It may have been meet-the-teacher night and the Cowboys were lining up against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium. Didn’t matter. The Cattle Baron’s crowd filled the parking lot surrounding Bachendorf’s in Preston Center East on Thursday, September 1.

The draw was the preview of the 2016 CBB’s 18 Live Auction package including

• Tag Heuer Indy 500 VIP Experience*

  Tag Heuer Indy 500 VIP Experience (Donated by Bachendorf’s and Tag Heuer) — Two lucky people will enjoy a VIP experience with round-trip, business-class air transportation, two nights in a premium hotel, dinners, and, of course, VIP access to the Indy 500. Winner also receive a timepiece from Tag Heuer.

• Toe In The Sand Of The Seychelles*

  Toe In The Sand Of The Seychelles (Donated by Etihad Airways, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi) — Winner and guest will enjoy round-trip trip, business class tickets from DFW to Seychelles on Etihad Airways with complimentary chauffeur service. Enjoy four nights at Carana Beach Hotel and one night at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi before and after you stay in Seychelles.

• Steak Your Claim On A Night With The Boys*

  (Donated by Troy Aikman, Charles Haley, Daryl Johnston, Ed “Too” Tall Jones, Darren Woodson, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Louis XIII de Remy Martin and Premier Transportation) — Get ready for the ultimate game night! Winner and 11 friends will enjoy a night of No Limit Texas Hold’ Em with Cowboy legends Troy Aikman, Charles Haley, Daryl Johnston, Ed “Too” Tall Jones and Darren Woodson plus a private tasting of Louis XIII cognac and dinner/drinks from Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.

• Kentucky Derby from Grey Goose Vodka*

  Kentucky Derby from Grey Goose Vodka (Donated by Grey Goose Vodka, Horizon Air Group and Wynne Transportation) — Experience America’s legendary horse race! You and a guest will fly from DFW to Kentucky on a private jet, walk the red carpet and enjoy VIP Access to the Bacardi House Party. Includes two nights at the historic Galt House Hotel.

• Australia’s Finest*

  Australia’s Finest (Donated by Jackson Family Wines, Yangarra Estate Vineyard, Peter Fraser, Margot McKinney and American Airlines) — A wine experience down under! Winner and guest will arrive in Sydney and enjoy two nights at the Changri-La Hotel before embarking to Adelaide for a four-day and three –night stay at Yangarra Estate Vineyard! During your time there, sample some of the finest wines in the world with your host, Peter Fraser, recently named winemaker of the year. To remember your trip, winner will also receive a beautiful pair of earrings from local designer Margot McKinney.

• Texas-Sized Party At Gilley’s*

  Texas-Sized Party At Gilley’s (Donated by G Texas Catering, John Gilbert, Gilley’s Dallas, Rivers and Rust, Jack Boles Services and Matthews Southwest) — Enjoy a private party at Gilley’s Dallas with 200 of your closet friends! Includes a BBQ buffet, valet services and live music by Rivers and Rust.

In addition to checking the auctions items appropriately displayed on jewelry counters, it was a perfect time to play the summer-catch-up game.

Diane Hal Brierley and Cara French

Diane and Hal Brierley had been in and out of the area during the summer. While they had hit Europe, their summer highlight was just kicking back and driving around Utah… CBB Co-Chair Andrea Weber with husband John Weber was glowing with baby Weber due just before the CBB fundraiser. Bets are being taken if Andrea will make it to the Gilley’s funfest. Smart money is betting on Andrea being there… Nikki Webb arrived early so she could dash to attend her sons’ meet-the-teachers. Over the summer Nikki had been busy tending her three son, her newborn daughter and regaining her size 2 figure… Junior League of Dallas Gala Chair Isabell Novakov reported that despite having a daunting goal, she was pleased with her committee’s progress…Past CBB Chair Mary Martha and John Pickens and her cousin/Kerrville resident Debbie Flores stopped by on their way to True Foods for dinner. Debbie was subbing in for her CBB daughter Karen James, who was out of town with her husband Brad James. In addition to representing Karen, Debbie was also pooch sitting for the James’.

John and Andrea Weber

Lawrence and Katy Bock

As for Mary Martha and John, they haven’t retired from fundraising by a longshot. They’re co-chair Harvest, the Thursday, September 15^th North Texas Food Bank fundraiser at The Shed.

John and Mary Martha Pickens and Paige Westhoff

Other faces in the crowed included Co-Hosts Katy and Lawrence Bock, Anne Davidson, KJ and Ladd Sanger, Paige Westhoff, Marybeth and Kevin Conlon and Elizabeth Gambrell popping in from the Las Fiesta check presentation.

The curator for this year’s TACA Custom Auction Gala’s package is none other than Highland Park Village’s Senior Marketing Manager Rachel Michell. So among her collection of luxurious, dreamy goodies would of course be something in the panache realm of retailing. And where else would she find that? Yup, you guess it — Highland Park Village!

And leave it to Rachel to have more in this package that a panache shopping spree. The gal knows how to roll out the red carpet for the Rodeo Drive of Dallas. In addition to $3,000 purchase power with a HPV personal shopper to show the ins and outs, there’s a multi-course tasting for eight complete with grown up libations. Suggestion: First do the shopping. Then show off your acquisitions at the Bistro 31 tasting. Your buds will be eaten up in envy that you topped the other bidders on Friday, September 23 at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

Shop And Dine At Highland Park Village* (Value: $5,500)

Shop And Dine At Highland Park Village**

Spend the afternoon at one of North Texas’ premier shopping destinations, Highland Park Village. Visit any of the more than 40 luxury boutiques – including favorites like Alexander McQueen, Carolina Herrera, and Dior – with your own personal shopper. Then enjoy an elegant tasting menu at the French Riviera-inspired Bistro 31.

• $3,000 in shopping at Highland Park Village
• Up to three hours with a Highland Park Village personal shopper
• Four-course Chef’s Tasting Menu at Bistro 31, with cocktail and wine pairings, for eight

* Courtesy of Highland Park Village and Bistro 31 
** Photo provided by TACA

Friday nights in the fall usually have North Texans in bleachers watching high school football games. Ah, but not on Friday, September 16. After an afternoon nappy-poo following the Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show at Neiman Marcus Downtown, the beautiful people donned their finery for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala at the Meyerson.

Todd Clendening, Sherwood Wagner, Roger and Marena Gault, Gina and Tom Landry

Scott Cantrell’s review of the concert in The Dallas Morning News only described the fundraising gala patrons of the DSO as “well-dressed Dallas swells.” Ah, shoot! It was a heck of lot more “swell” than the classical music critic wrote.

Margaret McDermott

Mike Rawlings and Joan and Sanford Weill

But let’s leave Scotty to reviewing the audio features of the night. Instead, let’s just focus on the visuals and interaction of the local DSO supporters like Margaret McDermott and out-of-towners like Joan and Sanford Weill. After all, without those “swells,” there might not be any concerts to review.

For a look at some of Scott’s “swells,” check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery while the post is being prepared.

As the near most perfect harvest moon rose like a magnificent balloon over North Texas with nary a cloud in sight, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Denise McGovern’s tootsies were worn out from doing non-rain dance on Friday, September 16. Despite predictions of pop-up and cluster showers sprinkled rain in the territory, none were spilling over the Meyerson.

Here was the scene for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala co-chaired by Marena and Roger Gault. Unlike years past, when AT&T was the presenting sponsor and the honorary chair was a politico, the Gaults decided to shift directions and have a hands-on, fun type be honorary chair. The pick was a hands-down Midland transplant Sherwood Wagner, who had set the mood with a kick-off extravaganza that had been the talk of the spring season.

Todd Clendening, Sherwood Wagner, Roger and Marena Gault, Gina and Tom Landry

Marena in a Patti Flowers creation was topped by a bigger-than-usual blond hairstyle. Fessing up, Marena said, “Sherwood did it. She said that the higher and bigger the hair, the closer to God.”

Midland transplant Sherwood on the other hand had her mama Lissa Wagner, who had flown in from Midland and was wearing a Fe Zandi gown. Admitting that she couldn’t have pulled off this black-tie extravaganza without her mom — “I called her five times a day!” — Sherwood proudly wore a magnificent diamond necklace with three diamond broaches that Lissa had given her over the weekend.

