Freelance Work - CYNTHIA SMOOT

Plates & Pours | Dallas Dining Update for April 2026

Cynthia Smoot — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:56:38 +0000

The DFW dining scene moves fast, and if you blink, you’ll miss the reservation everyone’s suddenly chasing or the cocktail that’s quietly becoming the city’s next calling card. Plates and Pours is your monthly insiders’ digest from Curated Texan of what’s actually happening across Dallas restaurants and bars; new openings worth the hype, chef moves, and menu drops, wine dinners to book before they sell out, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) shifts shaping how the city eats and drinks right now. Think of it as the notes passed at the table: where to go, what to order, and why it matters, before everyone else catches on. Click HERE to read this article in its entirety.

42nd Annual St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show | Curated Texan

Cynthia Smoot — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:41:00 +0000

The 2026 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show: The Heart of the Fight was one for the record books. Event Co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon, along with honorary chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw, welcomed an incredible crowd of 850 guests to the 42nd annual event at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The room was filled with energy, generosity, and purpose, and by the end of the day, more than $1 million had been raised to support the mission of Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).

To read this event recap in its entirety, click HERE.

Scene Around Town: Blood Cancer United, The Stewpot, and The Senior Source

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In the April 2026 issue, I’m featuring scenes from the annual St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show where co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon, alongside honorary chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw, were joined by a record-setting 850 attendees at the 42nd annual luncheon benefiting Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising more than $1,000,000.

Nearly 700 attendees gathered at the The Stewpot’s recent 18th annual Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Show, presented by H-E-B/Central Market. Featured speaker Hailee Kaleem Wright, singer, songwriter and actor, shared her story of resilience—about overcoming homelessness twice on her rise to Broadway stardom. The Stewpot has served more than 9 million meals and has grown to provide comprehensive services and a community of support for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, including programs that stabilize, house and enrich the lives of Dallas neighbors.

Lastly, the 32nd annual Spirit of Generations Awards brought together civic leaders, philanthropists and longtime advocates, all united in their admiration for honoree Jan Langbein’s work as CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support and their support for The Senior Source’s mission to make the aging journey better for all older adults in Dallas.

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each month! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Provide the photographer’s name for credit

Perot Museum’s Night At The Museum In Serves Up Exhibition, Entertainment, and Culinary Delights, Raising $2 Million

Cynthia Smoot — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:59:20 +0000

The Night at the Museum gala is one of Dallas’ most imaginative annual events, and the 2025 edition transformed the Perot Museum of Nature and Science into a luminous, after-hours world of exploration. This year, the gala honored the vision and generosity of a founding family from the natural resources space, inspiring a theme that mirrored the spirit of their industry: wind, water, and air, and set the stage for a night where Alchemy begins. Click HERE to read this article in its entirety.

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From Roaring Fun To Record-Breaking Generosity, Here’s How The Dallas Zoo To Do’s Nocturne-Themed Bash Delivered

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 22:07:40 +0000

Over 800 guests gathered at the Dallas Zoo on Saturday, November 1, for Zoo To Do 2025: Nocturne. It was an enchanting evening filled with food, music, and mission that raised an outstanding $1.5 million in support of the Dallas Zoo’s mission of “Engaging People & Saving Wildlife.” Event Chairs Robbie Kruithoff and Ryan Ross, alongside Honorary Co-Chairs Lois Finkelman and Joan Walne, led this year’s annual event. To read this event recap in its entirety, visit Curated Texan.

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The Farrah Fawcett Foundation Tex-Mex Fiesta Served Up A Star-Studded Night Of Fundraising In Dallas

Cynthia Smoot — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:03:53 +0000

The Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta 2025 was more than just a star-studded evening… it was a heartfelt celebration of life, legacy, and the ongoing fight against cancer. This past October, an unforgettable night unfolded under the open skies of Texas at The Rustic in Dallas, where guests gathered in the spirit of compassion, remembrance, and determination to carry forward Farrah Fawcett’s powerful mission. Read this article in its entirety on Curated Texan.

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Klyde Warren Park’s “Party In The Park” Serves Up An Unforgettable Evening Under The Stars

Cynthia Smoot — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:58:07 +0000

This past October, Klyde Warren Park marked a significant milestone, celebrating its 13th anniversary in grand style with the annual Party in the Park fundraiser, presented by Republic National Distributing Company. The highly anticipated event brought together nearly a thousand guests for an unforgettable evening of food, music, and philanthropy, raising more than $1.1 million to support the Park’s year-round programming and maintenance. Click HERE to read more about this spectacular event on Curated Texan.

