Annual gala to raise funds for Winfrey Point makeover

By Susan Falvo

The Jewel of Dallas Gala event is presented by The White Rock Lake Foundation, and includes an all-star chef line-up, fabulous food, designer cocktails, silent and live auctions. The night to remember is on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Hall of State at Fair Park from 6-11 p.m.  This annual event will feature top chefs from several Dallas hot spots. The fundraiser benefits the impactful work The White Rock Lake Foundation board supports, which is the maintenance and improvement of White Rock Lake, also referred to as “the Jewel of Dallas.” Specifically, this year’s funds will be used for the renovation of Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake. To date, the Foundation has secured more than $500,000 for the renovation and improvements to this historic building.

Guests who attend The Jewel of Dallas Gala will enjoy an exclusive menu prepared by Dallas’ top chefs from McRae’s American Bistro, Food Glorious Food, Times Ten Cellars, THE SHINDIG FOOD PARK, CHASE the Chef, Mixtitos Kitchen, Môt Hai Ba, Gemma Restaurant and more, and features live entertainment from Ricki Derek and his six-piece band.

 The White Rock Lake Foundation serves as a unified advocacy group working closely and effectively with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department (DPARD).  The Foundation works with DPARD on long-term planning and design, and spearheads private fundraising efforts.  The primary goal that spawned the event’s inception three years ago was to highlight and support the community that the organization works so hard to preserve, so it only made sense to work with talented chefs from various East Dallas neighborhoods and host the gala at beautiful Hall of State at Fair Park.

 The White Rock Lake Foundation Board is comprised of esteemed community members, who all share anticipatory excitement for the memorable and meaningful event. “We are thrilled to be able to have such a wonderful event for such a fantastic cause. Working closely with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department and the City of Dallas, we continue to improve and maintain The Jewel of Dallas, White Rock Lake Park,” Board President Kathleen Foley said.

 The Jewel of Dallas Gala evening will feature several Dallas chef stations, craft cocktails, and both silent and live auction. Guests will enjoy a night of entertainment, elite service and devotion to an excellent cause. Sponsorships for the event begin at $1,500 and offer many benefits along with helping to improve White Rock Lake Park.  In addition to sponsorships, table hosts can secure a table of 8 for their guests at $1,750 and individual tickets are $250. Guest count is limited.

The Mission of the White Rock Lake Foundation, established in 1989, is to bring together and maximize the resources of the entire community into a coordinated effort for the benefit of White Rock Lake Park. The foundation works with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, The Dallas Park Board of Directors and the City of Dallas to implement the Master Plan for White Rock Lake. For more information on The White Rock Lake Foundation, or to purchase tickets to the event, visit whiterocklakefoundation.org.