Marena, Roger and Sherwood joined the VIPs in the Hart Atrium for official photos. Organizers advised that Mayor Mike Rawlings’ not being in formal attire was due to his having to attend another event with the attire being T-shirt. As usual, Mike opted for the safe business-suit look.

Mike Rawlings, Sanjiv Yajnik, Sanford Weill and Jonathan Martin

Among those in the VIP reception were Capital One’s Sanjiv Yajnik plus Joan and Sanford Weill in from New York. Their presence was just another of the changes in the DSO Gala format. A “member of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences and recipient of the 2009 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy,” Sanford was being recognized at the Gala for “his unparalleled contributions to arts and education in the United States.”

Nancy Nasher and David Haemisseger

Greg and Kim Hext

Nelda Cain and Don Fischer

Kara and Randall Goss

Upstairs, the Renaissance Foyer was turning into a showcase of couture designs, jewelry and men in tailored tuxedos. Snapshots of the scene: Nancy Nasher, with hubby David Haemisegger, was in “everything Neiman Marcus from NorthPark,” natch, including a Prada dress and Brian Atwood shoes. (Quipped David: “I make my own clothes.”) … Kim Hext‘s gown was by Burberry, while husband Greg‘s tux was from J. Mendel. … Nelda Cain Pickens opted for Melinda Eng, while date Fr. Don Fischer was in Hugo Boss. … Kara and Randall Goss were a striking duo, as always, she in Rosie Assoulin and he in a tux by Brioni. The latter was a popular choice for the gents, with Blaine Nelson and Jim Keyes also opting for the Italian designer.

Fraser and Rhonda Marcus and Patti and Blaine Nelson

Sheila and Jody Grant

Jolie and Bart Humphrey

Rhonda Marcus was in an Amanda Wakeley, with Louboutin shoes; Sheila Grant chose a classy, pale-blue Oscar de la Renta number; and Jolie Humphrey selected a gown by a “new designer,” Osman, paired with Jimmy Choo shoes (her Bart was in Armani, also the choice of Jeff Byron). … Lynn McBee said she was in a gown by Minika “Ko — that’s an L.A. designer,” and solo, since husband Allan McBee was away for a seminar. … Meanwhile, a pair of foursomes swept in: the first included Lisa and Clay Cooley (she was in Michael Faircloth, with Oscar shoes) with Tracy and Ben Lange (she opted for Michael Faircloth as well, plus Jimmy Choos). The second foursome included Faith and Garrett Smith and Fay and Ken Moraif (she in a Carmen Marc Valvo).

Clay and Lisa Cooley and Tracy and Ben Lange

Nick and Karen Adamson

Jeremy Lock and D’Andra Simmons Lock

Ross and Margot Perot

Margo and Jim Keyes

Also spotted: Tanya and Pete Foster, Karen and Nick Adamson, D’Andra Simmons Lock (in Oscar) and Jeremy Lock (in a Zegna tux), Doris and Jack Jacobs, Margot and Ross Perot Sr., Erin Von Villas with her sister, Moody’s communications guru Salli Schwartz, and Gina and Tom Landry Jr. Asked for the names of their designers, Tom replied with a smile, “We’re not designer types.”

Over in the dining area, Margaret McDermott decided to bypass the VIP reception and headed her wheelchair straight to her table.

Dallas symphony Orchestra Gala dining room

Margaret McDermott

While the reception was indeed dressed to the hilt, one guest noticed a Dallas Fire and Rescue Team including Mark Breidenbach set up near the check-in. Their presence was just a fortunate precaution. Seems one guest was feeling under the weather and decided to take advantage of the team’s services and their stretcher.

Pretty soon the guests took their places for a meal and adjourned to the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall, where Sanford thanked the organizers for the recognition. He was followed by a performance by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Jaap van Zweden and highlighted by pianist Lang Lang.

Following the last note, Gala guests headed to the After-Party chaired by de Boulle first son/race car enthusiast Nick Boulle and Honorary Chair/DSO First Daughter Anna-Sophia van Zweden. MIA was DJ Lucy Wrubel, who traditionally has been in charge of the music at the late night festivities. The reason had to do with a class reunion.

An added touch for the feet that felt the punishment of stilettos dancing the night away on the Meyerson’s marble floors were foot massages provided by the Ritz-Carlton spa. Hopefully, Denise took advantage of the services following her successful non-rain dances of the day.

For more photos, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery!

With the kickoff of fall fundraising, the 7th Annual Mosaic Family Services Gala patrons partied at more than just one spot in West Village on Tuesday, September 20. Both Abi Ferrin and Kendra Scott provided a shop-and-sip-around at their digs. Here’s a report from the field:

Mosaic Family Services honored sponsors, committee members and supporters of the 7^th Annual Gala at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, September 20, from 5 – 9 p.m. at Abi Ferrin and Kendra Scott in West Village.

Steve Kemble, Abi Ferrin and Chad Collom*

More than 75 partygoers arrived at Abi Ferrin in West Village and sipped cool drinks while shopping Abi’s eponymous collection. DJ Lamont Carlis kept the vibe going, as guests enjoyed savory fare donated by Cru, including artisan cheese and charcuterie with house made fig jam and fresh Turkish honeycomb, mini meatballs with tomato sugo and shaved Manchego, smoked salmon rillettes and arancini with roasted pepper tomato sauce.

With the nearby Kendra Scott boutique sharing the hosting duties for the evening, patrons mingled in both stores, while they shopped knowing a percentage of proceeds would benefit Mosaic Family Services.

Ashley Anderson and Jo Mattison*

Shannon Mukundan and Nusia Sookarow*

Tam Tran, Tina Witkoff, Marta Knutson and Leanne Moye*

As the evening came to an end, posh patrons like Ashley Anderson, Jo Mattison, Mirjana Omeragic, McKenzie Hoopfer, Catherine Langlois, Tam Tran, Marta Knutson, Leanne Moye, Shannon Mukundan, Nusia Sookarow, Kristin Paul, Meagan McLauchlin and Tina Ingram were treated to homemade cake balls by Tina Witkoff and a gift bag of Mary Kay’s Satin Hands signature products.

Jennifer Staubach Gates and Lana Byrne*

The upcoming 7^th Annual Mosaic Family Services Gala will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016, from 7 – 11 p.m. at The Empire Room in the Dallas Design District. Chaired by Melissa Green and Elizabeth Weathersby with honorary chair Lana Byrne, the gala will include cocktails, dinner by Stock & Barrel, master of ceremonies Steve Kemble, silent auction curated by Auction Chair Nusia Sookarow, raffle, casino, and music by DJ Lamont Carlis. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 2016 Champion of Human Rights Award to Councilmember Jennifer Staubach Gates.

Tickets and sponsorships are still available; tickets are $150 each; sponsorships begin at $500. For sponsorship and ticket information, visit classy.org/mosaicgala or contact Le Ta, 214.821.5393 x263 or let@mosaicservices.org.

* Photo credit: Bob Manzano

Melissa Benge Collection boots

The Friends of Wilkinson Center’s Spirit of Taos was such a successful kickoff last year at Melissa Benge Collection, they did a repeat on Wednesday, September 21. It’s no wonder. With boots, turquoise, suede coats, belts, saddles, leather goods and silver buckles, the shop seemed to have brought the best parts of Taos to the Knox-Henderson neighborhood.

Melissa Benge Collection leather, silver and turquoise accessories

This year the Benge crew upped the ante by giving guests 10% off of all merchandise, donating 10% of all the evening’s proceeds to Wilkinson Center and providing guests like Anne Conner, Liz Stutts, OJ DeSouza, Michael Cooley, Emily Dunn, Sandra Pomeroy, Joe Acosta and Gary Stevener with “a decorative coffee mug from Melissa Benge Collection and a jar of La Casita Award Winning salsa as a takeaway gift.”

Anne Reeder, Missy Huber and Millie Winston

Evidently nobody cared when the official start time was. Everybody was there except Wilkinson Center PR gal Vodi Cook. Alas, the dedicated blonde Vodi’s recent demolition derby of a car crunch had resulted in her left arm going under the knife to repair damaged ligaments from just above the elbow to her wrist. Gee! The good news is that Vodi is right-handed.

And despite holding up bravely at the Kidney Texas lunch the day before, Vodi was not up to snuff for the Spirit KO. Luckily, Wilkinson Center’s Executive Director Anne Reeder was on hand to answer any questions.

