That Lisa Blue Baron is a smart one. Each year she opens her fabulous Preston Hollow estate for a splashy party. Last year it was a poignant gathering. Yes, it celebrated Lisa’s 60th birthday and the launch of the Larry Hagman Foundation. Little did anyone guess that despite the Hagman smiles and charm, Larry would be dead weeks later. But Lisa’s gathering was indeed a celebration of philanthropy that would continue on beyond the Hagman fame.

This year the first inkling that party time was approaching was the “Save the Date” notice. It was more jaw-dropping that any invitation that the postal service had delivered this year. Weeks later the “STD” card was just a blip of the for-real invitation. Simply spectacular! And it was highlighted with hints of what was on the program — Styx and Journey would be on hand! Lisa delivered. But she did it her way.

Despite the frosty arctic cold that locked down Dallas the first weekend in December, she charged ahead with a strong, but gentle suggestion. Instead of gifts or thank-you-very-much notes, guests could donate to Vogel Alcove.

As guests arrived, golf carts and mini-buses were on hand to transport nearly 1,000 guests from the front gate to the mansion’s front door.

Tented ballroom

Once inside and after checking in, they ambled through the living room to what used to be the backyard. Instead a mega-tent with sturdy flooring and chic seating arrangements, high tops and multiple bars and good stations were a wonderland for adults. At the far end of the tented structure was a stage where Styx and Journey rallied guests like Katy and Lawrence Bock. On either side of the stage were drive-in-movie size screens.

Katy and Lawrence Bock

It was indeed a good thing that the floor was made to withstand a pounding. By the time Journey appeared on stage, only a few sat on the couches. The rest were on their feet either dancing or with arms lifted with cellphones to capture the performance.

Journey on stage and guests dancing

Arm raising audience

Tie headband

One gent who had arrived in proper cocktail attire decided that his tie was in the wrong place. So, he moved it from around his throat to around the top of his head. Rock on!

Arnel Pineda

There was a moment when it appeared the Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda just might throw himself onto the raised arms for a body surfing. Too bad he didn’t, because this crowd wouldn’t have let him down.

Neal Schon

On one side of the stage, guitarist Neal Schon was in a dandy mood. Perhaps it was the gaggle of gals were who applauding his strumming, or perhaps it was his wedding to former White House party crasher Michaele Salahi just eight days away in San Francisco. (If you weren’t able to attend the nuptials, it will be on pay-per-view benefiting the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

As if the music and light show weren’t enough, the mirrored top tables and martini glasses only ramped up the jamming mood. But even that wasn’t enough. From up above it showered white. No, it wasn’t snow. It was confetti. At this point even the serving staff watched in awe and pulled out their cellphone cameras.

Serving staff and confetti

Lisa was both surprised and pleased at the turnout. She had really thought that Mother Nature would throw a wrench in the festivities, but her friends didn’t let a little thing like a deep freeze keep them from a Lisa BB event.

Nor did the chill give a cold shoulder to the philanthropic efforts. One source reported that donations to Vogel Alcove had added up to $250,000. And like every good hostess, Lisa reciprocated by matching that amount.

A passing guest summed up Lisa’s efforts: “This is the heart of the city.”

“A Sunny Place for Shady People” may sound like an episode of “The Sopranos,” but instead it’s the annual fundraiser for the Carson Leslie Foundation. How did the theme come about?

According to Carson’s mom Annette Leslie, it was the result of building an event around certain loves of Caron’s life. One was his teaching her how to play Texas Hold’em in the hospital while he was battling cancer.

Boot

Boot

Boot

So, “A Sunny Place for Shady People” was presented by Lisa and Kenny Troutt at F.I.G. on Friday, January 17, with poker being played, boots scooting around the floor, music by Professor D, a silent auction and a plucky chicken.

Yup, you read that right: a chicken.

Chicken checking things out

How did the chicken get into the picture? Well, it seems some of Carson’s best times came when he was in Belize, where he learned the game of “chicken drop.”

For those who haven’t been to Belize, chicken drop involves an unknowing chicken being dropped in a pen with a floor that looks a bit like a bingo card. As the chick struts around wondering what the heck she’s doing there, she leaves “residue” in her wake. Where the first dropping lands, that number is the winner.

So, it was at 7:30 that the musicians took a break and the crowd of guests gathered around the pen as Honorary Chair Bill Noble announced the chicken drop would commence. The chicken looked a little bewildered as it was held over the pen and then gently placed in the center of the floor. Within a few steps, the winning number had been . . . shall we say, “selected.” Bill announced “This time, No. 3 wins!”

Chicken pooping the winning number

Annette looked incredulous, saying, “Was that weird?”

Rodney and Jessica Wren

Chris and Rachel Trowbridge

Annette Leslie and Mary Aboujaoude

Patty Leyendecker

Burton Gilliam

Grant Chumlea

But as quickly as the chicken was removed from the pen, some guests hit the dance, while others like Lamar Haynes, Delisa Venz, Susan Arledge and David Boyett hit the silent auction and others like Rachel and Chris Trowbridge, Grant Chumlea, Russell Newman, Jessica and Rodney Wren checked out the food and beverages. Others like Amber Terrell, Caroline Stenbeck and Blazing Saddles’ Burton Gilliam just came to have a good time and that mission was accomplished.

Editor’s note: The chicken was in no way harmed at the event and made it home safely.

Why, oh why, can’t the MySweetCharity team of elves be everywhere? January was supposed to be Zen month, but oh, no! Here’s report from the field about the latest doings of the Emmitt Smith clan. Do the Smiths ever sleep? Nope! Not if the Lieberman clan is involved. Here’s a report from the field:

Steve and Lisa Lieberman, Pat and Emmitt Smith*

“Event chairs Lisa and Steve Lieberman opened the doors to their beautiful Preston Hollow home on Wednesday, January 22, to help kick off the fifth annual Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational, presented by SoftLayer. The 2014 event is set for May 9 -10 with a “Friday Night Party” at the Omni Dallas Hotel featuring a VIP red carpet, followed by a celebrity reception, dinner, live auction, dancing and other entertainment. The Saturday, May 10, charity golf tournament takes place the following morning at TPC Craig Ranch with players and other sports and entertainment celebrities partnered with each foursome, followed by an afternoon awards ceremony.

“In informal remarks, Steve thanked Pat and Emmitt (Smith) for using their ‘extraordinary talents and their superstar status’ to help local kids through their works with the Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities (PESC). In 2013, PESC distributed over $400,000 to 47 charities predominantly in North Texas.

“Next up were Pat and Emmitt, who thanked sponsors and Host Committee members for stepping up and helping to raise to date more than $500,000 towards the 2014 event. Emmitt also announced the inaugural Emmitt Smith Golf Challenge, consisting of several regional events scheduled at top-rated ClubCorp courses throughout the U.S., where winning players and top fundraisers will win a variety of prizes plus the opportunity to advance (or attend) the May 9-10 festivities in Dallas.

“Pat expressed her gratitude, calling the event a “journey for us” that has grown from a small golf tournament to an event that benefited 47 agencies and 35,000 children last year. She recognized top-level sponsors, including Title Sponsor SoftLayer (at the $100,000 level). At the $50,000 level, Presenting Sponsors are Albertson’s (for the Friday night event) and American Airlines (for the Saturday golf tournament and as the official Airline Sponsor). In addition, event sponsors at the $25,000 level were recognized — Dallas Healthy Aging Institute, Cigna, Waste Management Brown-Forman and G Wear.  While the list of $10,000 sponsors was long, Pat graciously took the time to extend the organization’s appreciation for each one of them as well.

Pat Smith, Ronelle Iance, Giselle Garcia and Christian Quintero*

“The program concluded with heartfelt thanks from two teens — Christian Quintero and Giselle Garcia — who are members of Pat and Emmitt’s Team 22, a PESC-funded groundbreaking program designed to mentor students to develop leadership and character skills through unique enrichment opportunities.

