Jan Miller and Jeff Rich

Jan Miller and Jeff Rich promised a big hoop-la for the 2014 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala. Margot and Ross Perot and Micki and Mayor Mike Rawlings were the honorary co-chairs; Carole and Scott Murray were the honorary media co-chairs; violinist Itzhak Perlman was the headliner with Maestro Jaap van Zweden and DSO musicians on stage; and a “surprise guest” arrived on the scene, in addition to I.M. Pei‘s son Sandi.

Mary McDermott Cook, Margaret McDermott, Jonathan Martin and Sandi Pei

And you just know that the black-tie hundreds of guests succeeded in living up to Dallas’ reputation for dressing to the nines. A Dutch film crew was busy recording the scene.

Anna-Sophia van Zweden and Jaap van Zweden being interviewed

Check out the loads of pics on the MySweetCharity Photo Gallery. Stay tuned. The writeup is due tomorrow.

Every now and then, there are “go-figure moments” in fundraising scheduling. Thursday, September 18, was such a day. Here it was the tsunami of nonprofits emailing, calling and tapping sources to donate to the North Texas Giving Day. Last year most groups went dark to allow the big day to take place uninterrupted. This year the pendulum swung in the opposite direction with receptions, parties and announcements taking place all over the place. The AT&T Chairman’s dinner was being held at the Winspear and Dallas Opera’s First Sight was filling Roberto Cavalli with beautiful people including First Sight/First Night Co-Chairs Nick Even and Lynn McBee.

Nick Even, Cristiano Mancini and Lynn McBee*

Here are just a smattering of the multitude of things that were going on from field reports:

Art For Advocacy Kick-Off Party

Greg Lauren and Brian Bolke**

“Art and fashion enthusiasts gathered at Forty Five Ten for a special event to kick off the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center’s upcoming fundraiser, Art for Advocacy. Special guest and fashion designer, Greg Lauren, showcased his newest collection while guests sipped on Austin Cocktails. DJ Lucy Wrubel kept the party going with beats that pulsed throughout the store. In support of the event, Forty Five Ten’s Brian Bolke offered 10% of the evening’s proceeds to benefit DCAC and will extend 10% of sales from the Greg Lauren collection to the agency through Nov. 1.

“Art for Advocacy celebrates the transformative power of art therapy in helping children process trauma and heal emotional scars as a result of abuse. Proceeds support DCAC’s work in improving the lives of abused children in Dallas County and providing national leadership on child abuse issues. The event draws community and business leaders, young professionals, local arts organizations, artists and gallerists, art collectors, and art patrons.

Lynn M. Davis, Chad and Judee Barrett, Randall and Kara Goss, Stephanie and John Roberts**

“Guests included DCAC CEO Lynn Davis, Underwriting Co-Chairs Judee and Chad Barrett, Honorary Co-Chairs Kara and Randall Goss, Event Co-Chairs Stephanie and John Roberts, Helena and Doug Wall, Lee McGuire, Allyson Cooke, Leisa Street, Cile McCorlek, Joyce Goss, Kenny Goss, Muffin Lemak, Shelby Wagner, Jamie and Jeremy Saylor, Christine and Mark Danuser, Susan and David Brown, Camille McMakin and Kelly Moser.

Mark and Christine Danuser and Susan and David Brown**

“This year’s Art for Advocacy event will feature 100 local and regional artists in a silent and live art auction. The 8th annual event makes a departure to a Saturday night featuring tequila, Texas tapas, and desert vacation packages guaranteed to inspire wanderlust. The Art for Advocacy auction party will take place at 7 p.m. on November 1, at F.I.G. to raise funds to aid the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) in its mission to improve the lives of abused children in Dallas County. An Art Preview will be held at 6 p.m. for $2500+ sponsors offering the first opportunity to buy-it-now. DCAC coordinates the investigation and prosecution of the most severe cases of child abuse in the community and provides national leadership on child abuse issues. For more information email art@dcac.org.”

Capital for Kids Anniversary Party

Ann and Lee Hobson***

“Capital for Kids kicked off its 10^th anniversary celebration last night in the Highland Park home of Ann and Lee Hobson. Celebrating 10 years of changing lives in North Texas, the invitation-only sponsor party featured a special presentation by children from the Trinity River Mission of West Dallas – a Capital for Kids grant recipient.

Scott and Amy Houdek***

“Among the guests were Rob Hayes, Reid Walker, Amy and Capital for Kids 2014 Co-Chair Scott Houdek, Katy and Lawrence Bock (who donated an emerald-cut 10-carat aquamarine surrounded by 66 dimaonds to celebrate CFK’s 10th anniversary), Carroll Watson, Reed Carroll, Rachel and Brad Stephens, Allison Carlisle, Susan Nichol, Dawn Blankenship Hennessey, Michael Watson, Michael Massad, Jason Hill, Lucas Legera, David Smith and Gentry Beach.

Lawrence and Katy Bock***

“Capital for Kids is a network of individuals in the asset management community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children in need. Through the partnership of our sponsors and grant recipients over the last 10 years, Capital for Kids has supported organizations that educate, protect and encourage at-risk children. They provide financial support to organizations that help break the cycle of child abuse, poverty and neglect through education, advocacy and emergency resources.

“Since inception, Capital for Kids has donated $8.7 million to more than 50 different charitable organizations in North Texas. They have a goal to give $10 million in 10 years to North Texas children’s charities. 100% of sponsorship and donation dollars go directly to the charities they support. Capital for Kids will be hosting its main event on Thursday, November 20, at the FIG. Tickets can be purchased at www.capitalforkids.org.

KidneyTexas Patron Party

Linda Dodd, Ola Fojtasek and Lissie Donosky****

“KidneyTexas, Inc. patrons of The Runway Report Luncheon and Style Show gathered at the Highland Park home of Ola and Randall Fojtasek and had much to celebrate!

“As the evening began, the verandah was bathed in soft lighting opening into the expansive courtyard. Guests enjoyed wines donated by Barbara and David Farmer as M3Trio serenaded them into the evening, under the stars. Sumptuous hors d’oeuvres donated and catered by Angela Gordon of Angela’s Catering filled the formal dining table and were passed inside and out. Valet parking was generously donated by Gold Crown Parking.

Anna Bland Aston and Scott Aston****

“Guests included patron party chair Anna Bland Aston, her husband Scott and daughter, Annalee; Jolie Humphrey, president of KidneyTexas, Inc. and her husband, Bart, and Lezlie and Bill Noble, who donated a strand of South Sea pearls valued at $32,000 to the live auction.

“The buzz was about the upcoming The Runway Report luncheon and fashion show at the Brook Hollow Golf Club, which presents Faye C. Briggs as honorary chair and honors Janelle Friedman with the Goodnight Service Award. The Goodnight award is named in honor of Sue Goodnight, a founding KidneyTexas, Inc. member and longtime volunteer and supporter of the organization, who attended with her sister, Faye Wheeler.

Janelle Friedman and Sue Goodnight****

“Tooties fashions will rule the runway in a fashion show produced by Jan Strimple and also feature fashions from KidBiz and Pockets.

“The live auction also features a Santa Fe, New Mexico vacation package valued at $10,000 which includes a 5-bedroom house and other delights! It is all topped off with a delicious luncheon.

