Women’s Equality Day will take place August 23 at Dallas City Hall

Public service has always been a vital part of life for Leslie Swann, President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dallas Alumnae Chapter.  It was important to her to give back to the underprivileged and underrepresented and the Sorority has helped to fulfill that desire. Swann has been actively involved with the Sorority for over 25 years.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need.

One of the earliest causes the Sorority became actively involved in was The Fight for Women’s Sufferage, women’s legal right to vote.  Although women's voting rights are taken for granted today, they were earned through a long brutal campaign by women that began in the 1700's. Until that time, women were not allowed the right to own property, to have legal claim to the money they earned, nor the right to vote. Clothes, jewelry, and land were owned by their husbands or fathers. Bibles were one of their few possessions that they could hand down to their children. The campaign culminated nearly 150 years later when the 19th Amendment was passed on August 26, 1920.

The history of that campaign is kept alive annually on Women’s Equality Day because there are still many battles to be fought for women’s equality. Actress Robin Wright made headlines last year when she demanded to be paid the same as her costar on House of Cards, Kevin Spacey. She won, but the fact is she had to ask for it.

The Sorority’s Dallas Alumnae Chapter is a sponsor for Women’s Equality Day which has been celebrated in Dallas for more than 20 years. Over 100 women wearing white are expected to descend upon City Hall on August 23. White became a symbol for the suffrage movement, as women rallied and protested for the right to vote. The event will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the Flag Room on the 6th floor of City Hall located at 1500 Marilla Drive. It will include a Proclamation recognizing the 97^th Anniversary of Women’s Equality Day given by Mayor Rawlings with the City Council, and County Commissioners, and others in attendance. The event is open to the public.

Betty Ritchie and JoAnn Jenkins are the event chairs. Jana Barker is the President of WIN.

Sponsors for this event are: Dallas Women’s Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dallas Alumnae Chapter, Jane’s Due Process, Junior League of Dallas, League of Women Voters of Dallas, National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas, League of Women Voters of Collin County, Peacemakers, Inc., Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, S.E. Dallas Business & Professional Women’s Club, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, Inc., The Afiya Center, United Nations Association—Dallas Chapter, Women’s Issues Network, America Association of University Women, Dallas Branch, Dallas County Democratic Party, Carol Donovan, Chair of the Dallas County Democratic Party, Federally Employed women, Dallas Area Chapter, Hispanic 100, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, League of Women Voters of Irving, Martha Tiller Company Public Relations, Media Projects, Inc., Southwest Jewish Congress, Texas Equal Access Fund, Texas Latina List, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation.

The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra has added four new board members to its Board of Directors. They are Sherwood Wagner, Lisa Cabiness, Vallerie Dontes and Barbara Sypult. Doug Haloftis is the new Board Chair. 

Sherwood Wagner’s involvement with the arts and other civic activities shows her passion for making a difference in our community. She served as president of Women’s Auxiliary of Girls, Inc. of Dallas for two terms and has held board positions for the USA Film Festival and Parish Episcopal School. Most recently, she served as Honorary Chair for the 2016 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Opening Gala and was Honorary Chair for the 2015 Mad Hatter’s Tea. She is a longtime supporter of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society and has supported the 2015 DSO Gala, Cattle Barons Ball, Crystal Charity, and Association of Major Symphony Volunteers. Sherwood has west Texas roots and has held various board positions for The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center (Midland) and The Ellen Noël Art Museum (Odessa). 

Lisa Cabaniss is Artistic Director of Sote Performing Arts Center and with Cabaniss Management Company. She and her husband Edwin are owners of the Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff. Together they reinvented the old theater on Davis Street as a gallery space, performance venue, and retail and office center. The vacant building was transformed into one of the city's leading entertainment venues helping to revitalize the area. The property has been an Oak Cliff landmark for nearly 75 years and gained a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Vallerie Dontes is a community volunteer serving as a current board member for Promise House and Dallas CASA. She relocated from Chicago five years ago when her husband took a head position at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Vallerie continues her work as a consultant with the Department of Psychiatry for University of Illinois in Chicago. 

Barbara Carlyle Sypult is actively involved in the community and is a notable arts patron. She has served many nonprofit organizations in a director capacity. Her roster of past and current board involvement includes the Fine Arts Chamber Players, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Alzheimer’s Association, AT&T Performing Arts Center, A.W.A.R.E. (fundraising arm supporting the Alzheimer’s Association), Chiapas International, Mentoring Arts Magnet School, New Conservatory of Dallas, and Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, among others. She enjoys working with young people and enhancing the performing arts experience that Dallas offers. 

