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It was just 30 years ago that art-loving entrepreneur Ray Nasher added a new twist to his Business Council for the Arts. It was called the Obelisk Awards that would “recognize companies and leaders in business and the arts for their invaluable contributions supporting the arts and culture in North Texas.”

Word just arrived about plans for the 30^th anniversary Obelisk Awards Luncheon that is being chaired by Victoria and Hunter McGrath. It will be held at Belo Mansion on Friday, November 16, with Ray’s daughter Nancy Nasher and her husband David Haemisegger serving as honorary co-chairs.

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According to BCA Board of Directors Chair Rick Del Monte, “When we reflect on Obelisk Award honorees of the last three decades, collectively they provide a rich history of the corporate art patronage that has made Dallas-Fort Worth one of the most vibrant cultural centers in the nation. During our 30^th anniversary year, we are proud to continue our tradition of celebrating businesses and individuals who are advancing the arts today.”

But what’s an awards celebration without awardees? That’s why the shout-out has been made for nominations to be submitted. They may be made by any individual, organization, business or group, but they have to be in by Wednesday, May 2. The submission forms are here!

The award categories include:

For businesses:

• The New Initiatives Award recognizes businesses for supporting an innovative arts/cultural program created within the past three years. Awards are given to one large, medium and small business each.
• The Arts Partnerships Award recognizes businesses that have provided sustained support to an arts/cultural organization for three or more years. Awards are given to one large, medium and small business each. A business may only win the Arts Partnership Award once every two years.
• The Arts Education Award recognizes one outstanding business for its support of arts education programs.

For individual business leaders:

• The Business Champion for the Arts Award recognizes long-term leadership and commitment to arts/culture by a business executive (president, CEO, partner).
• The Outstanding Leadership Arts Alumnus Award recognizes outstanding board leadership and commitment by a graduate of the Leadership Arts Institute.

For individual arts/cultural leaders:

• The Visionary Nonprofit Arts Leader Award recognizes an arts leader who has consistently demonstrated vision, impact, innovation, and successful alignment with business and community partners throughout their tenure.

For nonprofit arts/cultural organizations:

• The Distinguished Cultural Organization Award is given by Neiman Marcus to recognize one outstanding nonprofit organization for a project or program that has enhanced the community through partnership with a business.

Remember, time’s a-wastin. So get those nominations in before the May 2 deadline.

* Photo provided by Business Council for the Arts

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There’s a brand new event on the horizon. Relax. You don’t need to worry about squeezing another one onto your April-May dance card. It’s not until Saturday, October 13, when the folks at Meadows Museum and SMU launch the inaugural fundraiser MasterPiece Gala 2018.

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Not only is the date wide open at this time, it also “coincides with the much-anticipated exhibition “Dali: Poetics of the Small, 1929-1936” that will be on exhibition at the Meadows Museum from Sunday, September 9, through Sunday, December 9. The showing will include “nearly two dozen of Dali’s small-scale paintings from the height of his surrealist period.”

Inspired by the Dali exhibition, Gala Chair Pilar Henry along with Honorary Co-Chairs Peggy and Carl Sewell have tapped the evening as “The Color of Dreams” with floral designer Margaret Ryder in charge of the décor.

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And what an evening it will be with cocktails on the Museum’s plaza with dance performances by SMU students. Afterwards guests will move into the Museum for a seated dinner created by Cassandra Fine Catering that will be followed by “an exclusive musical performance, a dessert buffet, live music by Cuvee and dancing.

Monies from the black tie soiree will “launch an endowment fund for the Museum’s Director of Education position ensuring strong leadership of the museum’s education and outreach efforts in perpetuity, establishing a healthy financial base from which to recruit and retain the highest-quality staff and allowing the Museum to direct more resources toward its exception programming endeavors.”

Since individual tickets won’t go on sale until September, now is the time to get those sponsorship and underwriting opportunities locked down.

* Photo provided by Meadows Museum

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Blonde Kim Hext is a busy gal. In addition to co-chairing the Zoo To Do this fall with her husband Greg Hext, Dallas Symphony Orchestra League President Mari Epperson has managed to get her to chair the DSOL’s Savor The Symphony on Thursday, May 3.