“The luncheon, chaired by Karen Settle, benefits KidneyTexas, Inc. beneficiaries: Baylor Health Care System Foundation, Children’s Medical Center, National Kidney Foundation – Camp Reynal, UT Southwestern Medical Center.

VNA Kick-Off Party

“The VNA Celebrity Chef Luncheon Committee held a kick-off celebration Thursday that brought together sponsors, board members and VNA executives. Some 30 guests joined the event at Molto Formaggio in Highland Park Village to sample fine wines and cheeses. Michael Perlmeter and Christy Martinez, the owners of Molto Formaggio, hosted the event and are donating a portion of all proceeds to VNA.

Katherine Krause, Lori Whitlow and Ryan Stegall*****

“The 5^th Annual VNA Celebrity Chef Luncheon will be held on October 15 at VNA’s Haggerty Center in Dallas, benefiting VNA’s Meals on Wheels program. This year’s Celebrity Chef is Uchi Chef and Owner Tyson Cole.

Francie Mancillas and Katie Johnson*****

“Among those attending the kick-off celebration were: 2014 Celebrity Chef Luncheon Co-Chairs Katie Johnson and Francie Mancillas, VNA Board Development Chair Lori Whitlow, VNA President and CEO Katherine Krause, VNA Board Chair Sara Fraser Crismon, VNA Board Vice-Chair Janet Ryan Stegall, VNA Board Members Jay Oppenheimer, Catherine Sweet, John Sears and Cathy Vanden Eykel. Many of those attending are sponsors for the Celebrity Chef Luncheon, including Sara Fraser Crismon, Ike Vanden Eykel, Lynn Sears, Mike Sweet and Janet Ryan Stegall.

Ike and Cathy Vanden Eykel*****

For more information about VNA’s 5th Annual Celebrity Chef Luncheon and how it will benefit VNA Meals on Wheels, please contact VNA’s Annual Giving and Special Events Manager Laura Muñiz at munizl@vnatexas.org or 214.689.3484.

Slipper Club Announcement

Over at Trinity Groves, the Slipper Club gals gathered for the announcement of the 2015 gala plans. According to Slipper Club President Susan Deasy and Gala Chair Erika Burton, the annual party will benefit Camp John Marc. It will take place at Belo Mansion on Friday, February 27.

Junior League Announcement

The Junior Leaguers and their fans assembled at the Galleria’s Belk to hear deets about the 53^rd annual fundraising ball. Ball Chair Beverly Cahill revealed the theme will be “The Magnolia Ball.” Why, oh, why does one suspect that magnolias will be abundant that night?

Beverly explained the thinking behind the theme, “This year’s theme will embrace the elegant heritage of our great city of Dallas with a classic, yet stylish twist,” said Cahill. “The Magnolia Ball will be the Southern Chic dinner and dancing event of the season!”

Then she added another twist to the annual gala. Instead of an entertainer, she’s arranged to have two — jazz singer/songwriter Gabbie McGee to set the mood for the evening and Emerald City for post-dinner dancing and gyrating. Okay, so maybe one doesn’t necessarily gyrate in formal wear, but a whole lot shaking and dancing usually takes place when Emerald City is on stage.

The black-tie fundraiser will take place in the Chantilly Ballroom of the Hilton Anatole on Saturday, February 21.

Lynn McBee will serve as honorary chair. At the rate Lynn is going, she’ll probably end up chairing the AT&T Byron Nelson Championship.

* Photo provided by First Sight/First Night 
** Photos provided by Dallas Children's Advocacy Center
*** Photos provided by Capital for Kids
**** Photo credit: Daniel Driensky
***** Photos provided by VNA

What are “the willies”? They’re those jitters that creep into anyone who has ever gambled on an event. They seem to really “creep up” on first-time event planners. Alas, The Great Texas Food Truck Rally’s honcho’s Ashlee and Chris Kleinert probably felt ‘em as Sunday, September 21, approached.

Their gathering of the mobile foodies benefiting Executives In Action at Reverchon Park was facing major challenges. Rain was predicted. The Cowboys were playing. Their own Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe was a draw like the other participating trucks (Bellatrino, Bob Addiction, The Butcher’s son, Cajun Tailgators, Easy Slider, Flatlanders Taco Company, The Guava Tree, Jo Dawgs, Parrot Icce, Texas Burrito Company, Vegan Noms, What’s Da Scoop, Yim Yam Truck), but was it enough to attract a herd? One person crossed their fingers and hoped to die for 1,000. If it rained, then a backup plan would be revealed early that morning.

But, no!

Mother Nature evidently was in a decent mood. There was no rain, but there was sunshine and heat focusing on the nearly 100-year-old park with its gigantic trees providing shade.

The lineups at the trucks looked like iPhone 6’s were being doled out for free. The Nodding Donkey-sponsored beer park was as filled as the cups.

A thousand guests? Nope. More? Less? How about 9,000 to 10,000 from noon to 8 p.m.? Yup. Chris was both pleased and not so. He wasn’t so fired up that some folks got hit by the heat, but they were taken care of. He added, “We’ve learned from this and will be better prepared next time” with more shade.

So, the willies evidently were the only ones not at the 1^st Official Great Texas Food Truck Rally, but everyone else was.

Just a suggestion: Have it on Labor Day Weekend Sunday and have loads of misting fans. That way everyone will be able to have Monday to recover.

The Ebola virus has been front page news for the past couple of weeks. It’s resulted in a variety of questions. Some folks are confused about the information and misinformation that are making the rounds. Others want to contribute to the potential victims of the disease and those living in the neighborhood.

Regarding the questions, the Dallas County Health & Human Services has been inundated with calls. They’ve established a page addressing the major questions. If you need additional information, please call 972.692.2783.

Communities Foundation of Texas logo*

In light of the situation, Communities Foundation of Texas has created the Ebola Epidemic Disaster Relief fund. For those who want to assist the people who are presently being monitored for Ebola and/or neighbors, who live within the Vickery Meadows area, Communities Foundation of Texas’ Sarah Cotton Nelson has provided the following suggestions:

• If you have time: Purchase or contribute the following nonperishable, unexpired food items for Vickery Meadow residents in need (canned fruits, veggies, pasta, meats, soups, beans, boxes of mac & cheese, peanut butter and jelly), and drop them at the collection pod located in Temple Emanu-El’s parking lot located at the corner of Northwest Highway and Hillcrest (enter on Hillcrest). UPDATE — The following items have been added to the food items needed:  shelf-stable milk, corn, canned stews, canned salmon/tuna, canned chicken, pork & beans, white rice. Meat is no longer on the list of needs.)
• If you have time and talent: Volunteer to serve with one of the nonprofits in the Vickery Meadow area, as they are currently short on volunteers during this time of heightened need. Ellen Mata from Northpark Presbyterian Church has offered to coordinate placement, matchmaking of skills and interest with need. Contact her at 214.363.5457.
• If you have treasure (aka, money to contribute): Communities Foundation of Texas Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations to support the greatest evolving needs locally during the time period in which our community is affected. Following the end of needs in Dallas, monies will be sent to support oversees efforts. If you choose to donate to this fund, you additionally have the option to designate whether you specifically wish your contribution to be spent locally, internationally, or for either option.

