Dallas’ biggest LGBTQ+ fundraising event just dropped its 2026 theme, and she’s arriving with drama, purpose and a luxury car raffle. Black Tie Dinner officially kicked off its 45th season this week at Park Place Motorcars Dallas with the unveiling of this year’s theme: “Renaissance.” And yes, the symbolism is intentional.
After more than four decades of raising millions for LGBTQ+ organizations, Black Tie Dinner is leaning into renewal, resilience and the idea that our community continues to evolve, especially here in North Texas. It’s giving rebirth. It’s giving momentum. It’s giving “we’re not done yet.”
Black Tie Dinner Chair Dee Coleman described the theme as a reflection of the LGBTQ+ community itself, celebrating not only how far Dallas has come, but the future still being built together. In the current political climate, “Renaissance” feels less like a theme and more like a rallying cry.
And because this is Dallas, there’s also a little luxury involved.
The Park Place Raffle Returns
One of the evening’s biggest crowd-pleasers is back: the Park Place raffle. This year’s winner gets a $50,000 credit toward a vehicle from Park Place Motorcars Dallas, Volvo Dallas or Park Place Porsche Dallas. So yes, technically, your activism could come with ventilated leather seats.
Raffle tickets are already available, and proceeds directly support Black Tie Dinner’s beneficiaries across North Texas. That’s what we call multitasking.
Honoring Community Leaders
The organization also announced its first two 2026 honorees:
- Wendy Struhs will receive the Richard Weaver Volunteer Excellence Award for her behind-the-scenes work supporting the Dinner’s auction efforts.
- Cannon Austin, just 15 years old, earned the Mike Anglin Trailblazer Award for advocacy work supporting marginalized communities through organizations like LGBTQ+ SAVES.
The 45th Annual Black Tie Dinner takes place Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Tickets and sponsorships are already on sale at BlackTie.org.
And if “Renaissance” is any indication, this year’s Dinner may be less about looking back and more about reminding Dallas exactly who we are becoming.