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Now, don’t go getting Savor The Symphony confused with Savor or Symphony of Chefs. This three-course, wine-paired dinner at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas will also include a performance with Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Pops Conductor/Grammy Award Winner Jeff Tyzik, soprano Camille Zamora and dancers from Tango Caliente.

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For honorary co-chairs, Kim tapped fellow Zoo To Do supporters Diane and Hal Brierley.

According to Kim, “Diane and Hal Brierley are true art enthusiasts. Their longtime support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as well as the arts community in Dallas is to be applauded. I am truly honored they are serving as this year’s honorary co-chairs for Savor the Symphony.”

Sponsorships start at $2,500, while underwriting tickets with patron benefits range from $350 to $500. Individual tickets are going for $250, but they just might be gone by now.

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After a thorough vetting of 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.

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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 serve 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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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

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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.”

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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

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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. 

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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

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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

* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron 

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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.

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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

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It was just 30 years ago that art-loving entrepreneur Ray Nasher added a new twist to his Business Council for the Arts. It was called the Obelisk Awards that would “recognize companies and leaders in business and the arts for their invaluable contributions supporting the arts and culture in North Texas.”

Word just arrived about plans for the 30^th anniversary Obelisk Awards Luncheon that is being chaired by Victoria and Hunter McGrath. It will be held at Belo Mansion on Friday, November 16, with Ray’s daughter Nancy Nasher and her husband David Haemisegger serving as honorary co-chairs.

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According to BCA Board of Directors Chair Rick Del Monte, “When we reflect on Obelisk Award honorees of the last three decades, collectively they provide a rich history of the corporate art patronage that has made Dallas-Fort Worth one of the most vibrant cultural centers in the nation. During our 30^th anniversary year, we are proud to continue our tradition of celebrating businesses and individuals who are advancing the arts today.”

But what’s an awards celebration without awardees? That’s why the shout-out has been made for nominations to be submitted. They may be made by any individual, organization, business or group, but they have to be in by Wednesday, May 2. The submission forms are here!

The award categories include:

For businesses:

• The New Initiatives Award recognizes businesses for supporting an innovative arts/cultural program created within the past three years. Awards are given to one large, medium and small business each.
• The Arts Partnerships Award recognizes businesses that have provided sustained support to an arts/cultural organization for three or more years. Awards are given to one large, medium and small business each. A business may only win the Arts Partnership Award once every two years.
• The Arts Education Award recognizes one outstanding business for its support of arts education programs.

For individual business leaders:

• The Business Champion for the Arts Award recognizes long-term leadership and commitment to arts/culture by a business executive (president, CEO, partner).
• The Outstanding Leadership Arts Alumnus Award recognizes outstanding board leadership and commitment by a graduate of the Leadership Arts Institute.

For individual arts/cultural leaders:

• The Visionary Nonprofit Arts Leader Award recognizes an arts leader who has consistently demonstrated vision, impact, innovation, and successful alignment with business and community partners throughout their tenure.

For nonprofit arts/cultural organizations:

• The Distinguished Cultural Organization Award is given by Neiman Marcus to recognize one outstanding nonprofit organization for a project or program that has enhanced the community through partnership with a business.

Remember, time’s a-wastin. So get those nominations in before the May 2 deadline.

* Photo provided by Business Council for the Arts

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There’s a brand new event on the horizon. Relax. You don’t need to worry about squeezing another one onto your April-May dance card. It’s not until Saturday, October 13, when the folks at Meadows Museum and SMU launch the inaugural fundraiser MasterPiece Gala 2018.

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Not only is the date wide open at this time, it also “coincides with the much-anticipated exhibition “Dali: Poetics of the Small, 1929-1936” that will be on exhibition at the Meadows Museum from Sunday, September 9, through Sunday, December 9. The showing will include “nearly two dozen of Dali’s small-scale paintings from the height of his surrealist period.”

Inspired by the Dali exhibition, Gala Chair Pilar Henry along with Honorary Co-Chairs Peggy and Carl Sewell have tapped the evening as “The Color of Dreams” with floral designer Margaret Ryder in charge of the décor.

