Stanley Korshak’s Crawford Brock had better watch his back. Ah, but more about that later.

Tricia Besing

Betsy Crousen

Mary Potter

Kameron Westcott and Katy Bock

Barbara Daseke

With November temperatures proving warmer than usual, the Tutu Chi Fashion Show and Luncheon on Tuesday, November 28, at the Winspear was lacking furs and boots. Rather the gals like Lee Bailey, Doris Jacobs, Betsy Crousen, Katy Bock, Kameron Westcott, Simona Beal, Lisa Cooley, Tracy Lange with daughter Olivia Lange, Barbara Daseke, Mary Potter, Lynn McBee, Tricia Besing, Linda Ivy, Tucker Enthoven with her mom Julie Ford wore those in between season attire. And while the guests sipped white wine and champagne and towered in stilettos, the Texas Ballet Theater ballerinas were backstage in their ballet slippers.

But soon the chimes call the crowd to the Shannon and Ted Skokos Stage for the fashion show featuring ballerinas in Naeem Khan fashions in between performance by the TBT dancers. Alas, the designer couldn’t make it this year, but his clothes represented him to a T.

Before the program got underway, TBT Executive Director Vanessa Logan and Crawford welcomed the filled-to-the-brim crowd. It was at this point that Crawford may have tweaked some. He told how traditional models don’t eat and tend to look unhappy because they’re hungry. On the other hand, he suggested that this occasion was one of his favorites because the models looked so healthy and they do eat.

On the latter, Crawford was right on target. As the program got underway with TBT Artistic Director Ben Stevenson, Presenting Sponsor Nancy Carlson, Co-Chairs Marybeth Conlon and Heather LeClair, Robyn Conlon with daughter-in-law Megan Conlon front rowing it, the dancers’ leaps and lifts showed muscles that any athlete would admire.

Texas Ballet Theater dancers

Texas Ballet Theater dancers

Texas Ballet Theater dancer

Texas Ballet Theater dancer

Following the presentation, Vanessa and Crawford returned to the stage where the request for funds was made. Crawford admitted that he had a personal appreciation for the art — his mother had been a dancer.

Stepping forward to address the group were two of dancers surrounded by the rest of the troupe. Michelle Taylor told how the dancers went through their slippers, boots and toe shoes thanks to rehearsals and performances. And then there were costs of costumes, wigs and other needs for their “Swan Lake,” “Nutcracker” and other ballets.

With mics from the left: Michelle Taylor and Robin Bangert

Robin Bangert explained how in recent years, physical therapy availability had been a game changer for pulled muscles.

All of these cost money. So, while guests pulled out checkbooks to fill donation envelopes, Crawford auctioned off “A Year Of Experiences (attending Naeem’s presentation at the September New York Fashion Week, a lunch for the winner with friends at Stanley Korshak along with a $1,000 gift certificate, a $500 gift certificate to Bullion, four tickets to “Swan Lake” in June at the Winspear and a one-night stage at the Hotel Crescent Court). But before Crawford could even request an opening bid of $2,500, hand was up. Then the hands started raising throughout the audience resulting in a winning big of $12,000.

More than 1,500 of North Texas’ finest spent the evening of Saturday, December 2, in a winter wonderland that oozed of the high-flying jet setters’ fav Megève with its warming hut, red sleigh in a snow-covered forest, the scent of pine trees and partying through the night away.

Mary and Robert Black and Cliff Fischer

Christie Carter and Hudson Weischel

Laura and Dennis Moon

Francie Moody-Dahlberg and Kevin Dahlberg

Jana and Mike Brosin

Diane and Hal Brierley

No, they weren’t in Switzerland. Rather, the local extreme bold facers were at the Hilton Anatole for the 2017 Crystal Charity Ball. Instead of being decked out in ski boots, snowboard jackets and thermal leggings, they were in Jimmy Choos, Armani tuxedos, spanx and courtier gowns sparkling with Judith Leiber purses, diamonds galore and false eyelashes.

Mike and Piper Wyatt

Dwight and Claire Emanuelson

Lisa and Kenny Troutt and Savannah Troutt and Courtney Novak

Lee Bailey

Norma Hunt, Dan Hunt and Toni Munoz-Hunt

Jerry Fronterhouse and Annette Simmons

Ciara Cooley, Bela Cooley and Isabell Terry

Thanks to 2017 Crystal Charity Ball Chair Pam Perella’s “An Evening In The Alps,” her committee and event producer Tom Addis, the occasion was the perfect setting for this stellar gathering of high rollers in support of the multi-million dollar fundraiser for children’s charities. Ah, shoot! This crowd could send Coco Chanel into orbit over polyester.

Elizabeth Gambrell, Cheryl Joyner, Pam Perella, Leslie Diers, Kristina Whitcomb and Anne Besser

But as magnificent as the Hilton’s Chantilly Ballroom was with its shimmering curtains surrounding video walls, the you-just-want-to-know-’em guests dazzled. While the post is being finalized, there are more than 120 pictures from the night at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Whitney Strauss (File photo)

According to new AdvoCare Foundation Executive Director Whitney Strauss, MySweet2018Goals are

1. “Make hundreds, thousands…millions more children healthier by combatting the causes of childhood obesity in Dallas but throughout the US.
2. “Make my own household healthier by paying attention to food labels, exercising regularly, cooking at home and cutting out sugar
3. “Take up a dance class because no better way to stay fit then doing something you love
4. “Travel, read and pursuit a passion
5. “Hug my boys and read up on how to handle a teenager – because I will have one in my house this year!”

The munchkins wandering through the Anatole toward the hotel’s Peppermint Park must have thought the Crystal Charity Ball’s “An Evening In The Alps” was part of the Park layout on Saturday, December 2. So did their parents, as they shot photos of the kids standing in front of the snowy hill scene with red sleigh tilted picture-perfect on the upper level of the Chantilly Ballroom’s lobby.

Bob McCreath, Brandon Perella, Medley Wollenman, Vin and Pam Perella, Lauren Perella, Adam Ryan and Carolyn Curl

The backdrop proved to be ideal also for the CCB crowd in their finery. First to try it out was 2017 CCB Chair Pam Perella and her family (husband Vin Perella, mom Carolyn Curl, dad Bob McCreath, daughter Lauren Perella with Adam Ryan and son Brandon Perella with Medley Wollenman). That was quickly followed by a snap of Pam with the members of her leadership committee (Anne Besser, Leslie Diers, Elizabeth Gambrell, Cheryl Joyner and Kristina Whitcomb).

