WARNING: Be prepared. This one is a very long one, but you’ll want to “monkey” around with it just for fun.

Pity the poor first-timers at the 2014 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award dinner on Wednesday, November 19. Yes, they knew they were honoring Dr. Bobby B. Lyle. And, yes, they knew it would benefit the Methodist Health System Foundation. But such pillars of Dallas society like Ruth Altshuler and Nancy Dedman soon learned they would be laughing so hard that they would almost be in tears. And Bobby was one of them laughing the hardest.

More about the source of the laughter later.

Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones

The dinner has the reputation of surprise like none other. During the past nine years such notables as Nancy Ann Hunt, Troy Aikman, Laura Bush, Norman Brinker, Pat and Emmitt Smith, Trevor Rees-Jones, Mike Boone and Mark Craig have been delightfully “honored” with surprise VIP speakers. For instance, when Mark was the 2013 honoree, former President George W. Bush appeared at the podium unannounced. When Pat and Emmitt  were the honorees, a fellow from the back of the room in baseball cap, sunglasses and baseball jacket took to the podium. It was Mark Cuban.

All this chicanery is the result of the Methodist Health System Foundation’s mischievous team led by April Box Chamberlain and her sidekick Joy Duncan. For months leading up to the event, they sleuth around finding insider tidbits on the honoree.

This year Bobby was their target. He admitted that he was a little concerned about what was going to happen. He wasn’t the only one. There were some backstagers who were wondering if one of the guests of honor would truly make a monkey of all of ‘em.

Bobby Lyle and Lottye Brodsky

But before all the shenanigans took place, last minute preparations were underway. No one seemed to notice a couple who strolled hand-in-hand through the dimly lit lobby of the Anatole to the Counter Offer. It was Bobby with Lottye Brodsky in a bright red suit. At the opposite end of the lobby, a jamboree of Boy Scouts seemed to be forming. Just before 6:30, the scouts move upstairs. Part of their assignment was to line the hallway leading to the Imperial Ballroom and greet guests.

Nancy Ann Hunt and Chris and Ashlee Kleinert

The reception for 800 was underway in the lobby outside the Carpenter and Stemmons ballrooms. It seemed like everyone lay claim to being an “old friend” of Bobby’s. It was interesting to see various people of the Bobby Lyle universes — college, business, philanthropy — interacting. No knuckle bumping with the group. It was either firm handshakes or big hugs, but always big smiles. In the crowd were Nancy Ann Hunt, Ashlee Kleinert and Roz Dawson, who had been at the hotel earlier in the day for the Women of Distinction Luncheon. Despite being the luncheon’s honoree, Nancy Ann was telling one and all about Alison Levine’s talk.

At 7:15 the dinner chimes could hardly be heard over the noise, but people figured out it was time to move upstairs to the Imperial Ballroom and what awaited them.

Imperial Ballroom

It took a bit of doing, but finally the guests took their places and settled down like ever so proper types. Bless the first-timers’ hearts. They just thought they knew the drill — the predictable video, a meal and a bunch of hifalutin speeches by local pals praising Bobby to the hilt.

William Mockabee

Well, they were sorta right. But the Methodist team likes to put a spin on the usual dinner salutes and they did just that starting off with Salvation Army’s Lt. Col. William “Bill” Mockabee, who had worked with Bobby when Bill was the area commander for the Dallas/Fort Worth Salvation Army. He was a charming emcee. Bill said how he was supposed to be speaking at an international symposium in the Netherlands and had even told Bobby that the week before. Instead his wife Deborah was presenting for him there. He then turned the focus on the gathering for Bobby. It was to celebrate “his favorite food, his favorite people…all of us are his favorite people. I’m sure that’s true… his favorite work, his favorite business ventures…his favorite work, his favorite business ventures.”

Bill recalled how “Bobby used to drive me nuts. He’s the only person that I know that before he would offer criticism of me, he would couch it with, ‘Bill, would you allow me to make an observation?’ And, without thinking, I would say, ‘Yes.’ And what I had just done, I had given him permission to give absolutely all of his criticism of me to help me learn.”

And then Bill brought up the infamous Bobby Lyle red pen — “If you’ve never been mentored by Bobby Lyle, you won’t know what that means.” A rumble of laughter went through the audience proving that the room was filled with mentored ones.

