSB has grown over the decades from just a handful of participating schools to over 35 at the 2023 event which raised a record amount of $415,000.

The 2024 Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Cara Lichty, Episcopal School of Dallas; James Sutherland, St. Mark's School of Texas; Kate Fagan, The Hockaday School; Cash Nix, Highland Park High School; Ela Austin, Ursuline Academy; Ashton Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Adelaide Boisture, Parish Episcopal School; Baker Trent, Bishop Lynch High School; Caroline Woram, Highland Park High School.

Their supportive and proud moms are: Suzanne Austin, Jenny Lichty, Ashley Boisture, Jonika Nix, Dana Woram, Holly Krug, Lauren Sutherland, Aimee Fagan, and Katy Trent. 

Follow JSB on Social Media

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JSBdallas/
Instagram @jsbdallas

Photo by Jenny Watts Photography

Key to photo:

Front row: Adelaide Boisture, Parish Episcopal School; Kate Fagan, The Hockaday School; Ela Austin, Ursuline Academy; Cara Lichty, Episcopal School of Dallas; Caroline Woram, Highland Park High School.

Back Row: James Sutherland, St. Mark's School of Texas; Ashton Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Cash Nix, Highland Park High School; Baker Trent, Bishop Lynch High School.

In a symphony of elegance and festive jubilation, the 2024 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutantes took center stage at a holiday reception and seated dinner on November 22, 2023, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Guided by the gracious Presentation Ball Chair, Kristin Cordiak, the debutantes, their esteemed honor guards, and families were welcomed.

Kristin expressed gratitude, stating, "We are so very grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and honor the inspiring and talented young women and men who comprise our 2024 Debutantes and Honor Guard, and their families."

DSOL President Nancy Labadie, though absent, was there in spirit as she spent Thanksgiving in Indiana creating cherished memories with her son Will, his wife Lizzie and newborn twin granddaughters.

The DSOL has been integral to Honorary Chairs Margaret and Barry Hancock, who were welcomed on stage. Margaret was a Debutante for the 2^nd annual Presentation Ball in 1988 and was match dated with Barry by family friends, Tincy Miller and Sharon McCullough. In 1991, Barry served as Honor Guard President and in 1992 Margaret and Barry married. The family tradition of service continued as Barbara Hancock, served as Ball Chairman and Margaret served as the Jr. Chair for the 1994 Presentation Ball.  

The Hancock family, a beacon of tradition, stands as the first to have both parents and all children partake in the Presentation Ball. Daughter Mary Margaret was presented in 2016, son James was an Honor Guard escort in 2020 and daughter Katherine was presented in 2022. 

Returning families, the Clay Smiths, the Scott Wheelers, the Adam Stiles, the Eric Gambrells, the Thomas Le Voyers, and Max Swangos, added to the rich tapestry of the evening with a second debutante. The Jason Downing family, witnessing their third daughter's debut, exemplify the enduring allure of the Presentation Ball.

For the Honor Guard, tradition also runs deep with Vaughn and brother Vance Miller as well as Robert Peacock representing a third generation of dedication.

Under the spotlight, emcee Stan Gardner formally introduced each debutante and they were joined by an honor guard escort for the presentation. A debutante gift of pearl earrings was provided by Eiseman Jewels, NorthPark Center, symbolizing the timeless beauty of this cherished event.

Proud parents, their hearts swelling with pride, were in abundance. Kristina and John Hallam, Dena Miller, Laura and Jason Downing, and Gayle Sands were among those beaming with joy.

The evening unfolded as part of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, offering a shopping extravaganza for moms and a Bow Boot Camp for the debutantes. The stage is set for a return during the Christmas Holidays, with a calendar filled with parties and bow practice, all leading up to the 38th Presentation Ball on February 10, 2024, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

The 2024 Debutantes are: Helena Breland Bach; Erika Mae Batson; Mia Lane Blanton; Claire Elise Cahoon; Ripley Elizabeth Cooley; Kennedy Claire Downing; Electra Wallace Ford; Sarah Rose Gambrell; Ellie McClain Gidden; Catherine Lee Grayson; Camille Anne Greening; Meredith Elizabeth Hallam; Grace Soleil Handler; Caroline Parker Hart; Catherine Bradford Hunt; Isabella Ann Jackson; Ashley Elizabeth Jaynes; Ellen Taylor Jones; Minje Kwun; Emannuelle Grace Le Voyer; Claire Michael Levy; Riya Kaur Luthra; Elizabeth Myers Madison; Avery Pilar Moore; Finley Elizabeth Nelson; Day Gilmire Nettle; Lillian Susan Nettle; Mina Hiranmayee Raj; Bailey Erin Robirds; Courtenay Christianson Sands, Kathryn Bunker Sands; Caroline Robertson Smith; Sheridan Michelle Spencer; Caroline Story Stiles; Leslie Katherine Swango; Caroline Parker Teegarden; Payton Grace Thurman; Megan McKamy Dyer Underwood; Lauren Alexis Watkins; Charlotte Nicole Webb; Kelley Caroline Wheeler; Abigail Archer Willingham; Claire Anh Wooley; and Sophia Corina Yung.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. This annual celebration, dreamed of by visionary Tincy Miller, has become a cornerstone of the DSOL's mission.