This city has been known for helping victims of Katrina and disasters in other parts of the world. Now the immediate need is for a small community within the Dallas city limits. You may never have been to Vickery Meadow, but it’s multicultural. During good times, it’s bountiful with a diversity of fashions, languages and traditions. Mothers can be seen walking their children to school. The aroma of international food often fills the evening air. Now, the little community is being inundated with reporters, governmental officials, healthcare experts and an occasional helicopter overhead. Such stress would be daunting for any neighborhood. Generosity is an excellent way to help them through this time.

BTW, kudos to Communities Foundation of Texas for stepping up and creating a way for folks to support their neighbors.

* Graphic courtesy of Communities Foundation of Texas

The Dallas Foundation President Mary Jalonick just sent word that, like Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation (TDF) has responded to the recent Ebola situation. TDF has created an opportunity to assist the nonprofits groups specifically helping Vickery Meadow residents during this time.

The Dallas Foundation*

You do not have to be a healthcare provider or government official to help. You don’t even have to leave your home. You just have to contribute by visiting TDF’s Vickery Meadow Assistance Fund.

If you need additional information, just email TDF’s Director of Community Philanthropy Laura Ward.

* Graphic courtesy of The Dallas Foundation

Highland Park Village Senior Marketing Manager Rachel Michell was making a last minute check like a dorm mom of the 70’s on the evening of Wednesday, October 8. Was all in place? Yup.

Over at Beretta, the partying of the blue-jean set was spilling out on the sidewalk and almost into the street. On the other side of the Highland Park Village Theatre, it was a different story.

YSL purse

In front of the Saint Laurent salon, a Bentley was running as its owner Nancy C. Rogers hosted a champagne-fueled fest for Cattle Baron’s committee. Eying a spectacular black crocodile YSL handbag, Nancy bought it. But not for herself, for heaven sake. Nope! She no sooner told the YSL staff to wrap it up, than she turned around and gave it to CBB Co-Chairs Cindy Stager and Jill Tananbaum to add to the CBB Big Board auction for the October 18  fundraiser for the American Cancer Society at Gilley’s. The price tag of the purse? A nice monthly mortgage payment in the five-figure range.

Jill Tananbaum, Cindy Stager and Nancy C. Rogers

Just back from delivering three-plane loads of supplies to Cabo San Lucas, Nancy reported that Cabo residents were pulling together after being slammed by Hurricane Odile. She also added that the Humane Society in San Lucas was also in a recovery mode. BTW, all of the Rogers pets were shelter rescues.

As the champagne flowed and a couple or three flutes shattered on the floor, the place filled up with gal talk. Christina White told JB Hayes that daughter Caroline was showing sign of diva-ism. She simply refuses to dress before arriving at her destination.

Sunie Solomon

Samantha Wortley

Fashionistas Sunie Solomon and Samantha Wortley proved that the CBB fashion spectrum ranged from flirty shorts to leg clinging slacks with matching boots.

Joanna Clark reported that Sunday’s coin count at Change Is Good for Community Partners of Dallas was in. The 92,807 coins had added up to a whopping $16,886.14.

Katy Bock and Holly Deason

Others in attendance were Katy Bock, Holly Deason, Carol Seay, Nancy Gopez, Cara French, Isabell Novakov and Lisa Ogle and a nicely dressed security gal packing more than her lipstick in her purse.

Leave it to ReuNight Co-Chairs Mary Clare Finney and Kayla and Brian Roughton to come up with something different for this Wednesday’s fundraiser at the Place at Perry’s for The Family Place. They’ve already lined up Jody Dean as the emcee and Lucy Wrubel to supervise the sounds.

Kayla and Brian Roughton and Mary Clare Finney (File photo)

Of course, the food and wines will be more than fabulous and the guests are guaranteed to be the gorgeous, generous set. Unlike the mega-fundraisers, where thousands crowd into a ballroom, this one is chic, intimate and not typical of the usual fundraisers with live auctions. Maybe it’s because their arms are worn out from raising those darn paddles.

ReuNight*

Well, Mary Clare, Kayla and Brian realized that they had a treasure trove of “investments” within The Family Place itself — its programs and people!

Instead of an auction, they’re inviting guests to donate outright for the following “opportunities” to make a difference for good for The Family Place’s clients:

• $500 — provides a child access to the accredited childcare services for one month at The Family Place Safe Campus
• $1,000 — provides one month of medical supplies for all clients at The Safe Campus Clinic
• $2,500 — provides one month of safe living in transitional housing for a family
• $5,000 — provides two months of safe living in transitional housing for a family
• $10,000 — provides six months of taxi services to bring women and children to safety
• $15,000 — provides six weeks of Be Project anti-bullying education for 450 fifth-grade public school students
• $30,000 — supports group facilitators for victims and their children

These services are absolute necessities for women and children escaping abusive situations to break the cycle of their past and start new lives in a positive direction.

If you haven’t gotten your tickets, better get to it and stop eating now because you’re really gonna want to stuff yourself Wednesday!

* Graphic courtesy of The Family Place

It was as if North Texas fundraisers were preparing to go dark for the takeover by the weekend’s Red River Rivalry. Thursday, October 9, proved to be a killer for supporters to pick where to be. The day started at 10:30 with the VIP reception for the Dallas Women’s Foundation’s 29^th Annual Luncheon in the Wedgwood Room of the Hilton Anatole.

Ah, but getting to “the” room was a wee bit of a challenge in itself. Due to the fact that the main event was predicted to attract more than 1,500 people, parking was going to be a problem.

Situation: Morning and luncheon events usually have one person per car. Evening events run at 1.5 to 2 people per car. (Wonder what a half person looks like?) For that reason, the valets were set up at both the Anatole’s main entrance and at the Atrium’s entrance; then there was self-park. But one top-notch sponsor admitted that she tried to self-park and found it discouraging. And that was before the 10:30 reception! Cars ended up being parked all over the place.

Parking all over the place

The reason for this overpopulated event was the keynote speaker — Tory Burch.

Her pull was so great that Luncheon Co-Chairs Robin Bagwell and Jan Osborn didn’t even have to send out one invitation. It was sold out with no need for invites at all!

Robin Bagwell, Jan Osborn, Tory Burch and Roslyn Dawson Thompson

A softer, more attractive version of Carrie Bradshaw, Tory bravely faced a never-ending line of new BFF’s for the meet-and-greet. Dallas Woman’s Foundation President/CEO Roslyn Dawson Thompson looked just downright gleeful with old friends and new ones waiting in line for their turn with Tory. At one point, the room was so filled with good wishes and women, the temperature had Tory removing her jacket. Despite some wanting to chat with Tory, the line had to keep moving to accommodate all. Finally, it was time for lunch to start and for Tory to head backstage. As handlers asked if there were Diet Cokes in the green room for Tory, an Anatole staffer with headpiece took care of that little request immediately.

Rachel Michell and Tory Burch

As the Chantilly Ballroom filled with the masses including retailers Kersten Rettig, Rachel Michell and Victoria Snee and the back wall lined with video cameras and people busily working at laptops, Tory Burch goodies were being seen throughout. Co-Chair Jan, who was seated with Tory at lunch, managed to get the designer’s autograph on her Tory Burch purse… Katherine LaLonde proudly revealed that she was wearing one of the “extremely early” Burch jackets.