Douglas Haloftis is the new Board Chair. He is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in the Labor & Employment Law Department and was previously a partner at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP. He is a frequent author and speaker on corporate governance topics, he serves on the board of the Vision Forum (a human rights speakers’ forum), and was a member of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships from 2008-2010. Doug has hosted untold number of musical events in his home featuring his Bösendorfer grand piano. 

Through the ages, SAPPHIRES have been treasured for their sparkle, romance and beauty.  The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra (GDYO) glittered with brilliance at the SAPPHIRE Anniversary’s Spring Gala and Season Finale celebrating 45 years in the community. It was held on May 21, 2017 at the Meyerson Symphony Center and is the only fundraising event for the youth orchestra.

The shimmering Gala included a silent auction and buffet dinner with music featuring performers from the GDYO Jazz Institute. It was followed by a full concert of the top ensemble featuring guest violinist Chee-Yun, and ended with post-concert desserts.

Venise Stuart was extremely proud and honored to be chairing the Gala.

“The young talent the metroplex has is amazing,” said Venise. “It takes a true passion and commitment from everyone involved to deliver the amazing experience you will have this evening. The GDYO is a hidden gem in the city and these young musicians soar under the direction of Maestro Rick Giangiulio.”

Honorary Chairs were Cynthia and Brice Beaird, longtime supporters of the Dallas community. Cynthia is a founding Partner/Executive VP with Allie Beth Allman and Associates. Brice is the owner of the Beaird Agency, Inc. and also a singer/songwriter. 

GDYO provides DFW’s most talented young musicians high quality instruction, challenging repertoire and the opportunity to come together and perform at world class venues like the Meyerson Symphony Center. It was founded in 1972 by parents, educators, and members of the Dallas music community to provide music education and performance opportunities for youth with demonstrated musical ability. The program includes over 450 talented musicians, ages 8 to 18, performing in two full orchestras, three string orchestras, a wind ensemble, a flute choir, and eight jazz combos, and socializing with a diverse group of highly talented peers from more than 50 communities.

“Many GDYO alums continue to study music at schools like Julliard, Cleveland Conservatory and others,” said board member Sherwood Wagner. “Regardless of the path they choose for their career, the students have the discipline to be successful at whatever endeavor they choose." 

There are a few notable alumni of the orchestra. Cathy Hernandez, the Executive Director of GDYO, has come full circle by having been a musician with the orchestra and now many years later, she heads the organization. Another familiar alumna from the program is Denise McGovern who is currently Vice President of Communications at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

The proceeds from the evening will benefit the GDYO Scholarship Fund and the GDYO Tour Fund, allowing deserving students a chance to not only experience the GDYO Program, but to be further enriched by experiencing new cultures while traveling and preforming with their peers. Each year, young musicians in GDYO receive $20,000 in scholarships, and that number doubles in a tour year.

For more information:  www.gdyo.org

Photos by Chuck Clark

Cynthia and Brice Beaird have been named Honorary Chairs for the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Sapphire Gala and Season Finale which will be held on May 21, 2017 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. This glittering SAPPHIRE evening is the only fundraising event for the youth orchestra. It will include a buffet dinner and silent auction before the concert with post-concert desserts.  The Sapphire Gala begins at 5:30 p.m. and the Season Finale Concert is at 7:30 p.m. 

Venise Stuart is the Gala Chair and Cathy Hernandez is the Executive Director of GDYO. 

The Beairds are longtime supporters of the Dallas Community.  Cynthia is a founding Partner/Executive VP with Allie Beth Allman and Associates. She is active with Crystal Charity Ball, Junior League of Dallas Sustaining Advisor, Dallas Summer Musical Board, and Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society. 

Brice is the owner of the Beaird Agency, Inc. and also a singer/songwriter. He began writing songs when he was ten years old and gained a true appreciation for classical music, songwriting and performing. He has been active with many organizations including the Salesmanship Club, Dallas Zoo Board, and Perkins School of Theology Executive Board.  

“We are honored to serve as the Honorary Chairs for the Sapphire Gala,” said Cynthia. “We are grateful to all the many volunteers who make this all possible.” 

The proceeds from the evening will benefit the GDYO Scholarship Fund and the GDYO Tour Fund, allowing deserving students a chance to not only experience the GDYO Program, but to be further enriched by experiencing new cultures while traveling and preforming with their peers. Each year, young musicians in GDYO receive $20,000 in scholarships, and that number doubles in a tour year. 