Marion and Bennett Glazer*

Sheryl and David Pidgeon*

“Attending that evening were honorary chairs Marion and Bennett Glazer, NFL superstar Larry Brown (a TCU alum and Super Bowl XXX MVP), Texas Senator Royce West, Katy and Lawrence Bock, Sheryl and David Pidgeon, Jim and Beth Gold, Mike Ablon and Ronnie Berg. (NOTE:  The other honorary chairs – Christie and Robert Ferguson – were unable to attend).

“For ticket and sponsorship details, go to www.emmittsmith.com/celebrity-invitational  or contact Jenny Heiser at jenny@faysawers.com.”

* Photo credit: James Edwards

Well, TACA went and did it. They busted all of the organization’s past records for amounts to be distributed to performing arts groups.

The amount? $1.3 million!

It was just announced at the TACA Grant Awards Presentation at the Wyly Theatre minutes ago. Deets will follow, but did want you to know what groups benefited from this killer effort.

• $5,000 —Avant Chamber Ballet, Arts District Chorale, Dallas Chamber Symphony, One Thirty Productions Matinee Series and WordSpace
• $7,500 — Texas Winds Musical Outreach
• $8,000 — Dallas Bach Society, Irving Chorale and Teatro Dallas
• $10,000 — Big Thought, AT&T Performing Arts Center, SMU Meadows School of the Arts, Sammons Center for the Arts, Voices of Change, Lone Star Wind Orchestra, Plano Symphony Orchestra and Lone Star Circus Arts Center
• $12,000 — Cara Mia Theatre Company
• $13,000 — Turtle Creek Chorale and Echo Theatre
• $15,000 — African American Repertory Theater, Chamber Music International and Orchestra of New Spain
• $17,500 — Uptown Players
• $18,000 — Second Thought Theatre
• $20,000 — Nasher Sculpture Center
• $21,000 — Orpheus Chamber Singers
• $22,000 — Bruce Wood Dance Project
• $27,000 — Fine Arts Chambers Players
• $30,000 — Undermain Theatre
• $35,000 — Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas, Dallas Wind Symphony, Shakespeare Dallas and Theatre Three Inc.
• $36,000 — Junior Players
• $40,000—Kitchen Dog Theater, Lyric Stage and WaterTower Theatre
• $44,000 — Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra
• $45,000 — TITAS
• $65,000 —Texas Ballet Theater
• $75,000 — Dallas Children’s Theater
• $80,000 — Dallas Black Dance Theatre
• $100,000 — Dallas Symphony Orchestra
• $110,000 — The Dallas Opera and Dallas Theater Center

Looking like the lineup at NorthPark to chat with Santa, the performing arts nonprofit hopefuls and benefactors gathered at the Wyly last Monday night. The occasion was the TACA Grant Awards Presentation of monies earned from generous underwriters and the 2013 fundraisers like the Silver Cup Award Luncheon (up 10% from 2013) and the Custom Auction Gala that went over its goal by 29%.

The recipients had no idea what amounts would appear on their checks. But they had their hopes. So, it was only natural that nerves were piqued.

Sponsored by the Private Bank at Bank of Texas, the event kicked off with a cocktail party in the lobby that included Caroline Rose Hunt with Charlene Howell, Diane and Hal Brierley, Laree Hulshoff with Barbara Daseke, Chris Heinbaugh, Lynn McBee, Brent Christopher, Jeremy Strick, Keith Cerny, Lisa and Bill Ogle, Gillian Breidenbach, Wanda Gierhart, Greg Patterson, Cindy Stager, Jill Tananbaum, Tincy Miller, Marnie and Kern Wildenthal and Karol Omlor.

Nancy Carlson

As the crowd moved from the lobby to the hall, TACA President/ Executive Director Becky Young sat backstage with TACA Chairman of the Board Nancy Carlson. They didn’t look anything like the roly-poly St. Nick, but they knew they were going to be making lots of people very happy.

What the audience would soon learn was that $1.3M, an 8% increase over 2013, had been raised. . . a record breaker. . . to support the so-well-knowns (Dallas Opera, Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Dallas Theater Center) and the newbies (One Thirty Productions Matinee Series and WordSpace). In all 46 groups would share in the 2013 take. That was an increase of 10% from the previous year.

Rha Goddess

But before the checks were handed out and amounts revealed, artist/poet/social activist/writer Rha Goddess spoke to the group. The message was passionate as she talked about her role as a citizen and an artist — “The pressure on the artist to always entertain can be a little overwhelming.” She recalled the post-9/11 environment saying, “Me and America had some healing to do. . . to make our country great again.” Addressing the artists in the room, she encouraged them to — “Seize the moment. . . go beyond the applause to really go for it!”

Brent Christopher, Donna Wilhelm and Jeremy Strick

Then Ken Travis and Nancy announced the recipients and the amounts. Scoring highest on the reaction scale was Robyn Flatt of Dallas Children’s Theater. Her face lit up like a kid who had gotten more than she had wished for. Only surprise of the evening was no one was on hand from Teatro Dallas to accept its $8,000 check. Don’t worry. TACA will make sure it finds its way to the right hands.

In addition to giving a big pat on the back to Donna Wilhelm for renewing her commitment to the New Works Fund, Nancy announced that TACA was still on track to providing $2M ($1.6M in cash and $400K in services) in 2016 to the nonprofit performing arts community.

That’s a mighty big number, but TACA is a mighty big fundraiser and “an agent for positive change.”

Sarah Branch, Charles Branch and Dan Branch

Every year the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutante Presentation seems to get more elegant and youthful. While the write-up is being finished, here are a few photos on the MySweetCharity Photo Gallery for your consideration.

Saturday, February 8, formal wear was abounding all over Dallas. There were some folks who were black-tie party hopping, with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League as the evening’s goal.

John Clutts and Dr. Sami Arslanlar

For instance, Carolyn Tillery, who has just stepped aside from her Beverly Drive editor’s duties, had to stop by Brook Hollow for John Clutts’ black tie birthday party hosted by Dr. Sami Arslanlar. No doubt she was so glad she did. The place was decked out in black and white with red background lighting in the main dining room. About 120 settled back for dinner including Carolyn and Tav Lupton, Ruth Buzzi and husband Ken Perkins, Jill and Tracy Rowlett (he’s lost about 45 lbs.), Tiffany and Paul Divis, Jean Lattimore, Barbara Brice, Yvonne Crum, Laree Hulshoff and Ben Fischer, Gregory Dunbar and Terry Van Willson. B-day boy John was sporting a dashing black cape. It was a birthday gift from philanthropist  Dee Wyly. Seem the cape had last been worn by Dee’s late husband Charles, who wore it to a White House state dinner back in the ‘70s.

Ah, but we digress.

Fallon Bock and Elizabeth Dorsey

While the DSOL debs rehearsed their Texas-dip bows, checked their cellphones, chilled and stay out of sight, the lower level of the Meyerson was abashed with men in tuxedos and tails and women in glorious colors and jewels. Of course, you want deets, so here goes: Amber Armstrong in shimmering gold Badgley Mischka, Caroline Hall and Emily Johnson in red BCBGeneration, Helen Butler in blue glittering Naeem Kahn, Betty Osborne with Prada shoes and Judith Leiber purse and Katy Bock in Alexander McQueen gown with VBH purse and jewelry from Bachendorf’s (duh!).

Amber Armstrong

Helen and Mike Butler

Betty Osborne and Katy Bock

As the crowd grew, the champagne flowed and cellphones recorded groups of friends. Why, one quartet of pretty young things asked Myrna Schlegel if she would snap their photo with one of their cellphones. Being the mother of three girls, Myrna immediately accommodated.

Myrna Schlegel accommodating

When one of the Honor Guard was asked why he had signed up for the assignment of escorting the deb, he didn’t hesitate — “An open bar and college girls? Oh, yeah!” Well, it was a dumb question when you think of it.

