PRESS RELEASE — In a landmark evening celebrating more than three decades of community impact, Vogel Alcove's 34th Annual Arts Performance Event raised more than $1.3 million to support Dallas children and families experiencing homelessness, drawing more than 500 supporters to the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa on Saturday, April 25th. The night marked a historic milestone with the presentation of the inaugural Vogel Voices for Children Award to community leader Gil Friedlander, whose 30-plus years of compassionate leadership have helped transform thousands of lives across North Texas and culminated in a roof-raising performance by six-time Emmy winner Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band. 

Made possible by Premiere Sponsors Oliver Wyman, Inc., Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC, and Sidley Austin Foundation, the evening opened with a vibrant red-carpet reception in the expansive Ryder Cup Ballroom Pre-Function Area. Guests arrived in high spirits, sipping cocktails and sampling light bites while deliberating over coveted raffle prizes. Adding a touch of cutting-edge glamour to the evening was ZIYĀ AI Watercolor Portraits, a first-of-its-kind luxury live event activation that captured guests' photos and transformed them into stunning, personalized watercolor paintings in under 60 seconds, leaving attendees with a one-of-a-kind keepsake from the night.

When the ballroom doors swung open, guests were welcomed to a curated BBQ buffet dinner before settling in for a program that was as heartfelt as it was entertaining. Emcee Patrick Dunn ignited the room with a spirited game of Heads or Tails, then sent tables into a delighted frenzy when he revealed that, in honor of Hank Azaria's iconic role as the voice of Gargamel in The Smurfs, tiny Smurfs had been hidden somewhere on each table. The lucky guest who spotted theirs walked away with the centerpiece.

The evening's most moving moment came when Vogel Alcove CEO and President Karen Hughes took the stage to present the inaugural Vogel Voices for Children Award to community leader Gil Friedlander. "Gil embodies everything this award stands for," said Hughes. "His belief in the dignity of every child, and every family, has changed lives in ways we will feel for generations." stated Hughes.

For more than three decades, Gil's unwavering commitment and compassion have helped transform the lives of Dallas children and families experiencing homelessness. His leadership has been a cornerstone of Vogel Alcove's mission and on Saturday night, the entire room felt it. An emotional video tribute chronicled his decades of dedication, drawing cheers and making abundantly clear why he was chosen as the first-ever recipient of this honor.

After dinner, the crowd was treated to a roof-raising performance by Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band. Best known as one of the most versatile voices in television history, Azaria has brought beloved Simpsons characters including Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum to life since 1989, earning six Emmy Awards along the way. Film fans know him from The Birdcage, Night at the Museum, Dodgeball, and Along Came Polly but what many may not know is that behind the actor lies a lifelong, passionate devotee of Bruce Springsteen.

What started as a personal dream for his 60th birthday evolved into a full-scale live production, with world-class musicians who have shared stages with Ariana Grande, Post Malone, and Josh Groban. The result was an electrifying set that had guests on their feet, singing along and dancing throughout the Ryder Cup Ballroom. The celebration continued long after the final note, as guests spilled into the lobby for an after-party featuring live music from Patrick Dunn & The Bullpen. It was the perfect close to a perfect evening.

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• Enjoy Vogel’s Arts Performance Event Highlight Video and revisit an unforgettable night (WATCH NOW)

• Watch the tribute to Gil Friedlander, 2026 Vogel Voices for Children Award recipient, and celebrate his remarkable leadership and generosity (WATCH NOW)

• View “Stories of Hope,” a powerful reminder of how your support transforms the lives of the children and families Vogel serves (WATCH NOW)

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The day before the Arts Performance Event, Azaria visited Vogel’s campus to see their mission in action. What he didn’t know… was that the children had a surprise waiting for him - a Smurfs-themed birthday party to celebrate his upcoming birthday on April 25th (a nod to his role as Gargamel!). It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Since 1987, more than 20,000 young, homeless children have walked through the doors of Vogel Alcove. The Annual Arts Performance Event is the organization's flagship fundraiser, raising a significant portion of its annual operating budget and making it possible to continue serving Dallas's most vulnerable children and families.

Vogel Alcove's unique Two-Generational approach to combating homelessness provides simultaneous support for both children and their parents — offering early childhood education, developmental services, and therapeutic care in a safe, nurturing environment, free of charge. By strengthening the whole family together, Vogel Alcove isn't just providing shelter from a storm; it's building the foundation for a lasting way out.

