Following 2019 Tutu Chic Fashion Show at the Winspear Opera House on Tuesday, December 3, one guest wondered aloud, “Who was that guy with the microphone?”But more about that later.

But before the guests in their stellar stilettos took their place on the Skokos Stage for the Texas Ballet Theater fundraiser, they sipped flutes of champagne in the lobby. While Co-Chair Sunie Solomon looked perfect in pink, Co-Chair Anne Stodghill was in shimmering silver topped with her “baby necklace” courtesy of husband Steve Stodghill, reported her goal was to reflect the event’s equally shimmering invitation. She told Lara Tafel and Joanna Clark that her son, Dash Stodghill, had reviewed the look as “Ice Queen.”

Joanna fessed up that she was tying down the last contract items before announcing the 2020 Chick Life Luncheon speaker. [Editor’s note: The reveal ended up being made on Friday, December 27.] However, hugging Lara, Joanna indicated that Lara and husband Dr. Bob Tafel would be returning as event sponsor for the Community Partners of Texas fundraiser.

SPCA Board Chair Patricia Villareal told Anne Sappington that fundraising efforts were in overdrive with Home for the Holidays at NorthPark and Paws Cause in January. Good thing. Patricia admitted that the SPCA’s rescue efforts had resulted in greater and longer demands than originally expected for the Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center.

But soon the guests like Karla McKinley, Marjon Henderson, Samantha Wortley, Georgina Hartland, Lindsay Jacaman, Lee Bailey, Cindy Rachofsky, Deedie Rose, Lisa Cooley with daughter Ciara Cooley, Tiffany Divis, Marybeth Conlon and Ashley Allen took their places on stage. Immediately the show of dancers performing and modeling Stanley Korshak fashions got underway.

While the reviews ranged from a dance too long and clothes not so spectacular to “OMG! How did they execute that lift?” and “That’s the gown I’ve been looking for.”

Immediately following the finale, the ballerinas lined the stage and were joined by a fellow with mic in hand. He got the live auction going and interjecting snippets of stories about his wife, “Nikki,” and their four kids. While his goal had been to get a total of $20,000, his cajoling and charming the crowd well surpassed that goal.

Who was the guy with the mic? Evidently, Stanley Korshak’s main man, Crawford Brock, was still recovering from a head cold and drafted PR guru Crayton Webb to handle the live auction and that he did to the delight of the bidders and the Texas Ballet Theater troupe.

The post Tutu Chic Live Auction Topped Its Hope-For Goal With Pirouettes, Korshak Fashions And A Rookie Auctioneer appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

It may appear that Cattle Baron’s has returned to Gilley’s on Saturday, February 1, when the place fills up with a couple of thousand in western wear, but look again. The crowd will be way younger, and there will be no adult beverages being served up.

The event will be the 2020 Junior Symphony Ball co-chaired by George Austin of Jesuit, Nancy Dedman of The Hockaday School, Elena Dewar of The Hockaday School, Angelo Drossos of Greenhill, Josie Goosh of Highland Park High School, Claire Groves of Episcopal School of Dallas, Patrick Kelley of Episcopal School of Dallas, Alex Loftus of St. Mark’s School of Texas, Brooke Murray of Ursuline and Doak Walker of Highland Park High School.

The area high schools that are getting together for the fundraiser include Alcuin School, Bishop Lynch, Booker T. Washington, Cambridge, Cistercian, Dallas International School, Episcopal School of Dallas, Greenhill, Highland Park, Hillcrest, The Hockaday School, Jesuit, John Paul II, Lake Highlands, Parish Episcopal, Prince of Peace Christian, Shelton, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Ursuline Academy and Woodrow Wilson.

Like the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation ball on Saturday, February 8, this one also benefits the DSOL. But unlike the very white-tie-and-tails gala at the Meyerson, this one is strictly cowboy formal — Texas tuxes for boys and dresses and boots for girls. In addition to gaming tables and snacks, Dexter will be the featured entertainer on stage.

History note: The Junior Symphony Ball is “the longest running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting DSOL outreach programs such as the Young Strings program and the Young Musicians program.” For those oldtimers who recall the early days of the Junior Symphony Ball, it was an event for which the young guests worked on their dance steps with Dick Chaplin and Miss [Louise] Finley before the big night.

Tickets are available here!

Be forewarned that the doors open at 7:30 p.m. with no admittance after 9 p.m., and a student ID or driver’s license is required for admission. Since there’s gonna be quite a crowd, why not take advantage of one of the area’s ride-sharing services? Also, no alcohol will be allowed on the premises or on the breath. They’ll have a breathalyzer just in case.

Follow the jump to check out who’s on the steering committee.

