May 12, 2026: By Yvette DeGannes, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas board member and 2026 Bold Dreams Benefit Chair

Photo Credit: Incendi Media

As the 2026 Bold Dreams Benefit Event Chair, I had the incredible privilege of watching a ballroom full of people come together in support of one shared belief: when girls are given the opportunity, encouragement, and support to dream boldly, they can accomplish extraordinary things.

On Saturday, May 2, more than 300 supporters gathered at the Hilton Anatole Dallas for Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas’ annual Bold Dreams Benefit, presented by Sidley. Alongside Honorary Chairs Annika and Dennis Cail, our event committee, sponsors, donors, and community partners helped create an unforgettable evening that raised more than $450,000 to support programs helping girls across Dallas County grow up strong, smart, and bold.

From the moment guests arrived, the energy in the room was undeniable. The evening featured a lively cocktail reception, wine pull, Golden Ticket raffle, interactive photo experiences, inspiring program moments, and a packed dance floor that carried the celebration well into the night. Emmy Award-winning journalist Tashara Parker served as emcee for the evening, joined by WFAA meteorologist Mariel Ruiz, whose warmth and enthusiasm helped guide guests through the inspiring program.

One of the evening’s highlights was presenting the 2026 Daring to Dream Boldly award to Olympic medalist and advocate Ilona Maher, whose message about confidence, resilience, and authenticity resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. Her encouragement for girls to embrace who they are and take up space unapologetically reflects the very heart of the Girls Inc. mission. Afterwards, Maher joined Tashara Parker and Girls Inc. Dallas President Beth Myers for an inspiring fireside chat discussing confidence, representation, leadership, and the importance of encouraging girls to dream boldly where she shared that, “Life would be so boring if we were all the same. When you can show up as yourself, it makes the world a so much brighter place.”

But what made the evening truly unforgettable was hearing from Girls Inc. Dallas alumna Stephanie McGary, now Chief Clinical Officer at Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region, whose story beautifully reflected the lifelong impact of Girls Inc. programming. Through a sisterhood of support and high expectations, Girls Inc. programs focus on healthy living, academic enrichment and support, and life skills and leadership. Stephanie shared firsthand how those investments helped shape her journey from a young girl in South Dallas searching for confidence and belonging into the accomplished leader she is today.

We also had the privilege of recognizing Girls Inc. Dallas participant Haylei Birdine with a $15,000 scholarship in support of her educational journey and future goals. Celebrating Haylei’s accomplishments and seeing our community rally behind her was a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact that investment, encouragement, and opportunity can have on a girl’s future.

As a board member and event chair, I continue to be inspired by the collective generosity and commitment of this community. The success of the Bold Dreams Benefit is not simply measured by dollars raised, but by the lives impacted and the opportunities created for girls throughout North Texas.

Every investment made through Girls Inc. Dallas helps provide girls with access to mentorship, educational enrichment, leadership experiences, and the confidence to pursue futures they may not have once imagined possible.

To everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, donated, and championed this event, thank you for believing in girls and helping make bold dreams possible. Together, we are building a stronger future for the next generation of leaders.

View more pics of the Bold Dreams Benefit HERE.