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And what an evening it will be with cocktails on the Museum’s plaza with dance performances by SMU students. Afterwards guests will move into the Museum for a seated dinner created by Cassandra Fine Catering that will be followed by “an exclusive musical performance, a dessert buffet, live music by Cuvee and dancing.

Monies from the black tie soiree will “launch an endowment fund for the Museum’s Director of Education position ensuring strong leadership of the museum’s education and outreach efforts in perpetuity, establishing a healthy financial base from which to recruit and retain the highest-quality staff and allowing the Museum to direct more resources toward its exception programming endeavors.”

Since individual tickets won’t go on sale until September, now is the time to get those sponsorship and underwriting opportunities locked down.

* Photo provided by Meadows Museum

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Blonde Kim Hext is a busy gal. In addition to co-chairing the Zoo To Do this fall with her husband Greg Hext, Dallas Symphony Orchestra League President Mari Epperson has managed to get her to chair the DSOL’s Savor The Symphony on Thursday, May 3.

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Now, don’t go getting Savor The Symphony confused with Savor or Symphony of Chefs. This three-course, wine-paired dinner at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas will also include a performance with Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Pops Conductor/Grammy Award Winner Jeff Tyzik, soprano Camille Zamora and dancers from Tango Caliente.

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For honorary co-chairs, Kim tapped fellow Zoo To Do supporters Diane and Hal Brierley.

According to Kim, “Diane and Hal Brierley are true art enthusiasts. Their longtime support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as well as the arts community in Dallas is to be applauded. I am truly honored they are serving as this year’s honorary co-chairs for Savor the Symphony.”

Sponsorships start at $2,500, while underwriting tickets with patron benefits range from $350 to $500. Individual tickets are going for $250, but they just might be gone by now.

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It was 30 years after Conrad Hilton opened his legendary Statler Hilton Hotel that Aware took up the battle against Alzheimer’s in 1989. So, Aware President Venise Stuart and Aware Affair Co-Chairs Jolie Humphrey and Josey Kennington picked the revitalized Statler for their annual fundraiser on Friday, April 13.

And fitting the earlier life of The Statler, they arranged to have a couple of llamas on hand like their predecessor Llinda Lee Llama did back in the ’50s.

While the party raised the roof and funds, the valet parking raised some to wonder if they should have checked in for the night. Here’s a report from the field:

Guests were truly surprised at the opportunity to take selfies and have photo ops with llamas representing former Hollywood and Broadway star Llinda Lee Llama at the Aware Affair “Celebrate the Moments – A Modern American Evening” at the newly renovated Statler. The legendary Llinda Lee Llama was the famous llama that stayed for two weeks at the former Hilton Hotel by owner Conrad Hilton during the 1959 Neiman Marcus Fortnight. There is even a statue by Brad Oldham commemorating her status as a cultural ambassador in The Statler’s rooftop pool/spa area.

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Gala chairs Jolie Humphrey and Josey Kennington took the celebration a step further with the JoJo signature cocktail mixed with a special recipe including Elderflower liqueur from donor Glass vodka in a commemorative brass cup. It was so popular, it sold out early in the evening.

Guests like Stacey and Charles Angel, Janet and Jack Broyles, Carla and Pat Hrncir, Bart Humphrey, Craig Kennington, Chris and Clark Kennington, Evelyn Ponder, Dyann Skelton, Therese and Chris Rourk, Carol Stabler, Larry Stuart, Sharon Walker and Penny Reid and Thomas Nolan mingled and bidding was competitive on the fabulous silent auction items accompanied by musicians from the trio L’Aquestra. Aware president, Venise Stuart welcomed the crowd and introduced Rev. Nicole Bates from Westminster Presbyterian Church for the invocation.

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The savory three-course dinner included a first course of profound microgreens and a second course of NY strip with a Szechuan steak sauce and poached shrimp with mushroom trio. The supper was finished off with individual dessert plates of cream puffs, smoked chocolate ganache brownies and pumpkin cheesecake.

Emcee Ron Corning began the evening welcoming everyone, thanking underwriters and introducing Honorary Co-Chairs Kim and David McDavid Jr. An emotional video was shown about her being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. The McDavids were joined on stage by Jolie and Josey, who presented them with a lovely crystal host gift.