After a couple of videos explaining the need of women to receive respect both personally and professionally, 2014 Dallas Woman’s Foundation Board of Directors Chair Ashlee Kleinert and 2015 Chair Ellenore Knight Baker thanked the guests for their support. They also announced a $150,000 match challenge.

Ashlee Kleinert and Ellenore Knight Baker

Following lunch (poached pear salad with assorted fall greens, candied walnuts, gorgonzola and champagne vinaigrette; seasoned chicken paillard, natural jus squash and onion soufflé with sautéed haricot vert; and a variety of individual desserts including raspberry brûlée, maple pot au crème, macaroons, chocolate mousse and coconut cream pie), Bank of America’s/U.S. Trust’s Andrew Pleper proved charm can soothe even 1500+ strangers. He started off by admitting that he was going off script. The sound of air being sucked in by certain BofA staffers was heard throughout the room. He told how in the last year he had gone through a divorce, which is “an emotionally trying experience…My communications people are buzzing, ‘Where is he going with this? We never let him on stage without a script.’…Everyone tells you it will get better. And here I am with 1,800 women. It’s all good.” With that off-the-cuff remark, he had 1,800 new BFF’s. The sound of BofA staffers breathing again could be heard.

Tory Burch

In introducing Tory, he touched on the Elizabeth Street Foundation, which helps increase the opportunity for women in business. He told of how he and Tory had been on the CBS morning news show to explain the Foundation that is supported by Tory and BofA. In trying to impress his kids with his “cool” factor being with Tory, he showed them a tape of the segment. Their response was, “Dad, you’re creeping on her.”

He went on to describe Tory’s personal commitment and passion for the foundation and how she personally attends meetings and has a very hands-on involvement in all aspects, leaving any ego at the door.

Tory Burch

After a hug with Andrew, Tory addressed her fans. She started off saying she was definitely going to stay on script and that she did as she read her speech from Teleprompters. The message was about “the ambition gap” and how it was a problem facing women in the world of business. “Ambition is considered very positive for men. It’s definitely viewed less favorably for women. It’s time for a change.”

But she stressed that this issue and conversation should be held not just among women but including men, too.

She then told of her “own journey” and how “we’re helping other women make their dreams come true.” Starting off, she recalled growing up on a farm in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, as a tomboy. “I don’t think I put on a dress until my junior prom.”

Thanks to her parents’ encouragement and inspiration, she felt she could accomplish anything. At the University of Pennsylvania, she threw herself into as many experiences as possible — an internship at Christie’s, founding a sorority (Kappa Alpha Theta) and spending a summer on a fish cannery in Alaska, “which is definitely not as glamorous as it sounds…I learned a lot from that experience and not just about the unique characteristics of salmon. I learned that I could navigate uncomfortable situations and interesting things happen when you push yourself outside of your comfort zone. To be honest, I am perpetually outside my comfort zone. There are some things that I will never get used to. And speaking before 1,800 people is one of them.”

Her first job was in New York City as designer Zoran’s assistant. Jobs at Harper’s Bazaar, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, etc., followed. She left the corporate world to take care of her three sons under the age of four. While being a stay-at-home-mom, she started gathering fashion designs and ideas. When 9/11 took place, she put the plans on hold because they seemed “frivolous” at the time. The next six months turned into an addiction of watching CNN. But every time she turned on the channel, she would see the commercial about “’following your dream.’ After seeing it the “100^th time, I decided to take the risk. It gave me the impetus to pursue my ambition.”

She had to fundraise and asked a lot of people to invest, “but only if you’re willing to lose it. I’m not sure but in retrospect I don’t think that’s something a man would ever say.”

Her confidence grew over time. As part of her pitch, she said that if the company was successful, she wanted to create a foundation. That was not welcomed. Evidently business and social responsibility were oil and water. But that only made her more determined.

As she juggled mom duties of putting the boys to bed and then taking conference calls, her dream began to take shape. A small shop was leased on a low-rent corner in Manhattan and the first order of goods was placed. Naysayers had advised her against opening a retail shop. Go the wholesale route and build the brand from there, they said. Unlike the minimalist design of stores at the time, Tory wanted her shop to look like clients were entering someone’s living room. It was also “unusual to launch both multiple categories and E-commerce on the first day…I looked back then and said I wanted to build a global, lifestyle brand. I hear that now and I have to laugh because in fact I had no idea what that meant.”

The store opened in February 2004 with the help of her stepdaughters working through the night. In fact there were no doors to open, because they hadn’t arrived. It was so jammed that women were trying on clothes in the middle of the store. By that evening they had sold nearly all the inventory.

A month later a call came from Oprah. Tory thought it was one of her brothers playing a trick on her. But it wasn’t. Tory appeared on Oprah and their website received eight million hits.

Today Tory Burch is a global brand with 137 freestanding boutiques, e-commerce in seven languages and presence in more than 3,000 specialty and department stores worldwide.

One of her greatest challenges is still balancing family and business for herself and her associates — “When you make it easier for people to have a great personal life, it breeds creativity and happiness.”

Her experiences in creating and building Tory Burch, she realized the focus of the foundation — “to support the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and their families in the U.S. through low-cost mentoring and networking opportunities as well as entrepreneurial education.”

The Tory Burch Foundation launched in 2009. This past January the foundation partnered up with Bank of America to launched an initiative named after the first boutique — Elizabeth Street Capital. With an initial commitment of $10M from BofA, it will provide access to funds for women to launch their own businesses.

She then pointed out that Texas has one of the highest number of women-owned businesses in the country.

Concluding her presentation, she used quotes from female leaders

• International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde — “What holds women back is not competence, which they usually have, it’s confidence, which they usually lack.”
• The late U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan — “Life is too large to hang out a sign for ‘For men only.’”

The week before, Wynonna Judd was in town for the Habitat for Humanity gala. On Tuesday, October 14, her stepsister Ashley Judd was at the Perot for TexProtects. At the same time, over at The Joule, the opera -oving types were warming up for the October 23 and 24 splashy kick-off, First Sight First Night, of the Dallas Opera season. And then there was the handing over of bucks by BBVA Compass Foundation at the Meadows Museum. Whew! What a night! Here are the deets:

Dallas Opera Patron Party is a Real Joule

Lynn McBee and Nick Even*

At the Joule Hotel, about 120 people turned up for the Dallas Opera’s First Sight/First Night patron party. Keith Cerny, the opera’s general director and CEO, welcomed the crowd with an upbeat report about plans for the Oct. 23 Fashion Show and Luncheon, as well as the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night pre-performance dinner and production (Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro) on the 24^th.

But most exciting to Lynn McBee, who’s co-chairing both events with Nick Even, was Keith’s revelation that the DO had balanced its budget for the second year in a row. Lynn said she expected 200 to attend the luncheon and 400 to show up for the opening-night gala.