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Scene Around Town: Stanley Korshak and AT&T Performing Arts Center

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In this week’s January 23d issue, I’m featuring scenes from Stanley Korshak who recently welcomed renowned fashion designer Joseph Altuzarra for a special luncheon and celebration of his remarkable career and design legacy. Guests had a rare opportunity to view standout pieces from the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Altuzarra collections, along with select runway looks that exemplified the brand’s signature craftsmanship. Also highlighted were images from the AT&T Performing Arts Center who held their annual Bravo! Gala this past November. Ted and Shannon Skokos were the night’s honorees with over 300 attendees raising over $550,000 - the highest grossing Bravo! Gala to date, to support the Center’s free programming, education and community engagement initiatives.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Provide the photographer’s name for credit

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each week! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!

The United Way Of Metropolitan Dallas Star-Studded Centennial Celebration

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:43:16 +0000

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas marked its 100th anniversary with a Centennial Celebration that transformed multiple iconic areas of Fair Park and the Cotton Bowl into an elevated, immersive experience designed to honor a century of community impact. The evening featured a Taste United Food & Wine Festival that took place inside the Fair Park Centennial Building alongside a Patron Dinner hosted inside the historic Fair Park Automobile Building. As the night progressed, the celebration moved into the Cotton Bowl, which had been transformed into a spectacular concert venue. The evening ended with a concert from Blake Shelton and Janet Jackson. To read more about this even in its entirety, visit Curated Texan online.

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Scene Around Town: House of Creed and Perot Museum

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:52:00 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In this week’s December 19 issue, I’m featuring scenes from an exclusive private masterclass experience that was recently hosted by House of Creed's North America Brand Ambassador Luis Cavallo alongside 2024 NorthPark Ambassador Hamilton A Sneed at the Creed Boutique at NorthPark Center. Also featured are scenes from one of Dallas’ most imaginative annual events, a Night at the Museum. the 2025 edition transformed the Perot Museum of Nature and Science into a luminous, after-hours world of exploration raising more than $2 million for the Museum’s financial aid programs.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Please send one event submission per email with the name of the event in the Subject line

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each week! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!

Scene Around Town: Dallas Zoo and Nasher Sculpture Center

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In this week’s December 12 issue, I’m featuring scenes from Zoo To Do where almost 40 of Dallas’s top chefs converged upon the Dallas Zoo serving signature bites and inventive nibbles from their stations across the Wilds of Africa side of the Zoo. The night raised an outstanding $1.5 million in support of the Zoo’s mission of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife. Also featured were scenes from the Nasher Sculpture Center who recently held The Great Create, an annual fundraiser that commissions North Texas artists to create unique, hands-on activities at stations throughout the Nasher’s garden for kids and families.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Please send one event submission per email with the name of the event in the Subject line

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each week! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!

Scene Around Town: Cattle Baron's Ball and ManeGait

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:26:00 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In this week’s December 5 issue, I’m featuring scenes from the legendary Cattle Baron’s Ball, the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, recently celebrated its 52nd annual Ball in grand Texas style at South Fork Ranch. Nine-time diamond-certified global superstar Post Malone headlined the night. Also featured were images from ManeGait’s 18th Annual Gala for the ‘Gait on Saturday, Oct. 18. More than 800 friends and supporters gathered at The HUB in Allen for this sold-out, one-of-a-kind celebration helped raise funds for ManeGait’s operations and the ambitious $12.1 million Beacon Project.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Please send one event submission per email with the name of the event in the Subject line

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each week! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!

Curated Texan: Post Malone Performs at the 52nd annual Cattle Baron’s Ball

Cynthia Smoot — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:14:30 +0000

What began in 1974 as a backyard Texas-style barbecue has grown into a record-breaking philanthropic tradition. This year’s legendary Cattle Baron’s Ball, the largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, celebrated its 52nd annual Ball in grand Texas style at South Fork Ranch, proudly presented by Texas Oncology. Nine-time diamond-certified global superstar Post Malone headlined the night. Click HERE to read this article in its entirety on Curated Texan.

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Scene Around Town: DIFFA Dallas and Wilkinson Center

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:53:18 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In this week’s November 21 issue, I’m featuring scenes from DIFFA Dallas who kicked off its 2025/26 philanthropic season with a Western Chic twist at the 16th Annual Burgers + Burgundy. The culinary event supports DIFFA’s mission to raise funds for HIV/AIDS service organizations across North Texas. Also highlighted are scenes from Wilkinson Center who recently hosted its 3rd Annual Pantry in the Park party at the historic Filter Building. Funds raised will support their mission to transform the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Please send one event submission per email with the name of the event in the Subject line

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each week! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!