The generosity of the community makes it all possible. Every gift, every raffle ticket, every bid at auction returns to a child something homelessness tried to take away: safety, respect, and the simple, irreplaceable chance to just be a kid. To learn more about Vogel Alcove and how you can support their mission, visit VogelAlcove.org.

Dallas Theater Center’s annual fundraiser, CENTERSTAGE, will return to the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Original headliner, Michael Urie, has been called away to promote his hit show Shrinking. DTC is thrilled for his success and looks forward to welcoming him to Dallas for a future event. In a celebration of DFW talent, Centerstage will now welcome DTC Alum and DFW native, Tiffany Mann, as the evening’s headliner. She will be joined by Guest Artists Bri Woods and Akron Watson, who have just starred in DTC’s acclaimed production of Ragtime.

 

Tiffany Mann is one of New York City’s premier Broadway talents, hailed as a “powerhouse” performer with a commanding presence that electrifies every stage she touches. Her musical foundation was rooted in the church, later refined through formal training with the renowned Texas Girls’ Choir under founder Shirley Carter. She continued her artistic development at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and toured extensively with the Singing Girls of Texas. After studying vocal performance and opera at Oklahoma City University, Tiffany transitioned seamlessly into professional theater, building her early career with standout performances across DFW before making her way to New York City. Now a sought-after theatrical force, Tiffany is celebrated for her work in Jelly’s Last Jam and Ragtime at New York City Center Encores!, and the Off-Broadway premiere of Oh Happy Day! at The Public Theater. On Broadway, she originated the role of Jenna Rolan in Be More Chill and appeared in Waitress the Musical.

 

Bri Woods joined DTC’s 2025-2026 season as the Linda and Bill Custard Meadows Actor in the Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, having just received her MFA for Acting from SMU Meadows School of the Arts. Akron Watson is a Grammy and Emmy-winning actor and singer who has starred on Broadway in The Color Purple, Hamilton, and The Play That Goes Wrong.

 

Before these artists take the stage, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception highlighting the artistry of Dallas Theater Center’s scenic, costume, and props artisans, as well as the theater’s Public Works education and community engagement programs. Guests will then move into the Potter Rose Performance Hall for a seated dinner on stage honoring the 2026 Linda and Bill Custard Award recipient, Larry Angelilli, followed by a vibrant live auction and paddle raise.

 

A limited number of tables and tickets are available. Tables start at $15,000 and single tickets at $1,500.

 

Can’t make it to the event? Enter the Centerstage Raffle for a chance to win one of two great prizes while supporting DTC. Prizes include a $5,000 gift card generously donated by Susser Bank, and a New York City trip for two that includes luxury hotel, Broadway tickets, cast meet and greets, and more. Tickets start at just $25.

 

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.DallasTheaterCenter.org/Gala, email Robin.plata@dallastheatercenter.org or call 214-252-3915.

 

Proceeds raised from CENTERSTAGE enable the TONY AWARD®–winning theater to advance its nonprofit mission of producing innovative, impactful theater while expanding its inclusive education and community engagement initiatives, including Project Discovery, Summer Stage, Saturday Sessions, and many others. As DTC looks to the future and welcomes Jaime Castañeda as its new Enloe/Rose Artistic Director, the organization enters an exciting new chapter defined by artistic excellence and creative growth.

 

 

Women’s Alliance of McKinney (WAM) recently welcomed 80+ attendees to its Spring Lunch & Learn held at The Lodge in Trinity Falls, which centered on the theme “Relationships Before Transaction.” Guests were encouraged to support the event’s nonprofit partner, the McKinney Community Food Pantry, with donations upon arrival, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to community impact.

Committee Chair Rita Townsend opened the program by emphasizing the importance of leading with connection, setting the tone for a dynamic panel discussion featuring three of McKinney’s most respected leaders in business community engagement. Panelists included Monica Szewczyk, co-founder of Texas Property Sisters, who is recognized for championing local businesses and creating meaningful connections; C’Ella Clayton, Director of Marketing for Trinity Falls at Johnson Development Corp., known for her thoughtful, community-building approach to partnerships and placemaking marketing; and Kathy Blank, CCE, IOM, a longtime leader celebrated for her ability to bring people together and foster opportunities through genuine relationships.

 






 

Moderated by Miranda Talley, General Manager of Community Impact at McKinney and Allen, the conversation explored how authentic relationships can shape leadership, open doors, and create opportunities for others across business and community. Attendees left with a resonant takeaway: “What door are you trying to walk through this year—and who could help you open it?”