Since its inception in 1946, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League has embraced the mission to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education, and fundraising, contributing over $22 million to outreach and education programs.

In the grand symphony of philanthropy and tradition, the 2024 DSOL Presentation Ball will be a celebration of legacy, elegance, and the enduring spirit of giving.

Photos by James French Photography

The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce has selected the 2023 winners of its annual Business of the Year Awards. The winners in the six categories include: 

Business of the Year – Recognizes the outstanding East Dallas business of the year - East Dallas Automotive 

Entrepreneur of the Year - Presented for entrepreneurial achievements and noted individual successes during the past year - McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails 

Chairman’s Award - Presented for outstanding community and Chamber support by a company and/or an individual associated with the company who has made an outstanding contribution to the community and to the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce - White Rock Lake Foundation 

Live Local Award - Recognizes a small business/small business owner in East Dallas who is a community leader who supports and gives back to the community -  Dallas Piano Academy, HG&CO Home Improvement, Shakespeare Dallas 

R.S. Munger Business Pioneer Award - Criteria for consideration: Was solely (or at least primarily) responsible for the development of an innovative technology, creative/artistic concept or process, or business method, model or concept; Significant East Dallas connection (lives, works here – currently or for a large part of life) - Art on Main

People’s Choice - The Children’s Center 

People’s Choice Runners Up: MoMo Italian Kitchen, McRae’s American Bistro & Cocktails. 

The winners will be recognized at a luncheon on Tuesday, December 5 at Lakehill Preparatory School Alice and Erle Nye Family Environmental Science Center on the Roger L. Perry Campus located at 7401 Ferguson Road, Dallas, Texas 75228. The luncheon is open to the public and tickets are $30 for Chamber members and $40 for guests. Tickets are available online: www.eastdallaschamber.com. For further information, contact 214-649-1773 or deborah@eastdallaschamber.com.

Proceeds will light the paths of aspiring local musicians through
DSO’s outreach and educational programs.

Guests stepped into the world of fashion and philanthropy with the 10th Annual Fashion Notes Designer Award Luncheon and Style Show, hosted by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) at the majestic Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on October 12.

The event was a scene of style and community spirit. The morning kicked off with a Champagne reception, a silent auction, and an exciting raffle. But that was just the beginning. The real crescendo awaited the attendees as they indulged in a fashion presentation and a luncheon live auction.

Jada Mowles and Laura Price, the dynamic duo of luncheon chairs, curated a memorable fashion experience for all.

Karen Cox and her daughter, Isabella Cox, were the Honorary Chairs of the event. They have long been devoted supporters of the Dallas Symphony. Karen is a former Fashion Notes Chair and served as Presentation Ball Chair earlier this year. Isabella was a DSOL Debutante in 2020 and now a member of the DSOL Assembly.

Musical magic was woven into the day's tapestry by the DSO Concert Truck, a traveling stage in an 18-ft box truck featuring pianists, and the melodious strains of Young Strings musician Jacqui Torres playing her cello. She later graced the runway as a model and shared her experiences with the Young Strings program, a beneficiary of the event's proceeds. Young violinist Alan Milan was tapped to accompany the models during their runway presentation.

DSOL President Nancy Labadie emphasized the event's significance and impact.

“We are fortunate to have Jacqui Torres with us. We wanted you to have a firsthand experience with where your support lands after you leave here today,” said Labadie “What we are involved in changes lives and betters our community.”

The runway came alive when symphony patron families modeled fashions from LoveShackFancy and Dondolo, along with the dazzling accessories by Milliard Diamond Concierge and chic boots by Petite Paloma. Meredith Land, the popluar NBC 5 news anchor, served as Emcee.

The fashion show was a joy to behold, thanks to the artistry of Robyn Chauvin Productions. It was not a surprise that the children were the stars of the show. Many wore matching mother and daughter dresses. Ellie and Lucy Price, daughters of event chair Laura Price, have modeled in the show for the two preceding years. With confidence, they walked the runway, stopped at the end to turn back to back, and gave their biggest smiles while melting the hearts of the audience.

The highlight of the day was when Catalina Gonzalez, the founder of Dondolo, received the prestigious Fashion Notes Designer Award. Dondolo is not just a brand; it's a movement, creating beautiful, heirloom-quality clothing that empowers local women and mothers in Colombia, helping them provide for their families. Dondolo's commitment to supporting women and children in Dallas is truly heartwarming.

The DSOL collaborated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to fulfill the fashion wish of two critically ill children who not only modeled in the show but will also get a chance to visit with Catalina Gonzalez and explore her design studio in weeks to come.

The luncheon was attended by a vibrant and influential crowd including Kate Boatright, Sharon Lee Clark, Kameron Westcott, Samantha Wortley, Olivia Barder, Mandy Coulter, Kristin Cordiak, Bronwyn Cordiak, Kim Noltemy, Therese Rourk, Donna Arp Weitzman, and Marena Gault.

