Santa may have ruled December, but the fundraisers are the gift givers in January from the past year’s efforts. And once again Bank of Texas is sponsoring the event to give the moola away. Tonight 48 performing art groups of North Texas were head-over-stiletto-heels as TACA presented checks totaling $1.3M at the Wyly. Newbies to receive funding were Vox Humana and Dallas Neo-Classical Ballet.

This makes the ninth consecutive year that TACA broke the million-dollar giveaway!

Here is the breakdown of the happy artistic campers who were onstage with smiles:

• Musical Ensembles
  • Chamber Music International – $5,000
  • Dallas Bach Society – $8,000
  • Dallas Chamber Music Society – $5,000
  • Fine Arts Chamber Players – $29,000
  • Orchestra of New Spain – $15,000
  • Sammons Center for the Arts – $11,000
  • Texas Winds Musical Outreach – $12,000
  • Tuesday Nite Jazz – $10,000
  • Voices of Change – $10,000
• Symphonic Arts
  • Dallas Chamber Symphony – $13,000
  • Dallas Symphony Orchestra – $100,000
  • Dallas Winds – $35,000
  • Lone Star Wind Orchestra – $13,000
  • Plano Symphony Orchestra – $10,000
• Operatic Arts
  • The Dallas Opera – $100,000
• Choral Arts
  • Arts District Chorale – $5,000
  • Orpheus Chamber Singers – $15,000
  • Plano Civic Chorus – $6,000
  • Vox Humana – $5,000
• Dance
  • Avant Chamber Ballet – $12,500
  • Bruce Wood Dance Project – $15,000
  • Dallas Black Dance Theatre – $85,000
  • Dallas Neo-Classical Ballet – $5,000
  • Texas Ballet Theater – $70,000
  • TITAS – $65,000
• Theater Arts
  • African American Repertory Theater – $12,500
  • Cara Mía Theatre Company – $15,000
  • Dallas Theater Center – $100,000
  • Echo Theatre – $12,000
  • Kitchen Dog Theater – $35,000
  • Lyric Stage – $30,000
  • Second Thought Theatre – $18,000
  • Shakespeare Dallas – $35,000
  • Teatro Dallas – $10,000
  • Theatre Three – $30,000
  • Undermain Theatre – $25,000
  • Uptown Players – $33,000
  • WaterTower Theatre – $40,000
• Spoken Word
  • WordSpace – $5,000
• Youth Arts
  • Big Thought – $15,000
  • Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas – $37,000
  • Dallas Children’s Theater – $75,000
  • Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra – $45,000
  • Junior Players – $38,000
  • Lone Star Circus Arts Center – $5,000
• Collaborative Partners
  • AT&T Performing Arts Center – $5,000
  • Nasher Sculpture Center – $10,000
  • SMU Meadows School of the Arts – $10,000

One of TACA’s fundraising efforts will take place on Friday, February 19, when Rebecca Fletcher and James E. Wiley Jr. are presented the TACA Silver Cup at the Hilton Anatole.

TACA made news last night with its grant presentation. Today TACA’s newest members of the board along with new officers were announced. With Donna Wilhelm staying at the “helm,” along with Gwen Echols in place as vice chairman of programs, the new officers are Treasurer Jim Nugent and Secretary Pete Chilian.

As for the new board members, they ranged from backgrounds in law and banking to education and volunteering. The frosh class of 2016 who will serve three-year terms are:

• Jacquie Donovan is the Regional Community Relations Manager of Bank of Texas, where she has held numerous positions. Prior to coming to Dallas, Jacquie held marketing and community relations positions at Bank of Texas in Houston and at Bank of Albuquerque. Jacquie previously served as a TACA Grants Panel member and will be the newest member of TACA’s Profile and Brand Management Committee in 2016.
• Alan Dorantes is Senior Legal Counsel with AT&T. Currently, he is co-chair of the AT&T Legal Department Diversity and Inclusion committee and active in the Legal Department’s educational pipeline initiatives. He serves on the Board of the Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation. He has had past roles on the Advisory Board of the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA) and as a member of the Dallas Bar Association’s Diversity Task Force. Alan and his wife, Holly, are co-chairs for this year’s TACA’s Lexus Chance Ticket Campaign.
• Barbara Durham is an active community volunteer. She served as a member of TACA’s Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004. Barbara is a member of the Dallas Museum of Art’s Board of Directors, where she currently serves as the underwriting chair for Art in Bloom. Barbara also serves on the Board of Governors for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Human Rights Initiative. Barbara and her husband Steve are members TACA’s Founders Circle.

Barbara Durham (File photo)

Laree Hulshoff (File photo)

• Laree Hulshoff is an avid arts patron. Prior to her retirement, Laree was a Senior Vice President and Senior Investment Advisor for Morgan Stanley. Currently, she is on the Board of Directors for the Dallas Contemporary and WaterTower Theater. In 2013, she founded the Aging Mind Foundation in Dallas. Laree and Ben Fisher are members of TACA’s Founders Circle.
• Debbie Lively is a Partner with Thompson & Knight. Her practice focuses on intellectual property, sweepstakes, and privacy law. She serves as Co-Chair of Thompson & Knight’s cross-practice Advertising and Social Media initiative. Debbie has twelve years of classical training in piano and is a patron of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Cliburn Foundation. She has attended performances at every Van Cliburn International Piano Competition since 1969.

Katherine Wynn (File photo)

• Katherine Wynne is Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor with U.S. Trust in Dallas. Katherine is extensively involved in the community. Her current and former board positions include the Dallas Women’s Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, and Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT), the Dallas Children’s Theater and the Housing Crisis Center. She has served as chairman of the 2009 Cattle Baron’s Ball and member of the Host Committee for the North Texas Super Bowl XLV. Katherine is the mother of two sixth-generation Texans.
• Zannie Voss is Director and Chair of Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship at SMU. She is a recognized authority on arts management, entrepreneurship and patronage. She is director of the first-of-its-kind National Center for Arts Research. The center, established by SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts and Cox School of Business, uses the largest database of arts research ever assembled to investigate important issues in arts management and patronage. Zannie leads TACA Perforum each fall, and is rejoining TACA’s Board after six previous years of service.