* Photo credit: James French

Mary Kate Addison, Kerrm Ahsan, Ally Aikman, Jordan Aikman, Mary Grace Altizer, Michael Anderson, Paige Anderson, Zachary Anderson, Alexandra Armer, Burke Arthur, Owen Aston, George Austin, Luke Austin, Wyatt Awtrey, Michael Bagley, Anna Baranski, Jacqueline Barnett, Jack Barton, Lily Baughman, Ramsey Beard, Sydney Bebell, John Beecherl, Philip Beecherl, Hadley Beeson, Ava Berger, Blake Bevans, Bailey Bevans, Sophie Biediger, Gabe Bines, William Blair, Catherine Blaylock, Allison Bleakney, Benjamin Blumenfeld, George Bollman, Graham Bowers, Josh Bowers, Tess Bowers, Cash Bowling, Margaret Bracken, Jackson Breard, Riley Breaux, Parker Brennan, Katie Brodsky, Charlotte Brown, Isabella Bruce, Preston Bulban, Aurore Burgaud, Claire Cahoon, John Callis, Fletcher Calvert, Riley Calvert, Colin Campbell, Emily Caplan, Riley Carter, Campbell Castleman, Will Chance, Ross Chazanow, Caitlin Chiu, Ava Christensen, Callaway Clark, Christian Clark, Kate Clark, James Click, Caroline Cohen, Charlie Cohen, Grayson Coke, Camp Collins, Caroline Collins, Isabella Collins, Jake Connelly, Christopher Cook, Ellis Copley, Amelia Cox, Billy Craft, Ben Croasdale, Trevor Crosnoe, Sarah Crow, Zain Dabbous, Lincoln Dales, Ryan Daniel, Sydney Daniels, Ella Daugherty, Matthew Davis, Morgan Day, Elle de la Garza, Nancy Dedman, Daniele DeMesy, Alyssa Dendle, Elena Dewar, Mason DeYoung, Jade Donahue, Julia Donovan, Dylan Dropkin, Angelo Drossos, Nate Dufilho, Gray Dufilho, Emilye Dullye, Caden Dundon, Dax Dundon, Rylie Dupuis, Ethan Edmundson, Lily Edwards, Arden Eiland, Buck Elliott, Drake Elliott, Taylor Elliott, Charlotte Esping, Ellie Estes, Katherine Grace Estess, Riley Fainter, Ella Fathi, Ellie Feldman, Ava Finn, Kyle Fisher, Maddie Fisher, William Fitzpatrick, Kate Flanagan, Ford Frazar, Luke Gambrell, Sarah Rose Gambrell, Emily Garberding, Preston Gerst, Sydney Ghorayeb, Celese Gierhart, Sabrina Gies, Brendan Goldaber, Owen Goldberg, Paco Gomez-Quinonez, Josie Gooch, Sydney Goodiel, Hayden Goodiel, Noah Gould, Camille Greening, Reese Greenlee, Jake Griffin, Satori Griffith, Elle Grinnell, Gracie Griswold, Claire Groves, Ava Haberer, Kate Haiman, Meredith Hallam, Henry Hallam, Gaston Hallam, Elizabeth Hammett, Katherine Hancock, Grace Handler, Jenna Hansen, Hilary Hansford, Zain Haq, Campbell Harris, Alexandra Hart, Annie Heldman, Lucas Henry, Lola Heyde, Julia Hicks, Aidan Hieber, Matthew Ho, Henry Hobson, Reid Hocker, Rance Holman, Lily Grace Hoodis, Sloane Hope, Taylor Hopkin, Elizabeth Housson, Catherine Housson, Mark Huber, Claudia Hurst, Morgan Hurst, Henry Isom, Lily Jackson, Rhodes Jackson, Luke Jacobs, Lola Jahant, Kirin Jayaseelan, Ashley Jaynes, Baron Johnson, Price Johnson, Ty Johnson, Will Jones, Amanda Jordan, Grace Judin, Julia Katzman, Patrick Kelley, Kaitlin Kelly, Lili Kelly, Sarah Beth Kelton, Margaret Kemp, Mary Warriner Kemp, Mac Kemp, Alex Kidd, Charlie King, Lizzie Kirgis, Wesley Kirtland, Juliet Kirtland, Avery Kisner, Benton Koch, Nicholas Koch, Kylie Koeijmans, Blayn Kraft, Andrew Laczkowski, Grace Lamont, Lauren Leath, Audrey Leigh, Sarah Leonard, Jake Lewis, Emily Lichty, Sophia Lindley, Mason Link, Meg Lochausen, Aubry Loewen, Alex Loftus, Jack Loftus, Sam Long, David Long, Thomas Loose, Noah Love, Kemper Lowry, Will Mallick, Megan Manning, Jackson Marburger, Audrey Martin, Sarah Martin, Emerson Mason, Lily McArdle, David McBee III, Luke McCabe, Ian McCarthy, Ryan McCord, Maura McDowell, Esme McGaughy, Mary Frances McGaughy, Evan McGowan, Max McGuire, Sophie McGuire, Shea McKenzie, Mac McKenzie, Katherine McMahon, Emory Meler, Ben Meyer, Margot Meyer, Abby Meyers, Ryan Michlewicz, Erika Michlewicz, Grace Middendorf, Genevieve Minnis, Sofia Molina, Blake Molthan, Luke Mooty, Val Mooty, Sarah Morrow, Rachel Morrow, Kate Morsbach, Preston Morway, Elizabeth Moss, Crawford Mulligan, Madison Muncy, Brooke Murray, Arrington Nelson, Ava Nelson, Finley Nelson, Day Nettle, Lillian Nettle, Grace Newhouse, Brooke Norman, Oliver Nunez, Peter Orsak, Kate Owen, Reese Owen, Max Palys, Jacob Payne, Will Pechersky, Abbie Penn, Olivia Peracchi, Lauren Pettle, Andrew Pfaff, Lydia Pigott, Peyton Plumlee, Jose’ Portela III, Eddie Raj, Mina Raj, Mary Margaret Ramey, Kathan Ramnath, Truett Ramsey, Katie Reynolds, Jack Rich, Margaret Rickman, Cecilia Riley, Lucy Roberts, Anna Robinowitz, Jake Robinowitz, Kai Robinson, Will Rocchio, John Rochon, Mac Rodvold, Elizabeth Roosevelt, Charlie Rose, Jack Rose, Anne Rubi, Dylan Rubin, William Rudnicki, Adam Russell, Austin Russell, Evan Russell, Daniel Sanchez, Kathryn Sands, Courtenay Sands, Caroline Sasso, Georgia Sasso, Case Savage, Hannah Scheel, Anna Schindel, Sarah Schmit, Sasha Schwimmer, Jack Scott, Paxton Scott, Lilly Sealy, Mary Margaret Sell, Robert Sell, Garrett Seymour, Christian Shadle, Emma Sibley, Harrison Siegel, Sophia Sinacola, Caroline Singleton, Carlie Small, Ben Smith, Hadley Smith, Sarah Smith, Caroline Smith, Sophie Smythe, Emma Sochia, Piper Soetenga, Dabney Spraker, Annie Stockard, Sam Suarez, Kathryn Sullivan, KK Swango, Abbey Swartzwelder, Emma Sweeney, Caroline Syler, Luke Szczepanski, Lydia Szuwalski, Caroline Teegarden, Kate Thomason, Ava Thompson, Elizabeth Thompson, Aaron Thorne, Payton Thurman, Lauren Tollison, Jack Trahan, CeCe Tribolet, Jeanne Tulimieri, Libby Tulimieri, Samantha Ungerman, Avery Vafa, Michael Vanesko, Luke Voorheis, Gardiner Vose, Caroline Wagner, Kaitlin Wagner, Knox Wagoner, Beck Wagoner, Annie Walker, Doak Walker, Sarah Walls, Elizabeth Walsh, Allie Warnecke, Andrew Washburne, Margo Washburne, Drew Wasserman, Lauren Watkins, Clay Watson, Henry Watson, Reid Weinberger, Colton Wheatley, Kelley Wheeler, Julia White, Emma Whitley, Lea Whitley, Austin Williams, Paige Williams, Cristianna Williamson, Owen Williamson, Abigail Willingham, Kate Wills, Meg Wilson, Madeline Winterle, Hollis Wood, Brandes Woodall, Claire Wooley, Elizabeth Woodley, River Woods, Emily Yancey, Eric Yoo, Jason Yoo, Brooke Youngblood, Sophia Yung, Avery Zulick and Kate Zweig.