One question hitting Anne that had absolutely nothing to do with Wilkinson was the bulldozers demolishing the former Steakley dealership at the corner of Abrams and Northwest Highway. She recalled the 1960s when most of Dallas thought anything north of the Park Cities was Oklahoma. It was at that time some very brave entrepreneurs saw the city’s future lying along Northwest Highway. While the late Ray Nasher was building NorthPark Center, Anne’s dad, the late John Steakley, built a well-known and successful Chevrolet dealership on the property where a pony ride operation had been. And while the family sold the property years ago, most locals still refer to it as the Steakley property.

Meridith Zidell, Stephanie Taylor and Sloan Looney Dix

But Anne quickly recovered from the good old days memories and told how Stephanie Taylor, Sloan Looney Dix and Meridith Zidell would chair Spirit on Friday, October 28. And, yes, it will return to The Lot just across the street from White Rock. Joining the hoop-la will be Honorary Co-Chair Steve & Cathy Saxon. And, of course, the raffle will have everything including jewelry, dining opportunities, trips and art.

A couple of the very tip-top items are

• Taos Bling (Value: One of a kind!) — For anyone who loves Taos, they’ve just got to have turquoise  and silver in their jewel box along with their diamonds. But then one can simply never have enough of the good stuff. So “Dallas jeweler Beyond Baroque will deck you out with diamonds and turquoise: turquoise and diamond earrings, turquoise discs interspersed between silver chain necklace with vintage bone pendant accented with pave diamond heading, and collection of stackable turquoise and diamond bracelets. According to Vodi, “We thought Taos Bling would be a great item to feature since all the ladies who attend the event wear their turquoise and pave diamonds.”
• Cookin’ With Sibby (Value: $1,200) — Unlike the usual dining-out package, how about something totally new and not in your zip code? Longtime Wilkinson Center supporter/creative maven Sibby Barrett will whip up a dinner for four guests at Onion Creek Kitchens at the Hill Country’s Juniper Hills Farm in Blanco. And since it’ll be a full night of dining and wining, the guests won’t have to scurry back to Big Old D. Sibby has arranged for a one-night stay in “two charming cottages.”

Steve and Cathy Saxon

The Spirit of Taos is one of those events where boots, turquoise and jeans are so at home that you wish it went on for a couple of days.

Tickets/sponsorships range from $150 for outdoor tickets to $8,000 that includes premium covered seating for a table for eight.

Amigo, Rico and Teddy found Brook Hollow Golf Club to their liking on Tuesday, October 4. After all, the weather was perfect, the grass was green and they were the center of attention as guests arrived for the 2016 Equest Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon’s “Riding High.” For their being part of the greeting lineup, Equest‘s Amigo, Rico and Teddy had come all the way from Equest’s Wylie facility and they definitely didn’t use Uber. The three equines opted for trailer accommodations with their handlers (Alyssa Cigainero, Shelby Nicoletti, Lizzie Ball and Tia Turkeulainen) and riders (James Taylor in English attire and Ryan Wolf in chaps) in tow.

Teddy and Alyssa Cigainero

Rico and Tiia Turkulainen

Ryan Wolf, Amigo and Shelby Nicoletti

Program Director Joan Cutler, who started out as an Equest volunteer back in the ’90s, couldn’t have been happier with her crew of horses, volunteers and staffers on the country club’s grounds.

Inside the clubhouse, Equest Women’s Auxiliary President Di Johnston was also all smiles about the day. Thanks to fashion producer Jan Strimple and Highland Park Village’s Lela Rose, Alice and Olivia, St. John, Market, Etro, Akris, Carolina Herrera and William Noble Jewels, there would be more than 70 outfits on the runway.

But before the fashions would be presented to guests like last year’s Honorary Chair Carolyn Lupton, Jean Lattimore, Lisa Cooley, Elisa Summers, Heather Washburne, Nancy Carter, Jill Rowlett and Bela Piertrovic, the program got underway with Di revealing that one of the best days during her presidency was the one in which Kara Axley agreed to chair the luncheon.

Carolyn Lupton and Jean Lattimore

Kara recognized the partnership that Equest has had over the years with Highland Park Village and its being this year’s presenting sponsor. She then introduced Park Cities Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor Dr. Pete Deison, who reminded guests that “the heart of Equest is compassion. It is a value that is slowly and sadly waning in our society because we have become a society that is more interested in what we see on our computers and on our phones that we do reaching out and touching other people. We are also interested in the things that go fast rather than the time it takes to saddle a horse and touch an individual that needs our help.”

Following the invocation, Kara introduced 2016 Honorary Co-Chair Bill Noble, who described the love that he and wife/2016 Honorary Co-Chair Lezlie Noble have for Equest as a star with the five points — the staff, the volunteers, the horses, the clientele (handicapped children and military veterans) and the donors. “Equest cannot do what they do without you guys.”

Equest CEO Lil Kellogg then described how children who spend most of their days in wheelchairs are taller than all others when they ride their therapy horses.

Following Lili, a video was shown with Equest Founder Susan Schwartz and others recalling Equest’s 35 years of providing equine power for those with physical and emotional challenges.

Louise Griffeth, Kara Axley, Lindalyn Adams and Di Johnston

As the lights went up, Equest Women’s Auxiliary Founder Louise Griffeth was at the podium introducing the 2016 Equest Award for Community Service honoree Lindalyn Adams. Louise described Lyndalyn as a “Superwoman” who has been the driving force for countless nonprofits and community organization, as well as being a great grandmother of four.

Following Lindalyn’s being presented with an award from Tiffany, Louise said that she had more news. An anonymous donor had agreed to match any monies raised at the day’s luncheon in honor of the 35^th anniversary of Equest.

Annie Griffeth

She then added that the poster at the entrance of the clubhouse would report the tally of the day, and that the illustration had been created by her new daughter-in-law Annie Griffeth.

Kara provided one more bit of news. Fashion producer Jan Strimple and Akris would be hosting an event benefiting Equest in the Akris store on Thursday, October 6, featuring their new Aidentity handbag from 1 to 6 p.m.

She also announced that Beth Thoele would be chairing the 2017 luncheon.

With the removal of the podium, the fashions started parading down the runway.

The only oops of the day occurred when a couple of guests managed to sit down in front-row seats that had been assigned to others, driving the real seat-holders away to the north 40. Then the same twosome arrived at one of the big-buck tables, forcing one of the assigned guests to hit McDonalds for a bite—and the venue’s staff to squeeze in an extra chair and place-setting at the table for the other displaced guest. Confused by the situation, the table host thought the event organizers had reassigned her/his original guests with the permission and approval of the castaways. Oh, well, mix-ups do happen. But even a McDonald’s Southwest salad can’t hold a candle to Brook Hollow’s pecan crusted chicken.

David Blank (File photo)

One of the nonprofit gems has been bought. Yup, Diamond Doctor from this day on, it will be known as Diamonds Direct. If proof is needed, the electronic sign out front of the Preston Center jewel box is flashing Dismonds Direct right now!

So, what does this have to do with North Texas fundraising and charities? Former Diamond Doctor proprietor David Blank reports that the nonprofits need not worry about the status of the store’s support of their efforts. Things will remain in place including his commitments. Why even David is still going to remain in-house adding sparkle to hands, wrists and necklines.

Leave it to the Mosaic Family Services team to share the love for their 7th Annual Gala patrons. On Tuesday, September 20, they partied at two of the West Village’s fav spots — Abi Ferrin and Kendra Scott. Here’s a report from the field:

Mosaic Family Services honored sponsors, committee members and supporters of the 7^th Annual Gala at a cocktail reception on Tuesday, September 20, from 5–9 p.m. at Abi Ferrin and Kendra Scott in West Village.

Mirjana Omeragic, McKenzie Hoopfer, Le Ta and Catherine Langlois*

More than 75 partygoers like Mirjana Omeragic, McKenzie Hoopfer, Catherine Langlois, Chad Collom, Tam Tran, Marta Knutson, Leanne Moye, Shannon Mukundan, Nusia Sookarow, Kristin Paul and Meagan McLauchlin arrived at Abi Ferrin in West Village and sipped cool drinks while shopping Abi’s eponymous collection. DJ Lamont Carlis kept the vibe going, as guests enjoyed savory fare donated by CRU, including artisan cheese and charcuterie with house made fig jam and fresh Turkish honeycomb, mini meatballs with tomato sugo and shaved Manchego, smoked salmon rillettes and arancini with roasted pepper tomato sauce.  

