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By Natalie Gempel. Photography Josh Adams for Sarah Kate Photography. Going G uests began their evening at the United Way 100 Kick-Off Party with an exhilarating minute- long glass elevator ride up 50 stories from the base of Reunion Tower to the Crown Room — a breathtaking halo of a space with 360-degree views of downtown Dallas. It was the perfect entrée to a party that packed wow into every corner. United Way of Metropolitan Dallas went big to celebrate this year's kickoff, which marks 100 years of the organization making Dallas a better place through improvements and opportunities in education, income, and health. The evening unfolded with a sumptuous dinner and dessert prepared by Crown Block chef Kim Canteenwalla and music by DJ Sober. Committee chairs Kimber Westphall Clonts and John Clonts and Mackenzie and Tyler Kleinert thanked guests and recognized the amazing strides United Way has made in its first century, including its impact on the lives of more than 1.5 million Texans in 2023 alone. As the sun set over downtown and the dance floor slowly cleared, it was time to descend 50 stories back to earth — not quite as exciting as the ride up, but still exhilarating. Seen: Adrienne Gehan, Samantha Davies, Meredith and Robert Garvey, Grace Cook Meredith Hallam, Mandy and Jon Bradley, Ali and John Mize, Mallory and Tyler Muse, Caroline and Trent Gahm, Kelsey and Tom Dudney, and Sarah and Lev Prichard. UNITED WAY KICKS OFF 100-YEAR CELEBRATION PAPERCITY PROMOTION Jeff Hoferer Brandon Morse Mary Wheat Durham Liza Cummings Habash Claire Murchison Natalie Hill Jensen James Clonts, Kimber Westphall Clonts Mackenzie & Tyler Kleinert Brian Hart, Erika Desroches, Dheandra Jack, Alexis Pratt Jennifer Houghton Kathryn Smith Hill Lauren Rose Sands Nikki Nolan, Wynne Hobbs Robert Ehrlich Sullivan Franklin-Mitchell Regan Lynn Donnenfield 56