Lawrence and Katy Bock and Sunie and Steve Solomon

Lawrence Bock knows how to trump the usual ho-hum photo booth. For the Cattle Baron’s Ball Live Auction Preview Party at his Preston Center East Bachendorf’s on Wednesday, August 30, he did just that.

Tag Heuer Virtual experience

Lucky were the early-bird arrivals like 2017 Cattle Baron’s Ball Co-Chair Sunnie Solomon and husband Steve Solomon, Carol Seay and Kristi Bare, who got a chance to try out the TAG Heuer’s Virtual Experience. One vet of the virtual experience admitted that it could be a bit dizzying, but others simply reviewed it as, “Awesome.”

The CBB stop was just one of the Tag Heur experience in the area. Lawrence explained that it was scheduled to display its mind-boggling happening at the Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase on Saturday, September 9, at Los Colinas.

Lawrence also reported that now that the refurbishing of his Preston Center store had settled in, his next project was to do the same for the Galleria Bachendorf’s

Anne Steve Stodghill

2017 Cattle Baron’s Co-Chair Anne Stodghill and husband Steve Stodghill arrived midway during the party. It seems that they had been delayed by their latest art installation.

Another eyecatcher for the crowd that included Nikki Webb, Leslie Toomay, Lisa Ogle, Holly Deason, Hadley Galt, Heather LeClair, Marybeth and Kevin Conlon, Lora Farris, Julie Clancy, Dawn Greiner, Merry Munson Wyatt and past CBB chairs Andrea Weber and KJ Sanger, was the display on the jewelry cases of the live auction item signage that included Out of This World Party at Gilley’s, Closet of Your Dreams, 2018 Tag Heuer Indy 500 VIP Experience, Uncork and Unwind in Sonoma and Napa Valley, a bike ride with Lance Armstrong in Aspen, a poker game with Dallas Cowboy greats (Troy Aikman, Tony Casillas, Charles Haley, Daryl Johnston, Drew Pearson and Darren Woodson) and more! They’ll all be on the Winston & Strawn LLP Live Auction Stage stage for the live auction on Saturday, October 21, at Gilley’s.

Cattle Baronesses arming up for a photo

Meagan Fisher Flanagan and Steve Solomon

Meagan Fisher Flanagan’s shoes

As CBB pals struck poses with arms clasping each other, Meagan Fisher Flanagan entered the scene with eyeballs checking out her footwear. One person swore she was wearing socks with heels. Another scoffed at the idea and said it was edgy, cool stilettos that later proved to be the right choice as Nancy Gopez giggled at the gawkers.

Speaking of fashion, as summer was closing down, this occasion allowed for one of the last gasps for blue-and-white striped sundresses and bare shoulders.

For more photos from the partying, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Like serving up an appetizer before a fabulous feast, the Crystal Charity Ball committee held a cocktail buffet on Thursday, September 14, the eve of the 2017 Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show And Luncheon. Thanks to Shirley and Bill McIntyre’s breathtaking estate nestled in the lush grounds, the setting was simply perfect to impress oldtimers and newcomers like featured designer Zac Posen.

Jillian Sinel, Elaine Agather, Zac Posen, Celine Mariton and Amelia Gibson

Welcoming guests as they crossed the footbridge over the property’s creek was JP Morgan/Chase Executive Elaine Agather, who got a real workout opening the heavier-than-an-18-wheeler door.

But once inside they discovered a blonde decked out in the most beautiful gems. She turned out to be fourth-generation Australian jewelry designer Margot McKinney and her husband Peter Kedwell.   

Don and Carmen Godwin and Margot McKinney and Peter Kedwell

Ah, but more about all of that in the post that’s being prepared. In the meantime, check out the folks in attendance at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

As the statue overlooking Turtle Creek was being removed on Thursday, September 14, JP Morgan/Chase was hosting the Crystal Charity Ball cocktail buffet at Shirley and Bill McIntyre’s estate in North Dallas.

Shirley and Bill McIntyre’s estate

In this case there was another creek, but it was much smaller and there was a bit of maneuvering. It seems that the turn into the McIntyre’s circular driveway required a sharp turn. One driver ended up slightly dipping into the landscaped terrain. And speaking of the vehicles, they ranged from posh Bentleys to decked-out pick-up trucks.

Muffin Lemak and Dwight and Claire Emanuelson

Gene Jones and Charlotte Jones Anderson

Libby and Al Allred

After turning their cars over to the valets, the guests strolled over a narrow foot bridge to the fabulous mansion with its towering glass windows and stone walls. At one point the parade of pretties came to a traffic jam stop like Stemmons Freeway during rush hour. Sara Lee Gardner had just crossed the bridge with husband Stan Gardner and Shelle and Michael Sills, when she turned and walked halfway back on the bridge to talk with Muffin Lemak and Claire and Dwight Emanuelson. The result? The strolling flow of guests across the narrow bridge came to a standstill, with no HOV lane in sight.  Needless to say, a traffic cop was not required. Just a couple of throat clearings by a bystander literally got the guests on their way.

They were greeted by petite JPMorgan Chase banker Elaine Agather, who was getting her workout opening the heavy front door. The blonde in red revealed that she had been less visible on the fundraising scene due to an expansion of her territory that now ranged from the far north of the U.S. to practically the space station. By the way, while Elaine is a well-known gal who is just as comfortable in a boardroom as she is on a saddle, has managed to combine a firm handshake with soft hands. She must have been loyal to wearing gloves when reining her ponies.

Don and Carmen Godwin and Margot McKinney and Peter Kedwell

Tucker and Rich Enthoven

Jim Lee and Vin Perella

Tom Swiley and Patti Flowers and Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse

As for entertainment, there was a pianist, but the real draw were the people. Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse had to duck out early due to a dinner date…Carmen and Don Godwin were with Australian jeweler Margot McKinney and Peter Kedwell. Margot’s goodies highlighted by mega-pearl necklaces (thanks to Margot, Carmen was wearing literally the world’s largest strand of baroque pearls) would be the accessory du jour for the 10 Best Dressed the next day… Rich Enthoven told how he nearly parted ways with his vintage Corvette. No matter how he tried, it just wasn’t reliable. Then Daryl Johnston, upon spotting the car and hearing of Rich’s frustration, told him about the “Corvette Whisperer.” Rich took a chance and it worked.  Both Rich and his eye-catching Corvette now are happy campers… Tom Addis reported that Garry Cox, who had just recently undergone a liver transplant, was doing very well and already home…Pete Foster reported on the pros and cons of the just-announced Apple iPhones 8, 8 Plus and X… Solo appearances included Ralph Babb (wife Barbara Babb was recovering from a cold) and Joanna Clarke (her boss Paige McDaniel was under the weather)… On the other hand, designer Zac Posen arrived with his posse (Amelia Gibson, Jillian Sinel and Celine Mariton). Earlier in the day, Zac had been named Rosewood Hotels Ambassador for Dallas.

Alas, even at the best affairs, there is a guest or two who didn’t listen to their mama on good table manners. In this case, a couple of folks were seen pulling a George Costanza. The shocked catering maven, upon seeing the double dipping, promptly withdrew the bowl from the table.

Jillian Sinel, Elaine Agather, Zac Posen, Celine Mariton and Amelia Gibson

But it was an early night, because ccB Chair Pam Perella and 10 Best Dressed Chair Christi Urschel and the 10 Besties had an early call the next morning, and everyone needed their beauty sleep.  

DeeDee Lee, Pam Perella and Christi Urschel

Check out more faces at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Crystal Charity Ball’s Fashion Show and Luncheon is the mother-of-all charity fashion extravaganzas in these parts. Thanks to being orchestrated by Neiman Marcus’ team, it’s a quick sellout each year with the cheap seats going for $1,000.