Steve Kemble, Abi Ferrin and Chad Collom*

With the nearby Kendra Scott boutique sharing the hosting duties for the evening, patrons mingled in both stores while they shopped knowing a percentage of proceeds would benefit Mosaic Family Services.

Tam Tran, Tina Witkoff, Marta Knutson and Leanne Moye*

As the evening came to an end, posh patrons were treated to homemade cake balls by Tina Witkoff and a gift bag of Mary Kay’s Satin Hands signature products.

Jennifer Staubach Gates and Lana Byrne*

It was all in a warm up for the 7^th Annual Mosaic Family Services Gala on Thursday, October 20, from 7–11 p.m. at The Empire Room in the Dallas Design District. Chaired by Melissa Green and Elizabeth Weathersby, with honorary chair Lana Byrne, the gala will include cocktails, dinner by Stock & Barrel, master of ceremonies Steve Kemble, silent auction curated by Auction Chair Nusia Sookarow, raffle and casino. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 2016 Champion of Human Rights Award to Councilmember Jennifer Staubach Gates.

* Photo credit: Bob Manzano

The night couldn’t have been more perfect for a fundraiser at The Lot in East Dallas, just across the street from White Rock Lake. And as luck would have it, The Wilkinson Center‘s Spirit of Taos took full advantage of the perfect conditions on Friday, October 28. While others were in black tie and diamonds over at the Dallas Opera’s First Night, the Wilkinson crowd donned bolo ties and turquoise to net $141,061.80. (Who says every penny doesn’t count?) BTW, it was a darn purty group of folks. Here’s a report from the field:

The Lot*

Hosted by the Friends of Wilkinson Center, the Spirit of Taos took place on Friday, October 28, at The Lot in Lakewood with a sellout crowd of 300 millennials and baby-boomers, who dusted off their cowboy boots to show their support for Wilkinson Center.

From the left: Laura Ailshire, Kristen Johnson, Michael Graska, Meredith Diers, Kendall Angela, Kelli Mansfield, Hunter Heres, Kay Weir, OJ DeSouza, Tia Williams and Jenn Dolim and Tia Williams*

Jeremy Zidell and Mark and Sloane Simon*

Will Walters and Joe Acosta*

The event kicked off with a cocktail hour from 7-8pm that featured margaritas and hors d’oeuvres like quesadillas, mini pimento cheese sandwiches, tostadas and chicken flautas.  Guests like Daniella Giglio, Will Waters, Joe Acosta, Jeremy Zidell, Sloane and Mark Simon, Matt Muckleroy, Nick Higdem, Liz Stutts, Laura Ailshire, Kristen Johnson, Michael Graska, Meredith Diers, Kendall Angela, Hunter Heres, Kelli Mansfield, OJ DeSouza, Jenn Dolim,Tia Williams and Kay Weir were welcomed by Wilkinson Center Executive Director Anne Reeder and Spirit of Taos Event Co-Chairs Stephanie Taylor, Sloan Looney Dix and Meridith Zidell. 

Sloan Looney Dix, Meridith Zidell and Stephanie Taylor*

Steve and Cathy Saxon*

Matt Thornton*

A seated dinner followed with southwest-flavored food from The Lot and dessert by Emporium Pies. Special remarks were made by our guest emcee Matt Thornton, who is the Cross Sports Talk Radio host, and Honorary Co-Chairs Cathy and Steve Saxon, long time Wilkinson Center supporters. Guests listened and danced throughout the evening to tunes from Frank in the Middle and Downtown Fever.

Anthony Contreras and Daniella Giglio*

Babo Crain*

Raffle and Silent Auction Co-Chairs Anthony Contreras and Babo Crain did a fantastic job collecting one of the kind items and unique experiences. The silent auction featured items like sports memorabilia with an autographed shoe by the one and only Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki and a Florida Beach vacation getaway including airfare. The raffle included dining extravaganza package with gift certificates to dine at some of the best restaurants and a cooking collaboration at the Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Farms in Blanco. If you weren’t interested in what the silent auction or raffle had to offer, there was also a Kendra Scott station set up where mystery jewelry boxes were sold for $60/per box. Each box contained a piece of jewelry that ranged in value from $60-$250. Flashbox Photobooth Dallas was set up to commemorate the evening with photos.

Walk in Dirk’s Shoe*

We are so grateful for everyone who came out, supported and had a great time!  We could not have done it without our loyal constituents and our corporate and individual sponsors which included: Avison Young, Robert Baird, Marsha and Craig Innes, Paper City, The Retail Connection, Sewell Lexus, The T Shop, Veritex Bank and David Weekly Homes.

The night resulted in a total net amount of $141,061.80 that allow us to continue to provide pathways out of poverty for our clients. Until next year….

* Photo credit: Eric Priddy

Monique Lhuillier fashions

The Fashion Group International‘s Night Of Stars had all the signs of stellar event on Friday, November 4, at Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.). Among the heavy weight attendees were designer Monique Lhuillier and her adorable husband Tom Bugbee and newlyweds Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch, as well as local fashionable types like Nancy Rogers, Brian Bolke, Sue Gragg, Lynn McBee, Ken Downing and Allan Knight.

Niven Morgan, Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch

No wonder FGI Regional Director Chuck Steelman and Event Co-Chairs Rachel Roberts and Britt Harless had produced a sold-out event! While the post is being prepped, check out the fashions and faces of the night at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Monique Lhuillier and Tom Bugbee

Fashion Group International of Dallas’ 2016 Night of Stars Gala was a universe of dazzling fashion delights at FIG on Friday, November 4. One of the shining stars was none other than petite designer Monique Lhuillier and her equally adorable husband Tom Bugbee. They were there for Monique’s being presented with the Career Achievement Award.

But the evening began with a reception along FIG’s upper level hallway that was decked out with a faux garden backdrop and a lot of folks strutting their fashionable bests.

Monique Lhuillier fashions

As Event Co-Chairs Britt Harless and Rachel Roberts and Fashion Group International of Dallas Regional Chair Chuck Steelman visited with guests like Sonia Black, Tanya and Pete Foster, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Holly and Tom Mayer, John Phifer Marrs, James Campbell, Bob Gibbs, Simona Beal, Ryan Green, Rhi Lee, Keith Green, Alex Small, Fasial Halum, Amy Turner and Claire and Dwight Emanuelson in the reception area, models posed wearing Lhuillier designs with a matching standard poodle (“He matches the color of the clothes,” Chuck smiled).

Alex Small, Chuck Steelman, Monique Lhuillier and Greg Vaughan

But back in the main room, a threesome sat at a table all by their lonely. It wasn’t a front row table. In fact it was three rows back. Calling a friend over, local lifestyle entrepreneur Niven Morgan said, “Let me introduce you to Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch.”

Seriously! Just one of the twosome would have been a paparazzi’s delight, but America’s super-nova newlyweds — Mick Jagger’s ex-gal-pal and the billionaire media mogul — were just as down-to-earth as they could have been. Jerry looked amazing. Age has only enhanced the former Mesquite resident. And Rupert couldn’t have been more charming or cute. Why, he even accommodated Sassy Steve Kemble’s request for a joint selfie. Soon word made its way around the gathering and peeps clustered around them.

Niven Morgan, Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch

But back to the reception. It was getting tighter than Spanx and made for memorable sights. One gal looked like a mermaid seal-wrapped in seaweed with a death-defying neckline. Still another guest seemed wrapped up by her overly attentive escort. And then there was the arrival of a fashion vet. One guest feigned not recognizing her. A nearby puss meowed, “Some women change wardrobes each season. She just gets a new face.”

Brian Bolke and Nancy Rogers

Sue Gragg

Kathleen Hutchinson

Nasiba and Thomas Hartland-Mackie

As the reception finally moved to the main room, Fancy Nancy Rogers and her posse (Brian Bolke, Dallas Snadon, Kathleen Hutchinson, Nasiba and Thomas Hartland-Mackie, Georgina Hartland-Mackie and Sue and Jimmy Gragg) settled back at tables on the front row for the presentation of awards.