The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors including Social Bird (Cotes de Provence Rosé), the official wine sponsor, and PaperCity, the exclusive digital and print luxury lifestyle media sponsor.

But beyond the glamour and fashion, this event played a significant role in advancing the DSOL's mission of spreading the love of music and arts education to countless young people in the Dallas community. The funds raised will light the paths of aspiring local musicians through outreach and educational programs offered by the DSO.

In a world where fashion meets heart, the 10th Annual Fashion Notes Designer Award Luncheon and Style Show hit all the right notes, harmonizing style with a beautiful melody of philanthropy.

Photos by Domus Aurea Portraits

The Greater East Dallas Chamber’s 19^th Annual Economic Summit Presented by CC Young was held October 17th at the Lakewood Country Club. Combining the East Dallas community’s dedication to education, growth, the work force and development, this year’s Economic Summit centered around the theme “Building a Better East Dallas”. It was a sold out event for the third year in a row.

The 2023 Economic Summit was chaired by Chamber board member René Barrera. 

“The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce was once again pleased to bring quality speakers and programs to the community and this year’s line-up was no exception,” said Barrera. 

As part of the Economic Summit, the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce officially released the much anticipated 2023 Economic Report. This publication included an exclusive economic analysis specific to the East Dallas community. Each guest received a copy of the publication and a digital version of the 2023 Economic Report can be found the chamber’s website.

Featured speakers were Councilmembers Paula Blackmon, Kathy Stewart, Jesse Moreno and Paul Ridley and The Dallas Morning News real estate editor Steve Brown. The keynote panel of speakers included Bryan Trubey from Overland Partners, and Darren James and Brian Luallen from Fair Park First. 

The Economic Summit’s program included an informative panel discussion with the four Dallas City Council members, all of whom represent East Dallas districts. A range of topics were covered including Police department challenges with recruiting and retaining officers, improvements to streamlining the City Permitting department for building and sign permits, and highlights of the 2024 bond program. The stark reminder of the looming underfunded police/fire pension liabilities was enlightening. It was announced that the city has recently appointed a council committee, aiming to address this issue by the fall of 2024.

Steve Brown shared the latest in area real estate news with his entertaining sense of humor. 

“Dallas-Fort Worth has the top real estate market in the country”, says Brown. “And so far, higher interest rates aren't slowing things down. It's the thousands of people moving to North Texas each year that keep the property market here moving.” 

During the second half of the Summit, improvements at Fair Park were discussed at length. The panelists represented are spearheading the efforts to restore, revitalize and renew one of Dallas' most treasured and historic landmarks. The work to be done is broad in scope, and will amplify the overall experience for those visiting not only Fair Park, but the surrounding area as well. Overland Partners and Fair Park First have the inspiring vision, focus and expertise to secure Fair Park's standing as a year-round destination point for Dallasites, and those visiting our city.

Sponsors for the event included: CC Young – Presenting Sponsor; Comerica Bank and Oncor – Gold Sponsors; Veritex Community Bank – Silver Sponsor; Frost Bank and Atmos Energy – Bronze Sponsors; Advocate Media – Media Sponsor. 

Table hosts included BackMenders Chiropractic With Care, Bishop Lynch High School, Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty, Business Solutions Technology, Campagna & Associates Realtors, Community Impact Newspaper, Ebby Halliday - Little White House, Forge and Link Financial Group LLC, Independence Title, Jesse's AC & Appliance Repair, Juliette Fowler Communities, Lynda Piepgras-Realtor, Overland Partners and White Rock Lake Foundation.  

About the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce

The purpose of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce is to promote the cultural, educational and industrial interests of the East Dallas Area so that its businesses, neighborhoods and citizens shall prosper. 

The multifaceted approach of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce provides benefits to our members in a variety of different arenas. We offer a number of forums for the promotion of all of our member businesses. We are also proud to provide our members with relevant information regarding the East Dallas community, as well as insight into local, state and national government issues. The events that provide a conduit for these benefits, and others, include our monthly luncheons that highlight a variety of topics addressed by featured keynote speakers. We also present an annual Economic Summit - essentially a "state of the union" with respect to the Dallas Economy. Member businesses and guests are encouraged to gather and exchange information through our numerous networking events, especially our Business After Hours excursions, which are hosted by a spotlighted member business. Sponsorship opportunities abound for these events, as well as for many of our other Chamber gatherings. For more information, please contact the Chamber directly.

For more information about GEDCC, visit http://eastdallaschamber.com or contact 214-649-1773

or president@eastdallaschamber.com 

GEDCC Blog / News:   http://www.eastdallaschamber.com/chamber-blog 

Find the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce on Social Media:

Facebook - GEDCC: https://www.facebook.com/GEDallasChamber/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GEDallasChamber; @GEDallasChamber

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastdallaschamber/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/27217958/

Photos by Carol Hensley