From the left: (standing) Katherine Coker, Anita Arnold, Delilah Boyd, Charlotte Jones Anderson, Pat Harloe, Lisa Cooley, Tucker Enthoven and Julies Hawes; (seated) Janie Condon, Christi Urschel, Pam Perella, Amy Hegi and Piper Wyatt

The 10 Best Dressed Class of 2017 (Anita Arnold, Delilah Boyd, Katherine Coker, Janie Condon, Lisa Cooley, Tucker Enthoven, Pat Harloe, Julie Hawes, Amy Hegi, Piper Wyatt) and Hall of Famer Charlotte Jones Anderson were heady enough, but this year’s featured designer 37-year-old Zac Posen created a youthful feel for the store that was celebrating its 110^th anniversary. He scored major points by making BFFs forever by presenting guests with everything from his sunglasses to scarves. No chintzy perfume samples for Zaco.

Zac Posen

Too bad he was so busy preparing the models backstage that he didn’t get to check out the pre-program festivities on the store’s first and sixth floor. Ah, but more about all of that later. Just settle back and check out the two pages of more than 80 photos of the fashions and faces at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Thomas Wolfe once declared, “You can never go home again.” Leave it to Neiman Marcus and Crystal Charity Ball to prove that old adage is so off base. On Friday, September 15, the 2017 Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show and Luncheon was a love fest bringing the more-than-popular children’s fundraiser back home to the Neiman Marcus Downtown flagship.

Unlike the past couple or three years when the CCB Fashion Show took place in the store and an OMG tented venue in the adjoining parking lot, it was decided to move the whole package into the building’s various floors.

Sixth floor

Entrance to Michael Flores Salon

While regular shoppers and visiting tourists were surprised at the hundreds of top-tier fashionables filling the first floor for the official reception, one gent was gently turned away from dining in the sixth floor Zodiac. It wasn’t due to his natty Bermuda shorts. Rather, the restaurant was closed for the day due to the CCB, as well as Nancy C. Roger’s reception in the Michael Flores Salon celebrating the 10 Best Dressed (Anita Arnold, Delilah Boyd, Katherine Coker, Janie Condon, Lisa Cooley, Tucker Enthoven, Pat Harloe, Julie Hawes, Amy Hegi, Piper Wyatt) and Hall of Famer Charlotte Jones Anderson.  Before the elegant 11 arrived for the Cristal doings after their run through of the show on the second floor, NM Downtown PR Marjon Henderson admonished them that they were to be back on the second floor no later than 11:15 a.m.

For first timers, it was a shock-and-awe moment when they saw how Fancy Nancy, Michael F. and her go-to-Gro designer Nathan Johnson had turned the entry into a whimsical tunnel of greenery, white flowers and rose petals strewn along the way and highlighted by chandeliers. Nathan admitted that he and his crew had worked around the clock to create and install the masterpiece that would be history by noon.

Michael Flores and Nancy Rogers

Pam Perella, Robyn Conlon and Claire Emanuelson

And, of course, the flutes on the silver trays screamed Cristal. You were expecting Kool-Aid? BTW, the “C” in Nancy C. Rogers does not stand for Cristal.

Just past 10:30 a.m., the hostess arrived to greet guests like 2017 CCB Chair Pam Perella, 2018 CCB Chair Claire Emanuelson, 2014 CCB Chair Robyn Conlon, Dallas Snadon, Gina Betts, Vicky Lattner, Di Johnston, Nancy Carter, Angie Kadesky, Mike Wyatt, Vin Perella with daughter Lauren Perella, Ryan Wilson, Debbie Breard, Niven Morgan and Shelby Wagner, Joan Eleazer, Bela Cooley, Sue Gragg, Becky Bowen, Dixey Thornton, Ginger Auer, Tanya Foster, Alicia Wood, Leisa Street, Lynn McBee, Nancy Carlson, Capera Ryan, Sam Boyd, Beth Layton, Muffin Lemak, Ann Dyer, Shelle Sills and DeeDee Lee.

Vin Perella, Lauren Perella and Ryan Wilson

Vicky Lattner, Di Johnston, Nancy Carter and Angie Kadesky

Second floor

In the meantime, the rest of the store was buzzing. As NM special events mastermind Sandy Marple was finishing up with the dress rehearsal, fashion show featured designer Zac Posen arrived with Celine Mariton on the second floor that had been turned into a red carpeted showroom cloaked in black and as narrow as an arrow’s shaft.

Sandy Marple, Zac Posen and Celine Mariton

On three sides were tiers of gold chairs with comfy red, purple and taupe cushions. Down the middle of the room was a back-to-back row of the chairs. At one end of the room was Zac Posen spelled out in gold on both sides of the runway entrance. Zac was blown away by the reconfiguration of the couture salon that he knew so well. Whipping out his cellphone he took a shot of the room.

Fourth floor

Luncheon table

Just two floors up,tables were in the final stages of being set up for the seated luncheon. Table hosts’ assistants were making sure that place cards were in the right spots. Even fashion show featured designer Zac Posen’s team had provided mementos for the guests. Some were gifted with Zac-designed scarves and others received Zac sunglasses.

Back to the second floor

Then the bewitching minute arrived with the 10 Best Dressed and Charlotte scurrying down to the second floor for the presentation. Eventually the guests from both the first-floor reception and Nancy’s party made their way to the second floor with elevators and escalators moving nonstop.

As the sold-out crowd of more than 500 started filling the gold chairs, CCB Reservations Co-Chair Paige Slates looked over the setup and smiled. She and Tiffany Divis had been in charge of reservations and admitted that until all the derrières were in place, they weren’t going to be satisfied.

Laura Bush and Lee Ann White

Nancy Dedman and Joan Schnitzer

Sarah and Ross Perot and Lisa Troutt

Kelli Ford

Mary Clare Finney

As guests finally settled down, a voice announced NM Fashion guru Ken Downing, who arrived from backstage to the podium set up midway across the aisle from Annette Simmons, Nancy Dedman, Joan Schnitzer Levy, Lee Ann White, former first lady Laura Bush, Sarah and Ross Perot and Lisa Troutt. Like a fashion version of a Texas A&M yell leader, Ken extolled his love and support of Zac — “My mother has pictures of Zac all over the house. There’s not a picture of me anywhere.” According to Ken, one of Zac’s first ventures outside NYC was Neiman’s in Dallas and he fell in love with “his girls.” Upon learning that he would be the featured designer for the CCB event, Zac texted Ken and asked him to put the show together for “our girls.” Ken continued saying the show wasn’t “just a fashion show. The show is a gift from my heart and from Zac’s heart to all of you.”

Karen Katz

He then introduced NM President/CEO Karen Katz who welcomed the group and said it was only right to bring the fashion show back to “our house” for the company’s 110^th anniversary year. Karen was followed by 2017 CCB Chair Pam Perella and Fashion Show Chair Christi Urschel, who thanked all for supporting the organization providing millions of dollars for Dallas children’s charities.

Julie Hawes

Charlotte Jones Anderson

With that Ken returned to the podium to present the 10 Best Dressed and Hall of Famer. It came off without a hitch. Ken provided the commentary with touches of ad libbing. Blonde Julie Hawes dropped her red fur jacket midway and dragging it the last lap.

Zac Posen fashion

Zac Posen fashion

Zac Posen gown

Zac Posen gown

Then Ken stepped aside, the podium was removed and the models took their turn in Zac fashions — adorable frocks for cocktail parties, black short shorts and billowing ball gowns. One or two appeared to channel Scarlett O’Hara’s curtain dress.