After welcoming the crowd, Chuck introduced the evening emcee, soap opera’s hunky/Dallas native son Greg Vaughan, as the best-looking guy in the room. True, Greg was a doll, but he had a devil of a time trying to read his script. Seems the podium and the stage lighting just didn’t connect.

Ken Downing

Next up was NM Taste Arbitrator Ken Downing, whose frequent flier points are probably in the seven-digit neighborhood. He presented the Career Achievement Award to Monique, as Tom taped the occasion.

Almost immediately, a parade of models in Lhuillier fashion appeared from backstage and strolled through the audience.

In addition to Monique, the following awards were presented:

• Allan Knight — Career Achievement in Interior/Furniture Design
• Lynn McBee — Art Patron of the Year
• Sue Gragg — Career Achievement in Jewelry Design
• Jerry Hall — Lifetime Achieve Award

Proceeds from the night of fashion, food and fabulous folks will benefit the Fashion Group International of Dallas’ Scholarship Foundation.

Elizabeth Gambrell, Kristina Whitcomb, Christie Carter, Claire Emanuelson, Susan Farris and Ola Fojasek

Thanks to 2016 Crystal Charity Ball Chair Christie Carter‘s ball theme of “To Everything There Is A Season,” the black-tie fundraiser for area children’s nonprofits was wide open for fashionable interpretation, as well as decor. And, boy, did the 100 CCB committee members, guests and event producer Tom Addis deliver!

Pam Busbee

Spring

Lisa Cooley

From the spring floral designs to the mammoth digital sleigh ride through snowy scenery complete with a 22-minute orchestral performance in the wintry wonderland of the Hilton Anatole’s Chantilly Ballroom, the seasons were all there on Saturday, December 3.

Crystal Charity Ball dining table

While the post is being finalized, check out the two pages of more than 75 photos at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

The much vaunted children’s nonprofit fundraiser, Crystal Charity Ball, was just an hour away on Saturday, December 3. But before the festivities got underway and while guests were on their way to the Hilton Anatole, there was a seated dinner taking place in a private dining room high atop the hotel in Sēr. The guests were the men and women who are off-duty members of Dallas law enforcement involved in the logistics of the annual ball. The supper was the brainchild of CCB office manager Cindy Ethel and the CCB committee “in appreciation for our friends in law enforcement.” Following the shootings of July 7 in downtown Dallas, an email was sent to the CCB membership with the idea of providing a nice meal for the two dozen members of the security team including Steve Walthall, Eric Jez, Dan Mosher and Reginald Luster and inviting support. The response was so overwhelming that it more than paid for the supper.

Dan Mosher and Reginald Luster

And what a feast it was. Upon taking their places around the table, they were presented with a menu of courses — Starter (jumbo lump crab cake or grilled shrimp cocktail), Second (petite greens or roasted pumpkin bisque), Entrée (filet of beef, Atlantic salmon, confit turkey breast or prime rib) and Dessert (Bumbleberry cobbler of chocolate). Afterward, one of the diners fessed up with a big smile, “I’m stuffed.” And, no, there was no alcohol served, just in case you were wondering.

Elizabeth Gambrell, Kristina Whitcomb, Christie Carter, Claire Emanuelson, Susan Farris and Ola Fojasek

Downstairs the finishing touches were underway. Outside the ballroom the reception area reflected 2016 Crystal Charity Ball Chair Christie Carter’s theme — “To Everything There is a Season.” In the entry, four young women representing each of the seasons took their places as living statues on pedestals in alcoves located along the hall. Serving as a backdrop for the receiving line was a screen with a digital tree going through the seasonal changes.

Spring

Winter

Autumn

Summer

Against scenery of orange, gold and fall trees, the silent auction with its hundreds of goodies on tables with autumn-colored tablecloths was all ready for the bidding to begin. On the other side of the lobby was a summer garden with planters of sunflowers and lattice and another scenic backdrop of green and yellow-tinged trees and grounds for the casino and boutique. In the reception area in front of the ballroom were mountains of shrimp, mini-Reuben sandwiches and crostini with cheese and sun-dried tomato staged on tables with tablecloths of faux green leaves and oversized, stair-step centerpieces of flowers that reminded one of a French countryside picnic in spring.

Within the Chantilly Ballroom, winter was in its final stages of completion. The Dallas Chamber Symphony  and the James Davis Orchestra under the direction of Richard McKay were doing one last rehearsal of the 22-minute composition created for the evening. Behind the orchestra a mammoth screen displayed a video appearing to transport the orchestra through various snow scenes.

(Back story on Richard’s involvement with the event: CCB Chair Christie’s late mother had been a musician and over the years Richard had worked with her. In turn, Christie joined the board of the Dallas Chamber Symphony and was very supportive of the organization. So, the performance by the Symphony under the direction of Richard was a very personal one for Christie, Richard and the musicians.)

Perhaps it was traveling through the wintry wonderland or the Anatole’s A/C providing a true wintry feeling, but the Chantilly Ballroom was not suffering from a fever.

Matching the seasons perfectly were the fashions, jewels and extra touches like Lynn McBee in Dries Van Noten, Tucker Enthoven and past Ball Chair Robyn Conlon in Carolina Herrera, Gina Betts in Oscar, Piper Wyatt in Zac Posen, Claire Emanuelson in Jenny Packham, Ciara Cooley in Marchesa and Janet Brock in Brunello Cucinelli.

Robyn and Don Conlon

Crawford and Janet Brock

And the ladies kept local designers on pins and needles in the weeks and months preceding the fundraiser. Designer Patti Flowers created the gowns for Ball Chair Christie, Robin Carreker and Lisa Cooley  and “re-designed vintage gowns” for Mary Meier Evans and Pat Harloe. And, of course, Patti wore one of her own. Lisa Cooley’s turquoise gown had heads turning to catch the pink floral bustle. Since it was a seasonal theme, Lisa wanted just a touch of spring.

Lisa Cooley

Michal Powell

Fellow designer Michael Faircloth’s handiwork was worn by Lisa Troutt, Tiffany Divis and last year’s Ball Chair Michal Powell, who didn’t hesitate to say that she had gone the spring route with a white, off-the-shoulder lace blouse and vivid purple skirt that would have made Ray Rim Purple Petunias jealous. Coming handy for the pooch-loving Michal was her Leiber-designed Shih Tzu purse.

Pam Busbee

Alicia Wood

When it came to competition, Pam Busbee‘s black gown with red roses was a showstopper, but  Alicia Wood’s Narda’s train won hands down for length. She admitted after kicking it aside a couple of times that she would probably end up just picking it up and hauling it around.  

As for the accessories of the night, Jimmy Choos, Alexander McQueens, Manola Blahniks, Pradas, Stuart Weitzmans, Louboutins, Nichols Kirkwoods and Alaias were seen peaking from under hems. And hands down the handiest item of the night were the Judith Leiber purses. There were so many of the Leiber sparkling bags that the company should be one of the event’s underwriters!

Tucker and Rich Enthoven

Lisa and Kenny Troutt

Amit and Liat Berger and Stacy and David Blank

Adding to the evening look’s highlights were the array of jewelry from Susan Saffron (Tucker Enthoven), Sue Gragg (Gina Betts and Lisa Troutt), Diamonds Direct (Liat Berger, Stacy Blank, Tanya Foster and Alicia Wood), Eiseman (Claire Emanuelson), Bachendorf (Katy Bock), 64 Facets (Janet Brock) and Matthew Trent and Bulgari (Lynn McBee).

As for the gents, it was tuxedo alley — Nick Evan subbing in for Allan McBee in a Tom Ford tuxedo with Lynn McBee, Kenny Troutt in J. Hilburn, Dwight Emanuelson in Tux Cucinelli, Clay Cooley in Chris Despos, Chase Cooley in Q Clothiers and Ken Betts, Charles McEvoy and Loyd Powell in Zegna. However, a couple of the fellas — Chris O’Neill, Billy Esping, Bill Goodwin, Michael Sills, Paul Coggins, John Lemak, Pete Cline, Rich Sterling, Jerry Fronterhouse, Bob White, Robin Robinson and Ben Lange —  broke from the traditional black tie by adding a little color to their wardrobes thanks to natty ties.