Elizabeth Gambrell, Cheryl Joyner, Pam Perella, Leslie Diers, Kristina Whitcomb and Anne Besser

No sooner had the final official photos been taken than the 1,500+ guests, including Diane and Hal Brierley, Barbara and Ralph Babb, Luanne and Aaron McWhorter, Wendy and Boyd Messmann, Martha and Doug Hawthorne, Liat and Amit Berger, Calee Dillon, Christina and Christopher Durovitch, Lee Bailey, Brent Christopher, Robin Robinson, Lindalyn Adams with grandson Carlton Adams, Greg Bieberding, Eddie Ortega, Isabell Novakov with Trey Higginbotham, Kathleen Gibson, Kim and Greg Hext, Linda Perryman Evans, Joanna Clarke with Michael Royal, Cindy Stager with Oscar Durham, Kristen and Reed Gibbins, Kristi and Ron Hoyl, Angela Nash with Billy Martin Jr., Margot and Bill Goodwin, Louise and Guy Griffeth, Caroline Rose Hunt with Del Frnka, Karen and David Shuford, Barbara and John Stuart, John Clutts, Dr. Sami Arslanlar, Billie Leigh Rippey with daughter Paige Locke, Norma Hunt with son Dan Hunt and his wife Toni Munoz-Hunt, Brenda and Bob White, Su-Su and Jerry Meyer, Dana and Greg McGowan, Scott Everett with Kristy Lohse, Elizabeth and Paul Dougan, Susan McSherry with John Zogg, Jan and Fred Hegi, Peggy and Dr. Dan Meyer, Laura and Paul Hudson, Andrea Devaldenebro and Leonardo Gonzalez Sangri, Amy and Michael Meadows, Kimberly and Justin Whitman, Stacey and John Relton and the Neiman’s crowd (Mimi and Rich Sterling, Neva Hall and soon-to-retire Malcolm Reuben with wife Vinnie Reuben), arrived through a tree-lined entry hall that immediately set the mood with a whiff of the evergreen.

Christina and Christopher Durovich

Ralph and Barbara Babb

Jerry and Su-Su Meyer

Trey Higginbotham and Isabell Novakov

Lindalyn Adams and Carlton Adams

Calee Dillon and Amit and Liat Berger

Oscar Durham and Cindy Stager

Del Frnka and Caroline Rose Hunt

Pat and Charles McEvoy and Jill and Bob Smith

Norma Hunt, Dan Hunt and Toni Munoz-Hunt

Lee Bailey

Mimi and Rich Sterling

Malcolm and Vinnie Reuben

Since the evening’s temperatures didn’t require outerwear, guests bypassed the coat check and headed to the gaming tables, the lavish silent auction gallery, James French’s pop-up studio, The Alpine Shop for perusing and the rustic “warming hut” with its mountains of shrimp and buffets of other delicacies.

And, of course, there were the CCB committee members with the balloons selling chance tickets for the 2018 Lexus. CCB newbie Lisa Singleton was joined by CCB vet Lynn McBee in selling raffle tickets. Her goal was $15,000, but within the first 20 minutes she had only sold $350. A few minutes later, she had doubled that amount. Things were looking up.

CCB-ers Lisa Cooley and Alison Malone set up shop at a table to the left of the entry and next to the bar. They had come in second last year and were bound and determined to sell the most tickets this year. Not only did they, but Alison’s husband/advertising guru Mike Malone told Katherine and Key Coker that Alison won the raffle last year and it would bring them good luck to buy their ticket from her. He was right. The Cokers had the winning ticket. And, yes, Lisa and Alison sold the most tickets of the night.

Key and Katherine Coker

Jim and Kristen Hinton

Among the first-time guests in the crowd were Baylor Scott Scott and White Health CEO Jim Hinton and his wife Kristen Hinton and Dallas Summer Musical’s Ken Novice and his wife Kouy Novice. Despite having been in town just seven months, Ken reported that the DSM had just signed a 20-year partnership agreement with Broadway Across America and is planning on an aggressive outreach to young people — around Fair Park and via the Dallas Independent School District. He admitted that, “We’re going to need to increase our budget,” which means stepping up fundraising efforts. He also wants to update the Music Hall at Fair Park, including changes in parking and traffic flows and increasing seating capacity.

John Clutts, Ken and Kouy Novice and Sami Arslanlar

And speaking of business, RED Development’s Paul Rowsey was optimistic about Amazon’s coming to North Texas. He believes Amazon will split its new headquarters between two cities, with Dallas having a good chance of being one of them… Ben Lange was introducing Evelyn Costello, who had just been named executive director for Luke’s Fastbreak Shirts.

Evelyn Costello and Ben and Tracy Lange

Robyn and Don Conlon

But it wasn’t just guys talking business. Former CCB Chair Robyn Conlon was beaming over her son Keith Conlon’s recent accomplishments. Not only did he get $10K taken off the price of his Rangers 2018 season tickets after hitting a home run over the Bud sign at Globe Life Park, but Keith had just been named general manager at Allie Beth Allman and Associates as well.

Midway through the cocktail reception, word was passed — “Do you know Tagg?” Was it a new social media hashtag? There was just a bit of distress as the question continued to be asked. The answer was that, thanks to high-tech cars, “Mr. Tagg” had left his car running with the valet and joined the throng inside. Only problem was he had taken the key with him. When he disappeared into the throng inside, the car dutifully came to a grinding stop, creating an unplanned conversation piece blocking the valet line. Finally, he …or, more importantly, his key was found and the flow of high-end vehicles rolled back into place.

And while the crowd grew in the lobby, the final preparations were being made in the Chantilly Ballroom for the doors to open at 9 p.m. The ballroom’s walls were covered with shimmering floor-to-ceiling draping, with towering screens displaying videos of wintry ventures. A mammoth stage was set up along the back of the ballroom for the bands.

At Pam’s and Annette Simmons’ table were monogrammed napkins along with gargantuan floral arrangements. 

Other tables also impressed with centerpieces highlighted by candles in suspended globes hovering over silver tablecloths, crystal. In the chairs were such favors at Tiffany boxes containing Tiffany weave porcelain bowls and the 2017 Children’s Book and the 2018 Calendar.

Right on cue, the Anatole’s Catherine New did the countdown for the staff to open the doors at 9 p.m. to the elegant dinner starting with a first course (poached lobster and roasted beets , arugula and frisée salad and grilled figs, shaved fennel, pickled watermelon radish, citrus mountain blooms and champagne vinaigrette) followed by the entrée (grilled filet of beef, roasted Cipollini red wine demi-glace, gratin dauphinoise, grilled farmer’s market carrots and turnips and seared asparagus). For dessert, it was Toblerone Swiss milk chocolate mousse with honey and almond nougat, Basler Brunsli crisp and coconut snow.

Ciara Cooley, Bela Cooley and Isabell Terry

Betsy Crousen

Dwight and Claire Emanuelson

Libby and Al Allred

But as glorious as the room and menu were, the CCB guests once again were setting a standard for OMG fashion with the ladies in labels bearing such names as Herrera (Pam Perella, Christi Urschel, Jennifer Dix, Piper Wyatt, Kristina Whitcomb, Laura Moon), Zac Posen (Claire Emanuelson, Pat McEvoy, Delilah Boyd, Patty Leyendecker), Pamela Roland (Lisa Troutt, Gail Fischer), Armani (Paige Slates), Anne Fontaine (Amy Hegi), Chanel (DeeDee Lee), Dior (Betsy Crousen, Kara Goss and Dianna Miller), Badgley Mischka (Nikki Webb), Tom Ford (Heather Esping), Galvan (Lynn McBee), Oscar (Annette Simmons, Lisa Singleton), Tom and Linda Platt (Cheryl Joyner) Lela Rose (Linda Secrest), Marchesa (Ciara Cooley), Etro (Janie Condon), Escada (Caren Kline), Mackenzie Brittingham (Bela Cooley, Nancy Collins), Worth Collection (Alicia Wood), Patti Flowers (Lisa Cooley, Tanya Foster) and Michael Faircloth (Tracy Lange, Tiffany Divis, Mary Martha Pickens, Libby Allred, Elsa Norwood, Diane Byrd, Sue Scala, Stephanie Scala). Michael is probably in designer recovery.