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Gifts were also presented to Whitney Taylor Long, Patrick Mancenido and Haili Rumsey, who represented honorees BvB Dallas, the powder-puff football game and fundraiser young professionals support group for their efforts over the past nine years raising over $3.5 million and recruiting over 1,000 volunteers to help with Alzheimer’s research and care in North Texas.

Honoring the memory of Frances B. Chantilis, the chairs were joined by her family, Cheryl and Sam Chantilis, M.D. and Stephanie and Bennie Bray.

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In announcing the awards, a video shared the story of Amy Osler, the namesake of the Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award that is given to an Aware member who has demonstrated a high level of leadership in educating members and the general public about Aware, its mission and Alzheimer’s disease. Amy became involved with Aware a few years ago shortly after she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Amy has used her public speaking background and her story to help bring about awareness of this horrible disease. Joined by her husband Greg Osler, Amy presented Holly Hull Miori with the 2018 Award.

Recognition was also given to the Myrna D. Schlegel/AWARE Scholarship Fund, which for over two decades has awarded scholarships to nursing students from Baylor and Texas Women’s University to further their studies in the field of gerontology, especially dementia. This year’s recipients were Nora Drutz-Rogney of Baylor University and Lindsay Ross of Texas Christian University.

Special thanks was also given to Patron Party hosts D’Andra Simmons Lock and Jeremy Lock for opening up their wonderful home to underwriters just a few days earlier.

One of the highlighted of the live auction was David McDavid Jr., who auctioned off his purple jacket, the signature color representing Alzheimer’s Awareness.

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Membership in Aware is open to the public and more information is available by visiting the website at AwareDallas.org

2018 Aware Grant Recipients are: Baylor Health Care System Foundation, Center for BrainHealth’s Discovery Group, Dallas Museum of Art, Jewish Family Service, Juliette Fowler Communities, NorthPark Presbyterian Church’s Casa de Vida, Texas Winds Musical Outreach, Presbyterian Communities And Services Foundation, The Senior Source’s Senior Companions, UT Southwestern Medical Center, The Myrna D. Schlegel Aware Scholarship Fund.

Unfortunately, the fun times slowed down when guests picked up their cars for the ride home. Despite the evening’s program telling guests,

Prior to departing tonight, be sure to text valet for your car. Please allow a minimum of 10 minutes for car retrieval. See your valet ticket for details.”

For some that 10 minutes last more than a half hour. Perhaps they should have hitched a ride on one the llamas or just checked in for the night.

* Photo credit: Dana Driensky and Matthew Shelley

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Surrounded by bootleggers and baubled babes, Equest Development Director Christine Volkmer looked downright relieved on Friday, April 20. For the first time in recent years, she wasn’t worried about having guests bused to Texas Horse Park or having to face torrential storms. The decision was made to hold the raise-the-roof Equest Gala fundraiser at The Bomb Factory.

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And as unsettling as it may have been for some to be partying in the former plant birthing bombs, Equest Ambassadors Cisco and Dare amazed one and all, like Rob Bertino and Patricia Generes, on how chill the miniature horses were. One insider nudged another claiming that the ponies with feathers placed between their ears were perfectly happy concentrating on their buckets of hay.

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And the little horses fit right in with their attire since the “Equest After Dark Gala” invite had suggested cocktail, modern or vintage. While some of the guests like Kumar Vinnakota, Kathy and Michael DeLano and Beth and Chuck Thoele played it safe in cocktail attire, others like Equest Founder Susan Schwartz, Equest CEO Lili Kellogg, Floyd Crews, Gianna Millares and Lara Vinnakota went whole hog in clothes that would have made Al Capone feel right at home.

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Leading the charge for the look of the night of babes, bids and booze were Event Co-Chairs Susan and Jon Farrier and Honorary Co-Chairs Sue and Ben Casey.

Schmoozing around were Pat and Charles McEvoy, Lynn and Allan McBee (he’s appearing in his fourth performance for The Dallas Opera), Etro’s Melinda Rathke, Cartier’s Bora Song and Denny Carreker, who despite his business suit look was accompanied by his jazz babies wife Connie Carreker, Brook Carreker and Stephanie Anderson.