Sapphire Gala tickets begin at $125 and include a concert ticket. Single concert tickets are $10-$40. Table Host is $1,000. Sponsorships are $10,000, $6,000, $3000, $1750. GDYO Family Single Tickets are $50. Sponsors and Table Host benefits include preferred seating, special program visibility and more. 

Tickets are available on the GDYO website www.gdyo.org or by calling (214) 528-7747. Tickets can be purchased the night of the performance at the Meyerson Box Office.  

For more information contact Amber Oosterwaal by email amber@gdyo.org or (214) 528-7747.                                  

Sapphire Gala
Through the ages, SAPPHIRES have been treasured for their sparkle, romance and beauty.  GDYO promises the same shimmering brilliance at the SAPPHIRE Anniversary’s Season Finale and Spring Gala celebrating 45 years in the community. The SAPPHIRE Gala celebrates GDYO families and patrons and raises critical funding to grow and support music education and performance opportunities for extremely talented and dedicated area youth. 

Season Finale Concert
The top ensemble, the GDYO, brings together 110 of the DFW area’s best high school musicians with a concert that will feature guest violinist Chee-Yun. Violinist Chee-Yun's flawless technique, dazzling tone and compelling artistry have enraptured audiences on five continents. Charming, charismatic and deeply passionate about her art, Chee-Yun continues to carve a unique place for herself in the ever-evolving world of classical music. Repertoire includes Wagner’s Prelude to Act III from Lohengrin, Ives’ The Unanswered Question, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, and Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires with soloist Chee Yun. 

About GDYO
Founded in 1972, the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra by parents, educators, and members of the Dallas music community to providing music education and performance opportunities for youth with demonstrated musical ability. The program includes over 450 talented musicians, ages 8 to 18, performing in two full orchestras, three string orchestras, a wind ensemble, a flute choir, and eight jazz combos, and socializing with a diverse group of highly talented peers from more than 50 communities. 

The GDYO is funded in part by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, TACA, and the Texas Commission on the Arts, with funding from the State of Texas and the National Endowments for the Arts. 

In addition to performing at the Meyerson the GDYO tours internationally including China in the summer of 2007, a tour of Germany and the Czech Republic in 2012, and a tour to China in 2015. The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra program offers training to 480 talented youth musicians, ages 8 to 18. 

Scott Cantrell of the Dallas Morning News has said that “Dallas should be proud to have such ambassadors” and “...lucky are these kids to be initiated into symphonic music in so professional an environment. Even the ones who don’t go on to performing careers will be passionate and knowledgeable and demanding audiences of tomorrow.”

Barbara and Bob Bigham are Honorary Chairs for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Savor the Symphony and were introduced at the Patron Party held on April 11 in the home of Warren and Carol Lichliter. 

The League is excited to bring back the very popular Savor the Symphony which began in 2000. It will be held at The Adolphus Hotel at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. Savor is a black-tie event that brings together Symphony Patrons and business leaders for an evening with a lavish five-course wine paired dinner, auction and dancing. The event will be held in the newly renovated Adolphus Hotel at 1321 Commerce Street. 

The event is chaired by Michelle Creel Anderson and the Honorary Chairs are Barbara and Robert Bigham. Sandy Secor is the League President. 

Individual tickets are $250, $500, $1,000. Sponsorships are $15,000, $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500. Table Hosts, Sponsors and Underwriters benefits include preferred seating, special program visibility and more.                              

Preview of the wonderful live auction items 

CLICK TO READ FULL DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS 

Trip to Napa Valley
Gold Stradivarius Membership
Jaap van Zweden signed music score & DSO tickets
Inwood Estates Winery Master Class
DSO Gala Tickets
Michele Diamond Watch
Maserati for a Weekend
"Cactus In Bloom" Pastel on Paper

 Purchase a ticket online by selecting a level below:

$250 Ticket
$500 Ticket
$1,000 Ticket

Michelle Anderson, Savor the Symphony Chair

214.794.0978 or nmichelle@txanderson.com 

The proceeds from the evening will benefit the Dallas Symphony Association and its education and community outreach programs. Some of the quality outreach programs the League supports are: DSO on the Go, Community Concerts and Performances, Cecil and Ida Green Youth Concerts, Symphony Yes!, DSO Kids and Young Strings. A Sponsorship of the Red Violin Program provides a financial gift to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Young Strings through the Innovators of the DSOL. Children are provided with the sponsored instrument and receive lessons and performance Opportunities.

Red Violin Sponsor benefits include a listing in the DSO program, naming rights of the instrument, a report including a biography of the student, a history of the instrument and invitations to select concerts and receptions where the instrument is being played.