On their well-pedicured feet were such slippers as Jimmy Choo, Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Weitzman, Rene Caovilla, Gianvito Rossi and Adrianna Papell.

Needless to say, Judith Leiber dominated the clutch department, followed by Chanel, Charlotte Max Design, Alexander McQueen, YSL and Jimmy Choo.

And, of course, it just wouldn’t have been a glittery affair without the bling-bling from Eiseman, Diamonds Direct, Bachendorf, Neiman’s, Sue Gragg, deBoulle, Julianna LeBlanc, William Noble, Cartier, Tiffany and family treasures.

Kara and Randall Goss and Dianna Miller

Delilah and Sam Boyd

Pete and Tanya Foster and Alicia and Scott Wood

Paige and John Slates

Crayton and Nikki Webb

Mike and Piper Wyatt

DeeDee Lee and Randy and Ginny Bailey

Tiffany and Paul Divis

But the most popular look of the night for the ladies was the caterpillar false eyelashes that would have made Liz Taylor’s double row of lashes look thin. It seems that along with having hair done, makeup applied and nails polished, one must have an appointment to have an extra layer of lashes.

On the other hand, the gents in the crowd held their own with tuxedos by Bob Baumann (Richard Dix), Chris Despos (Clay Cooley), Isaia (Vin Perella), J. Hilburn (Kenny Troutt), Bruno Cucinelli (Dwight Emanuelson), Edward Baumann Clothiers (Scott Wood), Zegna (Charles McEvoy), Q Custom Clothier (Al Allred) and loads of Armani (David Condon, John Slates, Les Secrest).

Amy Simmons and Joe Crafton

Lisa and Kenny Troutt

Laura and Dennis Moon

Christie Carter and Hudson Weischel

Simply Irresistible

Mary and Robert Black and Cliff Fischer

As Atlanta’s Simply Irresistible took the stage, Amy Simmons and husband Joe Crafton were the first on the dance floor followed by Francie Moody-Dahlberg and husband Kevin Dalhberg, Laura and Dennis Moon, Mary and Robert Black, Gail and Cliff Fischer, Christie Carter and Hudson Weischel, Connie and Denny Carreker, Pam and Vin and Leslie and Bryan Diers.

Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse

Kelli and Jerry Ford

Jerry Jones

Gayle Stoffel, Gene Jones and Anita Arnold

Having just as much fun on the sidelines were Michal Powell, Aileen and Jack Pratt, Mary Clare Finney with Chris Branscum and Annette Simmons’ “Jerry table” including her husband Jerry Fronterhouse, Jerry Ford with wife Kelli Ford and Jerry Jones with wife Gene Jones as well as Anita and Truman Arnold and Gayle and Paul Stoffel. But the music was too hard to resist, so soon Annette and her Jerry were on the dance floor, too.

The Dallas skyline was the backdrop and an enchantingly beautiful center-of-room Christmas tree was the centerpiece for the Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Farewell Founder’s Luncheon Honoree Reception December 5. In addition to Honorary Luncheon Co-Chairs Lucy Billingsley and Doug Curtis, Co-Hosts hosts Joleen and Jim Chambers welcomed DBDT Founder Ann Williams, luncheon honorees Andy McCarthy, Herdercine Nash and Linda Todd, as well as DBDT Board members Gilbert Gerst, Georgia Scaife, Mark Cooks, Petre White, Paulette Turner and JeAnna Parker. Here’s a report from the field:

From the left: (seated) Gilbert Gerst, Georgia Scaife, Ann Williams and Joleen Chambers; (seated) Mark Cooks, Petre White, Linda Todd, Paulette Turner, Herdercine Nash and JeAnna Parker**

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) patrons gathered in the home of Joleen and Jim Chambers to be the first to honor three longtime supporters of the 41-year-old dance company. DBDT Founder Ann M. Williams announced the final Founder’s Luncheon would pay tribute to Andy McCarthy, Herdercine Nash and Linda Todd, three outstanding North Texans who have substantially supported the organization. Herdercine Nash has been a DBDT board member since 1988 and helped launch the luncheon 22 years ago as a fundraiser for the organization. Andy McCarthy has been a supporter for over 25 years, serving on the Board during the 1990s and recently giving a leadership gift to support a resident choreographer. Linda Todd has been a Board member for more than two decades and supported the renovation of DBDT’s home, the Historic Moorland YMCA Building, by underwriting the elevator installation.

Christmas decorations*

Between the twinkling lights of the Dallas skyline and the Christmas tree, it was the perfect setting for the honoree reception during the holidays. A brisk northerly wind did not stop some guests from stepping out on the balcony to take in the breathtaking view of downtown Dallas and the Dallas Arts District.

Andy McCarthy, Michelle Thomas, Herdercine Nash and Linda Todd*

DBDT supporters started the luncheon 22 years ago as a way to honor Founder Ann Williams, while supporting what is now the oldest continuously operating dance company in Dallas. The luncheon will highlight the legacy and extraordinary service of Ms. Williams to Dallas and the field of dance. Ms. Williams thanked attendees for the various ways they had supported Dallas Black Dance Theatre over four decades. She also thanked Michelle R. Thomas, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations for JPMorgan Chase, for the bank’s eighth consecutive year as a presenting sponsor and Gilbert Gerst, Senior Vice President of Community Development Lending and Investments for Bank of Texas, for the bank sponsorship of the honoree reception.

Doug Curtis, Lucy Billingsley and Ann Williams**

Seen chatting at the reception, longtime DBDT and facility partners Doug Curtis of AT&T Performing Arts Center and Lucy Billingsley of the Billingsley Company, who are serving as honorary co-chairs, as well as Rev. Lelious Johnson and Kimberley Runnels, the luncheon General Chairs. Fox 4 News Anchor Clarice Tinsley will preside as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Lelious Johnson and Kimberly Runnels**

Chef Carlos Whitfield served up his unique twist of hors d’oeuvres. There was the spicy Shrimp Cocktail Mazatlan that Chef Carlos describes as a fusion dish with influence from Italy, Spain and Mexico. Cucumbers complemented the combination, neutralizing the heat of chili peppers. Chef Carlos also created a decadent dish featuring roasted salmon topped with cured salmon. Herbs and veggies were folded into beef meatballs that had a holiday flavor combining cranberry glaze and barbeque sauce.

Chef Carlos Whitfield hors d’oeuvres*

If you would like more information on how to sponsor or purchase a luncheon table on Wednesday January 17, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, contact development@dbdt.com.

* Photo credit: Maegan Hoffman 
** Photo credit: Derrick Waiters

Shelby Wagner and Niven Morgan

Jeff Smith*

Spring isn’t even here and already fall plans are being announced. On the hooves of Niven Morgan’s and Shelby Wagner’s co-chairing the 2017 Treasure Street for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Children, it’s just been revealed that TSRHC Board of Trustee member/ HighGround Advisors President and CEO Jeff Smith will heading up TSRHC’s signature fundraiser.

Jeff has picked Thursday, October 11, for the day when the grounds of the Hospital at the corner of Oak Lawn and Maple are transformed into a festival of grazing around with loads of local chefs, music, twinkling lights and faces you know and want to know.