Pete and Caren Kline and Regina Montoya and Paul Coggins

Robin and Debby Robinson

Chris and Connie O’Neill

Billy and Heather Esping

Mimi and Rich Sterling

Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse

Bill and Margo Goodwin

As folks posed for photos in front of the ever-changing tree, it proved comical as some appeared to be sprouting a tree out of the top of their well-coiffed heads.

John Clutts, Jill Rowlett, Richard Eiseman, Dee Wyly and Sami Asrlanlar

As guests arrived, there were the traditional photos opps with Christie and then there was the photo bombing by the likes of Richard Eiseman.

Caroline Rose Hunt and Del Frnka

Just seconds after Carolina Rose Hunt and escort Del Frnka arrived, the winter living statue took an unplanned break requiring assistance. Luckily, Dr. Dan Kadesky was nearby and came to assist the season, who was ushered away. A few minutes later Fall followed suit, leaving Spring and Summer standing in place.

From the left: (front row) Margo Goodwin, Barbara Stuart, Robyn Conlon, Christie Carter, Tom Addis, Connie O’Neill, Louise Griffeth, Lindalyn Adams and Nancy Chapman; (back row) Sara Martineau, Gloria Eulich Martindale, Aileen Pratt, Tincy Miller, Michael Powell, Connie O’Neill and Caren Kline

At one point in the evening, it was time for the group photos of the past CCB chairs with Christie. Gathering these ladies up made herding hummingbirds look easy. No sooner would one be found than another one would disappear surrounded by a group of friends. Finally, they thought all were present except for Jill Smith. No one had seen her and it was getting near time to open the doors to the ballroom. The photos had to be taken. After being positioned on the staircase and the photos done, the ladies insisted that the man who had handheld so many of them in years past, event producer Tom Addis, join them for one final snap. Then they were off in different directions. Alas, Jill arrived minutes later. Seems that she and husband Bob Smith had been the victims of a traffic jam.

Crystal Charity Ball dining table

Just before the doors opened to the wintry wonderland, the ballroom appeared to shimmer thanks to the white floral arrangements with touches of pink, the tables with gold tablecloths and white chairs and the walls covered in white draping cast in a flood of lavender lighting.  For Angel of Grace sponsor Annette Simmons and her tablemates (husband Jerry Fronterhouse, Anita and Truman Arnold, Kelli and Jerry Ford and Gail and Gerald Turner, the cloth napkins were monogrammed with Annette’s initials.

Monogrammed napkin

Jerry and Kelli Ford

Truman and Anita Arnold

Gail and Gerald Turner

When the doors opened, the orchestra started playing and the video scenery commenced to the wide-eyed guests’ delight. As one guest put it, “The ballroom was breathtaking. With that backdrop, it appeared as if the orchestra was traveling through a winter wonderland.”

Unlike years past when performers provided presentations, the orchestra and video eliminated the need to hold guests back from crossing the dance floor. It made moving throughout the room so much easier. However, some folks were so mesmerized by the 22-minute musical/digital performance that they just stood in place.

Randall and Kara Goss

Sherwood Wagner and Todd Clendening

David and Anne Sutherland

Aileen and Jack Pratt

Jason and Laura Downing and Brooke and Aaron Shelby

Eventually, guests like Debby and Robin Robinson, Kara and Randall Goss, Anne and David Sutherland, Phyllis Cole McKnight and Steve McKnight, Paige McDaniel with Joe B Clark, Laura and Jason Downing, Joanna Clarke, Sherwood Wagner with Todd Clendening, Mersina Stubbs with Mackay Boynton, Brooke and Aaron Shelby and Alison and Mike Malone  took their places for a menu that included First Course (Maine lobster salad, Belgian endive and frisee, watermelon radish, asparagus, confit tomato and shave fennel, pretzel crouton and Dijon herb vinaigrette), Second Course (Demi-glazed and roasted garlic crusted filet of beef, Gruyere-celery root pave, maple roasted parsnips, harvest squash and blistered red pepper, chard-filled golden tomato and green peppercorn glace) and Dessert (Peppermint white chocolate mousse, red velvet cake and linzer crisp).

Suzanne and Jim Johnston and Angela Nash

Norma Hunt

Dinner table chats included Travis Holman reported that after purchasing Lee Bailey‘s place on Turtle Creek, he was planning on expanding the three-car garage to six and other additions to the estate… Angela Nash introducing her new boss, Methodist Health System Foundation President Jim Johnston, and his wife Suzanne Johnston to friends… Norma Hunt being thanked for her donation of her Perfect Season wine for the CCB fundraiser.

Simply Irresistible

Kevin Dahlberg and Francie Moody-Dahlberg

Just as the Symphony completed its performance, the Simply Irresistible from Atlanta appeared on stage, changing the mood to Motown. The result? The dance floor that had glimmered like an ice rink was filled to capacity by the guests like Francie Moody-Dahlberg and Kevin Dahlberg, Mary Clare Finney, David Nichols, Diane and Hal Brierley, Julie and Ed Hawes, Debbie Oates, Carolyn and David Miller, Anne Davidson and Mark Porter and Tracy and Ben Lange. At one point it was so crowded that one woman who lost her footing would have normally landed flat on the floor. But in this case, it was so tight that she recovered before hitting the ground.  

Mary Clare Finney and David Nichols

And that wintry chill that had initially filled the ballroom was history. Thanks to the dance floor action, the room was heating up for partying long into the night, with the goal of providing more than $5.6M+ for Community Partners of Dallas, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, Hope Supply Co., Notre Dame School of Dallas, Parkland Foundation on behalf of Parkland Health and Hospital System, Teach for America, The Family Place and Crystal Charity Ball Educational Scholarship Project.

For more than 70 photos of the evening, check MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

The wait is over! The reveal just took place at Jimmy Choo about the raffle items for next Tuesday’s St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show  at the Meyerson Symphony Center. It was billed as the patron party for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of North Texas, but guests were there to learn about raffle and try on choice Choos.

Luncheon Chair Heather Randall revealed there are three categories of goodies to pick from. Here are the categories and what’s included:

Platinum Ticket Raffle — $300 per ticket

Pairing of earrings donated by Dallas Auction Gallery*

• Hawaii getaway (Value: $4,999) — Trip to Hawaii for a one-week stay at luxurious oceanfront Kauai timeshare and roundtrip airfare for two people. Donated by Dr. And Mrs. Eric Hollabaugh on behalf of Douglas Cockrill Sr.
• Ear candy (Value: $5,600) — A pair of 18K gold, diamond, amethyst, rose quartz, mother of pearl and topaz earrings mounted with round brilliant cut diamonds, 1.06 cts. Approximate, in 18K rose gold with clip and post backs. Donated by Dallas Auction Gallery.

Red Ticket Raffle — $200 per ticket**

• Ski in Style (Value: $3,400) —Trip to Vail with airfare for two and stay at Hotel Sebastian for the weekend.
• The Big Apple (Value: $3,600) — Trip to NYC for two with airfare plus $250 voucher for Omni Hotel and four tickets to the New York Nets basketball game.
• From the HeART (Value: $2,400) —”From The Heart” original acrylic painting by Chris Martin

Pink Ticket Raffle — $100 per ticket**

• Wine and Dine (Value: $1,600) — 18 bottles of wine from Coquerell Winery and gift certificate $250 Three Forks
• Dinner In Style (Value: $2,250) — Del Frisco’s Dinner Party at Dallas location for 10, Leggiadro scarf and gift certificate
• Dallas Staycation! (Value: $2,500) — One night stay at the Omni ($250), Uchi Gift Card ($250), four tickets in suite to Dallas Mavericks Tesla for the weekend
• Smile, Sip and Shop (Value: $2,000) — Adean Kingston Cosmetic Dermatology $1,000, $500 gift certificate to St. John plus private champagne reception for you and up to 10 friends
• Get Pampered (Value: $2,000) — Jennifer Stalkup Plano Dermatology Botox Gift Certificate for $1,000, Skinnovation Gift Cert for $500, Kendra Scott and Mariposa $250
• His and Hers (Value: $1,600) — Lela Rose gift certificate $1,000 and two tickets to Dallas Stars game with parking pass
• Design District (Value: $3,000) — Allan Knight designer lamps: Square Plaid Glass Etched Lamp, 13-15-10 White Shade, Caramel Mahogany Wood Base, 25″
• Shop Till You Drop (Value: $1,500) — HP Village Personal Shopping Experience
• Get Glammed Up (Value: $2,500) — Dior Party with nine friends with bubbles, bites and consultation. ($1,250) Dr. Bassichis Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery $1,500 gift certificate
• Heart to Heart (Value: $1,200) — Bachendorf’s heart pendant diamond necklace and Kate Wiser box of chocolates
• That’s My Style (Value: $1,450) — VBH/V. Bruce Hoeskma martini glass mini-clutch

Tickets will be available for purchase at the fashion show/luncheon. But if you’re ready to spend your coins now, you can buy your tickets here starting tomorrow.