Looking at Bobby, Bill summed it up saying, “Bobby, this could be a very long night for you.”

Following the invocation by the Perkins School of Theology Dean Dr. William Lawrence, Event Co-Chair David Miller welcomed the guests in proper fashion recognizing his wife/Co-Chair Carolyn Miller, Co-Chairs Linda and Mitch Hart and Honorary Co-Chairs Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt and Renda and Rex Tillerson. He was lulling the group into a place of typical tribute dinner fare. He recalled being a graduate student 40 years ago, when Bobby was head of the SMU business school. David talked about the many organizations (SMU, the Boy Scouts, the Salvation Army, etc.) that had benefited from Bobby’s involvement. The clatter of silverware proved that folks were downing their dinner. That sound would soon be replaced with laughter, as guests discovered this wasn’t the same old, same old award dinner.

Then David subtly shifted direction. Not hugely but it was the beginning of what was to come. He said that there was one aspect of “Bobby’s life that might surprise you.” Seated at the front row center table, Bobby with Lottye at his side knew something was up.

David continued, “In fact it surprised me when the co-chairs (Linda and Mitch) told me about it. There is a little Bobby.”

Mark Mutschink and Sharon Lyle, Bobby Lyle and Christopher Lyle

Eyebrows were raised. After all, Bobby’s two kids Sharon Lyle and Christopher Lyle were in the audience and, yes, Sharon was expecting “Bubba” in April, but there was no little Bobby among the group… or was there?

Mitch Hart and little Bobby

David then introduced Linda and Mitch to explain about “little Bobby”. The appropriate applause was quickly followed by laughter and eyes popping open. On to the stage walked the Harts. Whoa! The distinguished, silver-haired Mitch, who was an Annapolis graduate, an EDS founder and on the board of numerous impressive board, had a capuchin monkey on his shoulder. The Harts then proved to be one of the great comedy teams of Dallas. As Linda valiantly read a speech about how little Bobby came into the Lyle legends, Mitch bravely suffered the agonies of a monkey-escort duties.

To say little Bobby was not a happy camper was to put it mildly. Nobody was going to make a “monkey” out of him. As the laughter rose throughout the room with even Anatole staffers amazed at the situation, little Bobby appeared to want to renegotiate his contract. After all, he was upstaging everything and everybody.

Linda and Mitch Hart and little Bobby

The stately Mitch with unflinching smile tried to appease the unhappy little Bobby. Never looking aside at what her husband, Linda performed her role as if she was delivering a state-of-the-union address. She told how 20 years ago, the Harts and Bobby were in the West Indies playing golf. “Bobby was regaling us with tales of monkeys on the island. Now, Mitch was very skeptical —‘I’ve been a bunch of times and never seen any monkeys on the island.’ Bobby was not deterred at all. Determined to prove that he was right and that Mitch was wrong, on the second hole, Bobby hit an amazing screamer of a fade into the woods. With accuracy that would have stunned Tiger Woods he had his eye on a monkey in a tree, which he managed to hit squarely on the head. The monkey jumped from the tree, ran across the fairway, rubbing his head and shooting dirty looks at Bobby all the way. Some people on the golf course get birdies; Bobby gets monkeys.

“Many years later, to celebrate Bobby’s 70^th birthday, we presented him with a monkey. It was worth it just to watch Bobby’s sheer look of panic during dinner wondering ‘What in the devil am I going to do with this monkey?’ We finally told him that what his gift was was a donation we had made to the Dallas Zoo to name the next male monkey Bobby B, which they did. Being the animal lover that he is, Bobby has visited his monkey namesake at the Dallas Zoo. So, now SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering is not the only institution to boast Bobby Lyle’s name.”

Lottye Brodsky, Bobby B. Lyle and John Scovell

The very proper philanthropists and CEO’s in the audience like Ruth Altshuler, Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, Marla and Mike Boone, Sara and David Martineau, Allie Beth and Pierce Allman, Cindy Brinker, Mary McDermott Cook, Dan Patterson, Barbara and Ralph Babb, Ellen and John McStay and Folsom daughters Debbie Jarma and Diane Frank, were almost in tears, they were laughing so hard. It only got worse when little Bobby decided to rearrange Mitch’s silver locks. Still Mitch smiled on and gently held the monkey’s leash as if he was being watched by PETA.