Since its establishment in 1996 by Dee and Dodge Carter in gratitude for TSRHC’s caring for their daughter Nicole, the annual outdoor event has pulled in $14M for patient care.

*Photo provided by Texas 
Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

It’s time to part company with old friends. While many gals are cleaning gently experienced grown-up fashions from their closets for the Salvation Army Fashion Show and Luncheon, there are some retired prom dresses that could be put back into action.

Dallas CASA and the Boys And Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas have hundreds of girls, who just might not be able to go to their proms this spring because they have nothing to wear. But thanks to Comerica, you can play Fairy Godmother to these teenage Cinderellas.

Comerica Prom Dress Drive*

For the Fourth Annual Prom Dress Drive, the following five Dallas-area Comerica banking centers will be available to accept “new or gently-used, cleaned formal dresses and accessories” starting Thursday, February 1:

• Cole-Fitzhugh (3202 North Fitzhugh, Dallas)
• Forest-Inwood (5200 Forest Lane, Dallas)
• NorthPark (8850 Boedecker Street, Dallas)
• Parker-Premier (3310 Premier Road, Plano)
• Preston Center (8225 Preston Road, Dallas)

Sure, it’s going to be hard to give up that adorable gown that you wore, but betcha you’ve got photos of the night that it was worn and you looked pretty darn adorable. And besides, you’re not going to wear it again. You’ve moved on. Or, perhaps that dress that your daughter wore ages ago would like to be released from confinement to show its stuff at a 2018 prom?

And while you’re editing your wardrobe, look into those nooks and crannies for shoes, purses, gloves and accessories. They’ll be welcomed at the Comerica collection stations, too.

So, dig through you closet and take your finds to the cleaners and then onto Comerica for another special night. The drive ends Wednesday, February 28.

* Photo provided by Comerica

Last year’s inaugural Speakeasy Party in the Hamon Atrium at the Dallas Museum of Art had a pretty impressive turnout for a first time event — 1,200 guys and dolls! It was to celebrate the DMA’s “Shaken, Style, Stirred” exhibition.

2017 Speakeasy in the Hamon Atrium*

Such fundraising success demanded an encore and that one-night-only 2018 Speakeasy will take place once again at the DMA on Saturday, February 24, starting at 8 p.m.

While production guru Todd Fiscus will provide the setting in the Atrium, don’t be surprised to see fun-loving flappers and dapper dandies dress up the place with Prohibition-era attire for a competition to be judged by Kara and Lil of Dallasites201.

Akers and Caitlin Moore and Jessica and Harl Asaff*

Alia Reniers and Linda Snorina*

Bennett and Katie Allen*

Alas, the “Shaken, Style, Stirred” collection won’t be around, there will be plenty to make up for its absence. For instance, there will craft cocktails, the 18-piece band “The Singapore Singers, dance instructors, novelty gaming tables, admission to galleries, a scavenger hunt throughout the DMA’s collection to “Track Down the Bootleggers” and, of course, a photo booth. What would a party be without one!

The raffle is such a deal. The prize is a one-night stay at The Joule Hotel in deluxe accommodations complete with complimentary overnight valet parking and a $100 gift card for food and beverages at the hotel’s underground Midnight Rambler. Each chance is going for a buck. Yup! That’s right. Just one little old dollar.

Tickets for DMA Members at $70 and $85 for the general public. In addition to getting access to the festivities, the tickets will include two drink tickets, live entertainment, dance instructors, gaming tables and buffets.

Ah, but for those highrollers seeking the perks of VIP-ism, there will be the exclusive VIP Bootleggers Den with open bars, hors d’oeuvres, exclusive lounge seating, reserved wait staff, private novelty gaming tables, special photo ops, dedicated dance instructors and live entertainment. The limited number of VIP tickets are going for $100 for DMA members and $150 for the public. Once again membership pays off!

* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron Smith

Ann Williams and Andy McCarthy

Ann Williams and Linda Todd

Ann Williams and Herdercine Nash

Samara Kline and Kimberly Runnels

The “Farewell Founder’s Luncheon” on Wednesday, January 17, at the Hilton Anatole may have closed the chapter for one part of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s fundraising, but it also introduced the next chapter — The Ann Williams Legacy Society.

Dallas Black Dance Academys Allegro Performing Ensemble

And, of course, the event couldn’t just be a sit-down award ceremony. In addition to presenting the final Founder’s Luncheon awards to Andy McCarthy, Herdercine Nash and Linda Todd, there were also performances by the Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Allegro Performing Ensemble and DBDT Encore member Herman Houston III.

Herman Houston III

While the post is being prepared, check out the guests and dancers at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Back in 1996 the Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Founder’s Luncheon was the brainchild of DBDT Founder Ann Williams to raise money and to honor “civic and business leaders of Dallas who have impacted Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the Dallas arts community.” Over the years, dozens and dozens of people and organizations like The Meadows Foundation, Liz Minyard, Juanita Brown, former first lady Laura Bush, Isabell Cottrell, Target, Nancy Hamon, Helen Giddings, Ruth Altshuler, JC Penney, Annette Strauss and Mary Suhm were honored.

Since Ann’s announced retirement in 2014, changes started taking place. In addition to the departure of two artistic directors, it was decided that funding for the organization should go in a different direction. Instead of the luncheon event going quietly into the night, it was decided to hold a send-off event — “Farewell Founder’s Luncheon” — at which time the new fundraising program would be revealed.

While some might have thought the luncheon at the Hilton Anatole on Wednesday, January 17, would be a boo-hoo occasion, it was full of cheers for Ann and her organization that is “the oldest, continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas.”

Michelle Thomas

The day kicked off with a VIP Reception in half of the Grand Ballroom for folks like Michelle Thomas, DBDT Executive Director Zenetta Drew, DBDT Executive Board Member Paulette Turner, past honoree Charley Pride and his wife Rozene Pride  and the day’s honorees Andy McCarthy, Herdercine Nash and Linda Todd. Emcee Clarice Tinsley was juggling duties — reviewing script and accommodating requests for photos with Ann. Due to the day’s chill, guests were checking their coats at the door.

Speaking of coats, those heading to the Imperial Ballroom upstairs for the luncheon were finding the hallway brisk to say the least. It made some of the 650 guests opt to pass up the upstairs coat check.

At the back of the room, tables were set up for selling the DBDT’s 40^th anniversary books. At the front of the room was a stage large enough for a performance. Down the center of the room was a 12-foot wide aisle with the head table set for 16 next to the stage.

Devrae Jefferson, Lindzay Duplessis, Kayleigh Eidson, Imani English and Chad Vaught

At 11:50 the VIP Reception was breaking up and the ballroom was starting to fill. Standing near the room’s entrance were five of the Dallas Black Dance Theatre Encore members (Devrae Jefferson, Lindzay Duplessis, Kayleigh Eidson, Imani English and Chad Vaught). When asked if they would be performing at the luncheon, they smiled and said, “No.”

Doug Curtis and Ann Williams

Clarice Tinsley and Lucy Billingsley

Zenetta Drew and Gilbert Gerst

Lelious Johnson

Right on schedule the headtable guests including Ann, Clarice, Zenetta, General Co-Chairs the Rev. Lelious Johnson and Kimberley Runnels, Honorary Co-Chairs Lucy Billingsley and Doug Curtis, DBDT Board Chair Gilbert Gest and the day’s honorees and their spouses Samara Kline, Joseph Nash and Frederick Todd were introduced as they entered the ballroom and took their places at the table.