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The place was buzzing for the first hours as guests checked out the rows of silent auction items, the “Wheel of Fortune” and the bathtub sans gin. Then curtains were pulled back and the dining room was revealed for the three-course dinner. To keep up the night’s festivities, there was a dance floor where Arthur Murray dancers performed, a stage with emcee Jocelyn White and auctioneer Wes Pool getting the bids in for the live auction packages.

Afterwards, the night only continued with an after-party celebration that had the dance floor filled thanks to Emerald City.

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Mother Nature played hardball with North Texas fundraisers on Saturday, April 21. Like a tease, she threatened showers, hail and end-of-the-world conditions that had back-up plans kicking into play. All day the clouds hovered, and still no deluge. Then the weather radar boded a dumping right around the time that most of the big deal events were to take place.

Over at the Dallas Museum of Art, the 2018 Art Ball’s “Horizon: Now. New. Next” organizers were shoring up for a predicted download of the west stuff. Throughout the day the Todd Fiscus crew had transformed the open-air terrace leading from the North Harwood curb to the tented dining room into an enclosed reception area. Poor old Mark di Suvero’s “Ave” sculpture was left out in the elements as party guests cocktailed and eyed the live auction items in the polished shoulder-to-shoulder cocktail reception.

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Regardless of the weather, Art Ball Chair Rebecca Fletcher and the Art Ball team had decided to shake things up a bit with the arrival spot situated halfway between the Flora Street entrance and Ross. To make it from the curb to the terrace level, a stairway was built. On paper it probably was stellar. But for the ladies in stilettos and sweeping gowns, it was a bit challenging. Why, shoot! Just trying to make it from the vehicles to the sidewalk proved a challenge for some like Yvette Ostolaza, who gave thanks to the Jack Boles valets who were johnny-on-the-spot to replace her dropped-off heel.

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Fashion note: For those who only read for fashions, Chair Rebecca was doing a bare half-shoulder thanks to Nardos…DMA Board of Trustees Chair Melissa Fetter was in a Calvin Klein pants suit… With hair pulled back, DMA Board of Trustees President Catherine Rose wore a Roksanda Illincic … Lisa Cooley went contemporary in a black jumpsuit with a full-length cape over one shoulder and a light blue sash at the waist by Michael Faircloth… Shelle Sills was in a Lanvin coat … Georgina Hartland was sparkling in Valentino.

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And the gents held their own in the looky-looky department. Clay Cooley was sporting Texas flags studs and his buddy Ben Lange opted for the all-in-black Johnny Cash formal look… Ceron was a standout in an Alexander McQueen jacket…Trevor Fetter was in Paul Stuart… Jo Staffelbach Heinz was in Lanvin black, while husband Andre Staffelbach was in Zegna, but that wasn’t the original plan. While in Switzerland, Jo had sent Andre to the Tom Ford shop, where her narrow-as-a-cucumber hubby tried on a tuxedo that was too tight for breathing. When asked for a larger size, the staff said, “Sorry.” No problem; Zegna accommodated him.

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So typical for the Art Ball, there was a touch of OMG factor in the sold-out crowd of 500, which also included the likes of Matrice and Ron Kirk, Micki and Mike Rawlings, Robbie Briggs, Brad Kell with Joanne Cassullo, Kelli and Allen Questrom, Tom Dunning, Ciara Cooley with Jake Fraze, Bela and Chase Cooley, Jan Miller and Jeff Rich, Lynn McBee with Nick Even, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, Bess and Ted Enloe, Sharon and Michael Young, Wendy and Jeremy Strick, Lisa and John Runyon, Laura and Walter Elcock, Claire and Brian Gogel, Elaine Agather, Robert Hallam, DMA Board of Trustees VP Shonn and Clarence Brown, Merry and Chad Vose, Mimi Sterling, Kevin Hurst, Lee Ann Laughlin, Clarice Tinsley and Stephen Giles, Carol and Don Glendenning, Jennifer and John Eagle, Moll and Charles Anderson, Deedie Rose, Craig Hall, Jennifer and Tom Karol, Richard and Liz Naftalis, Jessica Nowitzki, Sarah and Ross Perot Jr., Mary McDermott Cook and Dan Patterson. In this case, it was the new head of Neiman Marcus, CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck and interior designer extraordinaire Alvise Orsini. Word has it that they’re looking for a home in the Preston Hollow neighborhood, and “they love Dallas.” The duo surprised organizers by bringing along their buddy Filippo Tattoni-Marcozz.