Matrice and Ron Kirk*

At a reception just before the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s fourth annual Chairman’s Dinner on Thursday, January 14, about 100 people had gathered on the Shannon and Ted Skokos Stage inside the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. Smack in the middle of the gathering, which consisted of the center’s board members, major donors and sponsors, Matrice Ellis-Kirk was talking about her goal as the AT&T PAC’s new board chair.

“It would be to make the center more accessible to all of Dallas, for it to be a venue for all of Dallas,” Matrice said. “It’s letting the community know about things that are happening in advance. … This place is a chance to bring the community together,” she continued. “Not enough people know about it.”

Margaret Jordan, Jeremy Halbreich, Caren Prothro and Nancy Halbreich*

All around her, partygoers like Chris Heinbaugh were dressed in 1970s disco-style garb, befitting the evening’s “Feeling Groovy” theme. The guests, many of them sipping on specialty cocktails by Alsolut Elyx Vodka, included Marnie and Kern Wildenthal, Nancy and Jeremy Halbreich, Caron Prothro, Tincy Miller, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, Adriana and Guillermo Perales, Julie and Ken Hersh and Ron Kirk.

Adriana and Guillermo Perales*

Howard and Fanchon Hallam*

Not far away from Matrice’s husband—who’d shed his tie quickly after noting the disco scene—the president and CEO of the AT&T PAC, Doug Curtis, was saying the last year had been a good one for the center. “Our resident companies are doing better than ever, and we’ve got great shows coming up,” Curtis said. “Our annual fund and our sponsorships remain strong … they never let us down.” Then, echoing Matrice, he added: “We want everybody in Dallas to know the center is theirs. It’s not just for the elite.”

Alexandra McHugh, Gerardo Galvan and Rebecca Neumann*

A short while later, Matrice formally welcomed the guests to “a far-out and groovy night,” adding with a smile, “I never thought I’d say that about the ’70s!” At that, the big, iconic Moody Foundation Chandelier was slowly lowered with a flourish, lights turning it a “psychedelic” red, purple, and green as a medley of ’70s disco tunes blared from the sound system. Then everyone headed backstage, where there was a feast waiting for them by Wolfgang Puck Catering, a retro Volkswagen Bus Photo Booth for snapshots, and, much later, dancing into the night to the band Cuvee.

* Photo credit: Nate Rehlander

With a full moon peeking through the clouds, the lovers of the performing arts gathered at the Wyly Theatre on Monday, January 25. The occasion was the handing over of the checks by TACA to area performing art nonprofit. Thanks to the 2015 year-long effort, a gangbuster $1.3M was being divvied up.

Only problem was, some folks showed up at 5:30. Oops! Seems the early bird missive had listed the evening start at 5:30. Then there was a change in plans. According to a TACA spokespeep, they had decided to change things up this year. Instead of a pre-presentation reception, there would be a post-presentation, on-stage celebration. Only problem? Not everyone got the COP (change of plans) word.

Wanda Gierhart

Robyn Flatt

Barbara Daseke and Laree Hulshoff

Not to worry. There was a massive row of flutes filled with champagne in the lobby for thirsty early birds like Linda Gibbons, Pat Porter,  Richard Holt, Carol and Don Glendenning, Robyn Flatt, Jeremy Strick, Brent Christopher, Kevin Hurst, Wanda Gierhart, Barbara and Don Daseke, and Laree Hulshoff and Ben Fischer.  Laree was taking a break from the Aging Minds Foundation fundraiser and the OMG Sue Gragg 18kt rose gold, diamond, and white topaz ring valued at toppest tier four-figures for the Aging Minds Foundation.

According to the gals, they’ve partnered up with the incredible BvB Dallas to sell the raffle tickets for this one. And the BvB ladies are incentivized. The prize for selling the most tickets is a pair of Gragg earrings.

Hmm, Laree and Barbara D. were whispering to each other about the Aging Mind Foundation trio of live auction items. Laree swears on her Shih Tzus that the three items are killers. Stay tuned on this one. Think dining above the Performing Arts District, and adventure on Togo Island and a killer Kentucky Derby weekend!

On the other hand, Wanda was second-thinking her luck. Seems her new home was having all types of adjustment issues like leaks, flooding of the master bedroom and the need to replace the underground pipes.

Kevin, fresh from participating in the Dallas Marathon, reported that he signed up for a couple of other high-stepping events as well. The reason? He admitted that when he had lived in Chicago, he had been more active in the marathon world. He had decided recently to make a change and was getting back into the run of things.

Parisa Khobdeh

One of the evening’s highlights was former Plano resident/Paul Taylor Dance Company artist/2016 Grant Awards Guest Artist-Speaker Parisa Khobdeh’s recalling how despite life-threatening issues, she has managed to continue her love of dance.

When the checks were presented, it all went according to plan. Well, sure, Echo Theatre’s Terri Ferguson got her shawl momentarily caught on the railing. A gasp went up from the audience, but she made a quick recovery. Without missing a cue, emcee Ken Travis said, “Bravo!”

For a breakdown on how all the checks were distributed, check here!

As most were fighting traffic to head home from downtown Dallas homeward bound, the Dallas Summer Musicals supporters made their way to Neiman Marcus Downtown on Monday, February 8. Despite a Super Bowl battle the night before, nary a word about football was uttered.

OK, so perhaps there was some chatter about Lady Gaga’s nailing the national anthem and the halftime concert, but this crowd was in the Zodiac Room to kick off the 2016 Dallas Summer Musicals’ High School Musical Awards program. The evening’s rallying cry was to replace the age-old slogan “Best of Broadway is coming to North Texas” with “The best of North Texas are going to Broadway.”

Well, duh! In the past a scant few North Texans like Betty Buckley, Mary Martin, Tommy Tune and Sandy Duncan have collected Tonys galore, but now the DSM’s High School Musical Awards program was providing that pat-on-the-back and financial assistance for budding young area talent.