Margot McKinney

Margot McKinney jewelry with Zac Posen gown

Highlighting the outfits were necklaces, earrings, bracelets and all sorts of exquisite bling provided by fourth-generation Australian jeweler Margot McKinney, who made headlines when she bought a harvest of 85,000 baroque pearls.

Zac Posen

For the finale, it was a standing ovation with Zac doing a victory lap.

Back to the fourth floor

As the fashionable guests made their way to the fourth floor for lunch, the 10 Besties and Charlotte took their places for group photos with Zac, Margot, Ken, Pam and Christi.

From the left: (standing) Katherine Coker, Anita Arnold, Delilah Boyd, Charlotte Jones Anderson, Pat Harloe, Lisa Cooley, Tucker Enthoven and Julie Hawes; (seated) Janie Condon, Christi Urschel, Pam Perella, Amy Hegi and Piper Wyatt

From the left: (standing) Katherine Coker, Anita Arnold, Delilah Boyd, Charlotte Jones Anderson, Pat Harloe, Lisa Cooley, Tucker Enthoven and Julie Hawes; (seated) Janie Condon, Margot McKinney, Ken Downing, Zac Posen, Amy Hegi and Piper Wyatt

Then they joined the others for the meal “inspired by” Zac’s new cook book, “Cooking With Zac” due out in October. Guests donned their new found sunglasses for photos. Fancy Nancy sent bottles of Cristal to the10 BD tables. Ken and Zac shouldered it up. Karen joined up with three generations of Jones girls (Gene, Charlotte and Haley Anderson)…Christi celebrated with her mom Linda Carter, husband Hal Urschel and BFF Sarah Perot.

Haley Anderson, Charlote Jones Anderson, Karen Katz and Gene Jones

Linda Carter

Elsa Norwood, Susan Palma, Patty Leyendecker and Tiffany Divis

As the guests dined on the fourth floor, a truck parked along South Ervay was being loaded with the gold chairs, the black showroom was being disassembled and the couture salon was back in business.

For more than 85 pictures, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Clay Cooley, Margaret McDermott and Lisa Cooley

With sweeping gowns and bow ties ranging from feathers to colorful prints, the 2017 Dallas Symphony Gala officially kicked off the mega-gala fundraising season on Saturday, September 16, at the Meyerson. Joining the leadership team of Co-Chairs Lisa and Clay Cooley was Honorary Chair Margaret McDermott.  

Kara and Randall Goss

Cece Smith and Ford Lacy

Jody and Sheila Grant

In addition to being a lavish show of swell-egants, it was also the final gala performance by Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala Maestro Jaap van Zweden. To add to the special occasion, cellist Yo-Yo Ma joined Jaap and the orchestra on stage following a seated dinner and just before the evening’s after party.

While the post is being prepped, the fashions and boldfaces of the night can be seen at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Nobody at Eiseman Jewels seemed to notice that ¾ moon hovering over NorthPark, Zeke Elliott’s legal woes or even the World Series on Wednesday, November 1. They were there to celebrate plans for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary‘s 2018 Fashion Show and Luncheon.

Marvin and Lisa Singleton, Margot Perot and Betsy and Richard Eiseman

As Eiseman proprietor Richard Eiseman took a knee upon seeing the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary founder Margot Perot, he quickly offered the knee recognition to his wife Betsy Eiseman.

Candace Winslow and Nikki Webb

Joyce Fox

In another part of the showroom were Joanna Clarke, Nikki Webb and Candace Winslow. It would later be discovered to the wine-flute sipping crowd including SAWA President Betsy Willis, Ramona Jones, Barbara Sypult, Joyce Fox and Kim and Greg Hext, that Nikki and Candace would be joined by Kim Quinn and Merry Wyatt for underwriting efforts for the annual Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s 2018  Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Meyerson on Wednesday, May 9.

Barbara Sypult, Marvin Singleton, Margot Perot and Ramona Jones

As an incentive to rally the troops, Major Barbara Rich reported that last May’s fashion extravaganza had just barely missed its goal of $1M.  

Needless to say, SAWA Fashion Show Chair Lisa Singleton didn’t drop a note and warned the group that she and fashion show producer Jan Strimple would be checking closets for gently used clothes for the fundraiser.

Jan Strimple

Anne Davidson

Immediately Presenting Sponsor Anne Davidson announced that Lisa and Jan were editing her closet the upcoming weekend.

Unlike other fundraisers, the Crystal Charity Ball has no live auction with that arm-raising competition. Heavens, no! Instead, they have a glamorama silent auction of luxury items that would impress the most persnickety Black Card holder. In preparation for the sleek bidding, the CCB committee sends out a fabulous book containing the goodies to guests.

This year Silent Auction and Special Gifts Co-Chairs Anne Besser and Cheryl Joyner really challenged postal carriers with their 230-pager for the Saturday, December 2, so-very-sold-out gala at the Anatole.

But, alas, one of the dreamy items arrived just as the tome had left the printers. Provided by jewelry designer Jorge Adeler, who is sold exclusively at Forty Five Ten, this his-and-hers package is perfect for the gal and guy who appreciate “unique pieces that are seeping in history and tradition, while being transformed into current, wearable art to enhance any wardrobe.”

Jorge Adeler pendant and cuff links*

For the lady, Jorge has created a pendant mounted in 14kt gold featuring the authentic ancient coin of the Constantine the Great’s son, Emperor Constantius. For non-history buffs, Constantius ruled from 337-361 AD in which he made “a concerted effort to promote Christianity at the expense of Roman polytheism.”

As for the gentlemen, Jorge has transformed “authentic ancient Isshu-Gin coins that were minted in Japan when shoguns ruled” into exquisite cuff links.  Mounted by hand in 18kt gold in Adeler’s atelier, the coins were used by Shogun to pay the Samurai.”

Retail value of these historic treasures is $9,476.

Get your credit cards warmed up.

* Photo provided by Crystal Charity Ball

With the 2017 Crystal Charity Ball less than a month away, the final big thank you reception was held on Thursday, November 9, at Amy and Corey Prestige’s fabulous mansion. From the fabulous dining room filled with Cassandra must-haves to the standing room only in the den, the CCB underwriters had plenty to talk about and to feast upon.

Ginny and Randy Bailey

Liat and Amit Berger

But as dazzling as the entry’s lacquered eggplant purple walls were, the bling-bling provided by the evening sponsor Diamonds Direct had guests thinking about adding a glitter for the children’s gala on Saturday, December 2, as well as Christmas shopping.

Lee Bailey

Leslie and Bryan Diers

Kim Hext

While the post is being completed, check out the faces and twinkle at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Hal and Diane Brierley

Typically the chatter at November gatherings of the non-profit set circles around kids playing soccer, spouses being about due to last-minute meetings and plans for the next project. But on Thursday, November 9, that wasn’t the case at the Crystal Charity Ball Underwriting reception at Amy and Corey Prestige’s great home.

The location was convenient for Diane and Hal Brierley, who just walked across the street, to dine, wine and catch up with buddies.

Lee Bailey

Michael Sills

Tom Addis

Kim Hext

Immediately upon entering the mansion, guests like Doris and Jack Jacobs, Lee Bailey, Delilah and Sam Boyd, Ginny and Randy Bailey, Claire and Dwight Emanuelson, Barbara and Ralph Babb, Shelle and Michael Sills, CCB event producer Tom Addis, Debbie Oates, Kim Hext, Lisa and Marvin Singleton and Lisa and Kenny Troutt were struck by the eggplant purple lacquered walls of the entry. One chap comments that it was a first for him. While an interior design expert quipped, the paint job was as breathtaking as expensive.

