Photos c/o Gregory Martin (Press release) Only David Nelson and his creative team could make a casual-chic affaire go glam without a tie. The eleventh annual No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party for AIDS Services of Dallas, presented by Purple Foundation, went Bond-chic at The Frontiers of Flight Museum on April 9 with the theme You Only Live Twice to celebrate the non-profit’s long history of providing a second chance at life for its residents. The event raised over $150,000 and is still collecting donations. No Tie Chair David Nelson and Honorary Chairs Angel and Marie Reyes greeted the 1,500 guests who indulged in lavish cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, chocolates and pies from some of the city’s finest eateries, such as Apples and Onions, Dallas Affaires Cake Co, Daisy Cakes, Uncle Willie’s Pies, and Frosted Art Bakery & Studio, among many others, and the signature Reyka Double Bond cocktail proved popular at the bars. Upon arrival, one might have caught a glimpse of the stunning Deanna Cahill poised on top of a cupcake platform dressed in her Bond-girl finest of all black leather. She and husband Rob Cahill and Alika Ray produced a surprise dance performance by the Dallas Cowboy R&B dance team set to Madonna’s Die Another Day.
Another surprise was the announcement of Carol Hatton as the recipient of the Sheila Dolezal Humanitarian Award for her volunteerism and community support and the newly-retired Dennis Kershner as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-term support as ASD Chairman of the Board for seven years and No Tie Chair for ten years. Attendees included: ASD President/CEO Don Maison, ASD Chairman of the Board Don Neubauer, Purple Foundation’s Blake Baker, Chris Huffstutler, Sara Fangmeyer and Dylan Orrell, Sterling Deason O’Donnell, Patricia Deason, Tricia Sims, Merlene Phillips, and Tony Fielding, among others. The mission of AIDS Services of Dallas (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. 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.