Having started back in 2012, the DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards rewards high schools for “excellence in the production of high school musical theatre.” This year is the fifth of the efforts with results being revealed at the awards show on Thursday, April 14, at the Music Hall. Highlight of the night’s program will be performances by the “Best Actor and Best Actress nominees, production numbers and from Best Musical nominees and an opening number featuring all nominated performance accompanied by a live orchestra.”

John Clutts, Jeff Byron, Nancy Natinsky and Sami Arslanar

DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Chair John Clutts had worked with DSM staffers to create a surprise for the evening. It was revealed that as a show to salute Leah and Jerry Fullinwider, who provided “the initial gift of $100,00 to help fund and produce Dallas Summer Musical High School Musical Theatre Awards and the scholarship program in 2012,” the Fullinwider Award had been created to “honor a person living a life in the theatre at the national level whose roots, formative and education years are in the Dallas theatrical community.”

John confided that even before the kick off, the effort had already pulled in $60,000.

Sara Lee and Stan Gardner and Tiffany Divis

Shane Allen, Laree Hulshoff and Ron Corning

And speaking of John, the former Neiman Marcus executive held his own in the spontaneous department. After describing his mother as a lifelong Neiman’s Zodiac guest, he added that he suspected that he had been born in utero a la NM.

Then when he dropped his notes at the mic, he quipped, “What can you say? I am a clutts.”

Groans arose from the crowd that included NM Downtown GM/VP/Host Jeff Byron, Sami Arslanar, Tiffany Divis, Megan Meyercord, Shane Allen, Laree Hulshoff, Nancy Natinsky, Honorary Co-Chair Brad Reeves (Co-Chair/wife Holly Reeves wasn’t able to make it) and DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Emcee Ron Corning, who was being honored for his five years of emceeing the event.

Francisco Chairez, Trista Moldovan, John Campione and Tracy Jordan

MIA was

John Clutts

DSM President/Managing Director Michael Jenkins, who as at the town hall meeting on the future of Fair Park. Luckily, High School Music Theatre Awards Manager Tracy Jordan was on hand along with Francisco Chairez to cover.

After a performances by “Bridges of Madison County” cast members Cole Burden, hometown’s John Campione and Trista Moldovan, a surprise arrived. It was a cake topped off with candles presented to birthday boy John, who blew them all out in one breath.

The official records have her listed as “Gladys Weatherby Carr.” But everyone knew her as 96-year-old Sis Carr, who was way ahead of her time along with gals like Annette Strauss. Everyone seemed to conjure the image of her deep brown hair pulled back in a bun, her face always glowing with a smile and a marvelous twinkle in her eyes. Wednesday, March 2, that smile and twinkle continued in the memories of those who knew her.

But ask anyone who knew her firsthand and the words like philanthropy, generosity and femininity couldn’t help but enter the conversation. But in the back of their minds, they still thought — “Yellow.”

Whoa! That’s not to say that Mrs. Plack Carr was wishy-washy like a chicken-type color. It was rather her signature color. Before Madonna was born, Sis was the Yellow Rose of Texas. From her polished yellow nails to her donning a yellow mink jacket, she was a shining star.

For those who knew Sis, they couldn’t help passing the Carr estate on Forest built in 1952 without acknowledging the yellow flowers at the entrance, the yellow upholstery, the yellow furniture and the yellow curtains that welcomed family, friends and friends-to-come.

According to a Preston Hollow Advocate article, “We moved out to the country because our daughter really loved horses. We originally had 20 acres, with a large pen out here. She could just ride her horse all over.”

When her daughter Catherine Carr dated the late comedian George Burns, she sloughed it off like any mom would when their adorable daughter was seeing an upper classman.

As TACA Executive Director Becky Young proclaimed about one of the TACA founding sisters, “She was an extraordinary supporter and patron of the performing arts. She rolled up her sleeves and just did the work. She made a real difference in everyone’s life she touched. And, she probably connected thousands of citizens in our community to the arts.”

Her collection of support included being a board member for TITAS, TACA, Dallas Opera, Fort Worth-Dallas Ballet (now Texas Ballet Theater), Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Symphony League, Friends of WRR, “former president of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, member of the Charter 100, board member/chairman of conducting auditions for National Council of Metropolitan Opera, the Dallas Garden Center, Dallas Children’s Theater Center, Dallas Summer Musicals and countless more.”

As for the wave of honors and awards, Sis’ included “Dallas Dance Council’s Mary McCherry Bywaters Award for lifetime contributions to dance, Sammon Center for the Arts Queen of Hearts Award, Dallas Theater Center’s Center Stage Gala honoree, Dallas Historical Society Award for Excellence, Family of the Year Award of the YMCA Award of Metropolitan Dallas, Juanita and Henry Miller Opera Award, March of Dimes’ Obelisk Award, Flora Award, Grand Dame Award, Opera Guild Sweetheart of the Year Award, TACA Silver Cup Award and many, many more.”

It is with great regret that MySweetCharity reports the passing of a remarkable person within our community. If you have a load of time, you might want to read Sis’s obituary. In the meantime, Sis is with Plack and probably raising funds for the heavenly sounds of music.

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 4, at St. Michael and All Angels Church.

Whoopsie! A change is in the air over at the Dallas Museum of Art. No, a new director has not been named. Rather, those adorable Junior Associates have added some youthful, price-friendly splash to the much-vaunted Art Ball.

Rachel and Michael Osburn have shifted the group’s fundraising efforts. They shifted dynamics from the age-old An Affair of the Art to partner up with the 2016 DMA’s mega-fundraiser, “Art+Architecture” on Saturday, April 23.

Here’s the plan. As the high rollers are bidding on auction items and lavishly dining/partying in other parts of the DMA with Co-Chairs Ann and David Sutherland, the Junior Associate black-tie optional guests will starting partying at 8:30 p.m. in the Hamon Atrium at Folly at the Art Ball.

They’ll also crack the champagne bottle for the official reveal of the Dallas Museum of Art’s new north entrance and Eagle Family Plaza.