The post 2020 Junior Symphony Ball Will Be High And Dry For Area High Schoolers And Partying At Gilley’s appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

Someone needs to designate Saturday, February 1, as young North Texans Night. In addition to the high school crowd partying it up at Gilley’s for the 2020 Junior Symphony Ball, the Dallas CASA Young Professionals will be hosting CASAblanca on that Saturday.

Co-Chairs Bela Cooley, Elise Nichols and Megan Sterquell have arranged for the Dallas CASA benefit to take place at The Hall on Dragon starting at 8 p.m. with casino games including blackjack, craps, poker and roulette to play. They even added a MirMir photo booth for guests to show off their favorite poses.

The Special Edition Band will be in charge of setting the tempo of the night.

There are four types of tickets available: Young Professional Member Price — $125; Non-Member Price — $150; Price at the Door — $175 and VIP — $250. BTW, the VIP level sponsored by Ventanex includes separate VIP area with a private bar and tables.

So get all dressed up in that adorable cocktail dress with those new stilettos that you’ve dying to debut. Then have dinner with your buds and head on over to The Hall to party the night away.

CASAblanca sponsors include Presenting sponsor: The Hiduke Foundation; High Roller sponsor: Jack Knox; Royal Flush sponsors: Christine and Jonathan Bassham and Bela and Chase Cooley; Straight Flush sponsors: Anonymous, the Littletons and Mai Plumbing Company; Full House sponsors: Bell Nunnally and Martin LLP, Kappa Alpha Theta Dallas Alumnae Chapter, Milbern Ray and Co. LLP, Cynthia Pladziewicz, R&B Roofing, Kay and Bob Schleckser, Sewell Automotive and Whiskey Pearl and Event Materials sponsors: Megan and Tommy Sterquell, Ventanex and Vitaliv Nutritional Therapies.

* Graphic/photo provided by Dallas CASA

The post Dallas Dallas CASA Young Professionals Are “Game” To Raise Funds At CASAblanca appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

The 2020 Crystal Charity Ball’s South American Mosaic transported 1,635 black tie supporters of Dallas County charities down south of the equator on Saturday, December 7. From the moment guests walked along the entry hallway of the Hilton Anatole, the three models costumed like a jaguar, butterfly and colorful bird on platforms in a lush jungle setting literally had even the most worldly types stopped in their stilettos and velvet evening slippers.

Once inside the Chantilly reception lobby and ballroom, the flavor continued with everything from polo players and tango dancers to a menu boasting South American cuisine.

An interesting plus to the evening was the attire by some of the guests like Margaret Hancock in Patti Flowers hand painted gown reflecting the aurora australis, Louise Griffeth in Carolina Herrera and Janie Condon in Alice and Olivia in electric bright Rio Carnival shades and 2019 CCB Chair Pat McEvoy in an exclusive Louis Vuitton gown she picked up in Paris.

While the post is being finished up, check out the more than 130 pixs at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

The post MySweetCharity Photo Gallery Alert: 2020 Crystal Charity Ball appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

At first, the South America Mosaic theme had some guests scratching their extension-layered locks about how to dress for the 2019 Crystal Charity Ball on Saturday, December 7, at the Hilton Anatole. Others got right to it, however, deciding to “just go bright” — or to search for a creative designer.

In the end everything came together beautifully beneath the huge South American-themed panels by event producer Tom Addis that adorned the reception area and the Chantilly Ballroom. How appropriate it was, for example, to have life-size photos of the Pampas polo players placed just behind the sleek white 2020 Lexus LC500 with a trunk-full of polo mallets that was being raffled off!

As they arrived for the year’s most eagerly anticipated event through the Hilton’s entryway, the 1,635 black-tie types were greeted by the sound of birds chirping and live models made up to look for all the world like real live South American critters. Among them were a jaguar, a colorful parrot and a Marpesia marcella butterfly, each perched atop a raised platform.

The whole night could have stopped right there, when even hotel guests in shorts and T-shirts crowded in taking selfies with the human “wildlife.” At the head of the entry was a lush green garden, complete with a fountain tailor-made for photos. But Jan Strimple’s collection of exotic creatures, it seemed, was the No. 1 attraction for the photo-taking set.