Ralph and Barbara Babb

Ginny and Randy Bailey

Now as for the second topic du jour, it was review of the night before. Many of the group had attended The Family Place’s ReuNight. But the talk didn’t even mention being at the The Statler or the well-behaved llama. Rather, the memory-maker was the live auction that followed the dinner. It ranged from a Saturday Night Live skit to “it was so robotic.” The auctioneer in question had gained recognition earlier in the season at The Jade Ball for stalking bids in the Belo Ballroom.

Nicole Becker and Kelsey Halford

Shelle Sills

Twas not the case this time. One gent was surprised that the auctioneer started off asking for a high bid instead of easing up low. Even the most Mary Sunshine types were amazed at the auctioneer’s antics.

Liat and Amit Berger

Leslie and Bryan Diers

But all this talk ceased when silver forks clang against crystal glasses to call the guests like Kelsey Halford, Nicole Becker, Candace Winslow, Piper Wyatt, Anne Besser,  Brent Christopher and Shelle Sills together in the den for a thank you from CCB Chair Pam Perella and evening sponsor Diamond’s Direct’s Amit Berger, who had provided sparkly items for Pam, Underwriting Chair Leslie Diers and others to wear. At one point in his speaking to the glittering crowd, someone phone was loudly heard. Immediately the eyes scoured the room for the hand to reach into the pocket to silence the interrupting cellphone. Amit laughed. It was his phone.

After the brief comments, it was back to chatting and grazing in the dining room. The Cassandra Fine Catering spread at these parties is one of the main reasons that husbands don’t complain about attending. She sets a mighty fine table.

The munchkins wandering through the Anatole toward the hotel’s Peppermint Park must have thought the Crystal Charity Ball’s “An Evening In The Alps” was part of the Park layout on Saturday, December 2. So did their parents, as they shot photos of the kids standing in front of the snowy hill scene with red sleigh tilted picture-perfect on the upper level of the Chantilly Ballroom’s lobby.

Bob McCreath, Brandon Perella, Medley Wollenman, Vin and Pam Perella, Lauren Perella, Adam Ryan and Carolyn Curl

The backdrop proved to be ideal also for the CCB crowd in their finery. First to try it out was 2017 CCB Chair Pam Perella and her family (husband Vin Perella, mom Carolyn Curl, dad Bob McCreath, daughter Lauren Perella with Adam Ryan and son Brandon Perella with Medley Wollenman). That was quickly followed by a snap of Pam with the members of her leadership committee (Anne Besser, Leslie Diers, Elizabeth Gambrell, Cheryl Joyner and Kristina Whitcomb).

Elizabeth Gambrell, Cheryl Joyner, Pam Perella, Leslie Diers, Kristina Whitcomb and Anne Besser

No sooner had the final official photos been taken than the 1,500+ guests, including Diane and Hal Brierley, Barbara and Ralph Babb, Luanne and Aaron McWhorter, Wendy and Boyd Messmann, Martha and Doug Hawthorne, Liat and Amit Berger, Calee Dillon, Christina and Christopher Durovitch, Lee Bailey, Brent Christopher, Robin Robinson, Lindalyn Adams with grandson Carlton Adams, Greg Bieberding, Eddie Ortega, Isabell Novakov with Trey Higginbotham, Kathleen Gibson, Kim and Greg Hext, Linda Perryman Evans, Joanna Clarke with Michael Royal, Cindy Stager with Oscar Durham, Kristen and Reed Gibbins, Kristi and Ron Hoyl, Angela Nash with Billy Martin Jr., Margot and Bill Goodwin, Louise and Guy Griffeth, Caroline Rose Hunt with Del Frnka, Karen and David Shuford, Barbara and John Stuart, John Clutts, Dr. Sami Arslanlar, Billie Leigh Rippey with daughter Paige Locke, Norma Hunt with son Dan Hunt and his wife Toni Munoz-Hunt, Brenda and Bob White, Su-Su and Jerry Meyer, Dana and Greg McGowan, Scott Everett with Kristy Lohse, Elizabeth and Paul Dougan, Susan McSherry with John Zogg, Jan and Fred Hegi, Peggy and Dr. Dan Meyer, Laura and Paul Hudson, Andrea Devaldenebro and Leonardo Gonzalez Sangri, Amy and Michael Meadows, Kimberly and Justin Whitman, Stacey and John Relton and the Neiman’s crowd (Mimi and Rich Sterling, Neva Hall and soon-to-retire Malcolm Reuben with wife Vinnie Reuben), arrived through a tree-lined entry hall that immediately set the mood with a whiff of the evergreen.

Christina and Christopher Durovich

Ralph and Barbara Babb

Jerry and Su-Su Meyer

Trey Higginbotham and Isabell Novakov

Lindalyn Adams and Carlton Adams

Calee Dillon and Amit and Liat Berger

Oscar Durham and Cindy Stager

Del Frnka and Caroline Rose Hunt

Pat and Charles McEvoy and Jill and Bob Smith

Norma Hunt, Dan Hunt and Toni Munoz-Hunt

Lee Bailey

Mimi and Rich Sterling

Malcolm and Vinnie Reuben

Since the evening’s temperatures didn’t require outerwear, guests bypassed the coat check and headed to the gaming tables, the lavish silent auction gallery, James French’s pop-up studio, The Alpine Shop for perusing and the rustic “warming hut” with its mountains of shrimp and buffets of other delicacies.

And, of course, there were the CCB committee members with the balloons selling chance tickets for the 2018 Lexus. CCB newbie Lisa Singleton was joined by CCB vet Lynn McBee in selling raffle tickets. Her goal was $15,000, but within the first 20 minutes she had only sold $350. A few minutes later, she had doubled that amount. Things were looking up.

CCB-ers Lisa Cooley and Alison Malone set up shop at a table to the left of the entry and next to the bar. They had come in second last year and were bound and determined to sell the most tickets this year. Not only did they, but Alison’s husband/advertising guru Mike Malone told Katherine and Key Coker that Alison won the raffle last year and it would bring them good luck to buy their ticket from her. He was right. The Cokers had the winning ticket. And, yes, Lisa and Alison sold the most tickets of the night.

Key and Katherine Coker

Jim and Kristen Hinton

Among the first-time guests in the crowd were Baylor Scott Scott and White Health CEO Jim Hinton and his wife Kristen Hinton and Dallas Summer Musical’s Ken Novice and his wife Kouy Novice. Despite having been in town just seven months, Ken reported that the DSM had just signed a 20-year partnership agreement with Broadway Across America and is planning on an aggressive outreach to young people — around Fair Park and via the Dallas Independent School District. He admitted that, “We’re going to need to increase our budget,” which means stepping up fundraising efforts. He also wants to update the Music Hall at Fair Park, including changes in parking and traffic flows and increasing seating capacity.

John Clutts, Ken and Kouy Novice and Sami Arslanlar

And speaking of business, RED Development’s Paul Rowsey was optimistic about Amazon’s coming to North Texas. He believes Amazon will split its new headquarters between two cities, with Dallas having a good chance of being one of them… Ben Lange was introducing Evelyn Costello, who had just been named executive director for Luke’s Fastbreak Shirts.

Evelyn Costello and Ben and Tracy Lange

Robyn and Don Conlon

But it wasn’t just guys talking business. Former CCB Chair Robyn Conlon was beaming over her son Keith Conlon’s recent accomplishments. Not only did he get $10K taken off the price of his Rangers 2018 season tickets after hitting a home run over the Bud sign at Globe Life Park, but Keith had just been named general manager at Allie Beth Allman and Associates as well.