Then, as the Art Ball beautiful peeps stroll down the DMA Concourse, they’ll join the Junior Associates as they dance to the tunes provided by DJ Lucy Wrubel and the Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra.

BTW, tickets for “Folly at the Art Ball” are going for only $200. That’s such a bargain compared to the Art Ball’s grown-up price tag of $4,500 for two. And if you get a bunch of your pals together, they have choices for you. There’s the Lounge seating for eight going for $2,000 and the VIP Suite seating for 10 that can be picked up for $3,500.

And while in the spending mode, check out the raffle. Rachel and Michael have arrange for a snazzy 2017 Jaguar F-Pace Prestige valued at $60,000, with raffle tickets going for $100 per chance and only 1,000 being offered. This Jaguar SUV is being provided thanks to Park Place Jaguar of Dallas and Plano.

James E. Wiley Jr. and Rebecca Fletcher

The performing art crowd didn’t have to battle ice and snow this year to present TACA’s annual Silver Cup Awards on Friday, February 19. In fact the weather was downright user-friendly to make up for last year. And that made the luncheon and presentation of the awards to Rebecca Fletcher and James E. Wiley Jr. at the Hilton Anatole even more perfect.

Ann Hobson

Jennifer Eagle

While the post is being prepared, check out the pictures at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Was it just a year ago that TACA Carlson President/Executive Director Becky Young was walking her pooch and questioning the future of the day’s Silver Cup luncheon? Sure, it was a knock-out, slippery, icy day with traffic reports boding it wasn’t the best for folks to be out. But Becky didn’t want to let Silver Cup honorees Catherine Rose and Don Glendenning miss their tributes. And then there were all those preparations — the food, the flowers, the entertainers and those hundreds and hundreds of guests!

After checking with the local TV weathercasters, Becky was thinking that postponement might be best. But the final push to pull the plug was honoree/attorney Don chiming in that he didn’t want to think of anyone being harmed trying to get to the event.

With that the event was put on ice, literally. But lemonade resulted from the lemon of a weather situation. Flowers were sent to area hospitals. Luncheon fare was sent to homeless shelters that were in greater need due to the weather’s damnation. A delayed mini-presentation of the awards was hosted on a beautiful day weeks later by Mary McDermott Cook.

But on Friday, February 19, the temps were downright embarrassing as sunscreen-friendly 80s were replacing the past year’s chills for the 2016 TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole.

Ann Hobson

Ginger Reeder and Kevin Hurst

While the hundreds gathered outside the Hilton Anatole’s Grand Ballroom to check in, the VIPs including past Silver Cup recipients headed to the nearby Media Grill and Bar Restaurant. Some seemed a little bewildered at the location. A table with three empty chairs and a TACA poster on an easel indicated that the VIP reception was indeed within. Passing by hotel guests at the bar watching a basketball game on the big screen, the TACA types moseyed on back to a semi-private dining room. Pretty soon the area became so packed with people like Honorary Chair Ann Hobson, Kevin Hurst, Jennifer Eagle, Tom Mayer, Ted Enloe and Carol Glendenning, they spilled out into the hallway.

James E. Wiley Jr. and Rebecca Fletcher

Unlike years past when the award recipients opened the boxes, revealing the Silver Cups to the assembled guests, the 38th Cup awardees Rebecca Fletcher and James “Jim” Wiley Jr. gleefully opened the boxes in the back of the room unbeknownst to others. Didn’t matter because the cups shone like the Rebecca’s and Jim’s smiles.

From the left: (back row) Lucilo Pena, Howard Rachofsky, Frank Risch, Cindy Rachofsky, Bess Enloe, John Eagle and Howard Hallam; (front row) Catherine Rose, Marguerite Hoffman, Rebecca Fletcher, James E. Wiley Jr. and Don Glendenning

Just before the VIP party broke up, the annual group photo of Silver Cup recipients, past and present, was staged in a corner of the room. Unfortunately, some, like past Silver Cup recipients Mary McDermott Cook, Kern Wildenthal, Holly Mayer and Ruben Esquivel, had already moved on to the Grand Ballroom. Just as well because they couldn’t have squeezed any more folks into that corner.

Lee Cullum

Tara Lewis

Pete Chilian

Marsha Cameron

But once inside the Grand Ballroom, there was plenty of room for folks to settle down for lunch. Mistress of ceremonies Lee Cullum introduced the head table including Co-Chairs Pilar Henry and Tara Lewis, J.P. Morgan’s Peter Chilian, 2015 Silver Cup Awardees Don Glendenning and Catherine Rose, TACA Board Chair Donna Wilhelm, Paradox Compensation Advisors’ Marsha Cameron, Neiman Marcus’ Ginger Reeder and the 2016 Silver Cup Awardees Rebecca and Jim. She then invited the Rev. Douglas Travis of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church to come to the podium to give the invocation. Just before having him take over, she said, “He may not know that I’m in his parish.” Without missing a beat, Douglas said, “I know.” A chuckle was heard from the audience just before they bowed their heads.

Grace Browning

Jonathan Jones

At 12:10 luncheon (baby kale salad followed by an entrée of chicken, mushroom and leek fricassee and a chocolate pistachio torte for dessert) was served while The Dallas Opera principal harpist Grace Browning played on a mini-stage at one of the room and was followed by Dallas Chamber Symphony principal clarinet Jonathan Jones on a similar stage across the way. At one point Jonathan played Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” and it was noted that eating utensils seemed to move faster.

Charles Karanja

Following Lee’s state-of-the-arts review, Tara’s thanking the sponsors and remarks by Pete, Marsha and Donna, Ginger introduced the 2016 SMU Meadows School of the Arts Performers pianist Tara Emerson and tenor Charles Karanja, who performed on a stage in front of the head table.

Following the performance, Catherine Rose introduced fourth-generation Texan Jim, remarking that “one of his many sterling qualities is his willingness to step in and volunteer for the hardest work and then actually do the work.”

James E. Wiley Jr.