Pity those who’d arrived from the hotel rooms above, or via other entryways. They soon found themselves going against the grain, like salmon straining upstream for a gander at all the excitement.

Other buzz of the young evening came from Gloria Eulich and Mark Varel, who said they were looking forward to their wedding in a couple of weeks… Newlyweds Wanda Gierhart Fearing and Dean Fearing were making their first official black-tie outing since tying the knot last summer… On the other hand, newly divorced Gail Fischer announced with a big smile: “I’m never getting married again!”… Only a few hours earlier, Louise Griffith reported, she’d been ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. Then she changed into a Carolina Herrera gown for the ball.

She wasn’t the only one! Also clad in Herrera were Kristina Whitcomb, Claire Emanuelson, Peggy Meyer, Cynthia Mitchell, Gracie Hunt, and Tucker Enthoven, next year’s CCB chair. 2019 Chair Pat McEvoy, meantime, was wearing a last-minute Oscar de la Renta in place of the  Louis Vuitton that husband Charles McEvoy bought for her last year on a trip to Paris. Meantime, Patti Flowers and Michael Faircloth were locked in a tight race to be named the most popular dress designer at the ball from Dallas.

Patti’s creations were donned by the likes of Kim Quinn, Anne Besser, Lisa Cooley, Robin Carreker, Linda Evans, Diane Frank, Susie Gekiere, Jennifer Gunin, Alison Malone, Beth Thoele and Margaret Hancock. (Margaret’s frock, by the way, was hand-painted silk organza, with a creative theme adapted from a photo Patti took on a trip to see the Northern Lights.)

Michael, however, was not to be denied his share of the fashionable action, with Sue Ann Scala, Stephanie Scala, Tiffany Divis, Carrie Levering, Lauryn Gayle White, Elsa Norwood and Elizabeth Webb in his designs. Lisa Troutt even wore the creation that Michael had designed for the 2019 Sweetheart Ball that she chaired earlier in the year.

Those rounding out the designer scene included Jennifer Dix in Reem Acra (her gown was emerald green, with South American palm leaves embroidered into the fabric); Kim Hext in Solace London; Susan Farris in Monique Lhuillier; Bela Cooley, Ciara Cooley and Candace Winslow in Marchesa; Sunie Solomon in Dennis Basso; Francie Moody-Dahlberg in Roberto Cavalli; Robyn Conlon in Jenny Peckham; Vinnie Reuben in J. Mendel; Piper Wyatt and Wanda Gierhart Fearing in Valentino; Pam Perella in Zac Posen; Marjon Henderson in Aidan Mattox and Olivia Kearney in Mackenzie Brittingham.

In the accessory category, Leiber once again was a handy choice to stow away lipsticks; Jimmy Choo, Louboutin and Manolo tied in the foot race; and Bachendorf’s Eiseman and Sue Gragg were the top gems.

But the hands-down best accessories of the night were the ladies’ dates, who held their own when it came to attire, and then some. Among them were Richard Dix, in a green velvet tuxedo jacket from Edward Baumann Clothier; Tom Mitchell, Steve Solomon and David Condon in Armani; Greg Hext in Burberry; John Farris in Southwick; Dwight Emanuelson in Hadleigh; Vin Perella in Tom Ford; and Mike Wyatt in “a classic navy blue tuxedo topped with a red plaid bowtie.”

In keeping with the South American theme, guests were greeted by tango dancers on the ballroom floor, as violinists atop tall platforms provided the beat for the dancers’ expert moves. Later, a big band-style ensemble played dinner music (“The Look of Love,” “At Last”) before giving way to a very loud disco/soul group that had everyone — including Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse, Amy and Michael Meadows, Francie and Kevin Dahlberg, Wanda and Dean and Cynthia and Tom — up and showing off their moves. Alas, the musical group was so loud, one fellow said he was going to go home to find out if he could still hear.

Dinner was a feast for most, like Kelli and Jerry Ford, Missy and Richard Fisher, Anita and Truman Arnold, Lana and Todorovich, Mimi and Rich Sterling, Tim Adair, Michael Flores with Douglas Carney, Luanne and Aaron McWhorter and Aussies Margot McKinney and Peter Kedwell. On the menu were a first course of coriander crusted king scallop with corn and wild mushroom relish and roasted corn jus; an entrée of cotija crusted seared beef tenderloin with aji creamy demi, onion chorizo stack, asparagus, charred carrots, cipolini onion and blistered tomatoes; and a delicious dessert of South American coffee chocolate delight. All was complemented with Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay and Ehlers Cabernet Sauvignon.

However, a handful of tables near the dance floor went dry. It seems that the wine service didn’t quite make it there. Instead, guests were left to depend on their water glasses, which eventually went empty and stayed that way — along with their glassware cousins — until the entrée plates finally were cleared away. Upon seeing the table drought, a senior server came to the rescue with bottles in hand.

But who really cared about a late sip? The reality of the night was a record-breaking raise of $6.8M+ resulting from a year’s work to benefit Child and Family Guidance Center, Community Partners of Dallas, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep, For the Nations Refugee Outreach, Interfaith Family Services, Jubilee Park and Community Center, Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic, Mercy Street, Promise House and Readers 2 Leaders.

For more than 130 looks at the evening, check MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

The post 2019 Crystal Charity Ball’s South American Mosaic Tangoed Its Way For A Record Breaker appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

Breakfast With Santa Spectacular was the perfect wake-up call for adults to rise and shine the morning after the 2019 Crystal Charity Ball. With munchkins wearing bows in their hair and patiently waiting their turns to visit with Old Saint Nick, NorthPark Center became North Texas’ NorthPolePark on the morning of Sunday, December 8. Hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center – Dallas Chapter, the celebration benefited Children’s Medical Center Foundation.