Ellen and Don Winspear and Tiffany Divis*

While guests including Tiffany Divis, Caroline Rose Hunt and Robert Brackbill, and Sara and David Martineau enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by the Joule, DO soprano Angela Mannino performed several selections (from Puccini to “I Could Have Danced All Night”) accompanied by pianist Laurie Rogers. Attendees (including Fashion Show gown designers Elizabeth Anyaa and Nicholas Villalba) also sipped wines provided by St. Michelle Wine Estates and spirits from Pernod Ricard USA.

Bryan Johnson, Summer Nilsson and Nicolas Villalba*

TexProtects Celebrates Its 10^th Anniversary

Jane Nelson**

Meantime, actress Ashley Judd was a major attraction at the 10^th anniversary celebration for TexProtects—the Texas Association for the Protection of Children—with a keynote speech about her childhood trauma as an abuse victim. But the real stars at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science fundraiser were the Texans who’ve helped the nonprofit achieve its mission of reducing child abuse and neglect. Chief among them: the Hon. Florence Shapiro, who chairs the TexProtects advisory board; and state Sen. Jane Nelson, who received the group’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Florence Shapiro, Madeline McClure and Donna Campbell**

“Ashley’s personal story and her humanitarian work on behalf of abuse victims exemplifies the far-reaching effects of child maltreatment, but also the promise of healing from invisible wounds and most importantly, committing to investing in prevention,” said TexProtects Founder/Executive Director Madeleine McClure.

Mary Jalonick, Ashley Judd, Margaret Keliher and Maurine Dickey**

Others in the high-powered crowd of more than 340 included Mary Jalonick, state Sen. Royce West, Lee Jackson, Sarah Losinger, state Rep. Donna Campbell, the Hon. Maurine Dickey, Brent Christopher, Don Glendenning, and Margaret Keliher (husband Lester had “the night off,” Margaret explained, because she’d been invited by Shapiro to sit at a “girls’ table”).

John and Pat Harloe**

Pat Harloe served as event chair and Lisa Simmons was honorary chair for the dinner event, which netted over $315,000 on total revenue of more than $438,000 for the group.

BBVA Compass Foundation Check Hand Over

Whoever thought bankers just sat in august institutions with calculators? They evidently had met up with the BBVA Compass types, who were at the Meadows Museum. Thanks to the BBVA Compass Foundation, the museum received a $30,000 grant “to extend its Compass Classroom Scholarship Program. The program serves Dallas Independent School District visual arts teachers who educate and inspire their students to study art.”

Mark Zacheis, Darrell Lafitte, Jay Tweed, Key Coker, Mark Roglán and Sam Holland***

“This generous grant from the BBVA Compass Foundation allows the Museum to greatly expand its reach into DISD art instruction. It connects students more deeply to art and opens them to seeing the world in a new way,” said Dr. Carmen Smith, the Meadows Museum’s Director of Education.

Since the program’s launch, the foundation has donated $120,000. This year alone, “approximately 2,500 middle- and high-school students” would benefit with “nearly 1,000 of those students will visit the museum, be introduced to the SMU campus and, more pointedly, to college education and careers in the arts.”

But the students aren’t the only ones benefiting from the program. There are 16 teachers, who will “receive professional development training through a series of workshops held at the Museum. During the workshops, they learn about the collection and special exhibitions at the Museum and are trained in art instruction methodology.”

“We are grateful to the BBVA Compass Foundation for helping Dallas teachers to inspire so many children to experience the power of art and learn the importance of creativity,” said Dr. Mark Roglán, the Linda P. and William A. Custard Director of the Meadows Museum and Centennial Chair, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU.

Among the happy bankers, educators and museum folks were BBVA’s Mark Zacheis, Darrell Lafitte, Jay Tweed, Key Coker and Meadows’ Sam Holland.

* Photo credit: Celeste Hart
** Photos provided by TexProtects
*** Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron

The Dallas Morning News does more than put out a daily product. It also “pays all administration costs” of The Dallas Morning News Charities. This underwriting allows for the monies raised by DMNC to go area charities. In the past 29 years, that means nonprofits have received more than $25.8M from DMNC.

Why, last year alone $1,684,955 was raised from 1,837 donors.

This year’s campaign will run from Thursday, November 20, through Saturday, January 31, 2015.

Working with Communities Foundation of Texas, the DMNC board has selected the following 25 nonprofits to benefit from the 2014-2015 drive. They are:

• Allen Community Outreach — Emergency assistance with rent, utilities, food and clothing for families in Allen, Fairview and Lucas. Financial literacy and GED classes are also offered.
• Arlington Life Shelter — Emergency food and shelter, employment assistance and family counseling for homeless men, women and children in eastern Tarrant County.
• Assistance Center of Collin County — Brings carefully qualified and prompt short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in financial crisis. Works with 211 network.
• Austin Street Centre — Food, shelter, medical, psychiatric and psychological treatment and substance abuse counseling for the homeless.
• Brother Bill’s Helping Hand — Food, clothing, medical assistance to families in West Dallas. Job training, parenting, healthy living and ESL classes are also offered.
• City House — Provides homeless children and young adults with emergency shelter and transitional residential services. Operates an emergency youth shelter for children ages newborn-17 and transitional living program for 18-21 year olds.
• Crossroads Community Services — Food, nutrition, clothing and life skills education.
• Dallas Life — Emergency short-term and long-term shelter for homeless men, women and children. Employment training, medical and dental services are also provided.
• Duncanville Outreach Ministry — Food, clothing and financial assistance with rent, utilities and prescription medication for persons in Duncanville.
• Family Gateway — Short-term, transitional and permanent supportive housing programs; life skills training and case management for homeless families and children.
• Frisco Family Services Center — Food, clothing and financial assistance with rent/mortgages, utilities and prescription drugs to families living in Frisco or Frisco ISD. Adult life skills workshops are also offered.
• Genesis Women’s Shelter — Emergency shelter, transitional housing, long-term counseling, food, clothing and other necessities for battered women and their children and an on-site school for elementary aged children.
• Lancaster Outreach Center — Emergency assistance, food, clothing and shelter. Case management, job training, counseling and school support services.
• LifeLine Shelter for Families — Financial assistance to families who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness in the Grand Prairie ISD. Life skills training is also provided.
• NETWORK of Community Ministries — Food, clothing, financial assistance for rent and utilities, as well as a children’s clinic and comprehensive seniors’ net program for those 60 and older.
• North Dallas Shared Ministries — Food, financial assistance for rent and utilities, clothing, gas vouchers and bus tokens, eye exams and glasses, job counseling, ESL classes, free medical and dental clinic for the working poor and family members.
• North Texas Food Bank’s Food 4 Kids — Food 4 Kids program provides weekend food assistance for elementary school children at risk of being chronically hungry.
• Our Calling — Faith-based organization that specifically serves the unsheltered homeless in Dallas. Food, showers, clothing and resources.
• Our Daily Bread — Noon day meals, weekend snack pack program, bus passes, counseling, personal care items, limited health screening and referrals, phone answering service and mailing address for homeless in Denton County.
• Promise House — Shelter, food, clothing, counseling, educational services and transitional housing for homeless, runaway and at-risk teens.
• Sharing the Bread Cedar Hill Food Pantry — Provides food, clothing, utility assistance and school supplies to needy families in Cedar Hill.
• Sharing Life Community Outreach — Food, clothing and financial assistance for rent and utilities, educational programs and job skills training for low income residents in Southeastern Dallas County.
• The Bridge — Emergency and transitional shelter, supportive housing services, meals, primary and behavioral health care services, job search and educational services for the homeless.
• The Stewpot of First Presbyterian Church — Urgent and long-term assistance to the homeless and at-risk families; meals; ID documentation; representative payee program; dental, medical and mental health services; job assistance and inner-city youth programs.
• White Rock Center of Hope — Food, clothing, financial assistance with rent, utilities, transportation and prescriptions; school supplies for families in need in East and Northeast Dallas. Christmas toys are provided to children less than 17 years of age.