Just before the Meyerson chimes called everyone upstairs to the McDermott Concert Hall, the Honor Guards and deb dads in their white tie and tails accessorized by dashing purple sashes were seen heading up the stairway. They were following their marching orders. After all, Production General Jan Strimple had a schedule to keep and the gents weren’t going to deny her.

Guests found their seats as the James French photography team took their place to record every moment. Then it was time for the presentation of DSOL President Ginger Sager and Ball Chair Dixey Arterburn, who was doing double duty. In addition to heading up the deb season of Mardi Gras-theme parties to raise funds for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dixey was a mother of one of the debs, Libby Arterburn. She introduced the Honorary C-Chairs Gene and Jerry Jones, who briefly stood. Then she thanked her team of co-chairs Sharon Ballew, Cynthia Beaird, Marena Gault and Sharon Popham.

Sharon Ballew, Cynthia Beaird, Marena Gault and Sharon Popham

Master of ceremonies Stan Gardner then introduced the officers of the Assembly and the Honor Guard.

Just before Lauren Allday started off the presentation at the head of the stairs on stage, Stan gently suggested that decorum and respect would be appreciated. That was a mighty test for some of the young guests. Throughout the 38 presentations, an occasional surge of whooping and hollering resounded through the hall. But calm appreciation was the mood of the night.

Grace Godvin

Rebekah McAnalley

Megan Neligan

Well, that is until one of the last debs was presented and a young gent in the back hollered, “You look so goddamn good!” Thanks to the Meyerson’s fabulous acoustics, hundreds heard his words. But by that time, his remarks were greeted with a smile. After all, watching 38 debs execute that killer bow was like watching tryouts for the Olympic figure-skating team. Parents, siblings and friends were relieved that one and all of the debs bowed perfectly and the escorts did their job.

Okay, so one of the cute escorts got a little confused on which direction to leave the stage, as he headed with deb on his arm backstage. Luckily, the deb and Stan redirected him to the stairs leading to the floor. Even then he needed just a little assistance following the aisle to the back of the hall. But don’t go thinking it was an embarrassing moment. Nope! If anything, everyone in the room was appreciative of the break in the perfection and related to the young man’s situation.

Murphy VandeMotter and Kurt VandeMotter

After Murphy VandeMotter and Tommy Schleier exited the stage, the entire group of debs and escorts were presented on stage to the guests. On the side of the stage, the deb fathers, who had been seated along the Terrace, quietly exited for their next test — the opening waltz with their daughters in the lobby. The moms, who had been seated along the center aisle, also paraded out, followed by the guests.

2014 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutantes and Honor Guard Escorts

In the lobby, the white dance floor that earlier had a sign saying, “Don’t walk on the dance floor,” was surrounded by the parents. Guests were everywhere. Some found a perfect viewing spot on the balcony overlooking the band and dance floor.

As the minutes ticked by, Dixey looked at the stairs leading to the hall. She was worried— “Where were the debs?” She needn’t worry. Suddenly the debs in their flowing white gowns and their escorts paraded down the stairs and directly to the dance floor. It was just at the edge of the dance floor where the escorts released the hands of their debs, who spotted their families and rushed to them.

Haley Anderson, Shy and Charlotte Anderson, Libby Arterburn and Dixey Arterburn

Griffin Bayoud, Meredith Bayoud and Vickie and George Bayoud

Jordan Jones, Gene and Jerry Jones and Karen and Stephen Jones

Sarah Branch, Charles Branch and Dan Branch

On one side of the floor Charlotte and Shy Anderson greeted daughter Haley. Nearby Vickie and George Bayoud were joined by deb daughter Meredith and son Griffin. Jordan Jones spotted her parents, Karen and Stephen Jones, as well as grandmother Gene Jones. Ex’s Lawrence Bock and Holly Deason posed for photos with their daughter Fallon. When Sarah Branch stepped on the dance floor, all fingers were pointing her out. But the only one she saw was that of her dad Dan Branch.

As the debs danced with their dads, Dixey smiled. Everything was fine, just fine.

For more photos from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutante Presentation, please check the MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Remember that fabulous evening gown you bought for that very special occasion. Once you wore it, you just knew you couldn’t wear it again because it was imprinted in everyone’s memory as “Wow!” And you just know a “Wow!” is a one-time-only moment.

So, where has the “Wow” dress been? Yup, languishing in the back of your closet. It’s really felt ignored. And so have those slippers that you bought to go with it. Gee, they’ve been dying to go out.

So, how about making the gown, the shoes and a girl getting ready for her prom happy? It’s a tight deadline, but you know how to hustle. All you have to do is take them to St. Andrew United Methodist Church at Plano Parkway and Mara Vista in Plano. The gowns are in the final stages of being gathered, but they’ll become part of a Cinderella story.

On March 25, 26, 26 and 29, girls from all over will arrived to have a free shopping day of the frocks and goodies. It’s all just in time for those spring proms. Ah, those were the days when a girl could really make an impression with an outstanding ensemble. But these little ladies don’t have the coins to afford something super-duper special, or even okay-ordinary.

So, free that gown, the shoes and any accessories that you really, honestly know you don’t need. Someone else would really, honestly love them and show them a good time.

Holly Mayer, Lucilo Peña and Nancy Carlson (File photo)

Just heard from the TACA team and today’s Silver Cup Award Luncheon at the Anatole honoring Holly Mayer and Lucilo Peña is, “Clearly a ‘go’ for today.”

So hitch up the dog team, get an early start, watch for the icy spots on the road and think warm thoughts.

Holly Mayer and Lucilo Peña

Think back to Monday when the frigid weather closed area schools? Despite the icy conditions, the TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon took place at the Hilton Anatole.

The results? The event proved to be the second-highest moneymaking luncheon in TACA’s history. Honoring Holly Mayer and Lucilo Peña and chaired by Carol and Don Glendenning, the luncheon at the Hilton Anatole raised a whopping $375,000.

Next on TACA’s fundraising schedule? The Lexus Party on the Green on Friday, May 9 at the Mansion.

Silver Cup Awards being unwrapped

Remember back just a couple of weeks ago when schools were being closed due to the frigid weather on Monday, March 3? Despite the elements, the performing arts lovers gathered at the Hilton Anatole to celebrate Holly Mayer’s and Lucilo Peña’s receiving TACA’s 2014 Silver Cup Award.

Lone Star Wind Orchestra Horn Quartet

Check out the MySweetCharity Photo Gallery, while the write-up is being fine-tuned.

Tradition is a wonderful thing. And the TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon exemplifies just that. Founder Annette Strauss envisioned it as an occasion to salute a man and a woman for “their outstanding contributions to the arts in Dallas.”

So, despite school closings and black ice popping up in the most unlikely spots, the TACA crowd braved the wintry-weather encore and gathered at the Hilton Anatole on Monday, March 3, to attend the 36th TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon presented by J.P. Morgan and Neiman Marcus.

With valet parkers wearing sock caps bracing against below-freezing temperatures and gusty winds, the performing arts crowd hustled on in to celebrate Holly Mayer’s and Lucilio Peña’s receiving the “silver cups.”

As guests attended the reception in the lobby outside the Grand Ballroom, past TACA Silver Cup recipients and VIP’s came together in the Plum Room across the way.

Just as the clock was ticking down, TACA President/Executive Director Becky Young asked, “Where is Lucilio?” Yes, the male recipient was nowhere to be seen. He’d been there just moments before with his mother Maria Elena Peña, sister Maria Eugenia Peña, niece Gabriela Peña and partner Lee Cobb. But now he had vanished. And they couldn’t hold the private unboxing of the silver cups without him.

Maria Eugenia Peña, Lucilo Peña, Gabriela Peña, Maria Elena Peña and Lee Cobb

On the other hand, female Silver Cup recipient Holly was following orders, staying put and talking with friends.

It began looking like a back-up plan might be necessary. But, wait! Through the door Lucilio appeared.

As the past recipients gathered around knowing the drill, the newbies tore through the silver Neiman Marcus boxes wrapped with ribbons like kids on Christmas morning.

