Despite loads of North Texans heading to faraway places for summer hiatuses, dozens of the 2025 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutantes, Honor Guard and their folks took a “chance” to get together on Friday, July 19, at Arlington Hall.
The occasion was the annual Casino Party at which guests supped, sipped, danced and played casino games thanks to the evening’s sponsor Avondale Dealerships that provided a shiny Aston Martin in the driveway. Here’s a report from the field:
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Debutante And Honor Guard Casino Party unfolded in all its splendor at the elegant Arlington Hall on Friday, July 19. The Debs and Honor Guard came together for an evening of dinner, casino games and dancing.
With gracious smiles and heartfelt welcomes, Presentation Ball Co-Chairs Ginger Sager and Barbara Averitt greeted each arriving guest.
The Debutantes, Honor Guard, and their families were treated to an evening filled with an array of cocktails setting the perfect tone for the festivities, followed by a generous buffet dinner.
“It is always exciting to see the Debs and Honor Guard make new friends and memories throughout the year,” said DSOL President Dixey Arterburn, whose passion has been an inspiration to all. “They are Ambassadors for the symphony, while supporting the education and outreach programs for the Dallas Symphony.”
Event Chair Claire Catrino, along with the committee members, gave meticulous attention to all the details. When guests entered, an impressive orchid centerpiece on the foyer table was surrounded by an assortment of gambling cards, chips, and memorabilia providing a festive atmosphere.
At the appointed time, the Debutantes gathered outside for a group photo alongside an elegant Aston Martin provided by event sponsor Avondale Dealerships.
The guests’ attire for the evening ranged from short cocktail dresses to long evening dresses. Black tie for the gentleman allowed room for some lighthearted fun such as the watermelon print bow tie worn by Honor Guard Matthew Laza. Michael Ward, father of Debutante Samantha Ward, was the star of the evening when he arrived sporting his cowboy hat and bright red ostrich cowboy boots.
The spotlight shifted to the musical entertainment Ice House Band, one of Dallas’s most dynamic and electrifying party bands. The group played through the evening on the stage which has witnessed the band’s unforgettable performances time and again.
One of the many beneficiaries of the Presentation Ball’s proceeds is the Young Strings program which has seen numerous participants go on to be admitted to renowned and esteemed higher learning institutions. Ice House Band founding member Yutaka Meyers had a son who honed his music skills through the Young Strings program and went on to study at New York University.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance was Denton Bricker, the Director of DSO Events and Volunteers, a testament to the orchestra’s commitment to excellence. Denton’s summer has been busy traveling with the DSO on their trips to Vail and Europe. Although Vail is an annual destination for the DSO, the European trip was the first international trip since 2013.
Other guests in attendance included Katherine and Key Coker, Linda Gilmore, Dena and Vaughn Miller, Kristi and Ron Hoyl, Beth and Garner Newton, Nancy Labadie, Kristin Cordiak, Jennifer and Taylor Stone and Catherine and Michael Gravel.
Closing announcements were made and the raffle prize winners names were drawn. Grand Prize winner was Dakota Richardson who received a certificate from Avondale Dealerships for a chauffeured driven evening in his choice of either a Bentley Bentayga or Aston Martin DBX SUV and dinner for two at Mister Charles.
Additional sponsors for the evening were PaperCity and Mister Tuxedo.
The Casino Party reached its end, marking the culmination of a whirlwind summer activities for the Debutantes. The season has been filled with enriching experiences, from bow boot camps to delightful lunches and fun social mixers.
The countdown has begun for the Debutantes’ highly anticipated debut at the 39th Annual Presentation Ball, an iconic event set to unfold on Saturday, February 15, at the prestigious Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
* Photo credit: Gittings ** Photo credit: Deborah Brown
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