Great Causes to Support in Dallas

By Salah Izzedin

Dallas has a thriving non-profit community that supports a diverse range of groups and interests. One of the most rewarding ways to garner support for these organizations is through fundraising events! 

The list of stylish soirees is long and distinguished. If you are looking for ways to give back to your community AND have a great time doing it, there are plenty of opportunities coming up this year. Here are some of the best fundraising galas, benefits, dinners, and balls to add to your 2022 calendar:

Art Ball in Dallas

Giving Category: Fine Arts/Museums

The annual Art Ball is the highlight of the Dallas Museum of Art’s events calendar. The gala is always a good time, and has been known to garner a celebrity or two. Impeccably dressed attendees can look forward to designer cocktails, a gourmet menu, and live music and performances. All proceeds from the event go directly to fulfilling the Museum’s mission.

In honor of the Museum’s 60 years of Art Balls, this year’s gala is called TABLEAUX: 60 Years of Art Ball (1962–2022) and takes place on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Like Art Balls past, it is sure to be an affair to remember! Tickets are currently sold out, but a waitlist is available as are other giving opportunities. 

TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND Presents: Command Performance and Gala

Giving Category: Performing Arts

TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND and the AT&T Performing Arts Center work together to provide some of the most cutting edge arts programming in Dallas. Their annual Command Performance and Gala is the proverbial dinner and a show, but what a show! Sponsors and contributors will be treated to an incredible performance by top dancers from the best companies, as well as works by leading choreographers created exclusively for the gala. 

This year’s Command Performance and Gala is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Winspear Opera House. You can call or visit their website for more information on available tiers of giving.

House of DIFFA

Giving Category: HIV/AIDS Relief and Research

The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) has been at work in Dallas for over 30 years, and has donated millions of dollars to HIV/AIDS relief and research. After a two-year Their biggest fundraising event is the House of Diffa, where fashion and philanthropy intersect in high style. 

After a two-year break, House of DIFFA is back in full-force. This year’s theme is “EXTRAVAGANZA,” and by all accounts promises to deliver. It will be held at the Omni Dallas on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Guests can expect a full evening of entertainment, including a cocktail reception, Silent and Live Auctions, a House of Diffa runway show, and a high energy After Party.

Tickets are currently sold out, but visit their website to get on the waitlist and view other giving opportunities.

Cattle Baron’s Ball

Giving Category: Cancer Research

Leading the fight against cancer in the Dallas area is the Cattle Baron’s Ball. Since 1974, this event has partnered with Metroplex to raise over $89 million dollars for cancer research, and is the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in the world. 

This year’s CBB is called “Lasso A Cure,” and takes place on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Southfort Ranch. This is a Texas-sized event, with over 150,000 square feet of food and entertainment. Best of all? The dress code is boots and jeans, so you can take a well-earned break black-tie. Visit their website to see the timeline of events and purchase tickets.

41st Annual Black Tie Dinner

Giving Category: LGBTQ+ Community

The Black Tie Dinner is the nation’s largest fundraiser for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community. Since 1982 the Dinner has distributed over $25 million to 20 North Texas beneficiaries as well as the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, with the mission to lift up the LGBTQ+ community.

Set for September 24, 2022 at the Sheraton Hotel Dallas,The Black Tie Dinner is an evening-long affair. The night begins with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by a catered dinner where guests can bid on luxury items in a live auction and listen to featured guest speakers. Past guests and speakers have included the likes of Joe Biden, Beto O’Rourke, Niecy Nash, and Billy Porter. Drinks and dancing continue into the wee hours at the After Black Party. 

For more information on how to support Black Tie Dinner, visit their website.

Two x Two for AIDS and Art

Giving Category: HIV/AIDS Research and Fine Art/ Museums

This annual auction and dinner gala benefits two worthy organizations: the Dallas Museum of Art and the amFAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. Held every year at the Rachofsky House, the event has raised over $103 million in 22 years in support of AIDS research and the Dallas Museum of Art’s Contemporary Art acquisition program.

Two x Two actually encompasses a full week of events culminating in the gala dinner and auction. The auction, hosted by Sotheby’s, offers contemporary art and luxury goods and experiences. The event is black-tie and invitation only, and has featured a number of celebrity names on past guest lists.

This year’s Two x Two for AISD and Art benefit dinner and art auction is scheduled for October 22, 2022. Visit their website for more information and giving opportunities.

St. Jude Evening Under the Stars Party and Golf Classic

Giving Category: Children’s Research Hospital

Another 60th anniversary fundraiser set to take place this year is the popular St. Jude Evening Under the Stars Party and Golf Classic. The Saturday evening benefit features live and silent auctions, food, and live entertainment. The Golf Classic takes place the following Monday, with all proceeds from both events going to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 

This year’s party is scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2022, at the Omni Dallas with the golf classic set for Monday, November 7th. You can purchase tickets and learn more on their website.

More Options

Fundraising events are only one way to support philanthropic organizations. There are plenty of other ways to contribute to your Dallas community, and countless more events on the docket for 2022. For a more complete list you can check out visit dallas.com’s fundraising events page. Happy Giving!

About Salah Izzedin

Salah Izzedin has lived in Dallas for over 20 years. He is a successful businessman and philanthropist. He loves this city and enjoys exploring all it has to offer.