Actually, Lucilio did have some help opening the box, thanks to niece Gabriela.

Holly Mayer and Lucilo Peña

No sooner had the recipients and cups been photographed than the cups were whisked away for official display at the lunch, and Holly and Lucilio took their seats of honor on the couch surrounded by the past recipients for the annual group photo.

TACA Silver Cup Award recipients

Determined not to be late for the photo was a radiant J.P. Morgan Chase Chair Elaine Agather, who arrived just minutes too late two years ago for the photo. . .  Diane Brierley was receiving birthday congratulations. . .  Tincy Miller and Caroline Rose Hunt were seated together comparing notes. . . Lynn McBee and Kern Wildenthal were talking about the History-Making Texans event in Austin the previous Saturday honoring Ruth Altshuler and Ross Perot.

Elaine Agather

Keeping to the schedule, the Plum Room entourage made their way to the Grand Ballroom, where two mini-stages with musical instruments were set up among the sea of tables and one large stage with piano was in place in front of the head table.

Just a little after noon, when guests had taken their seats and were settling down to a luncheon of Moroccan spiced beef tenderloin salad, overhead emergency lights starts flashing. No one seemed bothered by the blinking lights as they continued eating and chatting. A few minutes later, the lights stopped. Outside the ballroom, Anatole staffers dressed for outside conditions got together and assured all that it was just a false alarm.

Lone Star Wind Orchestra Horn Quartet

As if on cue, the musicians of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra Horn Quartet performed on one of the mini-stages. No sooner had they completed their performance than the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra String Quartet took over on the other mini-stage.

Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra String Quartet

Then Mistress of Ceremonies Lee Cullum took over, providing her typical humor and insight in her annual “state of the Dallas arts” commentary:

Lee Cullum

• One Arts Plaza — “It lives in love and harmony with its neighbors.”
• “You may have seen the lights that were flashing earlier. I thought Tod Machover was back in town.”
• The rumored Broadway production of “King Kong” coming to Dallas — “Wouldn’t it be exciting if King Kong wound up on top of Museum Tower? (Applause) Of course, by then it may have an additional life as a solar power generating station. But you know there’s a way out of this. The Nasher could save a lot on their electricity bills. . . We’re hoping for good things on that front!”
• The Glendennings are everywhere. If you don’t know that, you must be a hopeless recluse.”

Lee was then followed by remarks by

Nancy Carlson and Don Glendenning

• Elaine, who said that TACA is necessary to create a vital community to attract jobs.
• Silver Cup Award Luncheon Co-Chairs Carol and Don Glendenning, who reported that this year’s event had become “one of the two most economically successful luncheons in the past 35 years.”
• TACA Chairman of the Board Nancy Carlson told of the $1.3M in grants that had been distributed in January to 46 performing arts groups.
• Neiman Marcus’ VP Ginger Reeder, who introduced the NM Performing Arts Scholarship recipients soprano Audra Methvin, tenor Jeawook Lee and pianist Jason Smith performing “O soave fanciulla” from “La Boheme.” The performance was just perfect — beautifully executed, not too long, not too short.

  Jeawood Lee and Audra Methvin

Once again following tradition the 2013 Silver Cup Award male recipient (in this case, Roger Nanney) introduced Holly.

Holly Mayer

In her acceptance speech, Holly recalled how she grew up in the arts. One of her first experiences was being in the grade-school production of “Hansel and Gretel,” but she was caught nibbling on the candy house. The death of her 10-year-old daughter caused Holly to seek escape and seek solace that she found in the arts — “I know the transformative power of art.” Over the years, she told of seeing the growth of the Dallas art especially the Dallas Opera’s outreach programs including the simulcast at AT&T Stadium, where Bugs Bunny served as a warm-up. Finishing up, she said, “I’m excited about the collaborative spirit.”

Peggy Sewell

Lee then introduced last year’s Silver Cup Award female recipient Peggy Sewell, who is well known for her fundraising efforts. Doing so, Lee recalled coming across an observation that Peggy might want to consider — “If you are working for an arts organization, as she is, and you need to bend the curve because the competition is getting on your nerves, you can maybe disparage one of the other groups. For example, you might say the reason ballet dancers dance on en pointe on their toes is to avoid waking the audience. (Laughter) Peggy, you might want to consider it, because she’s got to raise a lot of money for that Islamic art [at the Dallas Museum of Art].” Some in the audience were scratching their heads over Lee’s comment, but insiders got it and some of them looked a little uncomfortable.

Mary McDermott Cook

But without missing a beat, Peggy seamlessly followed introducing Lucilo, who also emphasized the “vital transformative power of art.” He recalled his parents growing up and fleeing Cuba and his growing up in Venezuela. The big artistic impact in his life was his trip to Europe as a youth and seeing the Prado in Madrid. Lucilo, who “lives, works and plays in the Arts District,” promoted the New Cities summit coming to Dallas, as well as his involvement in the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Dallas Architectural Forum and the Human Rights Campaign. As he was talking, the ballroom’s lights once again started acting up. This time they just shut down, leaving the room in darkness. From the podium, Lucilo said, “Whoa!” because he couldn’t see his notes. Guess someone heard him, because the lights immediately came back on and he was able to thank Deedie Rose, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, Mary McDermott Cook, Marguerite Hoffman and others.

Lee returned to the podium tying her earlier remark about tiptoe dancing with the complimentary tickets at the tables: “Be sure to look at the tickets. I feel honor bound to add that the Texas Ballet Theater is doing very well. They do dance en pointe,” she said. “They got $65K from TACA . They’re doing well. Titas is going to bring a great program for the Fete du Ballet May 2nd. Would you look at the tickets on your table? There is a ticket for two.  You can go to the Black Dance Ballet where they do not dance en pointe, I hope. Or maybe they do, but they’re very great. You can go to ‘Mariachi Girl‘ at the Children’s Theater. Or, you can go to piano concerto at the Dallas Symphony.”

She then dismissed the group, “So happy spring to all of you. Surely, it’s arriving soon. Thank you for being here. Same time next year.”

So tradition continues.

Diana Nyad*

“Dancing With The Stars” followers were watching tonight to see if contestant Diana Nyad would be voted off tonight. They were worried about her being able to juggle her being the keynote speaker for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center’s April 17^th Appetite for Advocacy Luncheon at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel with her dancing duties. In fact, her dancing on might have only brought more attention to the focus of her talk ― childhood sexual abuse.

Darn it! The swimmer, who has faced jellyfish, oceans of seawater and doubting Thomases, danced a farewell dance that would have rated a good score even from Len.

On the other hand, she’ll be all rested up for the luncheon, where Debbie and Ric Scripps will receive the 2014 Ruth Altshuler Award for their dedication and commitment to the children of Dallas County.

According to DCAC President/CEO Lynn Davis, “The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center is honored to call Debbie and Ric Scripps treasured friends and well-deserving recipients of this award for their outstanding contribution to children in need. You would be hard pressed to find an organization serving children in this community that they have not supported with their time, talent and resources. They have been an integral part of the growth of our agency, and we are so grateful for the active role they have played and continue to play in improving the lives of children in Dallas.”

* Photo provided by Dallas Children's Advocacy Center

Paws in the City made a change last year. Instead of local celebrities dancing in the Top Hat & Tails fundraiser, they opted to have sponsored volunteers.

Word just arrived that they’ve re-examined their event and have made some more changes for this year’s dance-athon.

Top Hat & Tails teams (File photo)

First, they’re not going to hold it in June. That’s a very big deal. Why? Because it had become the summer event that broke up the ho-hums of the heat. They’ve moved it to the spring — Saturday, April 19, to be exact. Thought you would want to know so you could go ahead and make your summer vacation plans accordingly.

