With less than ten days leading up to the 31st Annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball, Shirley and Bill McIntyre hosted a patron party on Thursday, February 9, with the main focus on the ball’s Honorary Co-Chairs Harriett and Chuck Gibbs and the ball’s main supporters. Here’s a report from the field:
Longtime Dallas community leaders Shirley and Bill McIntyre opened their home for a Patron Party on Thursday, February 9, to celebrate and recognize Honorary Chairs Harriett and Chuck Gibbs and patrons for the DSOL 31st Annual Presentation Ball, when 35 debutantes will make their debut on Saturday, February 18, at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The white- and black-tie fundraiser has inspired three decades of Dallas Symphony tradition since the inaugural ball.
Chuck and Harriett Gibbs and Jolie and Bart Humphrey*
Ball Chair Jolie Humphrey introduced the Gibbs, who are longtime supporters of the DSO and the Dallas community. Harriett is a past president of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League and has served in many other capacities on the board through her many years of involvement. She served on the Board of Governors from 2009-2016. Chuck is a partner with the international law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld and has served on the Board of the Dallas Chapter of the American Heart Association, the Dallas Opera and the Dallas Chapter of the American Liver Foundation.
The Ball is expected to raise over $400,000 and Jolie thanked the patrons for the success of the year.
“Through your generous support, you become a part of a long and lasting tradition. We are honored that you share it with us,” she said.
Ball Founder/First Chair Tincy Miller said, “Can you believe this? Here we are again.”
She was happy that the tradition has continued and future supporters of the Symphony are nurtured through the event. This year’s ball will feature a second generation debutante when Maddie Hendrick is presented. Her mom Lucy Myers-Lambert made her debut at the inaugural Ball in 1987.
Lissie Donosky and Tincy Miller*
Sandy Secor and Allison Brodnax*
With some impending births, the tradition of the ball could continue for another generation. DSOL President Sandy Secor’s daughter Sarah, who made her debut 11 years ago, is expecting twins any day now. The Gibbs’ three grown sons have all been Honor Guards for the Presentation Ball and now a grandchild is expected at any moment.
Ana Yoder, Judy Nelson, and Lillian Boren*
Other guests were Scott and Diane Sealy, Stan and Sara Lee Gardner, Linda Burk and John Gilmore, Lissie Donosky, Allison Brodnax, Fallon Bock, Houstoun Waring, Al Garcia, past ball chair Dixey Arterburn and debutante parents including Christopher and Tracey Frattaroli, Ann and Mitch Rogers, Ana Yoder, Judy Nelson and Lillian Boren.
Lynn Thomas, Darci Iola and Kathlyn Sears*
The party was co-chaired by Lynn Thomas, Darci Iola and Kathlyn Sears.
Since the Ball’s inception, over $10 million has been raised in support of the Dallas Symphony Association and its education and community outreach programs. Some of the quality outreach programs the League supports are: Youth Concert Series, Artists Educate, Young Strings and Music Memory along with community concerts and performances.
* Photo credit: James French