Mitch Hart and little Bobby

It was at this point when Linda listed all the animals that Bobby had on his ranch, that little Bobby finally stole the show. Having had enough of Mitch’s shoulder, the West Indies monkey tale and the waves of laughter coming from the audience, little Bobby decided to head for the floor, lie on his back and screech at the dignified Mitch to let him know who was the boss.

The laughter became so great that Linda briefly stopped and sneaked a peak at what was going on. Stifling a chuckle, she continued with her part of the program only imagining what her husband was having to do.

It was then revealed that the monkey on stage was actually named “Mikey, the great-great-grandson of the monkey you hit.”

As things were literally getting out of hand, Mikey’s “agent” (aka handler) joined the Harts and little Bobby on stage. As she took charge of the monkey, the little guy made one last face of displeasure at Mitch, who simply smiled back.

Mitch Hart and little Bobby

Lt. Col. Bill returned to the podium saying, “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything! I would have come without an invitation to see that. Bobby, that monkey’s ticked off. He hasn’t forgotten. I come to Dallas to see Bobby Lyle at the Anatole and I’m in the green room with a monkey. I’m convinced that monkey looked at me back there and he said, ‘You and your buddies.’ Wait til you meet his brother — Bubba B. He’s not happy about it either.”

Bill introduced Methodist Health System Foundation President/CEO April Box Chamberlain, who arrived on stage carrying a stuffed animal monkey, told Bobby Lyle that he could take this one home and he was “real low maintenance.”

April Box Chamberlain

She then thanked the Lupe Murchison Foundation and Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt for being the first presenting sponsors of the dinner. It was then announced that the more than $1.5M raised from the dinner would benefit medical education per Bobby’s request.

April then thanked and introduced Joy, who asked April, “How do you that (the Folsom dinner)?” April answered with, “It’s no big deal” with a video recalling the past 10 years of dinners.

Following dinner, SMU Chairman of the Voice department Clif Forbis sang a rendition of “Let it Be”. Only the words were “Bobby B” and guests waved little flashes lights in the ballroom.

Then Methodist Health System President/CEO Steve Mansfield told of the new partnership with Mayo Clinic Care Network and the system’s growth including the Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower.

Thanks to video Ken “One Minute Manager” Blanchard introduced a video about Bobby Lyle ala “the most interesting man in the world” — his smartphone has developed an inferiority complex; if he were to pat you on the back, you would add it to your resume; etc. The video was a perfect blending of giggles and gratitude by friends and family.

Then the Circle Ten Boy Scout Silver Eagle Band marched in playing the SMU fight song and Bobby was presented on stage to an extensive standing ovation.

Mike Boone

Obviously surprised, Bobby started off saying, “Mike Boone told me this would be an out-of-body experience.” He lovingly referred to the friends and family involved in the antics as “conspirators”. Despite April’s and Joy’s telling him not to worry about the night, “I worried about it.”

He admitted that not only was Linda’s and Mitch’s story about hitting the monkey out of the tree true, but it was also “the most perfect slice you’ve ever seen.”

Then he asked the audience, “Didn’t you think Mitch looked a lot like Johnny Carson, when Carson was trying to keep a monkey out of his hair? I’ve got it at home on tape….Linda and Mitch, thank you for milking that monkey story after all those years.”

He then spent the rest of his acceptance speech thanking those in the room and in his life. In typical Bobby B fashion, he graciously said, “Although I truly think that there are many, many others who are more deserving of this than I, there will never ever be anybody who appreciates it more than I do.”

Bobby proceeded to praise former Mayor Bob Folsom, with whom he worked and was a friend. Directing his comments to the Folsom daughters, he asked them to convey to their father the importance of his leadership for all of Dallas and his friendship over the years.

He then directed his aim of praise to education, the Dallas health care community, Methodist Health System and appreciation for friends and family individually.

It was almost as if he had literally turned the tables on the evening of his being honored. But then what would else would you expect from the man, whose presence has been an ongoing present for Dallas. Thanks to little Bobby and big Bobby, it was the evening was indeed “the most perfect slice you’ve ever seen.”

Just a week before Thanksgiving and a whole lot of nonprofits were squeezing in events before folks headed out of town or shut down for the holiday. Thursday, November 20, had everything from basketball stars to debs.