With nary a temper tantrum or frown in sight, the sold-out crowd partied with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Batman and Spiderman and were entertained by young dancers and singers.

While the post is being polished up, check out the cuties at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

The post MySweetCharity Photo Gallery Alert: Breakfast With Santa Spectacular appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

On the morning of Sunday, December 8, there were quite a few bleary-eyed folks, who had barely enough time to swap their tuxedos and designer gowns for khakis and flats before heading to NorthPark Center. Just hours before they had been guests at the 2019 Crystal Charity Ball benefiting Dallas children’s charities. But now they were supporting another children’s fundraiser by escorting their children and grandchildren to Breakfast With Santa Spectacular benefiting Children’s Medical Center Foundation and hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

In the crowd were 2011 CCB Chair Connie O’Neill holding a balloon critter and 2015 CCB Chair Michal Powell, who was wrangling her clan including husband Loyd Powell, son Gideon Powell with his wife Felicia Powell and the Powell granddaughters Hallie Powell and Asa Anna Powell, who were pictured perfect sitting in Santa’s lap for a photo.

Another CCB guest who had rallied up to attend the sold-out breakfast was Children’s Health First Lady Cristina Durovich. She congratulated 2020 Children’s Cancer Fund Co-Chairs Holly Davis and Jamie O’Banion for the upcoming fundraiser at the Hilton Anatole on Friday, April 17.

Watching escort elves Joanna Clarke and Monica Egert Smith charm and introduce the never-ending line of families to the jolly elf-of-the-hour was NorthPark Center GM Billy Hines, who was on his hi-tech scooter and showing off his equally hi-tech leg.

Looking like 21^st century Mr. and Mrs. Claus Diane and John Scovell enjoyed their table in the VIP seating overlooking the entertainment of youngsters in the NorthCourt. They laughed that the best part of being grandfolks at the multi-generational events was settling back as the parents tried to keep up with their kids and get them back to norm.

Just a few feet away from the Scovells was the buffet of brunch items with characters like Batman, Spiderman, Ana, Elsa, Olaf  and a towering toy soldier posing with guests.

Underneath the Ad Astra sculpture, emcee Marissa Huckin orchestrated a lineup of dancers and singers to rows and rows of delighted guests. It was so crowded that NorthPark First Lady Nancy Nasher took her place on a bench and cell-taped the young dancers and singers like a proud mom in the NorthCourt.

Throughout the rest of the area were all types of activities including DJ Double G providing music in the CenterPark Garden as kids put the bounce house to good use as adults asked for seconds on the hot chocolate. Late to the party were the reindeer that didn’t show up until 11. Guess they had a long night, too.

For more looks of the morning, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

The post Breakfast With Santa Spectacular Was The Perfect Morning-After Fundraiser For Children’s Medical Center Foundation appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

Spring break is just a few weeks ahead and Comerica Bank is already kicking off its Sixth Annual Prom Dress Drive. Starting Friday, February 1, Comerica will be collecting gently-used, cleaned formal dresses and accessories to provide local teens at Dallas CASA and Boys And Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.

Now is the perfect time to edit your closets. Afterall, the gown that made you feel so special years ago could do an encore performance for a youngster. And you might want to check with daughter or granddaughter to see if they would like to donate their prom dress take a spin at a prom this spring.

Collections will be taking place through Saturday, February 29, at the following banking centers:

• 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)
• Snider Plaza (6829 Hillcrest Avenue, Dallas)

Since its inception five years ago, the Prom Dress Drive has donated close to 4,000 dresses to Dallas CASA and BGCGD.

* Photo provided by Comerica Bank

The post Comerica Bank’s 6th Annual Prom Dress Drive Will Let Your Dress Be Someone Else’s Dream appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

Since the late Annette Strauss founded Family Gateway, the Strauss name has continued to be part of the mission to help the plight of homeless children. So it makes perfect sense Family Gateway’s 2020 Day to Play will not only be returning to the Annette Strauss Artist Square in the AT&T Performing Arts Center, but that Whitney Strauss along with Sarah Katherine Zavala are co-chairing it.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, children and families will be able to experience “an event filled with activities and discoveries geared specially to children with a focus on volunteerism and community service, including a basic overview of the scope of family homelessness in our community.”

Thanks to The Birthday Party Project, Capes for Kindness, Chamberlain Studio of Martial Arts, The First Tee of Greater Dallas, Hearts of Maya, Kids Helping Kids, Nasher Sculpture Center, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Play Street Museum, Spark!, Studio Bella and Wee volunteer, youngsters will party hearty with DJ Souljah and Maya Delgado, superheroes and characters, inflatable obstacle course, giant slides, ninja climbing wall, hamster ball races, train rides, photo booth, lawn games and arts.

According to Sarah Katherine, “Day to Play is not only a fun event, it is a day for families to serve together and teach their children the importance of philanthropy. We must support organizations like Family Gateway if we want to make our community better. Plus, there’s nothing like seeing your kids throw off their shoes and run around barefoot, jumping in bounce houses. Laughing and making new friends.”

In addition to being presented by AT&T, this year’s Annette G. Strauss Community Service Award will be presented to AT&T’s Shannon Reed, who has “been an active volunteer at Family Gateway for more than five years. Every Tuesday afternoon, he helps kids with their homework in the after-school program. When Reed first started volunteering, he would bring three or four other AT&T employees with him. Today, 10-15 AT&T volunteers help in Family Gateway’s after-school program every Monday and Tuesday.”

Family Gateway President/CEO Ellen Magnis reported, “Shannon’s passion, leadership and servant’s heart have done wonder for children and families experiencing homelessness in our community. Our volunteers are the heart of our organization. We are grateful for Shannon’s service and dedication and for AT&T’s continued commitment to our work.”

The opportunities for being part of Day To Play range from family passes going for $50 with no restriction on the number in the family, sponsoring a family pass for a family affected by homelessness, sponsorships starting at $500 to spring picnic packages for companies.