Women’s Alliance of McKinney continues to provide a platform for building meaningful connections that support both personal and professional growth. Sponsors included Far Beyond Marketing, Trinity Falls by Johnson Development Corporation, Carpet Tech, Commercial Interior Solutions, AR Workshop Garland, The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center, Spineally Chiropractic, American National Bank of Texas, IV Nutrition of McKinney, and Texas Defense Firm.

Photos courtesy of Suzi Levitt, Little Moments Photography 

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Dallas’ music lovers gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 Symphony Gala. This year’s glittering event celebrated the DSO’s 125th anniversary. More than 400 distinguished guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening that included cocktails, dinner and a live auction. An additional 800 guests joined the celebration at the Gala concert and after-party. Vanessa and David Cain served as the 2025 Symphony Gala Chairs along with Honorary Co-Chairs Erin Mathews and Ruth Ruhl and Host Committee Chairs Dr. Courtney and Andrew Nall.

Guests arrived in the main lobby of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, which David Kimmel Design had transformed into a lush, futuristic garden, complete with shimmering water features and ethereal mist — the perfect setting for a champagne reception. The Dallas Symphony Chorus entertained with a medley of songs from the Meyerson’s radial staircase.

Honorary Co-Chairs Erin Mathews and Ruth Ruhl welcomed guests for dinner and introduced auctioneer Charlie Caulkins from Sotheby’s, who led the night’s spirited live auction. Highlights from the auction included a Napa Wine Country Getaway, a Porsche track experience in Atlanta and a luxury stay at Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado and the Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid, all generously donated by sponsors.

Capital One Head of Navigator Products Annie Fallows presented Young Strings student Elias Gonzalez with the first-ever Capital One Outstanding Student Award, which includes a $5,000 scholarship for Gonzalez to invest in his musical future. Designed to support continued artistic growth, juniors and seniors in the DSO’s Young Strings and Young Musicians programs were encouraged to apply for this award. The funds can be used toward the purchase of a new instrument, enrollment in a summer program or masterclass, college-related expenses and more.

After dinner, guests moved into the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall and were welcomed by Ross Perot President & CEO Michelle Miller Burns, Dallas Symphony Association Chair of the Board of Governors Roger Gault and Gala Chairs Vanessa and David Cain. The Cains then welcomed Music Director Fabio Luisi (Louise W. & Edmund J. Kahn Music Directorship) and the musicians of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to the stage. The evening’s concert with the DSO was led by Luisi and featured Artist-in-Residence Leonidas Kavakos. The program included Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Beethoven’s Overture to Egmont. The Beethoven work was a special nod to the DSO’s history; the legendary Georg Solti conducted the piece on his first subscription concert as DSO Music Director in 1961.

After the performance, guests returned to the Meyerson lobby, which had been magically transformed once again, into a whimsical, futuristic “soiree in the celestial garden” for an after-party experience where guests enjoyed savories, desserts and dancing to live music performed by Groove Sinfonico with DSO trumpet Elmer Churampi.

The annual Symphony Gala is one of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s largest annual fundraisers, benefitting the DSO’s life-changing education and community outreach initiatives, allowing the DSO to continue inspiring and changing lives through musical excellence. The DSO touches the lives of more than 200,000 North Texas residents each year.

On September 10, Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala Co-Chairs Vanessa and David Cain welcomed guests to a stunning preview party at the home of Kathryn and Craig Hall. Presented by Charles Schwab, the intimate gathering offered an elegant glimpse into what awaits at the highly anticipated Gala on October 4. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of this year’s enchanting theme, Moonlight Garden. With just weeks to go, anticipation is building for one of the Symphony’s most dazzling evenings of the year, celebrating music, artistry, and community—while raising vital support for the DSO’s education and outreach initiatives.

This year's Gala is especially meaningful as the DSO celebrates its 125th Anniversary. The Gala will feature a black-tie cocktail reception, seated dinner and Gala Concert performed by the DSO with featured violinist, Leonidas Kavakos. Music Director Fabio Luisi will lead a show-stopping program featuring TCHAIKOVSKY’s Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra and BEETHOVEN’s Overture to Egmont for a special one-hour concert. After the concert, a dazzling after-party will conclude the evening. The annual Symphony Gala is one of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s largest annual fundraisers, benefitting the DSO’s life-changing education and community outreach initiatives, including Young Strings and Young Musicians. These programs touch the lives of more than 200,000 North Texas residents annually, including more than 30,000 children. Learn more at https://www.dallassymphony.org/gala.