Bow Ties Are Cool

It’s tuxedo season in Dallas.

I was in the Galleria on Saturday afternoon, and every store had tuxedos and dinner jackets right up front…and with good reason. It doesn’t just seem like there’s a formal charity event every weekend til the end of the year, there really is.

This year’s Black Tie Gala and Margarita Ball have come and gone. And while there are a number of great charitable events still on the calendar, the one I’m most excited about is the Johnny Sides Gala, hosted by the Dallas Junior Chamber and the DJCC Foundation, presenting the Dallas Police Department’s Rookie of the Year.

For me and most of my friends, our best relationship with police officers is when we don’t interact. And to be honest, my only interactions with officers prior to being involved with the Chamber has been getting pulled over, and getting help when I locked my keys in my car in college. I knew nothing of who they were, only that they carried guns and did their best to keep us safe.

I went to the gala for the first time in 2013, and a remarkable thing happened: I met several officers, and it turned out they were just regular people. Who knew? I definitely didn’t. I suspect that most people who don’t interact with them on a regular basis are in the dark too. Of course, given how often I’m wrong, I wouldn’t be surprised if I were the only one who didn’t get it.

But having had the opportunity to meet some of the exceptional young officers that have been nominated and our 2 most recent winners, I’m more moved by the event. It’s been a tough year for police officers, and this is a good chance to show appreciation for the great work they do.

So, come join us at the City Club, high atop the Green Monster (Bank of America Tower) and celebrate our nominees and the DPD. Tickets are $75, and proceeds benefit the Assist the Officer Foundation. There’ll be live music, and – if you ask real nice – we’ll invite you to the after-party, where I’ll undo my bow tie Sammy Davis style, and possibly lip sync “Unforgettable”.

63rd Annual Johnny Sides Dallas Police Rookie of the Year Awards Gala