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Just as it seemed that not one more skinny guest could fit in, the doors opened to the tent with orange-clad dining-room tables surrounding a dance floor and fronted by a stage with mammoth screens showcasing whimsical dancers and a virtual “Salvador Dallas” character serving as the evening’s ringmaster. He was like a very toned down “Moulin Rouge!” Harold Zidler. Perhaps it was his accent or the guests just having a grand time, but it took more than a couple or three requests to get the attention of the guests. Perhaps subtitles might have been helpful?

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The crowd finally settle down when DMA Eugene McDermott Director Agustin Arteaga appeared on the screen in a pre-recorded video thanking Rebecca for her leadership and the guests for their support of the DMA and its programs. Luckily, his accent was easier to understand. He was followed by Catherine Rose, who also thanked Rebecca and acknowledged the sponsors and Live Auction Co-Chairs Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum.

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Then the first course (Sous vide sakura pork belly carbonara, tagliatelle pasta, spinach, English peas and tomatoes) was presented followed by the entree (pan roasted loup de mer, petrossian caviar, Romanesco, purple and orange cauliflower) and a dessert  of caramelia chocolate mousse, candy apple, salted yogurt and peanut brittle.

After more than an hour of wining, dining, chatting and being entertained by Quixotic, it was time for the live auction with Christie’s Americas President Brook Hazelton refereeing a bidding battle for the nine luxury packages surpassing the $340,000 mark.

With the wisdom of Solomon and thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Brook pulled off a couple of sweetheart deals. When he had two guests offering $12,00 for the Bullion dinner for eight, he came up with packages for both. Ah, but that was just the warm up for what he did with the trip for five couples to the Abu Dhabi Art Fair in the United Arab Emirates from November 11 to 18. Like a tennis tournament, guests were turning heads as two bidders raised their offers until it hit a whopping $89,000 each. Once again Brook pulled the “rabbit out of his hat,” resulting in both bidders being satisfied. Needless to say, Agustin is going to be very busy. He’s slated to be the tour guide for the now ten couples.

To celebrate the gangbuster, an after-party commenced with DJ Valida in charge. One poor guest, who had experienced a fall from her chair earlier in the evening, did a repeat landing on the dance floor. Luckily, it produced no broken bones, just a bruised ego.

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Tanya McDonald’s right hand is probably in rehab after a two-day letter signing effort. She wanted to get the word out before people head out of town for the summer about the 2018 Mission Ole benefiting Trinity River Mission. Luckily, she wasn’t alone in applying the John/Joan Hancocks to the letters. Folks like Brandon Jones and Grant Laughlin settled down in the McDonald’s dining room with its beautiful handscraped floors and fabulous paints to tackle the stacks of letters.

The letters should be hitting mailboxes this week. If you haven’t gotten yours, here’s the lowdown — Tanya and husband Ken McDonald are co-chairing with Honorary Co-Chairs Adrienne and Dan Strodel the 19^th Annual Mission Ole that will be returning to Chicken Scratch and The Foundry. But instead of preceding Halloween like years past, this year’s Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) will take place on Saturday, November 3.

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The night will be festive to say the least with guests in painted faces, loads of food and drinks from Chicken Scratch and Smoke, live music, outdoor fire pits and mariachis. It’s a night that means leaving the tuxedoes and couture gowns in the closets along with the stilettoes. Instead it’s a perfect time to show off everything from dreamy denims to ever-fashionable long vests.

This event is Trinity River Mission’s biggest fundraiser for “the volunteered-based community learning center in West Dallas serving over 570 disadvantaged children, teens and their families.”

If you haven’t gotten your letter, don’t sit by the mailbox. Go ahead and get your sponsorship and reservations ASAP. And just if you want to talk to a real, live person, contact Stephanie Sierra at 214.744.6774, Ext. 109.

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With the sun setting in the west and the traffic crammed on Woodall Rodgers headed toward the sunset, the Dallas Summer Musical friends and funders were in the cool confines of Museum Tower high rise to hear about the “talent trifecta” that will be on stage at the Music Hall at Fair Park on Saturday, November 3.