Kicking things off DBDT Board of Directors Rev. Claude O. Maples told everyone to stand including Mary McDermott Cook, Regina Montoya, Marnie Wildenthal and Patricia Meadows. There was a slight hesitation as guests looked around a bit bewildered, but all complied. Then he instructed all to point to Ann saying, “Ann, you go, girl.” With smiles and laughter, the room full of guests joined in to the delight of Ann.

Clarice revealed that the Chilhuly-styled sculptures serving as centerpieces were available for purchase at $200 a pieces.

Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Allegro Performing Ensemble

Following lunch, the Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Allegro Performing Ensemble arrived on the stage and performed “Mandiba.”

Ann Williams and Linda Todd

Ann Williams and Herdercine Nash

Ann Williams and Andy McCarthy

Samara Kline and Kimberly Runnels

It was then time for the final presentation of the Founder’s Awards by Ann to Andy, Linda and Hercerdine followed by Zenetta’s revealing the creation of the Ann Williams Legacy Society that would be supported by benefactors listing DBDT in their will, trust, retirement plan or life insurance policy. Already on board as Charter Members were Norma and Don Stone, who in 2016 added DBDT to their will. 

Herman Houston III

To conclude the luncheon on just the right note, DBDT Encore member Herman Houston III took the stage dancing to Sam Cooke‘s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

At the conclusion of his performance, Ann Williams received a standing ovation for her vision and dedication.

For more photos of the event, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

It was a pretty darn gorgeous and fun-loving crowd that hit the gaming tables on Saturday, January 20. No, it wasn’t in Vegas. It was at The Hall on Dragon. And the high rollers weren’t Ocean’s 11. They were Dallas CASA‘s Young Professionals for the Third Annual CASAblanca. Here’s a report from the field:

The glittering young were out in force for Dallas CASA’s third CASAblanca casino night, hosted by Dallas CASA’s vibrant and growing Young Professionals group to raise funds for and the abused and neglected children Dallas CASA volunteers serve.

Clad in gorgeous gowns and dapper tuxedos, the young people played casino games and danced the night away to ten-piece Special Edition Band. The event sold out the day before the event, held at The Hall on Dragon on Saturday, January 20.

2018 CASAblanca games*

Guests munched on hearty appetizers, with passed macaroni and cheese balls coated in crispy panko and topped with truffled ranch being a main hit. The third annual event featured a silent auction for the first time, with a beautiful diamond and gold necklace from Susan Saffron Boutique and restaurant gift cards from Water Grill, Del Frisco’s Grill and Jalisco North drawing top bids.

But it wasn’t all fun, games and food – the “fund the need” board allowed guests to fund specific needs for kids living in foster care and raised nearly $2,500 for things like coats for cold weather and cribs for babies.

Kathleen LaValle, Emma and Mark Hiduke and Hannah and Greg May*

Bloggers Lexi and Kelsie Aziz of Pizza and Champagne were there, along with sponsors Emma and Mark Hiduke, Angela Yotides, Melissa Bednarz and Bela and Chase Cooley. Sponsors this year enjoyed a VIP area with their own blackjack and poker tables.

Kay Weir and Nick Barr*

Angela Yotides and Melissa Bednarz*

Carlos and Carla Zarazua*

Nick and Melissa Bednarz, Nate Bednarz and Alyssa and Chase Mayeux*

Also in attendance were Dallas CASA Executive Director/President Kathleen LaValle, Austin Fennema, Hannah and Greg May, Carla and Carlos Zarazua, Kay Weir, Nick Barr, Michele Morris and Tucker Robinson.

The Dallas CASA Young Professionals is a vibrant and growing group of professionals under 40 interested in supporting abused and neglected children living in foster care. Last year, more than 1,300 Dallas CASA community volunteers advocated for the best interests of these children in court.

Reasha Hedke, Kelcey Hamilton and Dana Swann*

The event was co-chaired by Kelcey Hamilton, Reasha Hedke and Dana Swann.

Sponsors included Presenting Sponsors Emma and Mark Hiduke, Christine and Jonathan Bassham, CultureMap, Angela and Chris Yotides, Bela and Chase Cooley, Kay and Bob Schleckser, Sewell Automotive Companies and an anonymous donor.

* Photo credit: Steve Bither

2018 Genesis Young Leaders Masquerade Ball Co-Chair Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat are celebrating Valentine’s Day with big old smiles. Their Genesis Shelter black-tie fundraiser this Saturday at Sixty Five Hundred is sold out.

Hayden and Sarah Godat and Kirstin and Holden Godat*

Looks like they’re on plan to hit the $200,000 mark to provide safety, shelter and support for women and children fleeing abuse. Congrats!

If you didn’t get your spot locked down, don’t make the same mistake about Genesis 25th Annual Luncheon featuring Hilary Swank on Friday, May 11, at the Anatole. 

* Photo courtesy of Genesis Women's Shelter

Hold your horses! The annual Equest gala has galloped over to a new venue for the Friday, April 20, fundraiser. Perhaps it was the bus rides that guests had to take to Texas Horse Park. Or, perhaps it was last year’s very threatening weather that forced the organizers to postpone it a day.

Whatever! Who cares? The news is that the hoedown Equest After Dark Gala will be held at The Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum, once the ‘hood for jazz and blues musicians back in the 1920’s. The Factory itself was built in the 1900’s to manufacture Henry Ford’s horseless carriages. During World War II, it morphed into helping the war effort by producing bombs and ammunition.

Equest After Dark Gala*

According to Equest CEO Lili Kellogg, “Just like The Bomb Factory and Deep Ellum, Equest is modernizing our traditional way of doing things while still paying tribute to our incredible 37-year past. We are excited to produce this year’s gala, as it will be an extraordinary and new experience: a new venue, a more casual-yet-sophisticated concept, new people leading the team, and fun-filled new fundraising activities. I think even the great Jay Gatsby would be proud.”  

As for the evening’s leadership, Gala Co-Chairs Susan and Jon Farrier and Honorary Co-Chairs Sue and Ben Casey are thoroughbreds when it comes to the world of horses and philanthropy.

Let’s start with Sue. In addition to being the owner of Dressage Horizons, she is “a longtime national-level champion dressage competitor/trainers and also an FEI international dressage judge.” In 2017, she received the White House Lifetime Achievement Award from the President for her many volunteer endeavors.

Then there’s Ben, who was president of Texas Healthcare Foundation as well as having “50 years of experience in not-for-profit organization management, both as a professional and as a volunteer. He currently serves as the president of Philanthropic Horizons Consulting and is on the boards of the Texas Horse Park Foundation, VolunteerNow, the Rotary Club of Dallas Foundation, and the Scottish Rite Museum.”

Susan, who been an equestrian since she was five, is an old hand at raising greenbacks for nonprofits. She’s been part of the leadership for such fundraisers as “Cattle Baron’s Ball, Dallas Museum of Art’s Beaux Arts Ball, The Dallas Opera Gala, and a luncheon to benefit The National Kidney Foundation.”

And finally there’s techie Jon, he knows the importance of horses in a person’s life because of Susan’s involvement, as well as the entire family including their two kids owning and caring for their New Zealand Thoroughbred, Hail II.

