Fundraiser chair Leslie Frye sets out to create A Night to Remember
As a musician and singer, Leslie Frye knows something about creating memorable nights for people. But now he’s literally responsible for coming up with a night to remember.
A Night to Remember, you see, is the theme for this year’s No Tie Dinner and Dessert, the casual fundraiser for AIDS Services of Dallas, in which many folks host small dinner parties in their homes, then everyone gathers at the Frontiers of Flight Museum for tasty pastries and succulent sweets, all built around ’80s prom décor.
Frye took on the duties of chair of this year’s event (its 13th), so we asked him for insights into the most dressed-down of Dallas social events not set poolside.
— Arnold Wayne Jones
Dallas Voice: How did you first get involved with No Tie and AIDS Services of Dallas?
Leslie Frye: About five years ago, I hosted my first No Tie Dinner Party with my friends, Todd and Miguel Atkins-Whitley. We had about 20 people and had a great time hosting the dinner and an even better time at the dessert party when we all showed up wearing the same bow ties. But it would not be until I toured one of AIDS Services of Dallas’ four apartment communities, like Hillcrest House, and saw and felt the compassion for each of the men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS that I wanted to do more. I have been involved ever since.
How has No Tie/ASD (or its needs) changed since you have become involved?
The basic needs haven’t changed [over the years]. It costs $40 for a night of housing and $1,320 for a month of housing for each resident, so fundraisers like No Tie are critical to be able to provide as many “homes” as we can. They needed nutritious meals, social services, access to medical care, transportation and most importantly, a place to call home. The problem is that there is still a need for all those services today.
You’ve performed at No Tie events in the past — what’s it like to now chair the event?
[Performing] is a creative process; being the No Tie chair is just as much of a creative process. It has been an exercise in having a dream of what I wanted the experience of coming to No Tie to feel like, raising the money and sponsorships, being able to execute the vision, and finding a group of people to help me bring it to life.
The theme was inspired by an ’80s prom. It’s going to be a great night with as many balloon arches as we can fit into the Frontiers of Flight Museum! We will have the Jam Wows, a 13-piece cover band, fabulous drag queens Patti Le Plae Safe, Star Michaels, Angela Karrmichael and Analee Pleasured [while] trying to set a world record for the most people dancing to “Footloose” while eating dessert.
Will you personally get a chance to enjoy dinner that night?
I will not be able to host a dinner this year — I’ll be busy blowing up balloons and making sure everything is perfect before the party patrons arrive.
What’s your favorite aspect of No Tie?
To see how the dinners I’ve hosted have grown. My first dinner was around 20 to 30 people and last year we had 60-plus spilling outside. I love the moment of chaos when I’m trying to gather everyone to get them out the door and to the museum for the dessert party. There is just something about the adrenaline, excitement and enthusiasm that fills the air during that moment. The fact that there’s going to be old friends to see, money to raise, open bar and more desserts than you can shake a stick at doesn’t hurt.