On a balmy summer evening in Dallas, the city’s social calendar sparkled with the glitz and glamour of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s 40th Presentation Ball Casino Royale Party. Held at the stately Arlington Hall in Turtle Creek Park on Friday, July 25, 2025, the event marked a milestone not only for the League but for the families and young debutantes preparing for their grand formal debut next February. As the city’s elite gathered under the twinkling lights, a sense of celebration and anticipation filled the air, with every detail meticulously planned to evoke the thrill and elegance of a true Casino Royale.
The annual Casino Royale Party drew a crowd of debs, escorts, their families, and supporters of the arts, including familiar faces like Tracy and Ben Lange with their debutante daughter Livia Lange, and Presentation Ball Co-Chair Kristin Hallam with her stepsons Hale and James Hallam. The Assembly officers and Honor Guard officers, resplendent in their roles, mingled with guests, each adding to the night’s air of tradition and festivity. The evening’s dress code—stylish cocktail attire and sweeping evening gowns—was embraced in full, with a riot of pinks, purples, and greens setting the scene for a night guests wouldn’t soon forget, according to reporting by MySweetCharity.
Greeting guests at the entrance was a sleek green Aston Martin, provided by event sponsor Avondale Dealerships—a fitting nod to the legendary Agent 007. Presentation Ball Co-Chairs Kristin Hallam and Maggie Kipp, alongside Dallas Symphony Orchestra League President Claire Catrino, welcomed attendees with warmth and excitement. "We were elated to dance, dine, gamble and laugh with our incredible 40th Debs, Honor Guard and families," said co-chair Maggie Kipp. "All completed the Casino Royale’s 007 mission of colorful fabulous fashion and elegant fun!"
The festivities kicked off with an array of cocktails and drinks, followed by a sumptuous dinner that set the stage for the lively casino games and non-stop dancing ahead. The musical ensemble Manhattan, under the Jordan Kahn Music Company, kept the dance floor alive with a repertoire spanning vintage soul to contemporary pop. Their energetic performance ensured that the party’s momentum never faltered, with guests young and old joining in the revelry.
Adding to the playful spirit of the evening, guests donned lighted Hawaiian leis and funky neon sun shades as the dance floor glowed with blinking lights. Sweet treats, including macaroons in the event’s signature colors, provided a pick-me-up for those eager to dance and play casino games late into the night. The atmosphere was one of pure celebration, with laughter and music echoing through the historic halls.
At the appointed hour, the debutantes gathered outside for a group photo alongside the elegant Aston Martin—a moment that captured both the tradition and the youthful excitement of the evening. Distinguished guests in attendance included newly appointed DSO Development Vice President Kerri Cleghorn Lai and DSO Events and Volunteers Director Denton Bricker, underscoring the event’s importance within the broader symphony community.
The list of debutantes and Honor Guard members present was as impressive as the event itself. Among those spotted on the dance floor and at the roulette wheel were Claire Bradshaw, Stella Grabham, Livia Lange, Olivia Zambrano, Ryan Brown, Marlo Rivas, Cate Cox, Claire Andrews, Madeleine Jenkins, Madeline Mayer, Sofia Reyes, Rachel Rader, Lindy Smith, Campbell Schultz, Jane Hochman, Elena Zeballos, Ashley Goldman, Charlotte Lauten, Sealy McGowin, Tessa Stephenson, and Georgia Williamson. Honor Guard members included Joseph Copeland, Calder Sinak, Carter Weigand, Mark Hardaway, Will Collet, and George Touris.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of committee chairs ensured the evening’s success. Sharon Ballew, Deborah Brown, Mari Epperson, Nancy Gopez, Stephanie Hunt, Niki Turner, and Christine Winn were recognized for their tireless efforts. Sponsors such as Avondale Dealerships, Barbara Sturm, Mister Tuxedo, LoveShackFancy, Cortez Resources, Anchor Capital, and PaperCity contributed to the night’s luxury, with Ben E. Keith serving as the Presenting Sponsor of the Presentation Ball.
The Casino Royale Party wasn’t just a night of fun and fashion—it marked the culmination of a whirlwind summer for the debutantes. Weeks of bow boot camps, luncheons, and elegant social mixers had prepared them for this moment. Now, the countdown begins for their formal debut at the 40th Annual Presentation Ball, set for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the renowned Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Proceeds from the Presentation Ball support the Dallas Symphony’s education and community outreach initiatives, with a special focus on the Young Strings program. This acclaimed initiative provides free private lessons, instrument loans, and ensemble experiences for talented students—primarily Black, Latino, and low-income youth. Boasting a 100% high school graduation rate and nearly universal college continuation, Young Strings is not only nurturing the next generation of musicians but also fostering a lifelong love of the arts among Dallas youth.
This year’s festivities coincided with a trio of significant milestones: the 80th anniversary of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, the 40th Presentation Ball, and the 125th anniversary of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra itself. Since 1998, the League has contributed over $26 million to the Dallas Symphony Association’s Community Outreach and Education programs, bringing the joy of music to thousands across the Dallas Metroplex.
Meanwhile, the Casino Royale theme was echoed hundreds of miles away in Kentucky, where on Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Franklin County Humane Society celebrated its own 80th anniversary with a Casino Royale fundraising event at the Kentucky Historical Society, as reported by the State Journal. The black-tie-optional affair featured music, dancing, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, a silent auction, and even celebrity characters. Attendees enjoyed the excitement of classic casino games while supporting the vital work of the humane society. Donations from the event go directly toward supporting the society’s ongoing efforts to care for animals in need, with further contributions welcomed at www.fchsanimals.org.
Though separated by geography and mission, both Casino Royale events shared a common thread: harnessing the spirit of community and the thrill of a glamorous night out to support causes that enrich their cities. Whether nurturing the next generation of musicians in Dallas or championing animal welfare in Kentucky, these gatherings proved that a little bit of fun—and a touch of Bond-inspired flair—can go a long way in making a difference.
As the summer of 2025 draws to a close, the echoes of these Casino Royale nights linger, a testament to the power of tradition, generosity, and the enduring joy of coming together for a good cause.