* Photo provided by St. Valentine's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show 
** One entry into your choice of raffle package per purchase ticket

Peggy Sewell, Agustin Arteaga and Ann Hobson

Rajan Patel and Jennifer Karol

The Dallas Museum of Art’s Art Ball is one of the knock-it-out-the-park fundraising galas of the year. Not only is it set at the DMA, but the guests just have a certain panache in the glamorama category. One of the highlights of the black-tie evening is the live auction of amazingly curated items.

Last night, Art Ball’s “All That Glistens” Co-Chairs Ann and Lee Hobson along with their Auction Co-Chairs Rajan Patel and Merry Vose held a reveal party at Grange Hall for folks like DMA Board of Trustees Chair Melissa Foster Fetter, new grandmamma Peggy Sewell, always young-and-beautiful Jennifer Karol, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and DMA Director Agustin Arteaga. Each of the elegant eight auction items was beautifully displayed on tables in the restaurant. But what else would you expect from this group?

Here is the lineup of the goodies that Christie’s Auction House President Brook Hazelton will be auctioning off on Saturday, April 22:

• “¡ HOLA, AGUSTIN!”* — He’s hardly unpacked his bags and DMA Eugene McDermott Director Agustin Arteaga is already slated to be on the road again. He’ll guide the lucky winner on a tour of the world-renowned Guggenheim Bilbao in San Sebastian, Spain. After seeing the sights of this incredible museum, it will be lunch at a three-star restaurant to break bread, sip wine and discuss art with Agustin. During their three-day stay in San Sebastian, the winner will “bunk down” in the luxurious Hotel Maria Cristina. As for where to eat, toss the Frommer’s Travel Guide. World traveling foodie Cindy Rachofsky will take care of restaurant selections and rezzies.

Compliments of Hotel Maria Cristina, Guggenheim Bilbao, Cindy Rachofsky and Strong Travel Services

¡ Hola, Agustín!*

Foodie Fantasy*

• “FOODIE FANTASY” † — Two new restaurants are slated to join the Highland Park Village cuisine collection this year. For a sneak peak, Chef Nick Badovinus and Chef Julian Barsotti have cooked up this package for the winner and 12 pals. The tasteful chefs will “execute superbly individual supper experiences six courses including excellent wine and champagne.” Start dieting now!

 Compliments of Julian Barsotti, Nick Badovinus, and Highland Park Village

• “WHEN IN ROME…FENDI ROME EXPERIENCE”* † — Rome is known for the Coliseum, the Vatican and cuisine. But to fashion trendsetters, it’s fashion and leading the pack is Fendi. The winner of this package plus a BFF will spend two nights at the newly renovated Fendi Palazzo Private Suite. And lunchtime will be ala Fendi with a special luncheon at the Fendi Palazzo Prive Apartment. And what would be a Fendi outing be without a “private presentation of Fendi’s Haute Fourrure, as well as customized experiences for guests based on personal interests — perhaps cocktails and/or dinner at a private home or a private tour of the Sistine Chapel?” In addition to a special Fendi gift for each guest, the winner will receive the Fendi Peekaboo Bag by artist Francisco Moreno that will be revealed at the Art Ball.

Compliments of Fendi

When in Rome…Fendi Rome Experience**

Headstart The Holidays With Grange Hall**

• “HEADSTART THE HOLIDAYS WITH GRANGE HALL” — It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays, but who wants the same-old, ho-hum, ho-ho decorations dragged down from the attic? This package will make this year’s giving season a true memory maker thanks to the Grange Hall pros dazzling your digs. That in itself is a $7,500 value. Then to show off your new look, Dallas’ fav Chef Sharon Hage will plan and execute a dinner for 10. (Restriction: Wine and spirits are not included.)

 Compliments of Sharon Hage and Grange Hall

• “THE SUITE LIFE AT LE MEURICE”* — A fashion lover simply cannot arrive in Paris without the appropriate wardrobe. Merry Vose is going to take care of that situation for the winner of this package. Thanks to a $5,000 gift certificate at Canady, she’ll put together such fashions that even the French will be impressed. And rightly so, since this package includes a four-night stay at Le Meurice plus special dinner for two in the hotel’s Alain Ducasse three-Michelin Star restaurant. During the stay, Merry will be the winner’s tour guide for behind-the-scenes of Paris Fashion Week including premium seating at Dior and Celine, plus a private tour of the Hermes family museum inside the flagship store. And what is fashion without jewelry? How about visiting the Parisian private studio-workshop of the queen of contemporary costume fashion jewelry, Marie-Noëlle. If a little breather is needed, an exclusive tour of the gardens of Versailles, including a private tour of the Orangerie of Louis XIV is on the docket.  (Restriction: Dinner does not include wine.)

Compliments of Le Meurice, Céline, Dior, Merry Vose, Canary, Hermès and Strong Travel Services

The Suite Life At Le Meurice**

Life As Royals: Private, Princely, Porcelain**

• “LIFE AS ROYALS: PRIVATE, PRINCELY, PORCELAIN”* — Leave it to the Grange Hall team to take the art of design and dining to a whole new level. They’ve arranged for a two-night stay for two people at the Kempinksi Four Season in Munich and not just for sightseeing. The winner will be treated along with an exclusive VIP tour for up to eight guests of the fame Nymphenburg’s workshops where the world-famous porcelain is made. Afterward His Royal Highness Prince Luitpold of Bavaria and his wife, Katrin Beatrix, will host a dinner in the blue room of the manufactory overlooking the Nymphenburg palace. And, no, the royals will not be cooking the meal. They’ll have their private chef prepare the feast that will include wine from the prince’s wine cellar. All of this is in preparation for the Grange professionals’ providing the winner with a $10,000 credit and their advice on designing his/her own custom pattern china.

Compliments of Grange Hall and Porcelain Manufactory Nymphenburg

• “SANTA’S VILLAGE IN HIGHLAND PARK” — How about being a top-tier Santa Claus this year and getting a load of thank you notes? That’s exactly what’s going to happen for the winner of this package. Instead of a workshop with elves at the North Pole, s/he will have the shops and restaurants at Highland Park Village. For supreme convenience, a personal valet will meet and assist the winner upon arrival and departure between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. And to ease the post-holiday bills letdown, the winner will have $5,000 gift certificates for HPV, Hadleigh’s and Madison, as well as $3,000 for Market and $2,000 to spend on holiday cards customized by Ellis Hill. You’ll look to all your friends like a big spender with spending a penny… unless you want to. To look spectacular during the shopping spree and party season, Frédéric Fekkai will provide weekly manicures and blowouts from November 20 through New Year’s Eve. And don’t worry about ruining that manicure with giftwrapping and bow tying. A personal shopper will arrange for the gift to be wrapped and delivered to the winner’s home.

Compliments of Highland Park Village, Market, Hadleigh’s, Ellis Hill, Madison, and Frédéric Fekkai

Santa’s Village In HIghland Park**

Mon Chateau Privé**

• “MON CHATEAU PRIVE”* † — This package is tailor-made for the most worldly travelers. Imagine having a chateau situated on 154 acres in the South of France with its seven bedrooms plus a butler! How simply marvelous for the lucky 14, who will be able to explore the surrounding nature preserve, visit the neighboring Aries, Avignon, St. Remy and Aix, relax by the pool and/or play tennis after breakfast on the terrace. For the winner of this package, there is also two-night stay for two at the Esprit Saint Germain Hotel in Paris on the way to or from the chateau.

Compliments of Ann and Lee Hobson, Esprit Saint Germain Hotel and Strong Travel Services

* Airfare not included. 
** Graphics provided by 2017 Art Ball
† Mutually agreed upon date(s).