Second, they decided to return to a celebrity cast of dancers. It’s a pretty good list, too. Included in the people who are hard at work learning their steps at Arthur Murray Studio are:

Amy Vanderoef (File photo)

• Jolene DiVito, broadcaster, talent coach and former TXCN anchor
• Tersa Frostini, CBS 11 anchor/reporter
• JP Piccinini, real estate mogul
• Amy Vanderoef, WFAA’s “Good Morning Texas” host
• Jason Wheeler, WFAA anchor/reporter
• Brooke Williamson, ESPN sideline reporter

On the other hand, tried-and-true things that haven’t changed are host Preston Pearson and Master of Ceremonies Scott Murray. And the location is still Frontiers of Flight Museum.

The judges will be Drew Pearson, Claudia Marshall and George Riba.

Oh, did we mention that the annual St. Francis of Assisi Award will be presented to Robert “Skip” Trimble, dog’s/cat’s best friend? Good choice.

If you haven’t been to this event because you’ve been out of town, you need to see it to believe it. Not only do you get a delicious meal, check out an extensive silent auction and have a heck of a lot of fun, you’ll be able to sit back and watch local bold facers showing off some fancy. . . and in some cases, funny … moves.

Since the date has been moved up, you’d better lock down your tickets ASAP.

This report from the field came in about the younger set of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas partying and raising funds for RMHD:

Medley Turner, Meghan Looney and Bradley Means*

The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Young Friends  group held its  annual Young Friends Party at Union Station  on Friday, March 28.  Co-chairmen Bradley Agather Means, Meghan Looney and Medley Turner planned the spectacular “An Evening in Casablanca” enjoyed by a crowd of 400 revelers. Guests had fun bidding for outstanding items in the Silent Auction chaired by Sarah Kate Jones and Bailey Lloyd. The competition was fierce and items such as an autumn trophy hunt at historic Newell Ranch, a trip to Napa, a Marfa gallery weekend, 50 yard line front row seats to a Cowboys game and exclusive home décor and jewelry caused many guests to stay in the auction room until it closed at 10:45 am. By the way, every item sold.

Bailey Lloyd and Sarah Kate Jones*

Everyone else was in the ballroom enjoying scrumptious food by Wolfgang Puck which included truffle mac n’ cheese, gourmet pizza, mini sliders, pigs in a blanket, black bean quesadillas and other culinary delights. Decorations Chairs Katie Crow and Lizzie Duplantis outdid themselves with the help of Jackson Durham and Perch, the décor could not have been more transformative of Union Station to old Morocco and included potted palms, Casablanca lilies, hundreds of votives and the film “Casablanca” running in silence above the main stage where DJ Lucy Wrubel spun her dance tracks for the crowd dancing the night away on a “fortiesesque” black and white tile dance floor.

Caroline Barron, Lizzie Duplantis and Katie Crow*

Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, said, “We appreciate and thank Bradley, Meghan and Medley for their extraordinary work as well as their talented committee and generous sponsors.

Sponsors included:

• Diamond: Peregrine Group, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater North Texas, Sewell Automotive Group, Anonymous
• Platinum: James Carroll, Freeman Auto Group, Jackie and Jon Means, Petro-Hunt LLC, Anonymous
• Gold: Benchmark Bank and Benchmark Title, Carroll Mansions, Lauren Chapman, Denise and Jeffrey Cutler, Elizabeth Toon Charities, Spring Creek Barbeque, Anonymous

Photo credit: Jeremy Brown

Marie Antoinette’s court characters (File photo)

Sometimes memories of past glories can create impossible expectations for future efforts. With the 2013 House of DIFFA extravaganza only growing in stature as the months passed, this year’s fundraiser benefiting HIV/AIDS services in North Texas had a mighty challenge.

While newbies and wishful optimists may have been awed by the Masquerade Gala at the Omni Dallas on Saturday, March 29, jaded vets grumbled that the 2013 P&C (pomp and circumstance) was MIA.

Reasons were handed out by Monday morning critics like samples at Sam’s on Saturdays. One longtime DIFFA guest sniffed, “If last year was a ten, this year was a four.” Another simply called the evening, “Pedestrian.” Why had last year’s home-run event only achieved a base hit this year? Perhaps

• Expectations were too great?
• It lacked the [Jan] Strimple touch of platinum at the helm?
• Too many changes, like the move from the Anatole to the Omni, which was suffering from traffic issues?
• There was no emcee to guide the 1,500 guests through the evening’s program?
• Printed programs were sparse? According to DIFFA reps, “They put a limited amount of programs on the tables (3-4) because in years past, so many get left behind so they wanted to conserve printing costs. This is also why they had people handing them out.”

Whatever the reason, the saving grace was the theme — “Masquerade” — and the guests’ response. Not only did the guests get the message, they delivered with everything from couture-quality creations to last-minute glue-gun lookies.

While some like Holly Reed, Brad Beaird and Larry Friedman opted for the painted-on masks, many of the gals like Holly Davis went for the fragile, lace versions that looked like eye bras designed by La Perla. At the other extreme were the chaps at Marcos Guevara’s table. To a man, each donned a menacing ram’s horn dragon mask. However, the sinister looks were dashed due to the gents’ smiles and laughter. . . DIFFA Board Member Debra Nelson proudly showed off her “homemade” mask of turquoise and white featuring butterflies, peacock feathers and ostrich plumes. . . Andrew Wong followed the Venetian look of the long-nose mask. . .In the half-covered face category, Mark Breidenbach went the “Phantom of the Opera” route, while Keith Carlisle opted for a raspberry pink with gold design that stretched over the left of his hairline. . .Honorary Chair Simona Beal accessorized her dramatic gold mask from Gallerie Noir with an equally eye-catching gold “snake” wrapped around her neck. . . Anne Stodghill resurrected her magnificent emerald-and-gold feathered mask that she had worn to the Carnival of Venice’s Doge Ball 10 years ago. Talked about a versatile mask! She could either wear it covering her face or, when it came time to dine, she simply slipped it to the top of her red-haired head and it transitioned into an elegant hat. . . Another guest whose mask proved to be convertible was Joseph Steffen. His white mask was covered with faux flowers and a draping of pink fringe. When Joseph slid the mask on top of his head, the curtain took on the appearance of bangs in need to a trim.

Kyle Erwin

Veronika Nicholson

Some guests decided to extend their creativity to their entire look. Kyle Erwin plucked some poor peacock naked, incorporating the eyeful feathers to her mask, as well as to her gown’s tail-feathered back and train. According to Kyle, “I made everything but the dress. I think it’s Jovani.” . . . Veronika Nicholson in red corseted bustier and feathered skirt topped it off with a black-and-red mask and chapeau that her sister Franziska Nicholson designed.

Christopher Wright

Shane Walker, Gregg Asher and Steve Kemble

Christopher Wright silently made his way through the crowd with few, if any, friends recognizing him. He had done his research of the Venetian masquerade and costumed himself in bauta mask, black tabarro and tricorne. . .  On the other hand, Steve Kemble didn’t even make it through the Omni lobby. His outrageously sassy pink-and-black-and-glittering mask and cloak proved to be a magnet for the Mary Kay gals staying at the hotel. They just had to have their photos taken with him. Steve had gotten the mask from Thailand and applied his own “subtle” touches to it. Only problem was it weighed more than a bloated contestant on the “Biggest Loser.” How did he hold it up? There was a rod strapped along Steve’s back to hold the headpiece in place. As for the future of his mask, Steve believes in recycling for nonprofits. The mask is headed to the auction bloc for the annual “Art From the Heart” fundraiser. . . Perhaps inspired by his muse, Cher, Shane Walker showed up with a black-and-jeweled mask that covered part of this face and a gargantuan black-feathered Indian headdress. Naturally, Shane’s black-and-jeweled bolero jacket and jewelry only added to the “Oomph!” factor. As Shane summed it up, “There’s not a feather or a stone left in Dallas after Steve and I went shopping!”. . Designer Michael Faircloth was all smiles. He had applied his fashions designing skills to the masks of friends, with spectacular results. Why, his tri-faced mask for Paul Divis had Paul mystifying longtime friends, who didn’t recognize him.