Midway through the cocktail reception, word was passed — “Do you know Tagg?” Was it a new social media hashtag? There was just a bit of distress as the question continued to be asked. The answer was that, thanks to high-tech cars, “Mr. Tagg” had left his car running with the valet and joined the throng inside. Only problem was he had taken the key with him. When he disappeared into the throng inside, the car dutifully came to a grinding stop, creating an unplanned conversation piece blocking the valet line. Finally, he …or, more importantly, his key was found and the flow of high-end vehicles rolled back into place.

And while the crowd grew in the lobby, the final preparations were being made in the Chantilly Ballroom for the doors to open at 9 p.m. The ballroom’s walls were covered with shimmering floor-to-ceiling draping, with towering screens displaying videos of wintry ventures. A mammoth stage was set up along the back of the ballroom for the bands.

At Pam’s and Annette Simmons’ table were monogrammed napkins along with gargantuan floral arrangements. 

Other tables also impressed with centerpieces highlighted by candles in suspended globes hovering over silver tablecloths, crystal. In the chairs were such favors at Tiffany boxes containing Tiffany weave porcelain bowls and the 2017 Children’s Book and the 2018 Calendar.

Right on cue, the Anatole’s Catherine New did the countdown for the staff to open the doors at 9 p.m. to the elegant dinner starting with a first course (poached lobster and roasted beets , arugula and frisée salad and grilled figs, shaved fennel, pickled watermelon radish, citrus mountain blooms and champagne vinaigrette) followed by the entrée (grilled filet of beef, roasted Cipollini red wine demi-glace, gratin dauphinoise, grilled farmer’s market carrots and turnips and seared asparagus). For dessert, it was Toblerone Swiss milk chocolate mousse with honey and almond nougat, Basler Brunsli crisp and coconut snow.

Ciara Cooley, Bela Cooley and Isabell Terry

Betsy Crousen

Dwight and Claire Emanuelson

Libby and Al Allred

But as glorious as the room and menu were, the CCB guests once again were setting a standard for OMG fashion with the ladies in labels bearing such names as Herrera (Pam Perella, Christi Urschel, Jennifer Dix, Piper Wyatt, Kristina Whitcomb, Laura Moon), Zac Posen (Claire Emanuelson, Pat McEvoy, Delilah Boyd, Patty Leyendecker), Pamela Roland (Lisa Troutt, Gail Fischer), Armani (Paige Slates), Anne Fontaine (Amy Hegi), Chanel (DeeDee Lee), Dior (Betsy Crousen, Kara Goss and Dianna Miller), Badgley Mischka (Nikki Webb), Tom Ford (Heather Esping), Galvan (Lynn McBee), Oscar (Annette Simmons, Lisa Singleton), Tom and Linda Platt (Cheryl Joyner) Lela Rose (Linda Secrest), Marchesa (Ciara Cooley), Etro (Janie Condon), Escada (Caren Kline), Mackenzie Brittingham (Bela Cooley, Nancy Collins), Worth Collection (Alicia Wood), Patti Flowers (Lisa Cooley, Tanya Foster) and Michael Faircloth (Tracy Lange, Tiffany Divis, Mary Martha Pickens, Libby Allred, Elsa Norwood, Diane Byrd, Sue Scala, Stephanie Scala). Michael is probably in designer recovery.

On their well-pedicured feet were such slippers as Jimmy Choo, Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Weitzman, Rene Caovilla, Gianvito Rossi and Adrianna Papell.

Needless to say, Judith Leiber dominated the clutch department, followed by Chanel, Charlotte Max Design, Alexander McQueen, YSL and Jimmy Choo.

And, of course, it just wouldn’t have been a glittery affair without the bling-bling from Eiseman, Diamonds Direct, Bachendorf, Neiman’s, Sue Gragg, deBoulle, Julianna LeBlanc, William Noble, Cartier, Tiffany and family treasures.

Kara and Randall Goss and Dianna Miller

Delilah and Sam Boyd

Pete and Tanya Foster and Alicia and Scott Wood

Paige and John Slates

Crayton and Nikki Webb

Mike and Piper Wyatt

DeeDee Lee and Randy and Ginny Bailey

Tiffany and Paul Divis

But the most popular look of the night for the ladies was the caterpillar false eyelashes that would have made Liz Taylor’s double row of lashes look thin. It seems that along with having hair done, makeup applied and nails polished, one must have an appointment to have an extra layer of lashes.

On the other hand, the gents in the crowd held their own with tuxedos by Bob Baumann (Richard Dix), Chris Despos (Clay Cooley), Isaia (Vin Perella), J. Hilburn (Kenny Troutt), Bruno Cucinelli (Dwight Emanuelson), Edward Baumann Clothiers (Scott Wood), Zegna (Charles McEvoy), Q Custom Clothier (Al Allred) and loads of Armani (David Condon, John Slates, Les Secrest).

Amy Simmons and Joe Crafton

Lisa and Kenny Troutt

Laura and Dennis Moon

Christie Carter and Hudson Weischel

Simply Irresistible

Mary and Robert Black and Cliff Fischer

As Atlanta’s Simply Irresistible took the stage, Amy Simmons and husband Joe Crafton were the first on the dance floor followed by Francie Moody-Dahlberg and husband Kevin Dalhberg, Laura and Dennis Moon, Mary and Robert Black, Gail and Cliff Fischer, Christie Carter and Hudson Weischel, Connie and Denny Carreker, Pam and Vin and Leslie and Bryan Diers.

Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse

Kelli and Jerry Ford

Jerry Jones

Gayle Stoffel, Gene Jones and Anita Arnold

Having just as much fun on the sidelines were Michal Powell, Aileen and Jack Pratt, Mary Clare Finney with Chris Branscum and Annette Simmons’ “Jerry table” including her husband Jerry Fronterhouse, Jerry Ford with wife Kelli Ford and Jerry Jones with wife Gene Jones as well as Anita and Truman Arnold and Gayle and Paul Stoffel. But the music was too hard to resist, so soon Annette and her Jerry were on the dance floor, too.

There is no truth that Eiseman Jewels has become the most luxurious drinking hole in these parts. But with events being held there for area nonprofits with guests sipping wine and trying on bling, it just might be mistaken for an exclusive venue.

On Thursday, December 7, the crowd being feted by Betsy and Richard Eiseman among the showcases of gems were the parents of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League‘s 2018 debs. Here’s a report from the field:

Robert and Cathy Allday and Catherine and Michael Merritt*

Kristin and Robert Cordiak*

Betsy and Richard Eiseman welcomed more than 75 attendees on Thursday, December 7, to the annual holiday party at Eiseman Jewels celebrating the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League 2018 Presentation Ball’s Debutante and Honor Guard parents and Ball patrons. Guests like Cathy and Robert Allday, Catherine and Michael Merritt, Kristin and Robert Cordiak and Nancy Labadie were treated to holiday cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while perusing Eiseman’s stunning collection of jewelry and timepieces. 

Mid-way through the evening, Eiseman president and CEO Richard Eiseman gathered the crowd to welcome and to thank everyone for their longstanding support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He then recognized 2018 Ball Chair Lori Routh and DSOL President Mari Epperson, who added her gratitude to all in attendance, including Betsy and Richard and Eiseman Jewels for own ongoing commitment to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League by gifting a pair of pearl stud earings to each Debutante each year, and for hosting the annual holiday fete. 

Lori South, Betsy and Richard Eiseman and Mari Epperstein*

As the evening came to a close, three lucky winners’ names were drawn for an opportunity to wear “Red Carpet Jewels” from Eiseman for the ball on Saturday, February 17, at the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center. 