He kicked off his brief acceptance speech with “Wow! Shazam!” His acceptance speech was mingled with humor and sincerity, “having had the good fortune of picking parents who lived in Dallas” and attributing his early love for the arts to his DISD teachers. While admitting that Dallas’ arts have flourished over the years, he asked, “Where do we go from here?” He suggested the “biggest challenge is figuring out a way to empower all the diverse and disparate parts to come together and experience the joy of true community.” With the costs of sports participation and attendance being prohibitive for families, he reasoned that “enjoying art in all its forms and experiencing the outdoors and nature are two viable ways for Dallas to come together as a community.”

At 1:22 p.m. the ever-eloquent Don’s introduction of Rebecca sounded more like a love note. In closing, he paraphrased Lerner and Lowe’s “We Call the Wind Maria(h),” saying

“’Way out here we have a name for rain and wind and fire. The rain is Tess, the fire’s Joe and we call the wind Maria(h).’ In that same spirit, I give you our arts force of nature — Rebecca.”

Rebecca Fletcher

Like Jim, Rebecca started off her acceptance speech with, “Wow!” She then recalled attending her first Silver Cup Award luncheon in 1993, when her mother Bess Enloe received the award. It “sparked” the idea of leaving the legal profession and working for in the nonprofit sector.

She accepted the award graciously, telling the audience that it was especially meaningful since she and James had worked together in the past. Rebecca then took the opportunity of explaining why her focus had been primarily on the arts, “because of what they can uniquely give back to our community. Imagine a society without the influence of arts and you’ll have to strip out the most pleasurable in life. Take away the collective memory of our museums. Remove the bands from our schools, the choirs from our communities; lose empathetic plays and dance from our theaters and you’re left with a society bereft of a national conversation about its identity or anything else.”

Thanking her associates and friends, she teared up in recognizing her family. But Rebecca was not going to end her talk with tears. Instead she announced that she was going to “set the record straight” about her husband Barron Fletcher. “Many of you have often complimented me on the relationship that I set up between Titas and the Performing Arts Center during my tenure as the board chair. Well, I have to come clean. It was not my idea. [laughter from the audience] It was Barron Fletcher’s. Barron was the one who stayed up with me pouring over Titas’ books and designing a new business model. Furthermore, he personally wrote a check to cover the organization, so that I could go out and negotiate the deal. So, just so we all know, Barron Fletcher saved Titas.”

Like the swallows returning to Capistrano and the Monarch butterflies winging down to Mexico, 41 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debs in their OMG white ball gowns were flocking like swans at the Meyerson for the 30th Annual DSOL Presentation Ball on Saturday, February 20.

Abby Tisdale and Samuel Boyd

Mary Margaret Hancock, Carlton Adams and Tai Massimilian

Ciara Cooley and Carolina Henry

Lucy McDaniel and Caroline McDaniel

But it wasn’t a stiff-neck get-together for the debs, their Honor Guard escorts, families and pals. From the beef Wellington served in the VVIP private reception in the Horchow Hall to the cheers in the McDermott Concert Hall, it was an all-smiles occasion.

Lowrie Reniger and John Reniger

Peyton Porter and Matthew Glaser

While the post is being finalized, check out more than 50 photos over on MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

At the reception on Saturday, February 20, for the Junior League of Dallas’ 54^th annual ball, titled “To Dallas With Love,” Hunter Sullivan was singing “Blue Spanish Eyes” for some 500 487 guests. Chatting and sipping cocktails and nibbling hors d’oeuvres, the handsome, black-tie crowd was really getting into the James Bond theme as interpreted at the Hilton Anatole by Ball Chair Ashley Allen.

“It’s a great theme—everything is tied in,” said Isabell Novakov, who will be next year’s ball chair. “There are great things tonight that we can build on.” Added Meredith Mosley, the Junior League’s current president: “I think this is a great night. It’s a great night to celebrate all the things that the Junior League does.”

There was some muted discussion of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s 30^th annual deb Presentation Ball, which was taking place across town at the very same time. (Whispered one JLD official: “We set our date first!”) But it didn’t detract from the happy atmosphere and the glamorous crowd that was stirred to celebrate the JLD, which promotes voluntarism, improves the community, and develops the potential of women.

Ashley, for example, was wearing a winter-white gown by Patti Flowers (a JLD sustaining member) and jewelry by William Noble, who also provided the sapphire ring and earrings that complemented Meredith’s Teri Jon gown. (Ashley was wearing a cast on one hand, by the way because she’d broken her finger two weeks before.) Noble also provided an 18-carat-gold, yellow diamond valued at $5,500, for which guests paid $100 per key to, hopefully, unlock the glass box in which it was displayed.

David Sparkman and Julie O’Connor*

Among the guests in attendance—the 500 487 figure was up down from about 470 563 last year—were past JLD presidents ( 2016 Honorary JLD Ball Chair Debbie Oates, Christie Carter and Julie Bagley). Also spotted: the JLD’s president-elect Bonner Allen, Jennifer Tobin, Nikki and Crayton Webb, Lynn and Allan McBee (Lynn’s chic black outfit was a mix of pieces by Diane von Furstenburg, Calvin Klein and Yves St. Laurent, while Allan was in a Valentino tux and a handsome, blue and black striped tie he bought in Beverly Hills) and Julie O’Connor with David Sparkman, whose funeral home and memorial park was a previous sponsor of the annual ball.

The 2016 ball’s presenting sponsor was Sewell, whose owner Carl Sewell could not attend. However, someone pointed out, Carl did speak recently to a class at the Junior League’s T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute. Dr. Joseph LaManna was representing Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians Inc., which sponsored the evening’s entertainment.

As the guests moved into the Chantilly Ballroom for dinner, they marveled at Tom Addis’ dramatic, James Bond-themed décor and the beautiful flowers by Junior Villanueva. The 35-piece Lone Star Wind Orchestra played a James Bond medley and, later, guests “shook their booties” to the sounds of Think Big & the Bulletproof Brass Brand.

Bit of James Bond-theme trivia: When JLD Honorary Chair Debbie Oates chaired the 2009 Crystal Charity Ball, the theme was 007 and Sheena Easton was singing on stage.