Holly Davis and Paul Divis

However, in this day and age of enhancements and embellishments, the problem of ultra-long eyelash extensions posed a problem for some. For those wearing snug masks, they had to place the masks on just so for the lashes to freely flutter through the eye holes. For those who opted for the handholding masks, they couldn’t hold them too close to their faces for fear of having a collision of masks and lashes. Oh, the woes of masked beauty.

The party could have stopped right there and then in the lobby, as guests checked each other out as well as the one-of-a-kind outfits featured in the silent auction.

Cloaked characters

But when the doors to the Dallas Ballroom opened, the festivities continued with a stage that appeared to have been lifted from St. Mark’s Square including a red gondola, two-dimensional columns, a two-story-tall faux-stone bridge where a DJ played and two runways extending from the stage into the audience. As guests slowly made their way to their tables, pairs of somber, pale-faced, hooded and cloaked couples appeared on the runways over a five minute period. They just stood there staring into space. Was this a sign that Eyes Wide Shut was about to commence?

Adriana Lomysh

Jordan Frescher

Nope. With box fans blowing mist throughout the room, opera singer Adriana Lomysh and rapper Jordan Frescher took their places on stage and proved that classic and modern music can mix it up beautifully. Unfortunately, the first few seconds of Adriana’s performance were only heard by those close to the stage. Evidently her mic hadn’t been turned on, but that was quickly remedied. Just as Jordan was starting to ramp up his performance, the cloaked druids performed dance routines to the rapper’s beat.

Cloaked character dancing

Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak

It was then time for the DIFFA leadership to be introduced with DIFFA Executive Board Chair Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak welcoming the guests to the sold-out event and thanking the sponsors. She was followed by Event Chair Jim DiMarino and Honorary Chair Simona and DIFFA Chair Emeritus Greg Haynes Johnson.  Before dinner was served, the parade of 2014 Style Council Ambassadors (Sami Abboud, David Biggar, Angela Choquette, Leslie Concors, Jennifer M. Kolstad, Lisa Lowery, John Pfifer Marrs, Matthew Minnick, Joseph Minton, Autumn Rich, Marcus Spears, Steve “Stodgie” Stodghill, Shannon Sturdivant and Clarice Tinsley) took place, with Batman-mask wearing Stodgie in white tie and tails not only earning a standing ovation from tables at the end of one of the runways, but also having KTVT’s Brendan Higgins stuff a $20 bill into Steve’s waistband.

Dinner was then served. With a lack of programs, it became a guessing game of what was on the plates. It was chicken with balsamic dressing and “a mystery something.” One person guessed a mashed potato cake. Another supposed a corn casserole. A third just said he didn’t want to know. Whatever it was, the something became a conversation piece bringing strangers together.

At 7:45 a violinist performed as two male dancers in white tank tops and black trousers with bowler hats danced on stage. They were immediately followed by a fashion show of the designer items up for bid in the silent auction. The timing of the show was just off enough that the music ended while the final model — a blond with braids in black lace gown — was still yards away from center stage.

Almost immediately afterwards a game of heads or tails took place, with the main participants being those seated at tables between the runways.

Then the live auction got underway. Unfortunately, because of the lack of an emcee or a program, some guests started heading for the door, not realizing there was going to be a Part Two fashion show. Some were just weary like Claire and Dwight Emanuelson, who had just flown in from Virginia. Others, who had been trapped in the two-block-long traffic jam arriving at the Omni, decided to bail before the masses hit the valet. Still others, who had taken a pass on the chicken and “mystery something,” were hungry and headed to the Mansion, Bob’s or Whataburger.

One person waiting for his car grumbled, “It just wasn’t the same without some drag queens on the runway.” Across the way, another muttered, “It was too gay.”

All of which goes to prove — you can’t please everybody, especially those with long memories.

Since its founding in 1982, the Children’s Cancer Fund has awarded more than $7 million to help Children’s Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center in their battles against childhood cancer. Friday, April 4th, organizers were aiming to add another quarter-million dollars or so for the fight from the nonprofit’s 26^th Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Hilton Anatole.

CCF’s annual fundraiser is always one of the most heart-warming—and heart-rending—events of the year. And, the 2014 edition was no exception. That was evident right from the get-go, when many of the 39 participating young cancer patients and survivors gathered backstage with various celebrities before the luncheon began.

Zoe Teemer and Jim Stroud*

Valeria Renteria and Michelle LeBoeuf*

Over in one corner of the noisy space, a young girl was getting her hair curled. Another child was being interviewed by someone from NBC-5. Still others were posing for photos with “circus clowns,” or with a couple of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Country singer Rudy Gatlin sat talking quietly with one youngster, his arm thrown over the back of her wheelchair, while, not far away, Miss Texas Teen, Kellie Stewart, stood in the middle of a group of pink-clad firefighters from Longview as someone snapped their photo.

Tyler Kuelbs and Stacie Wells**

The heart-rending part continued in the Chantilly Ballroom, where nearly 1,000 people had gathered for the luncheon and fashion show. After welcoming messages from longtime Honorary Co-chairs Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman (it was Roger’s 26^th year, Troy’s 18^th), Luncheon Co-chairs Tyler Kuelbs and Stacie Wells addressed the crowd. Each was accompanied by her young cancer-survivor son—Nick Kuelbs and AJ Wells—and each broke down weeping before she could finish her brief message.

After attendees heard from Mistress and Master of Ceremonies Clarice Tinsley and Steve Eagar of Fox 4 News and began enjoying a lunch of cream of spinach soup, classic coq au vin, and lemon meringue pie, Scott Murray brought on auctioneer Matt Blevins. Blevins proceeded to conduct a very long, very drawn-out auction segment, during which the likes of a painting, a wine-cellar dinner, and a South African safari were sold—and the patience of the 1,000 guests was tried.

Carter Fielding and Roger Staubach*

Following the second of two videos—and then a cash call after that!—the runway show, or what Eagar called “the meat of the program,” began at long last. Sponsored by Fashion Presenter Dillard’s, the runway show was adorable as always. Among the most memorable sights were Rush Urschel, president of the Junior Leadership Board at Children’s, accompanying little Brooke Hart, who was on crutches; former Dallas Cowboy Ray Johnston holding up a card representing Logan Quintana, who was feeling under the weather and couldn’t attend; and Staubach with Carter Fielding, who was sporting a “moustache” and holding up both hands in a triumphant Churchill-style, V-for-Victory salute. Cracked Eagar: “He’s a future politician, as you can see.”

After a raffle drawing for a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA, a pitch to buy the tulip centerpieces, and a closing song by Amber Carrington, semi-finalist on “The Voice” TV show, the event ended at last around 1:30 p.m., roughly half an hour past the scheduled closing time. For those who’d been there since 10 a.m., when the affair began, it all made for a very long, very exhausting day that might have benefited from a little prudent editing.

* Photo credit: Juan Pulido

** Photo credit: Edgar Vargas

Eight new members of TACA’s Board of Directors were just revealed.

Jill Tananbaum and Sky Brewer (File photo)

Drum roll. . . Joining present board members Shannon Brame, Barbara Daseke, Kemp Sawers and Ed Tauriac will be Megan Bowdon, Skye Brewer, Pete Chilian, Dawn Carney Grove, Ann Margolin, Jay Oppenheimer, Dawna Richter and Jill Tananbaum.

Leading this performing-art loving board will be Chair Nancy Carlson, Vice Chair of Grants Tara Lewis, Vice Chair of Programs Zannie Giraud Voss, Treasurer Marsha Cameron and Secretary Ann Hobson.

If you don’t know who the newbies are, you can find out after the jump!