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2018 DSM Gala Co-Chairs John Clutts and Cara Owens with DSM President Ken Novice revealed that unlike other venues that have a big-star entertainer, they’re opting for different approach. They’re gathering a team of well-known talents.

Serving as emcee for the evening will be ever-entertaining, award-winning Jane Lynch as emcee and former “Glee” cast mate Matthew Morrison along with show-stopping Broadway baby Shoshana Bean as the featured entertainment.

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Ah, but Ken had a card still up his sleeve in revealing that a fourth person would be on stage the night of the fundraiser. Only problem? Their identity would not be revealed until they took the boards that night.

Ken did provide a hint that the mysterious unknown would be part of the upcoming Tony’s this Sunday.

Yipes! Evidently Ken’s “hint” didn’t make it to the scribes putting together the announcement release that was handed out. It read,

“Surprise special guests, to be announced at a later date, will join the star-studded lineup for a spectacular evening of Broadway.”

Oh, well, that’s show biz.

*Photo credit: Jake Bailey 
**Photo credit: Christian Rios 
***Photo credit: Bradford Rogne

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2018 Zoo To Do (Z2D) Co-Chairs Kim and Greg Hext weren’t going to let the threat of thunder, lightning and hail hold them back last night at the Dallas Zoo. They were bound and determined to share plans for the Zoo’s annual mega fundraiser. And, boy, were there plans.

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This year’s Z2D’s theme is Safari Soirée and it will return to the Dallas Zoo on Saturday, October 13. Also returning will be Honorary Chef Dragonfly Chef Dan Landsberg.

To support the Hexts’ march to money, they’ve arranged to gather past Z2D vets to head up committees like Host Committee Co-Chairs Barbara and Don Daseke; Underwriting Committee members Diane Brierley, Lane Britain, Mike Gruber and Michael Meadows; Live Auction Triumvirate Hal Brierley, Don Glendenning and John Levy; Big Board Chair Cindy Gummer and Chef Wrangler Brett Kraft.

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For the honorary chair, they managed to get Ruth O’Donnell Mutch, who chaired the very first Z2D.

But Kim and Greg have added some new elements to the mix. In addition to the main event from 5:30 to 9 p.m., there will be Zoo To Do 2 | The After Party chaired by Travis Andres from 9 to midnight way past the animals’ bedtime. There will an open bar, live entertainment by The Emerald City All-Stars and “exclusive after-party chefs.”

Still another added feature will be a Chef Hospitality Party on Sunday, September 16, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. that will shine a spotlight on the chefs who will cooking up a storm the night of the fundraiser. Chaired by Ellen Winspear, it will be for the chefs and their families including “an indoor picnic,” special activities and taking in the sights and sounds of the Zoo and its residents.

To handle the silent auction, Kim pulled in newbies to the fundraiser effort including the trio of Jenna Alexander, Nancy Gopez and Roz Colombo. BTW, if you can’t make the fun in person, you’ll be able to bid on silent auction items online.

Sponsorships, underwriting opportunities and tickets are available now.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Dallas will have Sherice Brown and her Heisman Trophy winning/Pro Football Hall of Fame husband Tim Brown as its co-chairs for the 2018 Big Black Tie Ball at the Omni Dallas Hotel on Saturday, October 13.

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According to BBBS of Greater Dallas President Bill Chinn, “Here at Big Brothers Big Sister of Greater Dallas, we love to see Dallas natives like Tim give back to their community in such a meaningful ways. The Browns’ focus on families and children across Dallas aligns well with our mission and we know they will help make the 2018 Big Black Tie Ball one of our best events yet.”

While Tim has a reputation for his award-winning accomplishment in both collegiate and professional football, Sherice has made a name for herself as an author, entrepreneur and founder of Off The Field Players’ Wives Association that “focuses on children’s health and strengthening the family unit.”

Together the Browns, who have been married 20 years, have four kiddos of their own.

As Sherice reported, “We consider it an honor to help more children across the Greater Dallas area fulfill their fullest potential by becoming a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.”

Tickets start at $350 and are available here for a night of dining, dancing, live and silent auctions and “special entertainment.”