Group to hold first ever gala at Granada

By Vodi Cook

The Jewel of Dallas Gala is a new event presented by The White Rock Lake Foundation, with an all-star chef line-up at an iconic venue. The night to remember will fall on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Granada Theater from 7-10 p.m. This inaugural event will feature six top chefs from several East Dallas hot spots. The fundraiser will benefit the impactful work The White Rock Lake Foundation board supports, and the maintenance and improvement of White Rock Lake, also referred to as “the Jewel of Dallas.”

White Rock Lake is often referred to as “the Jewel of Dallas.”
Photo by Bobby Baird

Guests who attend The Jewel of Dallas Gala will enjoy an exclusive menu prepared by Dallas’ top chefs from Môt Hai Ba, Cry Wolf, Sfuzzi, Meridian in The Village, LORO and Sundown at Granada, as well as live entertainment from Ricki Derek and his 15-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. While concepting a new type of event, The White Rock Lake Foundation board wanted to highlight and support the community that they work so hard to preserve, so it only made sense to work with talented chefs from various East Dallas neighborhoods and host the gala at The Granada Theater, the historic live music venue and event space.

 The White Rock Lake Foundation Board, all of whom are esteemed East Dallas community members, all share anticipatory excitement for the memorable and meaningful event.

“We are so grateful for our board who are planning a fabulous fundraiser,” said Susan Falvo, board member of The White Rock Lake Foundation. “We are looking forward to enjoying this unforgettable evening and meeting so many new friends who are helping continue our work for maintaining and improving our White Rock Lake,” added board president Joe Kidwell.

 The Jewel of Dallas Gala evening will feature six East Dallas chef stations, craft cocktails and a 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 are named after various locations and historic buildings at White Rock Lake. The presenting sponsor for the event is Oncor Electric .The event will begin with a VIP sponsor cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m. followed by the main event from 7-10 p.m. VIP tickets are $250.  Individual tickets are $110 in honor of The White Rock Lake 110-year anniversary. Guest count is limited. 

 To purchase a ticket for the event or to be a sponsor, contact Susan Falvo by emailing [email protected] or calling 214-725-9300.

 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, visit whiterocklakefoundation.org.