Longtime Equest supporters Jocelyn White and Jody Dean be returning to handle the emcee duties supported by a welcome signature cocktail from Skyy Vodka, a seated dinner created by Farm to Market Catering, complimentary wine and beer, games of chance, silent- and live-auctions, oversized dessert stations and entertainment by The Texas Gypsies and Emerald City.

Tickets and sponsorships are available, so giddy up and put your posse together for this one come rain or shine.

* Graphic courtesy of Equest

2018 Crystal Charity Ball committee

After a thorough vetting  the 2018 beneficiaries, the Crystal Charity Ball committee boarded a bus on the morning of Thursday, February 15. They weren’t going to Oklahoma to gamble. Rather they were visiting the eight Dallas children’s nonprofits (After-School All-Stars, Booker T. Washington High School, Boys And Girls Club Of Greater Dallas, Buckner Children And Family Services, Friends Of The Dallas Public Library, Mosaic Family Services, Nexus Recovery Center and Ronald McDonald House Of Dallas) that will receive more than $6.5M from their efforts this year.

Booker T. Washington High School

Nexus Recovery Center

Boys And Girls Club Of Greater Dallas

During their tour, they saw students honing their artistic talents and vacant lots that will blossom into centers of safety and education. They learned how after-school and summer programs serving as turning points for low-income students and about a facility in need of more room for families with children going through medical treatments.

At the end of the day as they disembarked the bus, they undertook their next step to provide the funding to make those projects possible.

While the post is being prepared, check out the Crystal Charity Ball bus tour pictures at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Just days after announcing the 2018 Crystal Charity Ball beneficiaries, the CCB committee members boarded a bus early on Thursday, February 15, for the committee to get a firsthand look at the beneficiaries. While the initial fear was that some of the ladies would have to double up on the padded seats, it turned out not to be the case. At the last minute, some had to cancel to the 2018 flu hitting their families. Others like Christi Urschel, Cheryl Joyner and Patty Leyendecker suffered the loss of family members.

Sara Lee Gardner

Tour Chair Sara Lee Gardner arranged for the temperatures topping the 70s and the grumpy-looking clouds being all show, no rain. It was announced that during the roadtrip, the newest committee members (Ashley Allen, Kara Axley, Marybeth Conlon, Lissie Donosky, Anne McPherson and Lisa Rocchio) would be introduced and would be tagged as the “crown jewels” to fit in with 2018 CCB Chair Claire Emanuelson‘s working theme “Downton Abby.”

Starting the day’s agenda were three groups who explained how the funds would be used by their organizations.

After-School All-Stars Of North Texas

Marissa Castro Mikoy

First to present on the bus was After-School All-Stars of North Texas Executive Director Marissa Castro Mikoy, who admitted that she was still thrilled over being a CCB beneficiary.

She told how the $592,141 would allow ASAS to launch their first-ever summer program for three years at E.D. Walker Middle School, where “83% of the students are economically disadvantaged.” The seven-week program will “combat” the “summer slide” for approximately 306 kids between the ages of 11 and 14 annually.

Boys And Girls Club Of Greater Dallas

Charles English

Antonio Perez

Next on the bus was Boys And Girls Club of Dallas President/CEO Charles English and Director of Education Kristal Smart, who explained that the $600,591 would be used over three years to expand the Accelerated Early Childhood Education program, which will help children who are not reading at first-grade level to “catch up.” The program that is currently offered at two Clubs will eventually be expanded to  six Clubs. They were joined by adorable Club member Antonio Perez, who began reading a thank-you note. He made it through the first sentence, but was overcome by a case of shyness. Luckily, CCB member Beth Thoele subbed in and finished the thank you.

Mosaic Family Services

Amy Hegi and Sulan Chang

The final bus presentation was Mosaic Family Services with DT and HV Assistant Director Sulan Chang and Children’s Advocacy Coordinator Brandon Dawson telling how their mission was to help those escaping human trafficking. With a staff that speaks over 29 languages from 15 different nations, they are prepared to provide “wrap around services for both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.” Due to the different cultural backgrounds, the shelter provides kitchens so clients can cook their own meals. According to Sulan, Mosaic is the only shelter in North Texas that takes both human trafficking and domestic abuse victims.

Thanks to the $666,612 that will be used over a three-year period, the nonprofit will be able to “finish out, furnish and staff a full-service-licensed, onsite childcare center and after-school program.” While the children are receiving educational support, their mothers will be able to work, attend school and/or work with various social service agencies. The monies will also be used to purchase a 15-passenger van.

Nexus Recovery Center

Angie Kadesky, Becca Crowell and Claire Emanuelson

Then the bus headed to Nexus Recovery Center for a tour of the facility helping women going through recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. One of the only centers in the area that allows women to include their children during their treatment, the acreage included residential housing, a tranquility garden, a cafeteria, a youth center and a vegetable garden. 

The former Dallas Bible College Campus had grown from its original structure blending the original buildings with brand new facilities. But its purpose was still to provide a sanctuary for recovery.

Sally Johnson

Nexus Recovery Center

Thanks to the three-year commitment of $747,681 by CCB, licensed speech, play, occupational and physical therapists would be hired, along with the acquisition of physical therapy equipment, DISD-mandated uniforms, socks, shoes and underwear. The funds will also provide support for a children’s clinical director, allowing the Children Development Center Program to “work in tandem with the existing Center.”

Booker T. Washington High School

2018 Crystal Charity Ball committee

While Nexus was a quiet sanctuary for recovery, the next stop at Booker T. Washington High School was filled with the sounds of music and remarkable artistic discovery by its student body. But before entering the school, the 2018 CCB committee posed for the class photo. Then, following Booker T. Washington High School Advisory Board Executive Director Lisa Lawrence Walker‘s welcome, the group broke up into smaller groups to tour the mammoth three-story building filled with young artists painting, the sound of music filling the air, dancers rehearsing in studio and traditional education classes. 

Booker T. Washington High School art students

Booker T. Washington High School art students

Lisa Lawrence Walker

Douglas Carney

On the top floor across the hallway from Douglas Carney‘s classroom, the CCB-ers saw where the new, state-of-the-art production studio would be installed, thanks to the CCB $766,190 funding. Here the 1,000 students annually will be able to create high-quality-level portfolios to show their talent in order to apply for college, scholarships and awards.

Booker T. Washington High School dance class

Booker T. Washington High School singers

Finishing off the visit was so typical of Booker T. On the stairway, singers belted out songs with CCB members video-taping the performance on their cellphones.

Friends Of The Dallas Public Library

Jo Giudice

Back on the bus, the group lunched on box lunches from Cassandra Fine Catering as they headed to a lot between Park Lane and Ridgecrest Road in the Vickery Meadows neighborhood. This was where a sculpture had been months ago where Darfu refugee Mohammad Adam had sought shelter from the cold on Sunday, January 15, 2017, and died overnight. Since then the sculpture had been removed and the lot was empty except for some forlorn trees and a man playing with his dogs.

But according to Dallas Public Library Director Jo Giudice, the lot would soon be transformed into the new Vickery Meadow Branch Library, a state-of-the-art facility to serve the multinational residents. Due to the unique nature of the area’s makeup, where more than 30 languages are spoken, plans call for town meetings of the neighbors to better adapt the plans for the needs of the area.

