Our Great City

Over the years, The GRACE Gala has taken place in some of the most beautiful ballrooms in the metroplex, but this year's ballroom is going to set a new standard for elegance! Due in large part to the involvement of Gala Co-chair, Darren Moll, this year's gala committee had a unique opportunity to take complete control of every aspect of the guest experience.

Through his dealings with his own company, Ashton Catering + Events, Mr. Moll has put together a veritable "who's who" of metroplex event companies, all ponying up to make this year's GRACE Gala the event of the year! It all starts with the venue and Dallas Party Tent and Events has it all "covered". They'll be erecting a custom built 40,000 square foot Marquee tent! Now, rest assured, this is not circus tent! It is a fully enclosed, climate controlled structure that will take 4 days to complete!

Are the little wheels in your head turning? Maybe even a few questions are popping into your mind. Below are some answers to questions you may have!

Where do you build a 40,000 square foot tent?

Due to a generous offer from the Gaylord Texan, the GRACE Gala committee got the perfect place. Just off of Northwest Highway on Boyd Street here in Grapevine sits a multi-acre concrete parking lot that the Gaylord usually uses as overflow parking. However, it's also perfectly suited to house our 40,000 square foot tent, all service facilities, all guest vehicles and will allow guests to step out of their vehicle and walk no farther than 20 feet before entering the gala.

But, it's a tent! What's it going to look like on the inside?

What color is a painter's canvas? White, right? Perfect for applying his or her master strokes of color to create a beautiful masterpiece. Well, that is exactly what you get inside this massive structure! And, GRACE got the world's best "artists" with Alford Media and The Expo Group applying their collective genius. As you can see from the rendering above, it's going to be stunning!

What if it's raining?

It simply will not affect you. You'll drive into a covered valet stand, hand your keys over and step right into the event. Oh, and the tent will have a complete flooring system installed that will keep all guests well above any water that might be on the ground.

Where will I go to the restroom?

This is really cool! A company named Kohler makes these luxury portable restroom facilities for just such an occasion. They're everything you'd expect from a hotel restroom. They'll be adjacent to the tent and fully enclosed so you'll never even feel like you left the tent!

You're serving dinner, right? How's that going to work?

A large section of the rear of the tent will house a fully functioning kitchen where some of the best food you've ever tasted will be prepared. Now, the menu is still being formulated, but there are rumors that a certain South American trophy fish may be making an appearance! Regardless of the final selections, Executive Chef, Carl MacPherson's menu is certain to be one of many "wow" moments you'll have.

Tell me about some more of these "wow" moments!

Well, let's see, how about the fact that you'll only need to carry enough cash to hand out a few tips to the hardworking bartenders, valet and coat check staff? The only other thing you'll need to bring is something to pay for all of the wonderful items you're going to win in the Live, Platinum and Silent Auctions or the tickets you'll buy for our "Winner's Choice" raffle. Of course, you may want to consider making a cash donation to GRACE and that's perfectly okay too!

Hopefully this answers a few of the questions you may have come up with. If not, you're just a mouse click away from any other answers you need. Visit the GRACE Gala website at www.GraceGala.org  or email your question straight to GRACE.

If you've ever been to the GRACE Gala, GRACE hopes you will return and see us again this year. If you haven't, you owe it to yourself to come be a part of what is sure to be THE event of the Gala Season in North Texas!