Sharon Popham is planning on breaking things come Thursday, April 9th… like records. With Dallas Symphony Orchestra League pals like Women’s Council President Marena Gault and Announcement Party Co-Chairs Dixey Arterburn, Allison Brodnax and Ginger Sager, she’s already working to establish a new record breaker for the Dallas Arboretum fundraiser, the 2015 Mad Hatter’s Tea.

Marena Gault*

First step, she’s decided on a French theme. That was obvious at the Brook Hollow Golf Club announcement soiree from the champagne and delicious French ooh-la-a theme. There were delicious French decorated cookies at the table in the Oak Room and French champagne flowing.

Sharon had hoped for pink roses but ended up settling for Texas yellow roses.

Sharon Popham, Yanni Kyriazis and Sherwood Wagner

Sharon had also lined up her honorary chair to be adorable Sherwood Wagner. According to Marena, “Sherwood is a beautiful, energetic, stylish young woman, modest and humble. She embodies everything about A Woman’s Garden, epitomizing the complexities of the essence of women with all their virtues and strengths. She is the new Dallas ‘It Girl’.”

According to insiders, “she grew up in Midland and graduated from Hockaday and TCU and worked for PSI, a public relations firm. She is involved with various charities in Dallas and West Texas and served as president of Girls Inc. Auxiliary. She is a board member of Ellen Noël Art Museum in Midland, which is named after her grandmother. She has graciously donated a heart-shaped pulpit to A Woman’s Garden at the Arboretum that will be named The Ellen Noël and Lissa Noël Wagner pulpit, in honor of her mother and grandmother.”

To celebrate the announcement, “Sherwood’s mom Lissa and a plane load of women from Midland flew in for the special occasion. 10 ladies filled the plane which left only the jump seat for Lissa to sit on for the trip.”

Front row: Sherwood Wagner in blue and Lissa Wagner in green*

To add that touch of gold to the occasion, Sharon had jewelry designers David Lee Holland and  Yanni Kyriazis on hand and revealed that they’re creating a special piece of jewelry for the Mad Hatters to auction off. Should be very interesting, since David and Yanni specialize in “botanically themed jewelry.”

Sherwood volunteered to model “a stunning 110 carat orange zest necklace of natural colored Bolivian amethyst and diamonds valued at $92,000″ created by David Lee Holland Fine Jewelry. Tough assignment!

Sherwood Wagner’s Alexander McQueens*

And talk about being dressed from top to bottom, Sherwood’s Alexander McQueen stilettos with six-inch heels were eye catchers with “jewel-encrusted skulls sporting mohawks.” (Please note her toenail polish matched her truly blue dress.)

As for Sherwood’s own spectacular jewelry, Marena volunteered to “babysit it” for the evening. ‘nother tough assignment.

When asked about the judges, Sharon implied that there would be a French flair on hand. The fashion show will be coordinated by Jan Strimple with clothes from Betty Reiter, Canary, Nardos Imam and V.O.D.

Stay tuned and get your berets warmed up.

* Photos provided by 2015 Mad Hatter's Tea

In this day and age when thin is in, don’t you just love an occasional round, plump something. Now, just think about it. The full moon? A glorious, pink peony in full bloom? A juicy, ripe plum?

Well, for the last couple of weeks the ultimate round, plump things have been hitting Dallas fundraisers full blast.

Lisa Longino, Maggie Kipp, Robin Robinson and Daffan Nettle

First, the Baylor Health Care System Foundation’s Celebrating Women scored a major coup the day before the October 24 lunch benefiting efforts to rid the world of breast cancer. The Baylor crew held their breath and their silence until the luncheon and then Foundation President Robin Robinson announced that the Spangenberg Family Foundation had gifted $1M for the battle. More about that in a later post.

Zoo To Do invitation*

Then word just arrived via Co-Chairs Tiffany Divis’ and Jennifer Houser’s carrier pigeon that the Zoo To Do scored $1M Saturday at the Dallas Zoo fundraiser. More about that in a later post.

Still another million plus was raised at the Dallas Holocaust Museum‘s annual “Hope for Humanity” on Thursday, October 30. This record-breaking year was a honoring Stan Rabin.

If you don’t think $1M fits the round, plump description, rethink. A one followed by six zeroes seems pretty darn round and plump around here, especially when it’s benefiting North Texas charities.

Debbie Oates (File photo)

The holiday season brings out the best in most folks. One person in particular has already hit the big time with The Senior Source. According to The Senior Source Chair of the Board Debbie Oates, “an anonymous donor has offered to match all gifts, dollar for dollar, towards the luncheon up to $50,000!”

Translation: You can donate a gift in honor of an “experienced” person and it will have double the impact. And if you don’t know someone who remembers when TV was in black and white, then go find somebody. They’re everywhere and many depend upon the services provided by The Senior Source!

Sarah Losinger (File photo)

Lydia Novakov (File photo)

And the timing is so perfect! It’s just a week before the Monday, November 24^th Spirit of Generations Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole honoring former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and being co-chaired by Sarah Losinger and Lydia Novakov.

The luncheon is always remarkable, and the ideal way to start off Thanksgiving week. And think how lovely it would be to announce at the luncheon that the challenge had been met.

Those flaunty flamingos were in fine feather (many apologies for the pun) to greet guests as they arrived at the Dallas Zoo for the Zoo To Do fundraiser, Jewels of the Kalahari, on Saturday, November 1. There is a real difference between the ones that are “stuck” in front yards and the Zoo’s flock. This group is definitely not static. As one group of guests headed to the trams bound for the main festivities, the pink birds with the scrawny legs followed along until their handlers reminded them of their duties of greeting all 670 guests including Honorary Co-Chairs Lynn and Allan McBee, Brandy and Will Taylor, Ruth O’Donnell Mutch, Connie and Denny Carreker, Mary McDermott Cook, Diane and Hal Brierley, Barbara and Don Daseke and Diane and Dallas Zoo Chairman of the Board Mike Gruber.

Allan and Lynn McBee, Craig Glatthaar and Brandy and Will Taylor

Mike Gruber and Sharon and Gregg Hudson

And while the chill may have been a wee bit brisk for some, the penguins were in seventh heaven. Even the snakes rose to the occasion, slithering on the arms of their handlers. While some guests recoiled (dadgummit, another pun) at the offer to touch the boa constrictor across the way from the registration desk, other guests took a chance and were amazed at the uniquely smooth feel of the scales.