* Photo provided by Eiseman Jewels

Kristen Gibbins, Kim Schlegel Whitman, Roz Colombo and Nancy Gopez

With the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show less than a week away, Luncheon Co-Chairs Roz Colombo and Nancy Gopez made news last night at NorthPark’s Bulgari. With Luncheon patrons including KJ Sanger, Jodi Benefiel, Julie Buschman, Andrea and David Nayfa, Kimberly Alexander, Lisa Singleton, Mary and Joe Parker, Heather Randall, Lynn McBee, Lisa Cooley, Kristen Gibbins, Kim Schlegel and two-dimensional photo bomber Gina Lollobrigida surrounded by glorious gems and flutes of adult beverages, the “Team Colo-Go” revealed the NorthPark merchants whose fashions would be on the runway in NorthPark’s tented CenterPark Garden on Thursday, February 8. The Jan Strimple-produced fashion extravaganza will include Canali, CH Carolina Herrera, Elie Tahari, Neiman Marcus, Rebecca Taylor, Roberto Cavalli and Children’s Clothing by Peek Kids.

Raising the gorgeous factor for the models will be the team from Toni and Guy.

Besides this year’s change of locations to NorthPark, Roz and Nancy also revealed that the annual raffle has really ramped up. Unlike years past when the limited number of items could only be purchased at the patron party and luncheon, Raffle Co-Chairs Jenna Alexander, Andrea Nayfa and Lisa Bhattacharya have not only put together 19 pretty remarkable packages, they’ve also made the chances available online!

According to Nancy, “We have packages such as a trip to New York City to visit the Carolina Herrera showroom, a beautiful Lucrecia Waggoner installation art, suites for the Mavericks, Stars and Pink concert, a meet-and-greet with Brooks and Dunn, two tickets to Taylor Swift, a Versace handbag, beautiful jewelry and much more!”

There are various levels of opportunities with Pink Level ($50 ticket), Gold Level ($150) and Platinum Level ($300).

If you can’t make it to the luncheon because the tickets are getting scarce, you can still buy a raffle ticket.

Proceeds from the annual sweetheart event will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of North Texas.

While Officine Panerai was filled with guys partying, Bulgari was blooming with fashionable gals like  Lynn McBee, Mary Parker, KJ Sanger, Megan Fisher Flanagan, Lisa Cooley, Kim Hext, Lisa Singleton and Heather Randall for the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show on Thursday, February 1, at NorthPark.

2018 St. V-Day Co-Chairs Roz Colombo and Nancy Gopez were doing double duty, since Roz is first lady of NorthPark’s Bulgari and Nancy is one of the NorthPark Ambassadors along with Kimberly Schlegel Whitman.

Kristen Gibbins, Kim Schlegel Whitman, Roz Colombo and Nancy Gopez (File photo)

What some folks didn’t realize was that Roz had been at Communities Foundation Of Texas since 8 a.m. for the Crystal Charity Ball beneficiary selection.

In addition to the champagne and gems filling the surroundings and a photo-bombing Italian film legend Gina Lollobrigida on the wall, was the reveal by NorthPark’s Kristen Gibbins of the luxury merchants —Canali, CH Carolina Herrera, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Taylor, Roberto Cavalli, Peek and Neiman Marcus — whose fashions would be on the runway on Thursday, February 8, benefiting the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society Of North Texas.

Another announcement was the fundraiser’s raffle. This year Raffle Co-Chairs Jenna Alexander and Andrea Nayfa had assembled 19 packages including

Much to Roz’s and Nancy’s delight, this year’s raffle would be online the next morning.

David Genever-Watling

More than 200 people dedicated to helping Camp Sweeney—a summer camp in Cooke County for children with Type 1 Diabetes—gathered at de Boulle Diamond And Jewelry on Thursday, February 8, for the seventh annual Sweethearts for Sweeney fundraiser.

None of them were more dedicated, though, than David Genever-Watling. The London-born “G.W.” is a close friend of deBoulle owner Denis Boulle and, nearly a decade ago, identified a need to replenish the special scholarships for underprivileged children to attend Camp Sweeney, giving rise to the Sweethearts for Sweeney event.

Milton Dickson, Ernie Fernandez and Denis and Karen Boulle

“One hundred percent of what we raise goes to scholarships for kids,” G.W. said, standing at the entrance to deBoulle as the evening’s guests poured in. Each scholarship amounts to $3,600 for a full three-week session, he explained. “The JDRF is trying to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. But the problem is, what do you do in the meantime? All these kids that are affected … we’re teaching them to take care of themselves.”

Robert Richardson

Not far away was Dr. Ernie Fernandez, the camp director. “Ernie is the closest thing to a saint I ever saw,” G.W. said. Ernie, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children’s Hospital, said this was his 34th year of involvement in the program. During camp, he went on, a driver takes him from his office in Dallas to the Cooke County site every day. That’s 72 miles each way.

At the party, donors like Josie and Carl Sewell III and Camp Sweeney Chair of the Board Dr. Milton Dickson, could purchase tickets for high-end raffle items, including a Rolex watch donated by G.W. and deBoulle, benefiting Camp Sweeney, which has been owned and operated since 1947 by the nonprofit Southwest Diabetic Foundation. Another highlight of the evening was a bagpipe performance by Pipe Major Robert Richardson, who played on the smash 1970s hit, “Mull of Kintyre” by Paul McCartney and Wings.

Host committee chairs for Sweethearts for Sweeney were Stefanie and Michael Prentiss and Patricia and Mike Prentiss.

Leave it to the Genesis Young Leaders to don the masks, conga the line, shake the dice and bring the Big Easy to the Big D. That’s what they did for the Fifth Annual Genesis Young Leaders Masquerade at Sixty Five Hundred on Saturday, February 17. What better way to spend the Saturday night before Lent! With Co-Chairs Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat leading the charge, the more than 700 gowned and tuxedo types raised funds for the Genesis Women’s Shelter And Support. Here’s a report from the field:

Kirstin Godat leading conga line*

With masks firmly in place, Kirstin and Holden Godat and Sarah and Hayden Godat co-chaired the sold-out Fifth Annual Genesis Young Leaders Masquerade on Saturday, February 17, at Sixty Five Hundred. Presented by the Genesis Young Leaders (GYL), a group of young professionals who work to end intimate partner violence through volunteerism, education and community awareness, it raised funds for the women and children of Genesis.

As guests arrived to the premier warehouse venue, they crossed the threshold from the heart of Dallas into a night in the Big Easy. The room was softly lit with New Orleans-style lanterns and strings of fairy lights. Park benches perched amid a spring garden of white hydrangeas and lush green hedges. A woman atop a giant tricycle served champagne in the French Quarter, amid colorful tiers of macaroons, sponsored by Hazen And Co. Food Glorious Food Catering provided hors d’oeuvres like Cajun chicken and Andouille Skewers, mini Muffaletta sandwiches, jambalaya served over Creole rice and warm New Orleans-Style beignets topped with powdered sugar. Guests sipped on signature drinks like the Masquerade Mule and the Whimsical Whiskey courtesy of Absolut.

The Project Band performed live music from Frank Sinatra to The Black Eyed Peas and everything in between. While many of the more than 700 guests in elegant gowns and tuxedos donned sparking masquerade masks and moved to the dance floor with Kirstin leading the conga line, others headed to the casino tables to play black jack and craps. As the chips multiplied, the lucky winners turned them into raffle tickets to win prizes including 250,000 Hilton Honors points, 12 months of gift cards to the best Dallas restaurants and a VIP valet pass to NorthPark Center for a year.

The Project Band*

Genesis Women’s Shelter CEO Jan Langbein thanked GYL Board Presidents Jenny and Dan Harris and all of the general members for planning such a spectacular evening. Platinum Sponsors for the event included Jackson Durham, Locke Lord, Perch Event Décor, and Sewell Automotive Companies. Genesis Senior Director of Fund and Community Development Bianca Jackson told the liberating story of a client who came to Genesis and realized everything her abuser had told her had been a lie. Inspired attendees were invited to text-to give to help spell out “Genesis” at the light wall, where each light bulb represented a $100 donation that will help women and children create the abuse-free lives they deserve.