Kendra Scott Gives Back Party*

Mother’s Day is up ahead. Of course, brunch is a must on Sunday, but what about a little “trinket” to commemorate the occasion? Jeweler designer Kendra Scott and Children’s Medical Center Foundation may just have the sparkle to add to the lady of the day.

On Wednesday, May 10, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the six area Kendra Scotts will host a Kendra Gives Back Party with a three-fer. The three parts are you not only can purchase “a beautiful piece of jewelry,” but 20% of every sale will benefit Children’s Health and if your “purchase ads up to more than $100, you’ll be entered to win a piece from the new Summer Collection.

Seriously, wouldn’t a little bling be so much better than a box of chocolates or a toaster? Plus, your gift will benefit mothers with children at Children’s.

* Graphic courtesy of Children's Medical Center Foundation

Amigo, Rico and Teddy found Brook Hollow Golf Club to their liking on Tuesday, October 4. After all, the weather was perfect, the grass was green and they were the center of attention as guests arrived for the 2016 Equest Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon’s “Riding High.” For their being part of the greeting lineup, Equest‘s Amigo, Rico and Teddy had come all the way from Equest’s Wylie facility and they definitely didn’t use Uber. The three equines opted for trailer accommodations with their handlers (Alyssa Cigainero, Shelby Nicoletti, Lizzie Ball and Tia Turkeulainen) and riders (James Taylor in English attire and Ryan Wolf in chaps) in tow.

Teddy and Alyssa Cigainero

Rico and Tiia Turkulainen

Ryan Wolf, Amigo and Shelby Nicoletti

Program Director Joan Cutler, who started out as an Equest volunteer back in the ’90s, couldn’t have been happier with her crew of horses, volunteers and staffers on the country club’s grounds.

Inside the clubhouse, Equest Women’s Auxiliary President Di Johnston was also all smiles about the day. Thanks to fashion producer Jan Strimple and Highland Park Village’s Lela Rose, Alice and Olivia, St. John, Market, Etro, Akris, Carolina Herrera and William Noble Jewels, there would be more than 70 outfits on the runway.

But before the fashions would be presented to guests like last year’s Honorary Chair Carolyn Lupton, Jean Lattimore, Lisa Cooley, Elisa Summers, Heather Washburne, Nancy Carter, Jill Rowlett and Bela Piertrovic, the program got underway with Di revealing that one of the best days during her presidency was the one in which Kara Axley agreed to chair the luncheon.

Carolyn Lupton and Jean Lattimore

Kara recognized the partnership that Equest has had over the years with Highland Park Village and its being this year’s presenting sponsor. She then introduced Park Cities Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor Dr. Pete Deison, who reminded guests that “the heart of Equest is compassion. It is a value that is slowly and sadly waning in our society because we have become a society that is more interested in what we see on our computers and on our phones that we do reaching out and touching other people. We are also interested in the things that go fast rather than the time it takes to saddle a horse and touch an individual that needs our help.”

Following the invocation, Kara introduced 2016 Honorary Co-Chair Bill Noble, who described the love that he and wife/2016 Honorary Co-Chair Lezlie Noble have for Equest as a star with the five points — the staff, the volunteers, the horses, the clientele (handicapped children and military veterans) and the donors. “Equest cannot do what they do without you guys.”

Equest CEO Lil Kellogg then described how children who spend most of their days in wheelchairs are taller than all others when they ride their therapy horses.

Following Lili, a video was shown with Equest Founder Susan Schwartz and others recalling Equest’s 35 years of providing equine power for those with physical and emotional challenges.

Louise Griffeth, Kara Axley, Lindalyn Adams and Di Johnston

As the lights went up, Equest Women’s Auxiliary Founder Louise Griffeth was at the podium introducing the 2016 Equest Award for Community Service honoree Lindalyn Adams. Louise described Lyndalyn as a “Superwoman” who has been the driving force for countless nonprofits and community organization, as well as being a great grandmother of four.

Following Lindalyn’s being presented with an award from Tiffany, Louise said that she had more news. An anonymous donor had agreed to match any monies raised at the day’s luncheon in honor of the 35^th anniversary of Equest.

Annie Griffeth

She then added that the poster at the entrance of the clubhouse would report the tally of the day, and that the illustration had been created by her new daughter-in-law Annie Griffeth.

Kara provided one more bit of news. Fashion producer Jan Strimple and Akris would be hosting an event benefiting Equest in the Akris store on Thursday, October 6, featuring their new Aidentity handbag from 1 to 6 p.m.

She also announced that Beth Thoele would be chairing the 2017 luncheon.

With the removal of the podium, the fashions started parading down the runway.

The only oops of the day occurred when a couple of guests managed to sit down in front-row seats that had been assigned to others, driving the real seat-holders away to the north 40. Then the same twosome arrived at one of the big-buck tables, forcing one of the assigned guests to hit McDonalds for a bite—and the venue’s staff to squeeze in an extra chair and place-setting at the table for the other displaced guest. Confused by the situation, the table host thought the event organizers had reassigned her/his original guests with the permission and approval of the castaways. Oh, well, mix-ups do happen. But even a McDonald’s Southwest salad can’t hold a candle to Brook Hollow’s pecan crusted chicken.

According to 2^nd Annual Art of Music Gala Co-Chairs David Call and Jordan Roberts,

David Call and Jordan Roberts*

We are excited and grateful to serve as co-chairs for the 2^nd Annual Art of Music Gala on Saturday, February 10, at Southside on Lamar Ballroom, benefiting The Warren Center, for children with developmental differences.

Last year’s event was a huge success and we were able to raise over $60,000. With the funds raised we provided scholarships for children with special needs to receive much needed therapy services. Headlining the inaugural event was three-time Grammy winner and saxophonist Jeff Coffin of the Dave Matthews Band.

The 2018 Art of Music Gala will be bigger and better than ever. It will include renowned musicians who will compose an original music inspired by this year’s theme of “Wonderland.”

Each composition will then be delivered to a world-class artists who will create an original piece of art inspired by the compositions. The result is a night of celebration and performance where each original composition and its inspired work of art will be unveiled and performed live at the Gala.

Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live entertainment, silent and live auction and creative gallery experiences with local artists.

Melody and Rick Rogers*

This year’s title sponsors are Melody and Rick Rogers. 

We are inspired by the drive these children have to succeed. We encourage you to join us in helping a child reach their full potential.

Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are still available.

Table Sponsorships begin at $2,500 with underwriting opportunities beginning at $2,500. For more information, please contact Tara Null at 972.490.9055 or 214.709.8901 or email Tara or visit the website at www.theartofmusicgala.com.

* Photo provided by The Warren Center

Jubilee Park and Community Center is celebrating 20 years of providing members of a 62-block area in southeast Dallas with “education, affordable housing, public health, public safety and economic development.” And what better way to celebrate an anniversary than with jewelry and friends.

Dallas-based jewelry designer Taylor Miller of Hazen Jewelry has created three handmade bracelets made of “natural materials, including wood and chyrsophase beads and a customer brass ‘Jubilee’ charm.”  

Jubilee Park Commemorative 20th Anniversary bracelets*

According to Jubilee Park 20^th Anniversary Host/Jewelry Committee Member Marilyn Harbison, “This little trio of bracelets is so versatile and stylish. Our tagline for the 20^th is ‘Celebrate, Love, Dream’ and I like to think these represent each of those words. We hope people will get their holiday shopping done early, and support this great cause.”

But before heading to one of your favorite bling-bling businesses for the bracelets, put on the brakes. These little gems are going to be available for purchase at St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange in Highland Park Village. If you’re a member of St. Michael’s, you can also purchase the bracelets every Sunday until October 29.

And if you’re worrying about using up gas, you can always order online here!

Jubilee Park Commemorative 20th Anniversary bracelets*

With 100% of proceeds benefiting “Jubilee Park’s 20^th anniversary initiative to provide educational enrichment to love-income children with special learning needs,” the bracelets cost $50 each and $125 for the trio.

Jubilee Park 20^th Anniversary Chair Lydia Addy said, “Jubilee’s impact over the last 20 years has been astounding to watch, and a joy to be part of. We want more people to be a part of the celebration through these custom bracelets. With each purchase, children who struggle with special learning needs will have the chance to thrive in Jubilee’s award-winning afterschool and summer program. Plus they go with everything — a win-win!”

* Photos provided by Jubilee Park and Community Center