* Photo provided by David Sparkman

David and Ann Sutherland (File photo)

With the Dallas Museum of Art’s Art Ball 2016: Art+Architecture just a month away, Co-Chairs Ann and David Sutherland have just announced some of the deets and 2016 sponsors locked down. Yes, the black-tie gala will be held on Saturday, April 23, at the DMA with the seated supper in a huge tent on the DMA Plaza.

And, yes, there will be a silent auction with Gonzalo Bueno chairing the lineup that will include “a Red Tokyo chaise longue designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1940 and a Scarpa Table from Dennis and Leen.”

Gonzalo Bueno (FIle photo)

Brook Hazelton (File photo)

And, yes, there will a live auction with Christie’s Americas President Brook Hazelton in charge. As for the goodies, leave it to blue-eyed Trisha Wilson, who has already gathered up “an African safari, Napa Valley wine country getaway and a Rebecca Warren sculpture.”

Trisha Wilson (File photo)

Todd Fiscus (File photo)

But according to insider sources, event guru Todd Fiscus has been hard at work coming up with “some new surprises.” And, no, there are no plans to have the crane topple on the grounds again this year.

Plus, the DMA’s Junior Associates are launching the new Eagle Family Plaza with Folly at the Art Ball, as the after-party. But you already knew that.

According to Ann, “David and I are tremendously excited about Art Ball 2016. The Dallas Museum of Art is an incredibly important asset to our city, and we look forward to supporting the Museum through this fantastic event.”

As for the peeps, foundations and companies supporting with ca-ching and in-kind support, here is the roll out:

Art Ball 2016 sponsors include:

Richard and Nancy C. Rogers (File photo)

• Entertainment Sponsor ($150,000): Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers
• Silent Auction Sponsor ($50,000): Jennifer and John Eagle and John Eagle Dealerships
• Patron Party Sponsor ($50,000): Forty Five Ten and The Joule Hotel
• After Party Sponsor ($30,000): Stanley Korshak
• Security Sponsor ($25,000): Sidley Austin LLP
• Luxury Auction Sponsor ($25,000): Christie’s
• Invitation Sponsor ($25,000): Dallas Art Fair
• Travel Sponsor ($25,000): Durham Family Foundation
• Catalogue/Program Sponsor ($25,000): Goldman, Sachs & Co.
• Financial Services Sponsor ($25,000): J.P. Morgan
• Red Carpet Sponsor ($25,000): Neiman Marcus
• Communication Sponsor ($15,000): AT&T
• Menu Sponsor ($15,000): Bank of America
• Moving and Delivery Sponsor ($15,000): Delivery Limited, Inc.
• Luxury Retail Sponsor ($15,000): NorthPark Center
• Automotive Raffle Sponsor: Park Place Jaguar
• In-Kind Sponsors include: Belvedere Vodka, Glazer’s Distributors, Hennessy Cognac, Modern Luxury Dallas, My Sweet Charity, Perennials, Pogo’s Wine & Spirits, Ruinart, Southwest Limousines and Todd Events

Art Ball 2016 Patrons include:

• Andrea Palladio ($75,000): Olya Sinitsyna and Andy Beal
• Mies Van Der Rohe ($55,000): Allen and Kelli Questrom and Ann and David Sutherland
• Le Corbusier ($45,000): Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation, Georgina Hartland/Thomas and Nasiba Hartland Mackie, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and Marguerite Hoffman, Catherine and Will Rose and Deedie Rose
• Louis Kahn ($30,000): Nancy and Clint Carlson, The Dedman Foundation, Laura and Walter Elcock, Ann and Lee Hobson and Peggy and Carl Sewell/The Sewell Automotive Companies
• Antonio Gaudi ($20,000): Arthur J. Gallagher & Co./Cigna/One America, Gonzalo Bueno/Michael McCray/Robert Hallam Jr./Mitchell and Christina Sayare/Allan Knight and Cearan Henley, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Holly Hunt, Interceramic Inc., Mary Kay Inc., MDW Studio/Staffelbach, Lyn and John Muse c/o The Muse Educational Foundation and Connie and Marc Sigel/Elements
• Frank Lloyd Wright ($15,000): Claire Dewar, Melissa and Trevor Fetter, Scott Ginsburg, Julie and Ed Hawes, Cynthia and Forrest Miller and Gayle and Paul Stoffel
• Marcel Breuer ($10,000): Ola and Randall Fojtasek, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, Jennifer and Tom Karol, Lock Lord LLP, Wendy and Bill Payne, Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation, Jan and Jim Showers, Tolleson Wealth Management, Merry and Chad Vose and Sharon and Michael Young

Tickets for both the swell-egant gala and the “Folly” are available. If you’ve already got your spots reserved, spend some of your allowance on some new spiffy duds to be artfully gorgeous..

Cara French and Andrea Weber (File photo)

Well, howdy doo! 2016 Cattle Baron’s Ball Co-Chairs Cara French and Andrea Weber have come up with another reason to be “Texas Proud.” They’ve just revealed the entertainer for the Live Auction Stage in the South Side Ballroom for Saturday, October 15^th American Cancer Society fundraiser at Gilley’s. These gals aren’t playing in the small leagues by any stretch of the imagination. They’ve just signed up Dwight Yoakam. This performance will mark his third CBB one with his previous CBB’s appearances in 1998 and 2003.

The only other entertainer who has appeared at CBB three times is Willie Nelson.

Just imagine having Dwight on the Live Auction Stage and then heading over the bigger-than-big tent for Toby Keith on the Main Stage.

Walter Elcock

Whoa! The Dallas Museum of Art’s Mark Di Suvero’s “Ave” is already keeping company with a gargantuan tent. Say what? The 2016 Art Ball is not until Saturday, April 23. So, what’s up?

The answer was provided by the ever-charming Walter Elcock, who has been filling in until a new DMA director is announced. Evidently someone wanted to have a very special private tented gathering this Saturday. So, Walter and the DMA crew arranged schedules and managed to have the tent stay put until the annual fundraiser that Ann and David Sutherland are chairing.