Tyson Chandler Delivers

Tyson Chandler and Sayge Chandler

When Dallas Maverick Tyson Chandler makes a home delivery, he does it in a big way and he brings along the entire Chandler clan. Need proof? How about his pulling up to the Vogel Alcove to deliver full-fledged Thanksgiving dinners for single-parent families in the Mavericks bus? And he was in the driver’s seat. Well, he was squashed into the seat. After all, the driver isn’t normally 7’1” tall.

Tyson specifically wanted the meals provided for single-parent families because he had been raised in such a family headed up by his mother Vernie Threadgill.

According to Tyson, “I watched my mom struggle to provide and just keep our heads above water. So, for someone in my situation, there’s so much pleasure to give back to families who are there, too. I’m just as thankful as they were for the opportunity. Meeting them was my favorite part.”

Kimberly Chandler

Along with him was his sharper-than-a-stiletto and gorgeous wife, Kimberly, and their munchkins — Sacha, Tyson II and Sayge. It was important for the parents that the children come along to distribute the food. They wanted the kids to understand that such things as Thanksgiving dinners were important to families who might not have all the advantages that the Chandler children enjoy.

Dallas Mavericks crew

Evidently, the adult Chandlers have little to worry about. All three schlepped the bags, along with the Mavs Dancers, Mavs Man and Champ and ManiAACs, to the third floor, where the recipient families waited. Just watching Tyson slightly bend over to make it through the doorway amazed children and parents alike. But after the initial photos were taken, the Chandlers got about the handing out of food with Kimberly at one end of the lengthy table and Tyson at the other end.

Debs Sip And Slip On Slippers

With the holidays comes the battle royale for parking at Highland Park Village. But the sparkling lights in the trees and the lights glowing from the shops ease the search for a parking spot.

Dixey Arterburn and Annabel Toole and Catherine Toole

According to 2014 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Deb Chair Dixey Arterburn, she had gotten her destinations mixed up and mistakenly marched up to the Goop party. Giving her name and saying that she was meeting So-And-So inside, she gained entry. Once inside, she didn’t recognize any of the 20- and 30-something gals and got that feeling that something just wasn’t right. Then she realized the DSOL party was taking place across the way at Louboutin.

Amita Singh, Brice and Cynthia Beaird and Jennifer Hudson

Talk about a change in atmosphere. The 2015 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debs, moms and past participants like Honorary Co-Chairs Cynthia and Brice Beaird and 2013 DSOL deb Annabel Toole and her mom Catherine Toole were happily sipping champagne while trying on Cinderella-style slippers that feet dream of, thanks to the Louboutin team of Amita Singh and Jennifer Hudson.

A Night of Lights

Though it was “downsized” from a three-course dinner for a large crowd at the Hilton Anatole last year to “family-style” grazing at the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Center for Nonprofit Management’s 2014 Awards of Excellence program on Nov. 20 was received no less enthusiastically by the evening’s 400 or so guests.

Before the 2014 “A Night of Light” event, the program—which recognizes and celebrates nonprofit excellence in North Texas—had given out $375,000 to 75 nonprofit agencies and the people who lead them. The totals swelled by $25,000 with the 2014 excellence awards, which honored five winners in categories including Nonprofit of the Year, Nonprofit CEO of the Year, Nonprofit Communicator of the Year in Honor of Robert Miller, Corporation of the Year, and Nonprofit Board Leader of the Year.

Dan and Tina Weinfurther, Catherine Cuellar and Paul Williams, and Sara and Cass Robinson*

Following a reception attended by the likes of Yvonne Crum, Bobby Lyle, Jan Langbein, and Nikki and Crayton Webb, the program got underway with Dave Lieber of the The Dallas Morning News serving as master of ceremonies. Leiber called the Awards of Excellence the “Oscars of the nonprofit world,” and said he had learned the essence of being a Texan: “It’s not what kind of car you drive, but what charity do you volunteer with?”