Scene Around Town: The Stewpot Alliance and Klyde Warren Park

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 20:34:16 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In this week’s November 14 issue, I’m featuring scenes from Klyde Warren Park's Annual "Party in the Park" where nearly a thousand guests recently gathered for an unforgettable evening under the stars to celebrate Klyde Warren Park's 13th anniversary . The event raised more than $1.1 million. Also featured were highlights from The Stewpot Alliance who recently gathered supporters to kick off the 18th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Sale to be held
February 2, 2026 at the Thompson Hotel Dallas. “Living in Harmony” is the theme of next year’s luncheon and will feature keynote speaker Hailee Kaleem Wright.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Please send one event submission per email with the name of the event in the Subject line

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each week! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!

Scene Around Town: Chi Omega Christmas Market and CC Young Senior Living

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:19:40 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In this week’s November 7 issue, I’m featuring scenes from the 48th Annual Chi Omega Christmas Market. This beloved Dallas shopping tradition welcomed thousands of shoppers who came together to kick off the holiday season while supporting nine local nonprofit organizations. Also featured were scenes from the 25th Annual Spirit is Ageless Art & Writing Contest. During this event, CC Young Senior Living celebrates the creativity and resilience of aging adults, showcasing that the mind and spirit remain vibrant at every stage of life. Many of the participants shared personal stories through paintings, poetry, and prose, making it both an uplifting and inspiring occasion.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 50 words)
Please send one event submission per email with the name of the event in the Subject line

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each week! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!

Austin artful, elevated and still a little weird

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:13:57 +0000

For seasoned Texan travelers, the I-35 pilgrimage from Dallas to Austin is more than a route; it’s a rite of passage. Generations have made the journey for tailgates outside DKR Stadium, late-night concerts in tucked-away venues, or sun-drenched festival weekends on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. Conversely, Austinites often jaunt to Dallas for the Texas-OU game, the State Fair of Texas, and shopping, among many other reasons. But somewhere between nostalgia and now, the kinship to Austin has evolved, and for the modern traveler, that’s precisely where its magic lies… Read more about my recent visit to Austin, Texas in the October 24, 2025 edition of the Katy Trail Weekly newspaper.

Dirk Nowitzki Foundation’s 7th Annual Tennis Tournament Scores Seven-Figure Fundraising Feat

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:03:00 +0000

The 7th Annual Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic took place at Banner House at T Bar M in Dallas, welcoming more than 1,000 attendees for a day filled with spirited tennis, celebrity appearances, and unforgettable celebrations. What began as a friendly exhibition has grown into one of Dallas’s premier philanthropic events, raising vital funds to support programs that impact children’s health, education, and well-being. Click HERE to read this article on Curated Texan.

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Your Fried Food Field Guide to the State Fair of Texas

Cynthia Smoot — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 22:43:10 +0000

With literally hundreds of food options at the State Fair competing for your coupons, Park Cities Lifestyle magazine turned to the fried food expert (Ahem, that would be me). My picks for the iconic classics you should never miss and what I think this year’s best new foods are have published in the October issue (pages 28-29). The Fair runs through Sunday, Oct. 19. Enjoy your time on the fairgrounds!

Scene Around Town: State Fair of Texas and Preservation Park Cities

Cynthia Smoot — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:24:00 +0000

As Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly I oversee the publication's Scene Around Town feature, which shines a spotlight on nonprofit and community events each week. In this week’s September 26 issue, I’m featuring scenes from the Saddle Up hosted by the State Fair of Texas where over 300 attendees recently gathered at The Rustic for a benefit concert. 100% of all proceeds from the evening benefited the Big Tex Livestock Auction and Scholarship Programs, which provide vital educational opportunities for children across Texas. Also featured was a shopping event held at Veronica Beard with a give-back on purchase in the Highland Park Village store to help celebrate Preservation Park Cities mission of preserving local history and architecture.

Have an event you’d like to submit for editorial consideration? Here’s what you need to email me:

Send a minimum of 4 images for consideration.
- No more than 4 people in each shot.
- No repeats (meaning the same person can’t be in multiple shots)
- Guests need to be posed and smiling into the camera. No candids.
You must ID the people in each photo (left to right)
Tell me the name of the event and provide a brief description of the event (no more than 75 words)
Please send one event submission per email with the name of the event in the Subject line

I encourage you to pick up the latest issue of the Katy Trail Weekly complete with community news, articles by local experts, event and restaurant info, puzzles, and more for FREE each week! Where? Katy Trail Weekly proudly serves these Dallas neighborhoods: Uptown, Arts District, Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Downtown, University Park, West Village, Preston Center, Oak Lawn, Knox-Henderson, Love Field, Medical District, and more!