TACA’s Silver Cup Luncheon Honors Arts Champions, Raises Over $600,000
DALLAS, TX – May 15, 2025 – The 2025 TACA Silver Cup Luncheon, held at the Omni Dallas Hotel, brought together arts supporters, community leaders and cultural champions to honor two of North Texas’ dedicated advocates for the arts. The annual event recognizes extraordinary individuals whose volunteerism and philanthropic leadership have had a transformative impact on the region’s arts and cultural landscape.
This year’s distinguished honorees, Gayle Halperin and Jim Nugent, were recognized as the 47th TACA Silver Cup Award recipients and celebrated for their enduring commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and innovation in the arts. Their exemplary service embodies the civic spirit that helps North Texas arts thrive. Co-chairs were Phil Clemmons, John Dayton, Tara Lewis and Donna Wilhelm.
The luncheon welcomed more than 600 guests and generated over $600,000 in support. Notably, $100,000 of that total was raised during the luncheon itself, supported by a generous matching gift from longtime arts advocate and luncheon co-chair Donna Wilhelm.
“This year’s Silver Cup Luncheon not only celebrated two remarkable honorees, but also demonstrated the powerful impact of collective generosity,” said Maura Sheffler, Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director of TACA. “The energy in the room and the support shown for the arts community were nothing short of inspiring.”
Proceeds from the event support TACA’s mission to champion artistic excellence, innovation, and engagement in North Texas through funding, professional development, and engagement opportunities for local arts organizations.