Guests are also encouraged to donate snack items like granola bars, sandwich crackers, Goldfish and animal crackers for Family Gateway’s “Pack A Snack” drive benefiting client children.

* Photo provided by Family Gateway

The post Families Will Have A “Day To Play” For The Benefit Of Family Gateway’s Children appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

This rain and cold stuff could easily be a real downer. But let’s not let it happen. Instead, consider April when the sun will be shining and sundresses will be the order of the day. And while thinking about April, focus on a specific date — Sunday, April 26.

That’s the day when the Nasher Sculpture Center will hold its eighth annual Great Create from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

There are no bounce houses or carnival rides because none are needed. Instead, the munchkins have a heck of a lot of fun participating in activities provided by artists, as well as live entertainment and kid-friendly food.

2020 Great Create Co-Chairs Lindsay and George Billingsley and Anne Clayton and Jacques Vroom III have just revealed the following artists will be on hand for the afternoon of fun: The Color Condition, CityLab High School, Riley Holloway, Elliott Hundley, Lesli Robertson, Jen Rose, Allison V. Smith, Sweet Pass Sculpture Park, Jessica Trevizo and Zeke Williams.

Little do the kiddos know that in addition to having fun, they’re actually fundraising. Thanks to their presence, funds will “enable the Nasher Sculpture Center to continue providing exceptional youth education programs throughout the year, such as the GROW at the Nasher school partnership, Summer Institute for Teens, and free student tours.” Education programs account for more than 36% of the Center’s attendance each year, allowing many students and families to experience the Nasher at no cost.

Check out the various packages that are available here.

The post The Nasher Sculpture Center’s Eighth Annual Great Create Date And Artists Revealed appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

While more than 2,000 Junior Symphony Ball guests were in jeans and boots raising funds for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s programs at Gilley’s on Saturday, February 1, the Dallas CASA Young Professionals were all gussied up over at The Hall on Dragon to play games and dance the night away for Dallas CASA. Here’s a report from the field:

More than 400 of Dallas’ most glittering young people gathered at The Hall on Dragon Saturday, February 1, for Dallas CASA’s 5^th annual CASAblanca. The evening featured casino games, a live band and a room full of guests committed to fighting child abuse. Hosted by Dallas CASA’s Young Professionals group, CASAblanca raises funds to support child victims of abuse and neglect living in foster care because it’s not safe at home.

The black tie event was chaired by Bela Cooley, Elise Nichols and Megan Sterquell and presented by The Hiduke Foundation. Men wore tuxedos with everything from cowboy boots to velvet slippers, while the women sparkled in sequins, long dangly earrings and jumpsuits. The young crowd gathered around blackjack and craps tables, enjoying spending their pseudo money to earn chances at prizes.

A silent auction featured a basketball signed by Luka Doncic and a signed Dirk Nowitzki jersey, both donated by longtime Dallas CASA supporter The Dallas Mavericks Foundation. There were also local staycations, a lake weekend, three pieces of artwork, air pods and a yellow gold necklace with diamond pave pendant donated by Susan Saffron Jewelry Boutique.

The evening’s entertainment, The Special Edition Band, hit all the right notes playing standards such as “Unforgettable,” “The Best Thing,” “Respect” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Passed appetizers included spring rolls, parmesan meatballs, fried macaroni and cheese balls and crab rangoon. Chefs created fresh chicken fried rice with shiitake mushrooms and baby boy choy served in take-out containers. The evening ended with take-home chicken in honey biscuits.

Dallas CASA Board members in attendance included Board Chair Bob Schleckser and his wife Kay Schleckser, Jonathan Bassham and his wife Christine Bassham, Beth Cholerton and her husband Ed Cholerton, Janice Davis and husband Richard Davis, Cynthia Pladziewicz, Linda Swartz with her entire family and Kenneth Wherry and his wife Allie Wherry.

Dallas CASA Young Professionals is an auxiliary support group of Dallas CASA open to young people between the ages of 21 and 40. The group raises critical funds for and awareness about Dallas CASA, which recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers to serve as advocates for children.

* Photo credit: Andy Williams 
** Photo credit: James Coreas 
*** Photo credit: Rosanne Lewis

The post Dallas CASA’s Young Professionals Partied It Up For The 5th Annual CASABlanca appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

While all the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Balls have been brilliantly fun fundraisers for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the 2020 ball had just a whiff of change and more fun on Saturday, February 8, at the Meyerson. Perhaps it was the change of plans having the debs gather their white gowns and head backstage immediately after the group photo. Even that was a little different. In addition to the very proper portrait shot of the debs, the Gittings’ team let them take a debs-having-fun photo.

Regardless nary a deb missed her legendary Texas Dip and all of the Honor Guard escorts were front and center to assist the debs to their feet to the delight of their family and friends.

For a check of the debs being presented and the fun of the night, check out the MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

The post MySweetCharity Photo Gallery Alert: 2020 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

Like the swallows returning to Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Gala debutantes in their billowing white gowns were presented on stage at the Morton Meyerson before family and friends on Saturday, February 8. While the Gittings portraits were lined up at the lobby entrance, the Renaissance Foyer and the upper level Loge Terrace were filled with beautifully decorated tables for the seated supper that would follow the presentation. The scene was set for the 32 debs and their Honor Guard escorts to rule the night.

Following the group photos of the debs and the Honor Guard, the girls in white gowns headed to the Meyerson’s backstage area and the guests made for the lower level lobby for a reception. There, 2020 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Presentation Chair Melissa Lewis was checking her cellphone on the whereabouts of her husband, Buddy Lewis. It seems that he had left his credentials somewhere. Melissa mentioned that they should just forget the search for the document, laughing that she “had pull to get him in.”