CCB’s $752,455 commitment to the Friends of the Dallas Public Library will not only help jump-start the project, but it will “furnish and enhance the interiors and provide program materials and equipment for the Children And Teen Centers, costs that are no covered in the $7.7M bond package.” According to projections, the library will serve more than 10,400 children annually.

Buckner Children and Family Services

Pinatas

Buckner Children And Family Services

Ahead of schedule, the bus drove thought the Vickery Meadows area on its way to the Bachman Lake area for another vacant lot with trees. But this one had pinatas leaning against and hanging from the trees and a tent with a table filled with coffee mugs and homemade cookies. It was the site for the future Family Hope Center. Immediately upon arriving at the grounds, the CCB committee gathered to hear about the plans for the Center.

Margaret Elizabeth McKissack

Marta Martinez and Ricardo Brambila

To counter the flyovers by planes headed to Love Field, a mic and speakers allowed Buckner Children and Family Services’ Margaret Elizabeth McKissack and Ricardo Brambila to explain how the CCB’s $1,125,435 would be used for the construction, as well as for furnishings and equipment for the 2,804-square-foot Children’s Wing. Approximately 375 children will benefit from the after-school lounge and two classrooms, as well as year-round childcare and after-school care, summer programs and academic assistance.

2018 Crystal Charity Ball committee members with pinatas

Ricardo added that Marta Martinez had created the pinatas that were for sale at $100 each. He explained that if all the pinatas on display were purchased, Marta could buy the home which her family was currently renting. CCB members like Shelle Sills and Claire were seen loading giraffes and other pinatas on board the bus.

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas bedroom suite

The final stop of the day was Ronald McDonald House Of Dallas, which is going through an $11.5M capital campaign to expand its facilities. Here the committee members toured the residential suites, where families of children going through treatments for serious illness or injuries can live. In one of the suites was framed artwork featuring Pez dispensers, reflecting a former client’s stay. In the cafeteria, committee members met in-house therapy dog Chief Cheer Officer Shiloh.

Pez dispensers

Chief Cheer Officer Shiloh

But just as the Dallas-area healthcare services have grown to accommodate children from all across the country, so the need for expansion has increased, requiring a new wing for “the house that love built.” In addition to more parking and updating the current guest rooms and playgrounds, the new wing will include 30 rooms. Thanks to CCB’s $1,250,000 funding, 15 bedrooms suites on the ground level will be made possible for 520 children and their families annually. 

For one last time, the committee boarded the bus to head back to the CCB offices to undertake their mission to support the 2018 beneficiaries.

Leave it to the Genesis Young Leaders to don the masks, conga the line, shake the dice and bring the Big Easy to the Big D. That’s what they did for the Fifth Annual Genesis Young Leaders Masquerade at Sixty Five Hundred on Saturday, February 17. What better way to spend the Saturday night before Lent! With Co-Chairs Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat leading the charge, the more than 700 gowned and tuxedo types raised funds for the Genesis Women’s Shelter And Support. Here’s a report from the field:

Kirstin Godat leading conga line*

With masks firmly in place, Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat co-chaired the sold-out Fifth Annual Genesis Young Leaders Masquerade on Saturday, February 17, at Sixty Five Hundred. Presented by the Genesis Young Leaders (GYL), a group of young professionals who work to end intimate partner violence through volunteerism, education and community awareness, it raised funds for the women and children of Genesis.

As guests arrived to the premier warehouse venue, they crossed the threshold from the heart of Dallas into a night in the Big Easy. The room was softly lit with New Orleans-style lanterns and strings of fairy lights. Park benches perched amid a spring garden of white hydrangeas and lush green hedges. A woman atop a giant tricycle served champagne in the French Quarter, amid colorful tiers of macaroons, sponsored by Hazen And Co. Food Glorious Food Catering provided hors d’oeuvres like Cajun chicken and Andouille Skewers, mini Muffaletta sandwiches, jambalaya served over Creole rice and warm New Orleans-Style beignets topped with powdered sugar. Guests sipped on signature drinks like the Masquerade Mule and the Whimsical Whiskey courtesy of Absolut.

The Project Band performed live music from Frank Sinatra to The Black Eyed Peas and everything in between. While many of the more than 700 guests in elegant gowns and tuxedos donned sparking masquerade masks and moved to the dance floor with Kirstin leading the conga line, others headed to the casino tables to play black jack and craps. As the chips multiplied, the lucky winners turned them into raffle tickets to win prizes including 250,000 Hilton Honors points, 12 months of gift cards to the best Dallas restaurants and a VIP valet pass to NorthPark Center for a year.

The Project Band*

Genesis Women’s Shelter CEO Jan Langbein thanked GYL Board Presidents Jenny and Dan Harris and all of the general members for planning such a spectacular evening. Platinum Sponsors for the event included Jackson Durham, Locke Lord, Perch Event Décor, and Sewell Automotive Companies. Genesis Senior Director of Fund and Community Development Bianca Jackson told the liberating story of a client who came to Genesis and realized everything her abuser had told her had been a lie. Inspired attendees were invited to text-to give to help spell out “Genesis” at the light wall, where each light bulb represented a $100 donation that will help women and children create the abuse-free lives they deserve.

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction packages like an Austin weekend-getaway for a UT game or a stay-cation at the Rosewood Mansion for a Sam Smith concert. For a fun surprise, guests participated in a designer jewelry pull to win Kendra Scott necklaces, Tory Burch watches and Julie Vos earrings and bracelets. In the VIP Quarter, special guests enjoyed the lounge area with mixed drinks made with Mighty Swell spritzers. Toward the end of the night, servers passed cheeseburger sliders with tiny matchstick fries.

* Photo provided by Genesis Women's Shelter

St. Patrick’s Day Parade And Festival*

After recovering from the daylight saving time adjustment this past weekend, there’s another challenge this weekend for those living on the east side of “the pond (i.e. Central Expressway).” The backbone of East Dallas roads known as Greenville Avenue will be flooded with green. People, floats and pets will be fill the roadway starting early in the morning for the 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade And Festival presented by the Dallas Mavericks.

To prepare for the expected crowd of 125,000+, the more than 90 floats and local son/actor Burton Gilliam as the grand marshal, organizers, city workers and beer trucks will begin preparing for the tsunami starting Friday afternoon with portable toilets, barriers and “refreshments.”

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival (File photo)

Oldtimers know that if they have any errands or business in the upper Greenville Avenue area from Blackwell to Yale/SMU Boulevard, they’d better plan on getting it done Friday morning.

On the other hand, for those who love to party and have worked on their tans over spring break, consider walking, cycling, Ubering or DARTing to the area. Parking is gonna be scarce.

BTW, proceeds from the fun fest will “support GAABA Scholarship Fund. More than $115,000 in scholarship money has been awarded to Dallas ISD students.”

* Graphic courtesy of St. Patrick's Day Parade And Festival

There are times when people come together and part with things that are dear to them. But they also know those “things” have a greater purpose than being “belonged.” An example of this people-giving-to-strangers was the recent Comerica Prom Dress Drive. 

Comerica Prom Dress Drive*

The shout-out was made that five Dallas-area Comerica banking centers would be the “drop zone” for new or gently-used, formal dresses and accessories for the youngsters at Dallas CASA and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas, who will be attending proms in the months ahead.

