Sitting Down with Tavia Hunt, One of the Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas

On Thursday, September 17, Crystal Charity Ball hosted its iconic Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas. For the last time, the fashion show and luncheon were held at Neiman Marcus’ flagship in downtown Dallas, which closes its doors permanently at the end of the month. Though the iconic event will, of course, continue, it was a beautiful farewell to the cherished landmark.

Last year, the swans toasted to fashion and philanthropy with Cucinelli and Clicquot. This year showcased Carolina Herrera as the featured designer for the 52nd celebration that included a masterfully produced fashion show and a dignified “lunch on four.” (The charming Wes Gordon, Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director, was present, too.)

Surrounding the event, we’re shining a spotlight on the honorees, beginning today with Tavia Hunt, who was recognized as the Hall of Fame honoree. Hunt is the Director of the Kansas City Chiefs Women’s Organization and a consultant and spokesperson for the NFL Women’s Apparel Campaign. She sits on the boards of the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, FC Dallas Foundation, Council for Life Foundation, and Focus on the Family, as well as on the Advisory Board for Cattle Baron’s Ball.

We recently caught up with the civic leader, philanthropist, and advocate to talk about her commitment to the community.

What do you love about the Dallas community?

I love the extraordinary generosity of Dallas. People here don’t simply write checks — they give their time, talents, leadership, and hearts. There is a wonderful spirit of people coming together, rolling up their sleeves, and finding meaningful ways to make our community stronger.

What is your proudest accomplishment as a community volunteer?

I think of this in two ways. Personally, some of my proudest moments have come from being hands-on, tutoring children in West Dallas and watching a child who has really struggled with reading begin to make a breakthrough. There is nothing quite like seeing that confidence and excitement begin to grow.

From a leadership standpoint, I’m incredibly proud of chairing the Sweetheart Ball and helping raise a record-breaking amount to benefit cardiovascular research and patient care at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Both experiences remind me that service can make an impact one life at a time or on a much larger scale — and both matter tremendously.

Outside of Crystal Charity Ball, what Dallas charitable organization is nearest and dearest to you?

Council for Life is incredibly near and dear to my heart. I have been involved with the organization for almost three decades and have had the privilege of chairing its third luncheon, as well as serving on the Board, Beneficiary Selection Committee, Advisory Board, and Foundation Board.

What I love about Council for Life is the way it brings together the pro-life community around both conviction and compassion. Motivated by Christ-like love, the organization works to educate and equip women, men, and young people to make life-affirming decisions while supporting exceptional organizations that provide practical, compassionate care to women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. Over the years, I have been deeply moved by the extraordinary network of people and organizations working together to affirm the dignity and value of every human life.

What is something you’re looking forward to in the year ahead?

Without question, our daughter Gracie’s wedding to her fiancé, Derek Green! It will be the first wedding for one of our children, and our entire family is looking forward to celebrating this incredibly special new chapter in their lives.

What is a favorite memory from an event you’ve chaired or volunteered for?

One of my most meaningful recent experiences was participating in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, an immersive program that gave me the opportunity to spend a week with members of our military and experience firsthand a small glimpse of what they do. From training alongside Navy SEALs and Marines to learning from our Airmen, Guardians, Soldiers, and Coast Guardsmen, I came home with an even deeper appreciation for the extraordinary men and women who serve our country.

The greatest takeaway for me was that service is ultimately about people. Whether you are serving your country or your community, meaningful change happens when people are willing to step forward, sacrifice, and use their gifts for something larger than themselves.

Why does serving the Dallas community matter to you?

Dallas is home, and I believe we all have a responsibility to invest in the communities that have invested so much in us. We have been blessed with tremendous resources, talent, and generosity in this city, and with those blessings comes an opportunity — and responsibility — to help others flourish. For me, service is also an expression of my faith and gratitude. We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others.

What is something you’ve learned from working alongside the women of Crystal Charity Ball?

I’ve learned the extraordinary power of women working together with a shared purpose. The women of Crystal Charity Ball bring an incredible combination of compassion, discipline, creativity, and determination to their work. They have taught me that philanthropy is about much more than fundraising. It is about doing the homework, understanding the needs of our community, stewarding resources wisely, and then working tirelessly to make a measurable difference in the lives of children and families across Dallas County.