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction packages like an Austin weekend-getaway for a UT game or a stay-cation at the Rosewood Mansion for a Sam Smith concert. For a fun surprise, guests participated in a designer jewelry pull to win Kendra Scott necklaces, Tory Burch watches and Julie Vos earrings and bracelets. In the VIP Quarter, special guests enjoyed the lounge area with mixed drinks made with Mighty Swell spritzers. Toward the end of the night, servers passed cheeseburger sliders with tiny matchstick fries.

* Photo provided by Genesis Women's Shelter

With the 2017 Crystal Charity Ball less than a month away, the final big thank-you reception was held on Thursday, November 9, at Amy and Corey Prestige’s fabulous mansion. From the amazing dining room filled with Cassandra must-haves to the standing-room-only in the den, the CCB underwriters had plenty to talk about and to feast upon.

But as dazzling as the entry’s lacquered eggplant purple walls were, the bling-bling provided by the evening sponsor Diamonds Direct had guests thinking about adding a glitter for the children’s gala on Saturday, December 2, as well as Christmas shopping.

While the post is being completed, check out the faces and twinkle at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Typically the chatter at November gatherings of the non-profit set circles around kids playing soccer, spouses being about due to last-minute meetings and plans for the next project. But on Thursday, November 9, that wasn’t the case at the Crystal Charity Ball Underwriting reception at Amy and Corey Prestige’s great home.

The location was convenient for Diane and Hal Brierley, who just walked across the street to dine, wine and catch up with buddies.

Immediately upon entering the mansion, guests like Doris and Jack Jacobs, Lee Bailey, Delilah and Sam Boyd, Ginny and Randy Bailey, Claire and Dwight Emanuelson, Barbara and Ralph Babb, Shelle and Michael Sills, CCB event producer Tom Addis, Debbie Oates, Kim Hext, Lisa and Marvin Singleton and Lisa and Kenny Troutt were struck by the eggplant purple lacquered walls of the entry. One chap commented that it was a first for him. While an interior design expert quipped, the paint job was as breathtaking as it was expensive.

Now as for the second topic du jour, it was a review of the night before. Many of the group had attended The Family Place’s ReuNight. But the talk didn’t even mention being at the The Statler or the well-behaved llama. Rather, the memory-maker was the live auction that followed the dinner. It ranged from a Saturday Night Live skit to, “it was so robotic.” The auctioneer in question had gained recognition earlier in the season at The Jade Ball for stalking bids in the Belo Ballroom.

Twas not the case this time. One gent was surprised that the auctioneer started off asking for a high bid instead of easing up low. Even the most Mary Sunshine types were amazed at the auctioneer’s antics.

But all this talk ceased when silver forks clanged against crystal glasses to call the guests like Kelsey Halford, Nicole Becker, Candace Winslow, Piper Wyatt, Anne Besser,  Brent Christopher and Shelle Sills together in the den for a thank-you from CCB Chair Pam Perella and evening sponsor Diamond’s Direct’s Amit Berger, who had provided sparkly items for Pam, Underwriting Chair Leslie Diers and others to wear. At one point in his speaking to the glittering crowd, someone’s phone was loudly heard. Immediately the eyes scoured the room for the hand to reach into the pocket to silence the interrupting cellphone. Amit laughed. It was his phone.

After the brief comments, it was back to chatting and grazing in the dining room. The Cassandra Fine Catering spread at these parties is one of the main reasons that husbands don’t complain about attending. She sets a mighty fine table.

The munchkins wandering through the Anatole toward the hotel’s Peppermint Park must have thought the Crystal Charity Ball’s “An Evening In The Alps” was part of the Park layout on Saturday, December 2. So did their parents, as they shot photos of the kids standing in front of the snowy hill scene with red sleigh tilted picture-perfect on the upper level of the Chantilly Ballroom’s lobby.

The backdrop proved to be ideal also for the CCB crowd in their finery. First to try it out was 2017 CCB Chair Pam Perella and her family (husband Vin Perella, mom Carolyn Curl, dad Bob McCreath, daughter Lauren Perella with Adam Ryan and son Brandon Perella with Medley Wollenman). That was quickly followed by a snap of Pam with the members of her leadership committee (Anne Besser, Leslie Diers, Elizabeth Gambrell, Cheryl Joyner and Kristina Whitcomb).

No sooner had the final official photos been taken than the 1,500+ guests, including Diane and Hal Brierley, Barbara and Ralph Babb, Luanne and Aaron McWhorter, Wendy and Boyd Messmann, Martha and Doug Hawthorne, Liat and Amit Berger, Calee Dillon, Christina and Christopher Durovich, Lee Bailey, Brent Christopher, Robin Robinson, Lindalyn Adams with grandson Carlton Adams, Greg Bieberding, Eddie Ortega, Isabell Novakov with Trey Higginbotham, Kathleen Gibson, Kim and Greg Hext, Linda Perryman Evans, Joanna Clarke with Michael Royal, Cindy Stager with Oscar Durham, Kristen and Reed Gibbins, Kristi and Ron Hoyl, Angela Nash with Billy Martin Jr., Margot and Bill Goodwin, Louise and Guy Griffeth, Caroline Rose Hunt with Del Frnka, Karen and David Shuford, Barbara and John Stuart, John Clutts, Dr. Sami Arslanlar, Billie Leigh Rippey with daughter Paige Locke, Norma Hunt with son Dan Hunt and his wife Toni Munoz-Hunt, Brenda and Bob White, Su-Su and Jerry Meyer, Dana and Greg McGowan, Scott Everett with Kristy Lohse, Elizabeth and Paul Dougan, Susan McSherry with John Zogg, Jan and Fred Hegi, Peggy and Dr. Dan Meyer, Laura and Paul Hudson, Andrea Devaldenebro and Leonardo Gonzalez Sangri, Amy and Michael Meadows, Kimberly and Justin Whitman, Stacey and John Relton and the Neiman’s crowd (Mimi and Rich Sterling, Neva Hall and soon-to-retire Malcolm Reuben with wife Vinnie Reuben), arrived through a tree-lined entry hall that immediately set the mood with a whiff of the evergreen.

Since the evening’s temperatures didn’t require outerwear, guests bypassed the coat check and headed to the gaming tables, the lavish silent auction gallery, James French’s pop-up studio, The Alpine Shop for perusing and the rustic “warming hut” with its mountains of shrimp and buffets of other delicacies.

And, of course, there were the CCB committee members with the balloons selling chance tickets for the 2018 Lexus. CCB newbie Lisa Singleton was joined by CCB vet Lynn McBee in selling raffle tickets. Her goal was $15,000, but within the first 20 minutes she had only sold $350. A few minutes later, she had doubled that amount. Things were looking up.

CCB-ers Lisa Cooley and Alison Malone set up shop at a table to the left of the entry and next to the bar. They had come in second last year and were bound and determined to sell the most tickets this year. Not only did they, but Alison’s husband/advertising guru Mike Malone told Katherine and Key Coker that Alison won the raffle last year and it would bring them good luck to buy their ticket from her. He was right. The Cokers had the winning ticket. And, yes, Lisa and Alison sold the most tickets of the night.