Laura and lesser anteater

Angela and armadillo

Chispa the two-year-old lesser anteater showed her dexterity clutching the limb, while slurping up goodies from a cup held by handler Laura. On the other hand, the nearby armadillo was bored with the whole affair and curled up for a good snooze, looking more like a textured bowling ball in handler Angela’s hands.

Jennifer Houser, Ruth O’Donnell Mutch and Tiffany Divis

Co-Chair Jennifer Houser reported that the evening’s goal was to beat last year’s total of $918K. It would depend on the outcome of the live auction. Co-Chair Tiffany Divis said that a late addition to the live auction was the right to name the newborn giraffe.

In the Gorilla Lounge (aka Jewel Lounge), a mammoth light wall featuring a gorilla towered behind the bar. Zoo ambassador vet Rosie the owl had a “been-there-before” blasé attitude. On the other hand (sorry about that), Kimye the ball python was more than accommodating to be stroked in the hands of handler Cassie.

Gorilla bending tree

At one point the guests gathered at the lounge windows overlooking the gorilla compound to watch the gorillas make a brief showing. One even decided to effortlessly bend a small tree over to nibble at a tasty leaf. Well, after all, it was the cocktail hour. After they had made their personal appearance, the apes returned to their enclosure. Too chilly for them and nobody was going to debate their staying to entertain the gawking humans.

Afterwards came a strolling dinner provided by Abacus, Asador, Barter, Becks Prime, Blosa, Casa Rubia, Dallas Zoo Catering, Dragonfly at Hotel Zaza, Empire Baking Company, Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, Margaux’s, Meso Maya, Mozzarella Company, Neiman Marcus, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Parigi, Savor Gastropub, SER Steak + Spirits, Sevy’s Grill, Sissy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar, Suze, Tillman’s Roadhouse and Two Sisters Catering.

As for the live auction, it was a gangbuster making national headlines. Seems that the last-minute addition of naming rights for the baby giraffe went to an anonymous donor for a cool $50,000. Even big spenders slowed down their paddle-raising when that number neared. The donor’s generosity only was heightened when it was announced that s/he would allow the final decision of the naming to be left to the public via an online vote. The outcome? The vote named him “Kopano”, meaning “united” in Botswana. And that’s exactly what happened at Zoo to Do as people united to raise $1.085M for one of the country’s leading zoos in one night.

Group selfie

So, the black tie seated dinner for a mere 250+ proved to exceed the expectations of those, both near and far, who had flown in from Abu Dhabi, New Orleans, Chicago, California and Singapore.

Piper Wyatt, Brooke Hortenstine, Suzanne Droese, Faisal Halum and Tina Craig

Oh, the gorgeous crowd, the OMG food and the splendor “WOW!” factor came together for a legendary event — to celebrate the meeting of Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum that evolved into their August nuptials. Instead of gifts, they requested donations for the art and Two by Two for AIDs. But it was the marvelous touches of the couple that reminded many of their own splendiferous meeting resulting in a lifelong relationship.

Nancy Rogers and Brian Bolke

The words are being crafted. Be patient. But the photos are available at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery. Be forewarned. It’s a two-pager.

Lyda Hill and Jake Schick

How right it was that the Center for BrainHealth held its Legacy Award Dinner on Veterans Day. The honoree was Lyda Hill, who has been an integral part of “the Warriors” program at the Center. Surrounded by men and women who have benefited from Lyda’s support, it was a moving evening in the ballroom with some of Dallas’ most generous philanthropists and hardworking nonprofit execs.

Sandi Chapman and the Warriors

While the write-up is being prepared, you might want to settle back and check out the smiles, embraces and “the Warriors” on MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

MySweetCharity

The MySweetCharity community is non-busy today. While we’re grateful for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon North Texas, we’re also reflecting on the challenges that have confronted the area. From the loss of Michael Eric Duncan to the rumblings of the ground beneath our feet, this year has once again tested our ability to rise to the occasion.

Today is also a day of appreciation. There are so many people who deserve a piece of the MySweetCharity thank-you pie including:

• The fundraisers, who work tirelessly for their missions
• The philanthropists, who open their pocketbooks and share their bounty
• Those, who have never asked for charity and are confronted with the reality of being one of the needy
• The PUPR (Put-Upon-Public-Relations) folks, who have put up with GQ (Grumpy Queenie) with smiles and wrinkled brows
• The valet parkers, who face the brutality of the summer’s heat and the winter’s slipping-and-sliding ice
• The countless servers, who make each meal happen despite an occasional “oop’s” in the program
• The MySweetCharity subscribers, who wake up to their MSC e-blast with a cup of java and a sense of humor.

Thank you for putting up with us. Happy Thanksgiving.

Why bother fighting the crowds to give the perfect gift? Then you have to face the hassle of giftwrapping it and having it delivered. Seriously, you have better things to do with your time!

Luckily, a couple of organization have a great solution and it requires just a computer, nimble fingers, a giving heart and some cha-ching. Here’s the poop:

• Giving for Good*

  The Dallas Foundation is offering its Giving for Good card. It’s just like gift cards that are used at McDonald’s or Starbucks. Only this one allows the recipient “to experience the joy of supporting a charity they admire” anywhere in the United States. It’s also a great opportunity to encourage others to go through the process of deciding which nonprofit will benefit from their act of giving.

• Communities Foundation of Texas has “unveiled its 2014 Giving Guide.” While it doesn’t have the Hammacher-Schlemmer gadgets or the Neiman’s His-And-Hers goodies, it does have more than 400 local nonprofit organizations neatly listed in eight categories to help you learn about “the latest community needs and find the right project to spark your passion.”

* Graphic courtesy of The Dallas Foundation

If you put off signing up for the Communities Foundation of Texas’s GiveWisely Series and thought you were gonna miss the December 1 deadline, you’re so lucky. With all the holiday activities, the wise folks at CFT realized that a little more time would be a gift, so they’ve moved the deadline to Thursday, January 1.

Communities Foundation of Texas logo*

Oh, what’s the GiveWisely Series? Here’s the approved, official explanation:

Rather than focusing on specific areas for philanthropy, GiveWisely will give donors a chance to sharpen their overall approach to their personal giving – thinking strategically and learning from a group of like-minded peers.”

According to CFT President/CEO Brent Christopher, “When people become more active in supporting the causes they care about, often they share with us the difficulties of determining where their charitable dollars should go. Sometimes it’s overwhelming to navigate the landscape of competing charitable needs.”

Some of those challenges include:

• Evaluating community needs (including how to say “No” to a request and feel okay about it)
• Evaluating nonprofit effectiveness and which projects are a good investment and
• Developing a clear, thoughtful plan around giving, whether as an individual, couple or family

As CFT Director of Donor Services Elizabeth Liser put it, “The next generation of donors wants to develop their own unique approach to personal giving. But these donors still need guidance in thinking strategically, so they can develop a clear, thoughtful plan around giving, whether as an individual, couple or family.”

The series kicks off Wednesday, January 21, at 7 p.m., so sign up before that January 1 deadline shuts you out.

With hardly any time to recover from the day before, Friday, November 14 was off to a rousing start with a “Brunch for Brinegar” and quickly followed by a salute by area fundraisers. Sorry to do this to you, but here we go with another Round Robin.