Barry Hancock had the coolest accessory of the night. After a snow-skiing snafu resulted in a collision, damaging his ACL, Barry had a cup-holder attached to his left crutch. When a photo was required, wife Margaret Hancock in her Patti Flowers 2019 Crystal Charity Ball gown quickly stepped in, enabing Barry to set his crutches aside.

The looks of the night were fashionably formal for the most part, with Deb mother Elizabeth Gambrell in blue and white Herrera, for example. (Husband Eric Gambrell was resplendent in red sash and white tie; cracked Eric: “Just call me Mr. Ambassador.”) Lisa Troutt was in an emerald gown by Stanley Korshak’s Mackenzie Brittingham.

But there were a few oops, too, like the gal in a size-too-small red jumpsuit. Then there was the young lady in a short white dress with black fringe hem and partial sleeves that would have been right at home in a 1920s speakeasy.

Jason Downing was a man caught between two daughters. Daughter Caroline Downing had already bowed in 2018 and was president-elect for the Symphony Assembly. On hand for the night was daughter Katherine Downing, whose future includes a bow on the Meyerson stage next year. When asked whether his white tie and tails could be recycled for Katherine’s debut, he got a resounding no-vote from wife Laura Downing. When he suggested that the girls’ white deb gowns might also be drafted into wedding duties when the time came, he was vetoed once again.

Mike McCullough with wife Sharon McCullough was receiving congratulations on receiving the Vance Miller Award at the Gentleman’s Evening at the Dallas Country Club on the previous Thursday night. Mike admitted surprise at the unexpected honor.

Meanwhile, the debs were backstage in their final stages of preparation for the presentation. While some rehearsed their Texas dips with event producer Jan Strimple, others chowed down on cheese and fruit and water or just chilled with pals and papas like Eric Gambrell, Wade Jones and Marc Sigel. 2019 deb Kathleen Gamso was backstage too, helping to coordinate things. When one person complimented her on her 2019 bow, Kathleen thanked the person, proudly adding that she was the first special-needs deb.

Then, just as the Meyerson chimes sounded, everyone took their places, both in the symphony hall and behind the curtain. Kristi Hoyl was attending her first DSOL Deb Presentation and was warned that it was not going to be a sedate night of controlled applause and stiff upper lips. She seemed surprised but prepared as guests took their seats and waited for the program to get under way.

For the most part, though, the presentation came off without a hitch. Kim Brannon, president of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, kicked things off before bringing on Melissa. Also recognized were Honorary Chairs Dr. Linda Burk and Dr. John Gilmore, the various Presentation Ball committee chairs and then the venerable Stan Gardner, who would serve once again as announcer. As each of the 32 debs (Emily Baschab, Audrey Berner, Isabella Cox, Grace Crenshaw, Gracie Davis, Maddy Duvall, Maddie Esping, Eleanor Gambrell, Georgia Hallam, Hunter Hart, Kate Jones, Izzy Keene, Ellie King, Katie Kottwitz, Mary Kumpf, Avery LeVoyer, Catherine Magee, Audrey Magnuson, Allie McWhorter, Shelby Nelson, Grace Olson, Annalea Pedigo, Beth Ryan, Kendell Sigel, Margaret Smith, Campbell Swango, Sara TaCcito, Julia Tribolet, Savannah Troutt, Natalie Ward, Brynn Weakley and Genny Wood) was called to the stage in turn by Stan, there were only  a few rafter-raising whoops and screams for particular debs and bows that amazed all.

When everyone repaired to the dinner-and-dancing area, they saw the tables laid out for a repast that would include green salad, grilled beef filet and either a lemon curd tart or a Mexican chocolate torte. First, though, there was the Grand Waltz to take care of. Before the presentation had begun, Marc Sigel admitted that he hadn’t been a dancer at his wedding, and that he wasn’t expecting much to come of the post-presentation dad-deb first dance of the night. But lo and behold, when the Taylor Pace Orchestra struck up the first notes of “Moon River,” Marc and daughter Kendell Sigel were front and center on the dance floor, looking quite at home.

For loads of more looks of the night, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

The post Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debs (Texas) Dipped And Danced The Night Away appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

Business Council for the Arts CEO Katherine Wagner has just revealed that Neiman’s Corporate Culture and Philanthropy VP Mimi Sterling will do an encore as chair of the 2020 Obelisk Award Luncheon fundraiser on Tuesday, November 17, at the Fairmont.

But what’s an awards luncheon without awardees? So, nominations are now being accepted for the following categories:

• Business Champion for the Arts
• Outstanding Leadership Arts Alumnus
• Visionary Nonprofit Arts Leader
• Arts Education
• Arts Partnerships
• New Initiatives
• Distinguished Cultural Organization

Any person, organization, business or group can nominate, but they have to be made by Friday, May 29. It’s simple and free to nominate here!

If you want to wax about your nominee, then write a letter of recommendation. But remember it’s got to be submitted by Wednesday, July 8.

The post Business Council For The Arts Is Accepting Nominations For 2020 Obelisk Awards appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

With all the hoopla emerging from the wait-in-line at the Texas Driver License offices, someone ought to draft  Rachael Dedman and Yvette Ostolaza and her mom-squad to take over. On Saturday, February 1, they not only coordinated a fundraiser for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra with more than 2,300 teens at Gilley’s, they covered all their bases and then some.

It was simply remarkable that the  Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Junior Symphony Ball fundraiser came off with a G-rating and no mishaps.

How so?

When guests registered, they had to provide IDs with facial recognition. Once at the event, they had to doff their boots and prove to be alcohol free. If there were any doubts, breathalyzers and uniformed types were available.

And just in case any of the guests did manage to get through the event with Dexter on stage, they had to pass a check-out protocol. If they didn’t pass muster, they were escorted to a wellness center and their folks were called to take them home… and it wasn’t for an after-party.