1. Megan Ruth Bowdon is a 2014 graduate of Texas Christian University where she majored in Sculpture and Arts Administration.  She was a member of the International Thespian Society and won several Texas state competitions and one national competition for theatrical scenic design.  She was selected to participate in the Mercedes Benz 2013 – 2014 Art Exhibition at its corporate office in Alliance, Texas.  She is a grants review panel member for the Fort Worth Arts Alliance and serves on the Bowdon Family Foundation Board of Directors. As an artist, her projects build on her past experiences and are a nod to the proud traditions of carpentry and textiles.  She is a native of North Texas and has an active studio where she makes quilts and custom design furniture, which combine her two passions: fibers and woodworking.
2. Skye Brewer moved to Dallas in 1994 from Claremont, California (Pomona College) to attend SMU School of Law.  She graduated cum laude in 1997 and began her law career at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher where she practiced corporate and securities law until 2000 when she married her husband, Bill Brewer.  Since then, Skye has been a devoted wife and mother to her six children as well as a committed community volunteer.  Skye has been involved with many Dallas charities and has chaired various events for the da Vinci School, Hockaday, St. Mark’s, Heroes and Handbags, and Cattle Baron’s.  She serves on the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Board of Governors as well as the Heroes for Children Board of Directors.  Skye’s passion for the Dallas arts community began when she joined and ultimately became President of the Elan Circle of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League.  Currently, she is Co-Chair of the Dallas Museum of Art’s Art Ball silent and live auction. Skye is also committed to raising money for children with cancer and will co-chair the Heroes for Children’s 10th Anniversary Event in 2015.
3. Pete is the Managing Director of J.P. Morgan Private Bank for the Dallas region where he manages a team of 50 bankers, investment specialists, credit executives, trust and estate attorneys and client services specialists who provide broad-based wealth management services to clients in the DFW metro area, West Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Northern Louisiana. Pete joined J.P. Morgan in NYC in 2002 and moved back to Texas in 2004. He holds an MBA in Finance from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin and a BBA in General Business from the Cox School of Business at SMU. Pete is a member of the Campaign Committee for the Methodist Dallas Medical Center Capital Campaign; an active supporter of The Children’s Trust at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas; and a member of the Advisory Council for the Master of Science in Finance program at the McCombs School of Business.  He and his wife of twelve years, Brandi, have two sons, Cook and Wyatt.
4. Dawn’s community service includes serving on the board of directors of the Suicide & Crisis Center from 1989-1991 and 1998-2000. She is a certified crisis counselor. She has been a hospital volunteer with Parkland Hospital (1995-2000) and a member of Junior League (1993-2000). She worked as a biofeedback therapist for many years. After completing her MBA, she worked in the corporate communications department at Southwest Airlines. Most recently, she co-chaired the Silent and Live Auction for the Hockaday Centennial Celebration. She and her husband, Toby, are long-standing patrons of the arts. They have a nine year old daughter, Natalie.
5. Ann Margolin was elected to represent District 13 on the Dallas City Council in May, 2009 and served until July, 2013. As a city council member she chaired the council’s Arts, Culture and Libraries Committee and was vice chair of the Economic Development Committee.  She also served on the Budget, Finance and Audit Committee and the Housing Committee. The mayor appointed Ann to sit on the board of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau where she was vice chair of the board.  She is currently working with the mayor as chair of the Mayor’s Business Arts Initiative which matches businesses with arts organizations as a way to help support the arts in Dallas. Prior to her election she was the owner of Intercon General Agency, a business which specializes in insurance programs for banks; a real estate investor, and community leader. Ann was the first woman to chair the board of Parkland Hospital on which she served for 6 years.  She also served as vice chair and chairman of the Finance Committee and the Long Range Planning Committee. Ann is a member of the Southwestern Medical Foundation Board and a past member of the Parkland Foundation board. She has served on governmental boards including the Dallas Planning and Zoning Commission, the Dallas Park and Recreation board and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center Board. She has served as president of the Board of Girls Incorporated and chair of board of directors of The Chiapas Project, which makes micro-loans to women in Latin America. She is the event chair for the 2014 TITAS Gala, which will be held May 2^nd.  Ann holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Northwestern University in Communication and an MBA from Columbia University Business School. She is an active member of Temple Emanu-El. She has two children, Richard, 27 and Jane, 25 and is married to Fred Margolin.
6. Jay is an active community volunteer. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Dallas Theater Center; Board of Directors of the Jewish Family Service where he is Treasurer; Board of Directors of Visiting Nurses Association; Board of Directors of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, and Board of Directors of Big Thought. He is a former member of the national Board of Directors for Human Rights Campaign Foundation (2007-2009); Board of Trustees of AIDS Services of Dallas (2001-2013); and the Board of Directors of DIFFA Dallas (1992-1994), among others. He is a former Vice-President and COO of Weight Watchers of Ft. Worth (1998-2004) and former assistant buyer, department manager and buyer for Neiman Marcus (1986-1998). He holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance and BA in Political Science from SMU, where he graduated summa cum laude.
7. Dawna Richter joined Bank of Texas in 2010 as Senior Relationship Manager for The Private Bank. With over twenty years of experience in the financial services industry, Dawna has had roles including Private Banking Officer at Texas American Bank, Corporate Financial Analyst at Pier 1 Imports, Vice President and Team Leader at Chase Manhattan Bank of Texas, Branch Sales Manager at Norwest Private Mortgage Banking and Relationship Manager at Nations Bank Private Bank/Bank of America. Her most recent role, prior to Bank of Texas, was as a Senior Loan Officer for Texas Capital Bank’s Private Client Group. Dawna is actively involved in her community having previously been a member of the TACA Grants Panel and Board of Governors, as well as an Advisor for the Junior League of Dallas’ Fund Development and Finance committees. She co-chaired the Dallas Women‘s Foundation 26^th Annual Luncheon. She is a former board member and advisory board member for Girls, Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, as well as a former chair of the Board of Trustees for Chiapas International. She received her BBA from the University of North Texas, her MBA from Texas Christian University and completed the Certified Financial Planner Program at Southern Methodist University.
8. Jill is a licensed attorney and community volunteer.  She founded Breakwater Strategies, LLC, a litigation consulting firm specializing in overseeing and managing litigation matters for public and private companies and individuals. Prior to founding her own firm, she was associated with Coudert Brothers in New York and California and Jones Day in Dallas.  Jill has served or serves on the boards for The Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, The Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association (President), Turtle Creek Manor and The Vogel Alcove. She is a recipient of the 2009 North Star Award, presented by Henry S. Miller Interests, Inc./Dallas Highland Park Village.  In 2013, Jill co-chaired the TACA Party on the Green.  In addition to raising her two sons, Kyle (14) and Jason (11), she is currently co-chairing the 2014 Cattle Baron’s Ball for the American Cancer Society.

There are some packages that are simple priceless because they’re a one-time-only opportunity. Any part of this Art Ball package would be drool-able, but all together. . . Well, you’re just going to have to settle back to take this one in. In fact, you may want to read it a couple of times. Then bid online or prepare to wave your paddle high Saturday night at the Dallas Museum of Art fundraiser.

Explore Napa Valley And Celebrate Sophia Loren With Robert Redford* (Value: $19,700)

Festival del Sole**

It’s called Napa Valley Festival del Sole and takes place from July 11-20 in Napa Valley, where else. It’s a glorious time when the lush valley with its countless wineries and restaurants are the setting for enjoying 10 days of wining, dining and taking in 60 events with stars of music, dance and theater.

To start off, the twosome will have two-day VIP passes for the opening weekend (July 13-14). That’s when the Annual Gala at Meadowood Napa Valley takes place with special performance, lunches and dinners hosted by local wineries. Ah, just to say Meadowood is delicious. In a past life, it had been a private country club. H. William Harlan, who had been looking for property to raise grapes, fell in love with the property. So the story goes, Harlan called his partners and within 48 hours, the estate was theirs. Their goal: to create “an upscale resort in Napa Valley that would become a luxury destination for discerning travelers from around the world seeking an authentically Napa Valley experience.” Mission: accomplished.

Meadowood Napa Valley**

This 250-acre resort is the epitome of luxury. In addition to golf, tennis, swimming and spectacular scenery, a perfect evening is sitting on The Grill’s balcony overlooking the Jerry Stark Memorial Croquet Lawns and taking in the surrounding hills and forest. And the rooms! With their down bedding, fabulous views of the property, fireplaces and private outdoor terraces, it’s better than home. And the staff is so accommodating that if you write a thank-you note to General Manager Alex Kim, watch out. You’ll probably get a thank-you note thanking you for allowing them to pamper you. It’s a wonder anyone ever leaves.