David and Ann Sutherland and Rachel and Michael Osburn

On the north end of the DMA compound, the workers are working non-stop to finish up the new Eagle Family  Plaza just in time for the Folly at the Art Ball (aka Art Ball after party) being chaired by Junior Associates Rachel and Michael Osburn. If you remember the old northern entrance, scrap that idea. The new plaza is gonna be something and perfect to party hardy.

If you were planning on having a second childhood at Dallas Afterschool‘s Recess!, you’d better not take a nap. There are only 25 tickets left for the Friday, April 29th event.

Recess!*

And don’t let all this drizzly weather make you hesitate. It’s gonna be indoors at Sixty Five Hundred with loads of games, “cafeteria food,” music and the legendary “sandbox dig” for luxury goodies. If you haven’t been to this event, you haven’t enjoyed just plain fun.

Honorary Chair Serena Simmons Connelly and Host Committee Chair Cindy Schwartz recommend wearing something casual chic. So give your tuxedos and cocktail dresses the night off.

* Graphic courtesy of Dallas Afterschool

At this year’s Ronald McDonald of Dallas‘ Under The Moonlight gala on Saturday, April 2, at sixty five hundred had a backstory that raised funds and spirits. Here is a report from the field:

Pat Hyland, Blake Hyland and Cindy Hyland*

Two years ago, the Hyland family from Waco, Texas, had plans to go to Hawaii. It was a place they had always dreamed about going, but in one night this trip and their lives were put on hold.  At his weekly gymnastics practice, fourteen year-old Blake Hyland, suffered a traumatic head injury that had him fighting for his life. The doctors didn’t know if he would survive, let alone walk again. He was moved to Cooks Children’s Hospital to undergo surgery, and after two months, he and his family moved into the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. They needed a place to stay whilst he underwent extensive rehabilitation in Dallas. For over a year, Blake and his mother Cindy [Hyland] stayed at the Ronald McDonald House Dallas with visits from his father Pat [Hyland] every weekend.  The impossible turned possible and with support from family, friends, staff, volunteers and an entire community, Blake turned his fight into inspiration.

Drew and Natalie Dossett and Nancy and Mike Kerr*

It was this story that was shared at the Ronald McDonald House Dallas annual gala, Under the Moonlight, on Saturday, April 2. Held at sixty five hundred, chairs Lindy Berkley and Hadley Galt and Honorary Chairs Natalie and Drew Dossett and Nancy and Mike Kerr drew a young, vibrant crowd to shine a light on the trials and triumphs of the “house that love built.”

Hadley Galt and Lindy Berkley*

Blake Hyland and Shiloh*

Board Chair Doug Smellage, Pat and Cindy Hyland and long-time volunteer Mark Adelstein all spoke passionately about the impact of the Ronald McDonald House Dallas on families from across the world. But, it was 16-year old Blake Hyland who stole the show. Decked out in a sharp suit and bow tie, he had a peaceful moment with Chief Cheer Officer, Shiloh, he had the crowd laughing with his mic checks, and he strutted his moves on the dance floor to DJ Chicken George.

Mack and Stacy Hicks and Melissa and Travis Hodges*

As he kicked off the live auction, all the guests, including Mack and Stacey Hicks, Melissa and Travis Hodges, Bert and Hayley Crouch, James Carroll, Holland Burian, Cate Biggs, Kathleen and Keith Cargill, Cate and Jeremy Ford, Lauren and Stephen Swann, Katie and Nathan Walters, Amy and Chase Laws, Dr. Nathan and Katie Walters, Cecilie and Ronnie Holman, Melinda and David Emmons, Dr. John and Radha Michels, Bunny and Harold Ginsburg and Anne and Kathy Musgrave gave him a standing ovation.

Noelle Petty, Christina Gray, Courtney Barrow and Kelly Slaw*

Not only did the evening raise crucial funds for deserving families to have comfort, shelter and support in their time of need, it also created one more gift. As the dancing was in full swing, CEO Jill Cumnock pulled the Hylands to one side, and gave them some surprise news. The donor who had purchased the trip to Hawaii in the evening’s live auction had gifted it back to the Hylands.

The family will get their trip to Hawaii after all.

* Photo credit: Rhi Lee

Tierney Kaufman Hutchins was just 21 years old when Lynn and Allan McBee co-chaired the very first Party on the Green for TACA. Now, 10 years later she’s chairing the 10^th anniversary of the fundraiser at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. And guess who she’s tapped for honorary co-chairs. Yup, Lynn and Allan.

Jared Hutchins and Tierney Kaufman Hutchins (File photo)

Lynn and Allan McBee (File photo)

In addition to chairing the event and holding down her job at Trinity Trust, Tierney this past year has gotten married to Jared Hutchins and just recently moved into a new house.

Brian Luscher (File photo)

Matt McCallister (File photo)

Danyele McPherson (File photo)

Ah, but the blonde is a multi-tasker. She’s arranged for the following chefs to be cooking up a storm all over the grounds and rooms of the Mansion: Nick Amoriell of Kitchen LTO, Fidel Baeza of Rosewood Mayakoba, Edgar Beas of Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, Blythe Beck of Pink Magnolia, Nicolas Blouin of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Matt Dallman and Scott Gottlich of 18^th and Vine, Graham Dodds of Wayward Sons, Enrico Figliuolo of Rosewood Castiglion de Bosco, Mervin Friday of Rosewood Crescent, Lisa Garza-Selcer of Sissy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar, Jared Harms of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Mathew Ingersoll of The Capital Grill, Brian Luscher of The Grape and Luscher’s Red Hots, Matt McCallister of FT33 and Filament, Danyele McPherson of Remedy and HG Supply Co., Victor Palma of Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Stephen Rogers of Gemma, Peter Rudolph of Rosewood Sand Hill, Abraham Salum of Salum, Michael Scott of Rosewood Ranches Wagyu Beef, Braden and Yasmin Wages of Malai Kitchen and Devadip Zahar of Rosewood Las Ventanas.