But all went through without a hitch, resulting in a whopping, record-breaking $370,000 check for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra that was handed over to the DSO’s James Leffler and Allison Brodnax and Dallas Symphony Orchestra League President Kim Brannon just before all the spring breaks broke yesterday.

The post Junior Symphony Ball Whooped It Up For A Record-Breaking $370,000 For Dallas Symphony Orchestra appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

One of the great things about spring break is returning home to your own bed, kitchen and “stuff.” But what if you had no home to return to? That’s what countless homeless kids know all too well.

While Uptown is known for its restaurants, retailing and partying, it’s also where Incarnation House is trying to “prepare homeless and housing insecure youth for life success by providing access to educational, emotional and other support services.”

But to do this takes moolah. Jamie and Ian Charles and Alison and Mike Malone put their heads together to help raise the dollars. They needed something fun and fundraising. The result was Casino for a Cause on Friday, March 27, at The Hall on Dragon.

In addition to the games, live music and dinner, the Charleses and Malones had Claire and Dwight Emanuelson’s family join in as honorary co-chairs.

Single tickets for the evening are going for $150 per person and tables can be reserved for $1,500.

For further information, call 214.683.8511.

The post Incarnation House Is Game To Raise Funds For Its Homeless Youth Program appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

The coronavirus has just claimed another children’s nonprofit fundraiser — the 2020 Children’s Cancer Fund Gala scheduled for Friday, April 17, at the Hilton Anatole.

Children’s Cancer Fund Executive Director Jennifer Arthur reported that after having “close talks with Children’s Medical Center and the Executive Board, we regretfully made the difficult decision to cancel upcoming events. Sadly, this includes the 2020 Children’s Cancer Fund Gala and Patron Party.”

The decision was “made to protect this year’s young models and the entire Children’s Cancer Fund community, which includes the event’s many backstage volunteers, largely comprised of health care professionals, and the more than 1,000 supporters and attendees.”

2020 Gala Co-Chairs Jamie O’Banion and Holly Davis added, “These precious children deserve a night to shine, and we are heartbroken. We personally ask our community to stand with us to ensure these kids do not lose the support they need. If you have already given, please allow 100 percent of your donation to stand. If you have not yet given, please consider sending a donation to CCF to help bridge the gap of funds lost due to the cancellation.”

The post 2020 Children’s Cancer Fund Gala And Activities Are Canceled appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

Because of the weekend announcements of adjustments both county and statewide about the changes in everyday life, you just knew that organizers would change their plans for upcoming fundraisers.

Read the updates and look for a surge of reschedules!

Canceled

• Dallas Black Dance Theatre performances and Academy classes through Thursday, April 30
• Big Thought’s 8^th Annual Works of HeART Auction and Fundraiser scheduled for Friday, May 1

Rescheduled

• Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival scheduled for Thursday, April 16, in downtown Fort Worth is rescheduled for Thursday, September 3, thru Sunday, September 6
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation‘s Dallas Wine Opener on Friday, April 17, at Frontiers of Flight Museum is rescheduled for Friday, June 26
• St. Philip’s School and Community Center‘s Bingo, BBQ and Blues scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at Eddie Deen’s Ranch is rescheduled for Thursday, September 24
• Genesis Women’s Shelter’s 27^th Annual Genesis luncheon scheduled for Friday, May 8, at the Hilton Anatole has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 2.

Postponed To A Date To Be Determined

• Project Goodwill scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at Ridglea Country Club, has been postponed to a date to be determined

Is there any great news? Yup! If you’ll note, the rescheduled events are continuing to outweigh the cancellations!

The post March 23 Updates Of Cancellations, Reschedules And Postponements appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

The plight of starving artists is legendary. From Michelangelo to street musicians, they’ve all known the days of scrounging up funds for not just food but for materials and equipment to showcase their talents.

Lucky are those who find angels to help support them. And North Texas is doubly lucky to have angels like those funding the 2020 Nasher Artist Grants.

Formerly known as the Nasher Microgrants, “the program provides annual financial support to North Texas-based artists through the distribution of small-sum grants, which may be used to fund the purchasing of equipment and materials, research expenses, rental of studio space or artist-run curatorial projects.”

But in response to the COVID-19’s dramatic punch to the gut for the North Texas art community, the Grants program has ramped up to help artists. Instead of five grants of $2,000 each, the angels (Michael Corris, Lucilo Peña and Lee Cobb, Ginny and Connor Searcy, Wendy and Jeremy Strick and Nasher members and donors) have doubled the grants to 10.

According to Jeremy, “During this time of crisis, the Nasher is committed to supporting the needs of North Texas’ artists more than ever. Artists’ role within the culture of the region as innovators, problem-solvers, poets, and activists is vital, and we are here to help bridge financial gaps during this unprecedented moment to help make their work possible.”

Just fill out the application and submit it by Friday, May 15. Thanks to a virtual meeting by a panel of judges, finalists will be notified of their selection by the end of May.

* Graphic courtesy of the Nasher Sculpture Center

The post Nasher Artist Grants Angels Double The Number For 2020 Grants As A Result Of COVID-19 appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

Despite the phase one of the reopening of businesses tomorrow, North Texas nonprofits are still adjusting their May events with cancellations and postponements. Here’s today’s rundown:

Canceled

• Texas Volunteer Management Conference scheduled for Thursday, May 14

Rescheduled

• The Widow’s Journey’s Our Love It Forward Fundraiser And Awareness Event scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at The Highland Hotel is rescheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2021

Postponed To A Date To Be Determined

• Katy Trail’s Better/Best reception scheduled for Wednesday, May 13
• Sweetheart Ball scheduled for Saturday, May 16

The post April 30 Updates On Cancellations, Reschedules And Postponements appeared first on My Sweet Charity.