Meadowood Napa Valley**

Speaking of which, the winner of this package will not only attend the July 13 and 14 festivities at Meadowood, they’ll call it home-sweet-home.

But, wait, there’s more. It only gets better.

Now that the winners have had time to get the feel of the “festival” fever, they can head to nearby San Francisco to shop, rest and prepare for the weekend. While there, they will have two nights in a Metropolitan Suite at The St. Regis with daily breakfast for two at Vitrine.

Sophia Loren and “unidentified person” (File photo)

Rested and pampered, the winners will head back to stay at Meadowood for July 18 and 19 and the closing of the festival on Saturday, when the stars will be in the sky and on the ground at Far Niente. From around the world, stars of stage and screen will be on hand to pay homage to a true legend — Sophia Loren. The emcee for the evening? Robert Redford. The conductor of the evening’s concert? Sophia’s son, Carlo “Cipi” Ponti Jr. Talk about history-making selfie heaven!

The Restaurant**

Far Niente**

Just in case the winners meet up with “Bob” or “Sophia,” they can take the stars to The French Laundry thanks to a $1,500 gift certificate. After all, it’s the only restaurant, besides Meadowood’s The Restaurant, west of the Mississippi that has earned Michelin’s three-star rating.

And, if they’re feeling like showing the two legendary stars the sights, the winning couple will be able to take them for tours and tastings at both Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel wineries.

Nickel & Nickel**

As for traveling to and from California, American Airlines will provide two round-trip, first-class tickets.

American Airlines **

* Compliments of: Napa Valley 
Festival de Sole and Barrett 
Wissman, Meadowood Napa 
Valley, The St. Regis San 
Francisco, Nickel & Nickel, 
Far Niente, The French Laundry 
and American Airlines

** Photos provided by the 
Dallas Museum of Art's Art 
Ball

*** Restrictions include:

• Napa Valley Festival del 
Sole: Certificate valid for 
July 13-14, 2014, and July 
19, 2014 only. 
• Meadowood Napa Valley: 
Certificate valid for 
July 13-14 and July 18-19, 
2014, during Festival del 
Sole.
• St. Regis San Francisco: 
Certificate is not redeemable for cash, non-transferable, and cannot be 
extended beyond the date indicated. 
• Reservation is based on space availability and blackout dates may apply. 
Original certificate letter must be presented at check-in.
• Far Niente: Certificate valid for four people. Luncheon by prior 
arrangement, valid for June-September of 2014. Date must be mutually 
convenient for bearer and winery.
• The French Laundry: Winner must contact Gina Betts on or before May 8,
2014, to confirm reservations.
• American Airlines:  Travel is from any destination in the 48 contiguous 
United States where American Airlines offers service and returning to 
the original starting point of the trip.

With temperatures in the 60’s it’s hard to imagine July with its sweltering heat. But maybe that thought of summer baking was the impetus for the Paws in the City organizers to up and move its annual Top Hat & Tails to April.

Event Chair Tina Fairbanks admitted that in making the move, there was a slight oops! They discovered a Saturday in April that appeared totally open with almost no competing events. Imagine that! April, one of the busiest months in the year, and a Saturday with nothing booked. Immediately they locked down the Frontiers of Flight Museum and Wendy Krispin catering.

Too good to be true? Yup. It was the night before Easter. Seems they’d used a calendar that didn’t have Easter or Passover posted.

But the celebrity dancers weren’t deterred. Well, except for WFAA’s Jason Wheeler, who had been announced as a dancer; but, the night of the Dallas version of Dancing With The Stars, he had been replaced by Albertson’s Carol Roberts. Alas, that meant that commercial Realtor JP Piccinini was the only celeb fella dancer. But he wasn’t complaining. As guests arrived, they were greeted by volunteers with adorably available pooches.

Sophia Davis with Margo and Sara Blewett with Tiger

Inside, Wendy was preparing a feast for 450. Feeding this herd demanded diplomatic planning. After all, among the crowd there were meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. To solve the problem, Wendy had large bowls of vegetables, salads and chicken served up Italian style.

Skip Trimble

Before the dance competition took place, attorney/animal advocate Skip Trimble was presented with the St. Francis of Assisi Award. Earlier in the evening, Skip addressed the “animal problem,” saying, “I like to say, it’s never going to happen in my lifetime, but, hopefully, I’ll be able to ‘look down’ and see it happen.” But to make it happen there has to be a change of attitude by the public and more legislation, Skip added. He was especially pleased to see that one of the candidates for state office had publicly taken a stand against puppy mills.

And while spay and neuter programs are an important part of the solution, it is necessary to go into the communities, visit with the people there, educate them and make them realize their lives will be better, too: “If we can get them to spay and neuter, the animals won’t be on the streets. You can’t kill your way out of this. They multiply seven times [our rate of multiplying].

But he admitted that the problem is not limited to Dallas. It’s worldwide. Pausing, he said that the answer is not just a no-kill shelter. “It has to be a no-kill community!” On a positive note, Skip reflected over his years of involvement that Dallas has come a long way in bringing the groups together thanks to the creation of the Metroplex Animal Coalition.

Thanks to efforts of the collaboration and the new management at the Dallas Animal Services, there has been a 40% decrease in euthanasia between 2010 and 2013.

George Riba, Claudia Marshall and Drew Pearson

Before taking his place on stage with fellow judges Claudia Marshall and Drew Pearson, judge George Riba admitted that he wasn’t above being bribed — “I’m accepting $20 bills.” It was just five years ago that the WFAA sportcaster had been one of the celebrity dancers himself.

But before the first celeb’s shoe touched the stage, Host Preston Pearson seemed anxious. He was going to dance himself. Not in the competition but rather with granddaughter Zoe Pearson, who’s in the fifth grade from Marietta, Georgia.

Now it was time for the competition to get underway. For your consideration, video of the dancers is provided below for the following teams:

Brooke Williams, Ian Kelley, Amy Vanderoef, Ryan West, Carol Roberts, Paul Rodriguez, Lindsey Jordan, JP Piccinini, Teresa Frosini, Nicholas Stevens, Jolene DeVito and Justin Brown

• Jolene DeVito and Justin Brown dancing the hustle (Sorry no sound on Jolene’s due to copyright of music, so just hum some Michael Jackson)

• Teresa Frosini and Nicholas Stevens dancing the jitterbug

• JP Piccinini and Lindsey Jordan dancing a medley

• Carol Roberts and Paul Rodriguez dancing the rumba

• Amy Vanderoef and Ryan West dancing the tango/cha-cha

• Brooke Williamson and Ian Kelley dancing the swing

Amy revealed that just minutes before going on, she had to be sewn into her cat suit that fit like sausage wrap. Her partner Ryan in gentleman fashion reminded the audience that Olivia Newton-John also had to be stitched into her Grease costume.

Martha Powell

As PITC’s Martha Powell announced that Heidi Button had been named Volunteer of the Year, the audience provided the popular vote for the winning team. After the judges’ and audience’s votes were counted, the winner of the Lucy Trophy was revealed: Brooke and Ian!

Ian Kelley, Brooke Williamson, Ryan West, Carol Roberts and Preston Pearson

But the evening’s competitive spirit was over. When guests had arrived, they had been told to text when they wanted the valets to pull their vehicles up. It worked and it didn’t. George Riba’s Prius appeared quickly. Unfortunately, George’s better half, Maggie, was delayed talking to friends inside. The results? One of the lanes was blocked by the waiting Prius.

Monica Greene and Debbie Alcocer

On the other hand, Monica Greene waited for her car … and waited and waited. After inquiring a couple or three times on the status of the wheels, she shook her head and admitted, “I’m old-fashioned. I like to give them a ticket and get a car.”