Lisa Garza-Selcer (File photo)

Abraham Salum (File photo)

Scott Gottlich (File photo)

Of course, there will be right-official judging for the winner of the Golden Skillet Award by foodie know-it-all types — The Dallas Morning News’ Leslie Brenner, D Magazine’s Catherine Downes and Modern Luxury’s Kristie Ramirez. But there’s an addition this year! Guests will be able to add their two-cents by voting the winner of the first ever Party on the Green People’s Choice Award.

Party On The Green (File photo)

Still another addition this year is the voting for the silent auction packages that will feature “20 exclusive travel- and food-related silent auction packages, each personally curated by participating celebrity chefs.” Tierney has arranged to have the bidding to be via “mobile bidding this year to make it easy to spend money.”

Of course, there will be the wine cork pull that’s being co-sponsored by Glazer’s and Merrill Lynch and the 2016 Lexus RX-350 donated by the Dallas-Fort Worth Lexus Dealers. Other sponsors include:

• Presenting sponsor — Lexus
• Patron sponsor — The Rosewood Corporation
• Wristband sponsor — Frost Bank
• Official airline — American Airlines
• Fireworks sponsor — Highland Park Village
• Auction sponsor — AT&T
• Pashmina sponsor — Sandra and Sam Moon
• Chef sponsors ($5,000) —Diane and Hal Brierley, Carlson Capital LP, Barbara and Don Daseke, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, Gwen and Leldon Echols, Kara and Randall Goss, Dawn and Tobin Grove, Jennifer and Chris LeLash, the Marie Keese-LeLash Foundation, Deborah and Jim Nugent, Paradox Compensation Advisors, Leah and Jim Pasant, Family Sommer, Strait Capital and Flexjet and Michele and Stephen Vobach.

If you’ve already locked down your tickets and a handful of raffle tickets, then go get that adorable outfit that you’ve been dying to buy. Now, you’ve got the perfect excuse to have it!

Michael Jenkins (File photo)

The Dallas Morning News is reporting that longtime Dallas Summer Musicals President/Managing Director Michael Jenkins “has been fired.”

In the meantime, David Hyslop has been named to serve as interim managing director until a permanent replacement is found.

This isn’t David’s first “interim position” within the Dallas musical world. It was back in 2011 that he served as Dallas Symphony Orchestra president following Bill Lively‘s brief tenure as DSO president.

It sounds like it wasn’t a very friendly parting of the ways between Michael and the DSM board.

To quote the immortal Bette Davis, seat belts had better be fastened.

As if on cue, the unscheduled rains started falling as the AWARE Affair Celebrating the Moments guests started arriving at the Hilton Anatole on Saturday, April 9. The good news was that the valet arrival was at the covered porte-cochere.

But for some folks it was a little bewildering. The invite had reported that the event was to take place at the Anatole’s Grand Ballroom. Still guests like Ramona Jones, Kay and Jim Hammond, Carol Seay and Kristi and Ron Hoyl were directed to the Atrium where purple-and-white ballrooms floated and silent auction items filled tables. Evidently there had been a change of plans after the invites had been issued. The dinner had been moved to the Stemmons Ballroom.

Kay Hammond and Margaret Guerlein

Ron and Kristi Hoyl

Someone commented that the Troy Aikman-United Way event was supposed to be taking place at that very moment at Klyde Warren Park. Luckily, word had it that a back-up plan was in place to move the whole thing indoors.

No problem. Venise Stuart, who had chaired the Les Femmes du Monde in October was fresh off a day of commandeering the Park Cities Historical and Preservation Society’s home tour. Venise was all smiles. Seems that despite a drip-drop during the day, the tour had missed the heavy downpour that was taking place during the AWARE fundraiser.

Larry and Venise Stuart

Don Hammond and Sandi Chapman

BrainHealth’s Sandi Chapman was thrilled with the turnout. Afterall, the evening was benefiting BrainHealth in addition to Baylor AT&T Memory Center, Jewish Family Service, Juliette Fowler Communities, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Center for Vital Longevity, Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation and Texas Winds Musical Outreach.

2015 Zoo To Do Co-Chairs Cindy and Chuck Gummer were looking forward to the 2016 Zoo To Do. They were betting that the triumvirate of Hal Brierley, Don Glendenning and John Levy would beat their total. When asked if the newly arrived elephants naming might be up for bid, Cindy reported that the naming of the elephant newbies had already taken place. Well, darn.

Chuck and Cindy Gummer

Sarah and Alan Losinger and Carol Seay

But this evening was not about elephants or the weather. It was to honor Sally and Forrest Hoglund, Sarah and Alan Losinger and Gail and Bill Plummer, as well as Honorary Chair Bob Miller. It also provided the opportunity to hear blonde Amy Osler tell how just couple of years ago she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 50.

And the changes in area non-profit leadership keep rolling in. WaterTower Theatre Board Chair Derek Blount just announced that WaterTower Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin has turned in his resignation. Starting Friday, July 1, Terry will be the Head of Fine Arts with Greenhill School.

Terry Martin (File photo)

According to Derek, “We are so proud of Terry Martin and all that he has accomplished for WaterTower Theatre during his 17-year tenure as Producing Artistic Director. On behalf of the theater’s Board of Directors, we would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to Terry for the immense contributions he’s made to WaterTower Theatre over that time. His artistic vision has helped fashion WaterTower into one of the jewels of the North Texas arts community. Though we hate to lose him as Producing Artistic Director, we’re very excited for Terry’s new opportunity to shape young minds at Greenhill School and impress upon them the importance of the arts.”

During his years with WaterTower, Terry has “overseen more than 150 production,” as well as “both the administrative and artistic aspects of the Company’s nearly $1.8-million annual operating budget.”

Derek stated, “WaterTower Theatre is a financially sound organization with strong ties to the community. The Executive Committee of the Board is currently crafting the parameters of a search process for this position that will almost certainly garner interest from candidates across the nation. We look forward to shaping the next evolution of this great organization.”