Brunch for Mary Brinegar

Delilah Boyd and Mary Brinegar

Thursday, November 13, Mary Brinegar accepted SMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award. In a far off table in the tent, Delilah Boyd was cold. All she could think of was the next morning. She was hostessing a brunch for Mary and their Theta sorority sisters who had been at SMU when Mary was a student.

Having tented her back patio complete with rugs on the ground, there was no way Delilah was going to let the Polar Vortex spoil Mary’s morning.

Brunch in a toasty tent

With heaters that would have well done the fattest filet, Delilah and The Catering Company’s Greg Rankin made the beautifully draped tent splendiferous with stemware, loads of pastries, fruits and orange juice, both G- and R-rated.

Delilah, who eventually was Theta president, recalled being initiated with Laura Bush, who joined the sorority in her sophomore year.

Upon arrival Mary seemed a bit take back by all the hoop-la. And that was before she was shown the tent.

In the crowd were Cynthia Woodall, Janet Schoeller Knight, Linda Dodson and Clare Adams Kittle.

Arboretum Kudos

Speaking of Dallas Arboretum President Mary Brinegar, she wasn’t the only one finding a place for a new award. Other Arboretum accolades on this day included:

• The Dallas Regional Chamber presented the Arboretum with the Blueprint Award in the Community Catalyst category for its economic impact to the region.
• Dallas Arboretum Chair of the Board Brian Shivers had received the Obelisk Award the day before and

• 12 Days of Christmas

  Dallas Arboretum Board Member Tom McCasland was inducted into the 2014 Oklahoma Hall of Fame for his “contributions to the state.” Tom and his wife Phyllis “had the idea of The 12 Days of Christmas” for the holiday season.

National Philanthropy Day

Awards

As early birds arrived at the Hyatt Regency for the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, Hyatt staffers were pulling out propane tanks from vans for the driveway patio heaters. There was definitely a chill in the air. Inside it was a different story. The moment folks entered the sliding doors, they were hit with a nice kiss of warm air for the luncheon hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professional Dallas Chapter.

Margot Perot and Katherine and Eric Reeves

Christina Moore-Salinas and Chris Kleinert

While at times the reception outside the Landmark Ballroom took on the look of Hunt and Perot family reunions, there was good reason. Katherine Perot Reeves and Chris Kleinert were both on the list to be honored. The pre-lunch reception was sponsored by the North Texas Food Bank, so NTFB’s Jan Pruitt joined National Philanthropy Day Luncheon Chair Christina Moore-Salinas in welcoming the crowd that included Kern Wildenthal, April Box Chamberlain, David Krause, Fred Shapiro and Deborah Montonen, who just revealed that she was leaving her LaunchAbility post for a position at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

The following honorees were all present, introduced and photographed to the nth degree:

Honorees

• Outstanding Philanthropist (sponsored by Clarkson Davis) — Katherine Perot Reeves nominated by North Texas Food Bank/Colleen Brinkmann
• Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser (sponsored by Dini Spheris) — Chris Kleinert nominated by Methodist Health System Foundation
• Outstanding Foundation (sponsored by Children’s Medical Center) — Children’s Cancer Fund nominated by Children’s Medical Center Foundation
• Outstanding Corporation — BlueCross Blue Shield of Texas nominated by Caring for Children Foundation of Texas
• Outstanding Fundraising Executive — Milton Key nominated by John Roppolo
• Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (sponsored by Hunt Consolidated Inc.) — Charlsie Doan nominated by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Jan Pruitt and Bette Perot

While the honorees were getting their share of attention, it seemed like Bette Perot was the one many folks wanted to chat and have a photo taken with. After a request for a photo with Bette was made by her niece, Carolyn Perot Rathjen, Bette told the photographer, “I’m charging $15 a picture.”

On the side, Jan Pruitt revealed that it was because of Bette that her niece Katherine Perot Reeves joined the NTFB board, which is preparing to launch a major capital campaign.

Right on schedule, the doors to the ballroom opened at 11:30, but seating took a bit of doing. This group of fundraisers and friends, like Diane Brierley, Steve Ivy and Roslyn Dawson, loves to get together, hug, laugh and “What have you been up to?” Susan Wells Jenevein, who left the Genesis Women’s Shelter in September, is now working with Gunnar Rawlings to open Cristo Rey College Preparatory School in 2015.

While some might think these folks are competitors for the same honeypot, they’ve actually a team after the same basic goal — to help those in need. That’s what philanthropy is all about and today was the day to celebrate.

At 12:13, Christina welcome the guests and introduced Daniel Prescott, who before giving the invocation reminded the crowd that it was 29 years ago that the late President Ronald Reagan declared November 15 to National Philanthropy Day. He then asked everyone to stand and hold hands for the invocation. One or two of the tables opted out on the handholding part of the request. Guess they were abiding by the suggestion that the flu can be spread unknowingly by handshakes, handholding, handy anything.

Next up was Greater Dallas Chapter AFP President Diana Marquis, who thanked KERA for producing the honorees’ acceptance speeches. This process seems to streamline the program along…if it’s working. More about that in a couple of paragraphs.

At 12:24 lunch (bib lettuce, arugula, spinach, fennel shavings, radicchio and dried fruit with lavender honey cabernet vinaigrette; pepita crusted children breast with Dr Pepper blueberry sauce over green chili masa pudding and broccolini flowers and artisan breads and butter; and edelweiss raspberry tranche cake with bitter chocolate sauce) was served.

Keeping to the schedule, emcee Scott Murray proved why it’s wise to have a professional on stage. At 12:47 Scott was at the podium. Within the first couple of sentence, he did a shout out at the audio coordinator that there seemed to a ringing in the sound system. It quickly improved.

The first presentation was made to Katherine Perot Reeves, who had helped provide $2M for NTFB. Her video had just begun and the video stopped mid-sentence. The screen just plain went black.

Scott filled in the gap by saying, “I guess it’s going to be one of those days.” The video never returned, so the show went on with Katherine all in white accepting her award.

Then Scott introduced the video on Chris. It almost seemed like everyone held their breath. No video appeared. Scott once again filled the silence by saying, “My mother taught me the best word in this time is ‘patience.’”

The patience paid off with Chris’ video coming on much to the relief of organizers. The rest of the videos behaved themselves and appeared flawlessly.

Scott Murray and Charlsie Doan

Despite the gracious remarks by the adult honorees, the showstopper was 13-year-old Hockadaisie Charlsie Doan, who had been born with symbrachydachtyly, a congenital hand disorder resulting in her missing her right hand. It was through her being treated by Scottish Rite’s prosthetics department that she and her family became involved with the world-renowned center. But Charlsie’s involvement extended beyond being a patient. She has raised over $167,000 for patient care. When Scottish Rite approached the Crystal Charity Ball committee for a grant in 2013, Charlsie played “the violin to demonstrate how a custom prosthetic device allowed her to pursue her musical ambitions. Her participation as key to the success of the hospital presentation, resulting in a Crystal Charity Ball commitment of $500,000.” At the age of 11, Charlsie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and she took up that cause with the same diligence and fervor.

Just before closing the luncheon at 1:32, Christina returned to the stage and announced that the organization was going to honor Scott with an honorarium for the Scott Murray Foundation.

After all, that’s how fundraisers say, “Thank you!”