Top Hat & Tails took their dance show in a different direction this year at the Frontiers of Flight Museum on Saturday, June 15. Instead of local celebs dancing with Arthur Murray pros, the organizers decided to the rest of the world a chance. Perhaps not as much glitter, but more dough for Paws In The City.
Becky Haisma and Holly Forsythe
According to Top Hat & Tails Co-chair/co-founder Becky Haisma, “We decided to change things up after five years and give regular people, especially supporters of Paws in the City, an opportunity to dance. If an individual wanted to dance for the Lucy Trophy, they could get a sponsor of pledge to raise $7,500 in donations.”
Scott Murray and Chelsie Hightower
But that’s not to say the night of dining, dancing and doling out the treats lacked sparkle. No, siree! It came in the personality of Chelsie Hightower, the real-life Dancing With The Stars pro. Unlike DWTS cohort Cheryl Burke, who tends to no-show for Dallas fundraisers, Chelsie was not only on hand, she was beyond charming and so cute that Barbie would have placed second in a comparison.
Scott Murray, Gretchen Malone, Chelsie Hightower, John McGill and Kellie Rasberry*
Emcee Scott Murray even learned a little “jig” on stage thanks to Chelsie with judges John McGill, Kellie Rasberry and Arthur Murray’s Gretchen Malone giving 10’s. BTW, Gretchen was subbing for Arthur Murray Dallas owner Claudia Marshall, who has been a mainstay on the judges’ panel the past five years. This year Claudia’s best friend was getting married the same weekend, so she was MIA.
But Chelsie’s pitching in didn’t stop with doing a one-two dance step with Scott. Nope. She took her place with the judges providing scores and comments. As Becky summed it up, “She was wonderful!”
Kris Johnson, Donna Stiles, Nancy Gopez and Karen Lukin
As Chelsie collected vegetarian delights in a clear plastic cup of tomatoes, carrots , celery and peppers and posed non-stop for photos with fans, others like Leslie Ann Crozier, Kris Johnson, Donna Stiles, Nancy Gopez, Karen Lukin and Holly (“I’ve been working out like crazy!”) Forsythe were checking out the silent auction items and critters looking for forever homes.
Paws In The City kittens
To get the big show underway Scott and Host Preston Pearson onstage announced to the delight of the crowd that Dallas Animal Services has experienced a 40% drop in euthanasia of animals. What some folks may not realize is that this amazing development is the result of rescue groups like Paws in the City helping to find home for animals.
Preston Pearson
A special moment took place when two dogs, that had been trained at Camp Diggy Bones and the Paws of Hope Prison program, were presented on stage with their new owners.
Then it was time for the dinner catered by the Wendy Krispin, who had everything under control including vegan dinners available for guests.
Jack Knox and Nancy Doll
Before the dance competition started, the live auction got under way with a bidding war resulting between Jack Knox and Mike Woodyard. Despite having a bandaged right hand, Jack’s paddle raised to win the surprise package of the night provided by Chelsie — two tickets to DWTS and being personally escorted by Chelsie backstage to meet all the stars.
Then it was time for the competition with the following contestants vying for the Lucy Trophy:
- Andrews Distributing Co. VP Jim Campbell and Bailey Kenzington doing a disco merengue
- Architect Diane Collier and Nicolas Stevens doing the Lindy hop
![Chelsie Hightower, Stephanie Grubb and Justin Brown*]()
Chelsie Hightower, Stephanie Grubb and Justin Brown*
JCPenney assistant buyer Stephanie Grubb and Justin Brown doing the hustle/cha-cha
- Actress/model Ramsay Kane and Antonio Rivera doing the swing
- RS Lawrence Construction owner Rick Lawrence and Sarah Dantes doing the salsa
- Yoga instructor Lacretia Lyon and Ryan West doing the foxtrot
- Beyond Studio owner/founder Brandi Marino and Ian Kelley doing the rumba/hustle
While the votes from the judges and the audiences were being tallied, the presentation of awards was made by Paws in the City’s Martha Powell:
- Lori Landes received the St. Francis of Assisi Award for continued generosity and support by starting Landes Dog Training Fund
- Teresa Berg and Erin Hannigan received the Man’s Best Friend Award for putting on “An Evening For Dog Lovers” combining photography and music benefiting PITC
- Kathleen Moore received the Volunteer of the Year Award
Finally, the announcement of the winner was made. Taking home the Lucy was JCPenney’s Stephanie.
But the big winners were the pooches and felines who will benefit from the weeks of rehearsal and auction gathering by their best friends at Paws In The City.
* Photos provided by Paws In The City