With a full moon peeking through the clouds, the lovers of the performing arts gathered at the Wyly Theatre on Monday, January 25. The occasion was the handing over of the checks by TACA to area performing art nonprofit. Thanks to the 2015 year-long effort, a gangbuster $1.3M was being divvied up.
Only problem was, some folks showed up at 5:30. Oops! Seems the early bird missive had listed the evening start at 5:30. Then there was a change in plans. According to a TACA spokespeep, they had decided to change things up this year. Instead of a pre-presentation reception, there would be a post-presentation, on-stage celebration. Only problem? Not everyone got the COP (change of plans) word.
Wanda Gierhart
Robyn Flatt
Barbara Daseke and Laree Hulshoff
Not to worry. There was a massive row of flutes filled with champagne in the lobby for thirsty early birds like Linda Gibbons, Pat Porter, Richard Holt, Carol and Don Glendenning, Robyn Flatt, Jeremy Strick, Brent Christopher, Kevin Hurst, Wanda Gierhart, Barbara and Don Daseke, and Laree Hulshoff and Ben Fischer. Laree was taking a break from the Aging Minds Foundation fundraiser and the OMG Sue Gragg 18kt rose gold, diamond, and white topaz ring valued at toppest tier four-figures for the Aging Minds Foundation.
According to the gals, they’ve partnered up with the incredible BvB Dallas to sell the raffle tickets for this one. And the BvB ladies are incentivized. The prize for selling the most tickets is a pair of Gragg earrings.
Hmm, Laree and Barbara D. were whispering to each other about the Aging Mind Foundation trio of live auction items. Laree swears on her Shih Tzus that the three items are killers. Stay tuned on this one. Think dining above the Performing Arts District, and adventure on Togo Island and a killer Kentucky Derby weekend!
On the other hand, Wanda was second-thinking her luck. Seems her new home was having all types of adjustment issues like leaks, flooding of the master bedroom and the need to replace the underground pipes.
Kevin, fresh from participating in the Dallas Marathon, reported that he signed up for a couple of other high-stepping events as well. The reason? He admitted that when he had lived in Chicago, he had been more active in the marathon world. He had decided recently to make a change and was getting back into the run of things.
Parisa Khobdeh
One of the evening’s highlights was former Plano resident/Paul Taylor Dance Company artist/2016 Grant Awards Guest Artist-Speaker Parisa Khobdeh’s recalling how despite life-threatening issues, she has managed to continue her love of dance.
When the checks were presented, it all went according to plan. Well, sure, Echo Theatre’s Terri Ferguson got her shawl momentarily caught on the railing. A gasp went up from the audience, but she made a quick recovery. Without missing a cue, emcee Ken Travis said, “Bravo!”
For a breakdown on how all the checks were distributed, check here!