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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“A Night to Remember” with Drag Queens, 80’s Prom, and Dancing with Desserts

13th Annual No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party

Presented by The Purple Foundation

DALLAS, Texas – March 14, 2018 – The final countdown begins for AIDS Services of Dallas’s (ASD) largest fundraiser, No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party, presented by The Purple Foundation. Themed A Night to Remember, reminiscent of an 80’s prom, the expected 1,500 attendees that join together at the Frontiers of Flight Museum on Saturday, April 7, will have an unforgettable night celebrating the life-saving work ASD has done to help those living with HIV/AIDS in Dallas since the 1980’s.    

ASD’s largest fundraiser is hosted by a totally rad team including: Chair Leslie Frye, a medical sonographer by day and a singer, performer, and actor, by night; Honorary Co-Chair Kameron Westcott, the savvy business owner of SparkleDog Food and reality star on BRAVO’s Real Housewives of Dallas; Honorary Co-Chair Dr. Steven Pounders, an award-winning internist who has specialized in HIV and infectious diseases since the 80’s; and Publicity Chair Susan Friedman, a 20-plus year veteran of the public relations industry who has represented No Tie for eight years.

The name says it all! No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party is a two-in-one event that begins with a dinner party hosted by generous Dallasites around the city, any night leading up to the grand dessert finale. On April 7, everyone gathers at the Frontiers of Flight Museum where a life-size Pac-Man game will guide attendees to the main event decorated to resemble a prom-decorated “Caf-A-Gym-A-Torium”. The party-of-the-year encourages guests to embrace their inner ‘80s kid, welcoming costumes and creativity, from pastel tuxedoes and ruffled shirts for men to frosted blue eye shadow and hair teased as big as the puff sleeves on their dresses for women.

Dallas drag queens, including the one and only Patti Le Plae Safe, will be leading the expected 1,500 attendees in an attempt to set a world record for the most people dancing with a dessert to Footloose. The drag queens are an important element to this year’s event due to the significant impact they had on the HIV/AIDS community in Dallas during the 1980’s. At the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, drag shows became a way to fight back, raise money, and most importantly, laugh.

“From the beginning, I wanted to find a way to incorporate the drag queens in this year’s event since they played such an important role in helping those with HIV/AIDS in Dallas and across the nation,” Frye explained. “So when I came up with the idea to set a world record, I immediately knew who I wanted to lead the undertaking.”

Beyond cutting foot-loose, party-goers will enjoy the exhilarating and energetic performance by the 13-piece, 80’s cover band, The Jam Wows; feast on delicious desserts from over 20 of Dallas’s finest eateries and sip on this year’s signature cocktail, Totally Tubular, made with Reyka Icelandic Vodka, grapefruit juice and cranberry juice. The signature cocktail won’t be the only item served at the myriad of open bars; guests will also have the choice of beer and wine sponsored by Ben E. Keith, as well as, Reyka Icelandic Vodka, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whisky, and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum from William Grant & Sons.

Since No Tie is the largest fundraiser for ASD, there will be plenty of fundraising opportunities! A live auction will showcase luxurious vacation getaways and prized items such as a Puppy Giveaway Package, an adorable puppy and supply of SparkleDog Food. A spectacular silent auction will feature numerous desired items, and an art gallery, curated by Christina Yielding, will offer original pieces by top local artists. Alternative giving opportunities include a money-raising contest to be crowned Prom King or Queen, and boutonnieres and corsages to purchase. A Night to Remember also supports ASD’s ambitious “A Night of Housing” campaign so that attendees can directly help a resident at ASD by donating a night of housing for only, $40.73, or more.

SPONSORS

In addition to Presenting Sponsor, Purple Foundation, the 2018 No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party sponsors in the Platinum, Diamond and Ruby levels include: Alan Stollies, Alexandre’sBar, Alfie Dorey Goldberg, Alphagraphics, Ben E. Keith | Bud Light, Dallas Children’s Charities, Dobson’s Flooring America, Dallas Light & Sound, Friedman Marketing and Public Relations, GDP Advisors, Hattie’s, Hendrick Volkswagen Group, Leslie Frye & David Ewing, Lula B’s Antique Mall, Mark Mayland, Precision Delivery Services, Scott + Cooner Showroom, SparkleDog, William Grant & Sons – Hendrick’s Gen, Reyka Vodka, Sailor Jerry, Tullamore D.E.W.  

DESSERT SPONSORS

Current Dessert sponsors include: ASD Kitchen, Ben E. Keith Foods, Crush Sweets, Daisy Cakes, Daryl’s By Design, Dallas World Aquarium, Starbucks, Twisted Berries, Uncle Willie’s Pies, Yelibelly Chocolate. 

The 2018 No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party themed “A Night to Remember,” will be held on Saturday, April 7, starting at 7:00 p.m., at the Frontiers of Flight Museum (6911 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75209). Tickets are $75 for general admission and $150 for VIP tickets, which includes early entry an hour before main event, auction preview, exclusive VIP lounge and bar in addition to VIP lines at each bar. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.notiedinner.org.

ABOUT AIDS SERVICES OF DALLAS

The mission of AIDS Services of Dallas (ASD) is to create and strengthen healthy communities through the delivery of quality, affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. ASD’s mission includes advocacy, education, and the development of affordable housing options and community development opportunities, both for its residents living with HIV/AIDS, and for economically disadvantaged people. For more information about ASD, visit www.aidsdallas.org.

ABOUT PURPLE FOUNDATION

Established in 2001, Purple Foundation, an all-volunteer non-profit, has raised more than $750,000 to support local charities that improve the lives of people in the Dallas area who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Funds are raised through numerous dance fundraisers and social events throughout the year, including their premier, electrifying Purple Party Weekend featuring some of the world’s most popular DJs.

IN PHOTO: No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party, the largest fundraiser for AIDS Services of Dallas, at the Frontiers of Flight Museum

PHOTO CREDIT: Crystal Chatmon

IN PHOTO: The 2018 No Tie Dinner & Dessert Party Signature Cocktail, Totally Tubular

PHOTO CREDIT: William Grant & Sons