White Rock Lake Foundation Celebrates Success of Jewel of Dallas Gala

Proceeds to help fund ongoing improvements at Winfrey Point

DALLAS, Texas (November 15, 2023) — The White Rock Lake Foundation announced that it has raised an additional $100,000 for the ongoing restoration of Winfrey Point.

More than 200 people attended the foundation’s second annual Jewel of Dallas Gala on November 9 at the Granada Theater Dallas.to help raise money for the project.

“It was great to gather together so many people who love White Rock Lake,” foundation President Kathleen Foley said. “We appreciate everyone who was willing to invest in our stewardship of the lake.”

The gala, presented by the Celanese Foundation, relied on ticket sales, auctions and direction donations to help raise money for the White Rock Lake Foundation and its stewardship of the lake, known as the “Jewel of Dallas.”

Guests at the gala enjoyed an exclusive menu prepared by some of the city’s top chefs, with live music by Ricki Derek and his 15-piece Big Band.

City officials who attended the gala praised the White Rock Lake Foundation for its efforts to promote and preserve White Rock Lake Park.

“Without you all, we wouldn’t be able to do the things that we do out at the lake,” said John Jenkins, director of Dallas Park and Recreation Department, addressing the crowd at the gala. “Without you, we wouldn’t have the trail markers out there. We wouldn’t have the roof at Winfrey Point. We wouldn’t have the baseball fields.”

Dallas City Council Member Paula Blackmon said the foundation does more than just raise money for projects at White Rock Lake. She praised the group for its volunteer efforts as well.

Since its inception more than 30 years ago, the White Rock Lake Foundation has raised millions of dollars and invested countless hours of volunteer time in support of White Rock Lake.

“This gala is one of our largest fundraisers each year,” said Susan Falvo, the foundation’s fundraising and event chair. “We count on our community’s generosity to help us achieve the foundation’s goal of maintaining and improving White Rock Lake, especially the generous sponsors who helped us stage this amazing event.”

All proceeds from the Jewel of Dallas Gala will go toward the Winfrey Point restoration.

The foundation already has contributed more than $150,000 for the Winfrey Point restoration project, with a goal of raising an additional $200,000 to complete the improvements at the historic event venue.

SPONSORS

Presenting sponsor: Celanese Foundation
Entertainment sponsor:  ASI Gymnastics
Bar sponsor: Southern Glazer’s (SWSG)
Media sponsor: Advocate Magazines
Tree planting sponsor: Oncor
Step and repeat sponsor: Dallas Running Club
Cup and napkin sponsor: Session Pilates
Photo booth sponsor: Urban Structure
Paddle raise sponsors: Jenny Capritta and Parsons Realty Team
Valet sponsor: Involved!
Restaurant/chef sponsors: Mill Creek Residential Trust, Shop Cos, Title Partners, Bank of Texas, Modera Trailhead, Kim Reynolds and Maria Ganson

For more information, visit the White Rock Lake Foundation website (whiterocklakefoundation.org) or contact Susan Falvo at susan.falvo.sf@gmail.com or 214-725-9300.

ABOUT THE WHITE ROCK LAKE FOUNDATION: 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 and the City of Dallas to help implement the master plan for White Rock Lake.