Among the first-time guests in the crowd were Baylor Scott Scott and White Health CEO Jim Hinton and his wife Kristen Hinton and Dallas Summer Musical’s Ken Novice and his wife Kouy Novice. Despite having been in town just seven months, Ken reported that the DSM had just signed a 20-year partnership agreement with Broadway Across America and is planning on an aggressive outreach to young people — around Fair Park and via the Dallas Independent School District. He admitted that, “We’re going to need to increase our budget,” which means stepping up fundraising efforts. He also wants to update the Music Hall at Fair Park, including changes in parking and traffic flows and increasing seating capacity.

And speaking of business, RED Development’s Paul Rowsey was optimistic about Amazon’s coming to North Texas. He believes Amazon will split its new headquarters between two cities, with Dallas having a good chance of being one of them… Ben Lange was introducing Evelyn Costello, who had just been named executive director for Luke’s Fastbreak Shirts.

But it wasn’t just guys talking business. Former CCB Chair Robyn Conlon was beaming over her son Keith Conlon’s recent accomplishments. Not only did he get $10K taken off the price of his Rangers 2018 season tickets after hitting a home run over the Bud sign at Globe Life Park, but Keith had just been named general manager at Allie Beth Allman and Associates as well.

Midway through the cocktail reception, word was passed — “Do you know Tagg?” Was it a new social media hashtag? There was just a bit of distress as the question continued to be asked. The answer was that, thanks to high-tech cars, “Mr. Tagg” had left his car running with the valet and joined the throng inside. Only problem was he had taken the key with him. When he disappeared into the throng inside, the car dutifully came to a grinding stop, creating an unplanned conversation piece blocking the valet line. Finally, he …or, more importantly, his key was found and the flow of high-end vehicles rolled back into place.

And while the crowd grew in the lobby, the final preparations were being made in the Chantilly Ballroom for the doors to open at 9 p.m. The ballroom’s walls were covered with shimmering floor-to-ceiling draping, with towering screens displaying videos of wintry ventures. A mammoth stage was set up along the back of the ballroom for the bands.

At Pam’s and Annette Simmons’ table were monogrammed napkins along with gargantuan floral arrangements. 

Other tables also impressed with centerpieces highlighted by candles in suspended globes hovering over silver tablecloths, crystal. In the chairs were such favors at Tiffany boxes containing Tiffany weave porcelain bowls and the 2017 Children’s Book and the 2018 Calendar.

Right on cue, the Anatole’s Catherine New did the countdown for the staff to open the doors at 9 p.m. to the elegant dinner starting with a first course (poached lobster and roasted beets , arugula and frisée salad and grilled figs, shaved fennel, pickled watermelon radish, citrus mountain blooms and champagne vinaigrette) followed by the entrée (grilled filet of beef, roasted Cipollini red wine demi-glace, gratin dauphinoise, grilled farmer’s market carrots and turnips and seared asparagus). For dessert, it was Toblerone Swiss milk chocolate mousse with honey and almond nougat, Basler Brunsli crisp and coconut snow.

But as glorious as the room and menu were, the CCB guests once again were setting a standard for OMG fashion with the ladies in labels bearing such names as Herrera (Pam Perella, Christi Urschel, Jennifer Dix, Piper Wyatt, Kristina Whitcomb, Laura Moon), Zac Posen (Claire Emanuelson, Pat McEvoy, Delilah Boyd, Patty Leyendecker), Pamela Roland (Lisa Troutt, Gail Fischer), Armani (Paige Slates), Anne Fontaine (Amy Hegi), Chanel (DeeDee Lee), Dior (Betsy Crousen, Kara Goss and Dianna Miller), Badgley Mischka (Nikki Webb), Tom Ford (Heather Esping), Galvan (Lynn McBee), Oscar (Annette Simmons, Lisa Singleton), Tom and Linda Platt (Cheryl Joyner) Lela Rose (Linda Secrest), Marchesa (Ciara Cooley), Etro (Janie Condon), Escada (Caren Kline), Mackenzie Brittingham (Bela Cooley, Nancy Collins), Worth Collection (Alicia Wood), Patti Flowers (Lisa Cooley, Tanya Foster) and Michael Faircloth (Tracy Lange, Tiffany Divis, Mary Martha Pickens, Libby Allred, Elsa Norwood, Diane Byrd, Sue Scala, Stephanie Scala). Michael is probably in designer recovery.

On their well-pedicured feet were such slippers as Jimmy Choo, Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Weitzman, Rene Caovilla, Gianvito Rossi and Adrianna Papell.

Needless to say, Judith Leiber dominated the clutch department, followed by Chanel, Charlotte Max Design, Alexander McQueen, YSL and Jimmy Choo.

And, of course, it just wouldn’t have been a glittery affair without the bling-bling from Eiseman, Diamonds Direct, Bachendorf, Neiman’s, Sue Gragg, deBoulle, Julianna LeBlanc, William Noble, Cartier, Tiffany and family treasures.

But the most popular look of the night for the ladies was the caterpillar false eyelashes that would have made Liz Taylor’s double row of lashes look thin. It seems that along with having hair done, makeup applied and nails polished, one must have an appointment to have an extra layer of lashes.

On the other hand, the gents in the crowd held their own with tuxedos by Bob Baumann (Richard Dix), Chris Despos (Clay Cooley), Isaia (Vin Perella), J. Hilburn (Kenny Troutt), Bruno Cucinelli (Dwight Emanuelson), Edward Baumann Clothiers (Scott Wood), Zegna (Charles McEvoy), Q Custom Clothier (Al Allred) and loads of Armani (David Condon, John Slates, Les Secrest).

As Atlanta’s Simply Irresistible took the stage, Amy Simmons and husband Joe Crafton were the first on the dance floor followed by Francie Moody-Dahlberg and husband Kevin Dalhberg, Laura and Dennis Moon, Mary and Robert Black, Gail and Cliff Fischer, Christie Carter and Hudson Weischel, Connie and Denny Carreker, Pam and Vin and Leslie and Bryan Diers.

Having just as much fun on the sidelines were Michal Powell, Aileen and Jack Pratt, Mary Clare Finney with Chris Branscum and Annette Simmons’ “Jerry table” including her husband Jerry Fronterhouse, Jerry Ford with wife Kelli Ford and Jerry Jones with wife Gene Jones as well as Anita and Truman Arnold and Gayle and Paul Stoffel. But the music was too hard to resist, so soon Annette and her Jerry were on the dance floor, too.

There is no truth that Eiseman Jewels has become the most luxurious drinking hole in these parts. But with events being held there for area nonprofits with guests sipping wine and trying on bling, it just might be mistaken for an exclusive venue.

On Thursday, December 7, the crowd being feted by Betsy and Richard Eiseman among the showcases of gems were the parents of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League‘s 2018 debs. Here’s a report from the field:

Betsy and Richard Eiseman welcomed more than 75 attendees on Thursday, December 7, to the annual holiday party at Eiseman Jewels celebrating the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League 2018 Presentation Ball’s Debutante and Honor Guard parents and Ball patrons. Guests like Cathy and Robert Allday, Catherine and Michael Merritt, Kristin and Robert Cordiak and Nancy Labadie were treated to holiday cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while perusing Eiseman’s stunning collection of jewelry and timepieces. 

Mid-way through the evening, Eiseman president and CEO Richard Eiseman gathered the crowd to welcome and to thank everyone for their longstanding support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He then recognized 2018 Ball Chair Lori Routh and DSOL President Mari Epperson, who added her gratitude to all in attendance, including Betsy and Richard and Eiseman Jewels for own ongoing commitment to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League by gifting a pair of pearl stud earings to each Debutante each year, and for hosting the annual holiday fete. 

As the evening came to a close, three lucky winners’ names were drawn for an opportunity to wear “Red Carpet Jewels” from Eiseman for the ball on Saturday, February 17, at the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center. 

* Photo provided by Eiseman Jewels