Thanks to the generosity of North Texans, 1,230 dresses were donated.

So, now what?

Earlier this month, the member of the Comerica North Texas Women’s Forum “helped prepare for Dallas CASA’s private shopping event, hosted by the Children’s Council.”

On Monday the Forum members set up a prom dress boutique for a shopping experience this afternoon for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.

If you donated to this special occasion, you may be shedding a tear or two for that sweetheart gown that scored compliments way back when. But just think. It’s probably going to do the same for a young lady in the weeks to come.

* Graphic provided by Comerica North Texas

Giving their tuxedos and flowing gowns the night off, the Dallas Museum of Art‘s DMA Speakeasy guests donned spats and showed plenty of knees for the DMA fundraiser on Saturday, February 24. For one party-hardy evening the crowd of young professional types relived a bygone era when “booze” was verboten, flappers scandalously danced the night away and jazz babies accompanied bootleggers in their roadsters. Here’s a report from the field:

The Dallas Museum of Art was host to nearly 1,000 guys and dolls dressed to kill in their best Prohibition-era fashions for the second DMA Speakeasy on Saturday, February 24. 

Christine Groffie, Doug and Michelle Norton*

As guests arrived at the sold-out event, on view were period cars provided by Keith Weiss and the Dallas Model A Ford Club, providing the perfect backdrop for photos and selfies. Once inside the Museum’s Hamon Atrium, partygoers were transported to a 1920’s speakeasy courtesy of renowned event designer Todd Fiscus. 

Band*

Guests mingled and sipped signature cocktails, including The Outlaw featuring Calamity Gin, Old Fashioned with Title 21 rye, a Nue vodka Watermelon Mule and Roxor Gin’s Rox & Razz, while enjoying the big band sounds of the 18-piece band, the Singpaore Slingers.  Professional dancers from The Rhythm Room showcased their dance moves and provided instruction on the Charleston, the Lindy Hop and fox-trot. Those not cutting a rug enjoyed the gaming tables, and vamping it up at one of the two photo booths sponsored by CultureMap, and then posting their mugs on social media with the dedicated #DMAspeakeasy. For movie buffs, the 1974 classic, “The Great Gatsby” featuring Mia Farrow and Robert Redford, was playing in the Horchow Auditorium. 

Evan Kalstad and Lauren Coe*

Omar Brown and Venita Davis*

Anna Sorenson, Elaine Scarborough, Kali Christenson and Shannon Carl*

Louisa Liu and Davis Zhang*

Hannah Humphrey and Courtney Lewis*

For something to nosh on, a cocktail buffet featured gourmet sandwiches and wraps such as crispy chicken biscuit with honey mustard, roasted vegetables on a Hoagie roll with sun dried tomato pesto, beef fajita wrap with jalapeno aioli, Monterrey jack cheese, grilled peppers and onions, tomato and goat cheese toast with balsamic glaze and Green Goddess veggie cup with baby carrot, celery, cucumber, broccoli and cherry tomato as well as desserts of lemon squares, mini s’mores brownies and strawberry shortcake on a stick. 

Caitlin Hebert*

The Bootlegger’s Lounge provided a perfect hideaway for VIP’s with craft cocktails, tunes by DJ Blake Ward, dedicated dancers from The Rhythm Room and private gaming tables. The cocktail buffet included sweet and savory bites such as deviled egg salad toast with smoked salmon and avocado aioli, olive tapenade and goat cheese tart with tarragon pesto, honey roasted turkey and cranberry mayo on a corn bread muffin, oven roasted beef tenderloin on brioche with caramelized onions and house steak sauce, roasted potato and chive crème fraiche with crisp prosciutto, raspberry tarts, candied orange crème brule and chocolate soup and port -raised strawberries with puffed pastry croutons. 

To encourage partygoers to enjoy the Museum’s permanent collection, the “Track the Bootleggers” scavenger hunt led guests throughout the Level 4 galleries searching for images that harken back to the 1920’s and early 30’s in the vast collection of American art. Using a map featuring Prohibition-era facts as clues, participants snapped photos as they tracked down the bootleggers. Upon completion, they shared their photo forensics to collect a sheriff’s badge. 

Jonathan Smith and Kevin Donovan*

Mid-way through the evening attendees gathered at the main stage for the announcement of the winners of the costume contest.  Contest judge and celebrity blogger Lily Kramlick-Taylor from Dallasites101 presented “Best Flapper” to Caitlin Hebert; “Best Dapper Dan” to Jeff Brown and “Best Couple” to Jonathan Smith and Kevin Donovan. Each winner received a bottle of Ruinart champagne. 

As the Singapore Slingers played their last song, partygoers gathered once more for the announcement of the winners of six fabulous raffle prizes:  

• The Joule Hotel and Midnight Rambler Package: a one night get-away in deluxe accommodations at The Joule Hotel with complimentary overnight valet parking and a $75 gift card to Commissary and a $100 gift card for food and beverage at the premier craft cocktail bar, the Midnight Rambler.  
• Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck Dinner Package:  enjoy a lavish five course chef’s tasting menu for two at one of Dallas’ finest restaurants while enjoying a 360° view of Dallas.
• Celebrate the Repeal with a fully stocked bar:  Party-sized ice bucket filled to the brim with premium labels.
• Arts & Letters LiveVIP Package for Tuesday, March 6, featuring Peabody and Emmy-award winning journalist and producer Maria Shriver as she shares insight into the wisdom gleaned through her life’s journey in her latest book, I’ve Been Thinking…: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life.
• Arts & Letters Live VIP package#2 for Friday, April 6, with Lidia Bastianich, best selling cookbook author, beloved television personality, and successful restaurateur.  Includes reserved front section seating for two and a hard-cover signed copy of My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family and Food.
• Two Tickets to the Turnpike Troubadours at the Verizon Theater on Friday, March 2.

Speakeasy dancers*

Following, partygoers danced the night away as DJ Derek Lynn provided the vibe until the party came to an end.  

* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron 

Since 1918 when little Hope Watson Rohr was one of the first babies to find refuge at Hope Cottage, the organization has been working for decades to celebrate 100 years of providing education, counseling and adoption services. Naturally, such a special occasion demands a heck of a lot more than a pizza party and that’s exactly what the Hope Cottage team and the George and Fay Young Foundation have put together.

On Friday, June 1, they’ve arranged to have an evening of dining and dancing at Lakewood Country Club in East Dallas for everyone — those who adopted; those who were adopted; those who just wanted to attend a Centenial Celebratation.

Over those 100 years, Hope Cottage has grown with the city of Dallas making it not only “Dallas’ oldest nonprofit, secular adoption agency, but also one of United Way Metropolitan Dallas’ original seven partner agencies.”

According to Hope Cottage CEO Brooks Quinlan, Hope Cottage today is providing

• Free services to women experiencing a crisis pregnancy
• Parenting preparation for women and families
• Free CEU seminars about adoption to the professional and lay community and
• Character education on the harsh realities of being a teen parent, good decision-making and healthy relationships to more than 5,000 teens annually.

While Hope Cottage has been known for its work with munchkins, this birthday hoop-la is gonna be an adults-only affair. So, get your tickets ($100 per person and tables going for $1,000) and then line up your babysitter because this one is grown ups only. Sorry, kiddos.

* Photo provided by Hope Cottage