Sitting Down with Shelby Goff, One of the Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas

Beyond their undeniable style, Crystal Charity Ball’s Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas are community leaders who are devoted to Dallas and its residents.

Today, we’re chatting with second-year honoree Shelby Goff, a philanthropist and volunteer who co-founded Salvation Army’s Echelon Committee. While she raises her young children and teaches them to give back to the community, Goff continues to devote her time to organizations like MD Anderson, Children’s Medical Center Dallas, and Dallas YPO, in addition to others.

What do you love about the Dallas community?

I love how generous Dallas is and how quickly people rally around a cause they believe in. Dallas has a wonderful way of making you feel like everyone is in it together. I feel incredibly lucky to be raising my family here and to be surrounded by so many people who genuinely want to make our community a better place. And, of course, I have made some of my very favorite friends along the way!

What is your proudest accomplishment as a community volunteer?

Co-chairing Kappa Tablescapes with Maddy and Sophie McGuire was definitely a highlight! We had so much fun working together, and were thrilled to pull off a wonderful event while raising money for five incredible local charities. This year was especially meaningful because we honored the lives of Lila Bonner, Wynne Naylor, and my childhood friend and pledge sister, Sterling Oles O’Hara. It was a beautiful day filled with friendship, tears, and celebration.

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

The Salvation Army is very close to my heart. I have been involved for many years, and it has become something that my husband Travis and I really enjoy doing together. Last year, we had the opportunity to co-found The Salvation Army’s newest initiative, Echelon: Continuing the Legacy, with Molly and Justin Cox. I love that it brings different generations together and creates stronger connections within The Salvation Army. It has been incredibly rewarding watching our own children volunteer and learn the importance of giving back.

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

I’m looking forward to spending time with my family, continuing to be involved in the Dallas community, and hopefully finding a little more time to sleep! I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and especially for the chance to work alongside friends on causes that are meaningful to us. I am already looking forward to co-chairing The Children’s Cancer Fund Gala with one of my closest friends, Bela Cooley, in 2028.

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

My favorite memory from an event I chaired is very bittersweet. In March of 2025, I chaired MD Anderson’s “A Conversation with a Living Legend.” I had the privilege of supporting a very close lifelong friend who was undergoing treatment at MD Anderson at the time. Having her by my side made the experience truly meaningful— she embodied what the event was all about: saving lives through treatment and research. Sadly, it was the last event she was able to attend before she passed away several weeks later. We both cried and hugged when she walked in—quite late—which is VERY her. Thinking about that hug still brings me so much joy!

Why does serving the Dallas community matter to you?

Because this is home! I’m raising my children here, and I want them to grow up understanding that giving back is simply part of being a good member of your community.

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

I have learned that when a group of passionate women puts their minds to something, they can accomplish just about anything. The women of Crystal Charity Ball are incredibly generous, hardworking, and committed — and somehow manage to make a very serious job look graceful and effortless!