Latoya Stewart and Dana Beckman*

Following brief talks by Cass Robinson, the CNM board chair, and Dana Beckman of Alliance Data—Alliance was the presenting sponsor—Honorary Chair Catherine Cuellar took the stage. Cuellar, who’s executive director of the Dallas Arts District, told the crowd that they could see “effective nonprofit management” everywhere they turned in the Arts District, from Klyde Warren Park and the Dallas Performance Hall to the Dallas Opera and the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

Larry James and Charles Elk*

Then, after a video featuring Tina Weinfurther, the CNM’s president and CEO, it was finally time for the awards. This year’s winners, who each received a $5,000 cash award, were:

• Nonprofit of the Year — The Concilio;
• Nonprofit CEO of the Year — Larry James of CitySquare;
• Nonprofit Communicator of the Year — Fort Worth Opera;
• TXU Energy (Corporation of the Year); and
• Nonprofit Board Leader of the Year — Tim Durst, Leukemia & Lymphona Society.

Vine And Dine

Clay and Brenda Cockrell**

And finally, a report from the field, or rather Neiman Marcus Downtown,

“The seventh annual Vine and Dine dinner and charity auction supporting Ability Connection Texas was a delightful success! The intimate setting of the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus downtown combined with wonderful wine provided by Brenda and Clay Cockerell, Coquerel Family Wine Estates and delicious cuisine, was one of the must attend events in Dallas.

“Event chair couples Suzanne and Don Laidlaw and Christie and John Reniger, along with honorary chairs Sue and Bill Knudsen, President and CEO, Ability Connection Texas, greeted everyone at the VIP reception where hors d’oeuvres of pizzettes eggplant caviar, baby stuffed purple potatoes with caviar and sour cream and more accompanied a Le Petit Coquerel Sauvingnon Blanc, Napa Valley 2012 and the specialty drink of the evening, spiced appletinis.

Neva Hall, Inette Brown, Laurie-Jo Staty and Amy Hughes**

“Don and John welcomed the crowd, thanking Neiman Marcus for their longtime support, having hosted the event since its beginning seven years ago and especially Neva Hall and Marjon Henderson, for achieving excellence in every detail. The room was dazzling elegance as tables were dressed in mint satin cloths, topped with white hydrangeas and roses overflowing in their vases and silver service matching the silver and mint holiday wreaths and the Zodiac décor.

Meredith Woodworth and Katy Moore**

“Special recognition went to Meredith and Jack Woodworth for their major sponsorship and special thanks to the Ability Connection Texas team, including Mark Denzin, incoming President and CEO.
Brenda announced the wines for the evening, sharing the story behind the name of the dessert wine La Douce Revanche, meaning “sweet revenge.” In 2008 a frost killed the fruit and the Cockerells recreated it. And a very special surprise, she and Clay will donate 15% of each case of wine purchased that evening back to Ability Connection Texas.

“Jack Woodworth a member of the board, shared the news of Bill Knudsen leaving ACT, saying Bill has always been the clients’ best friend. During his ten year tenure the number of people served has increased 640%. For the past 25 years, he has put clients and their families first.

Bill Knudsen**

“Bill took the stage, saying he had to put on his reading glasses – huge clown glasses and a red rubber nose and toasted the crowd to cheers! With heartfelt gratitude, he recognized current and past board members and ended saying, “On behalf of everyone we serve, you are the wind beneath their wings,” to a standing ovation.

“Mark thanked Bill saying for the past seven and-a-half years he has helped him to grow and be ready for the next step in his life. Clients served have grown from 200 to 1,500 each day and ACT is now regional in four states with 2.4 million hours provided by the ACT team.

“Jay, a client who resides in Jubilee House, told how since he moved there, this is his first time to be independent and through the Impact program, he grows each day, ending with an enthusiastic, ‘It’s a wonderful place.’

“Neiman Marcus Corporate Director and Chef Anita Hirsch and Zodiac Executive Chef David Crow served a fabulous gourmet three course dinner and as the name suggests, luscious wines. A Terrior Coquerel Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2011 accompanied the first course of seared day boat scallops, parsnip puree, brussels sprouts leaves, apple and kohlrabi salad. Second course included grilled filet mignon, wild mushrooms and autumn vegetable succotash, potato gnocchi and a caramelized shallot demi-glace with a Coquerel La Petite Sirah, Napa Valley 2010. Topping it all off was a dessert of flourless chocolate cake and amaretto crème brulee gelato with a Coquerel La Douce Revanche, Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2009.

Hayden Hrncir and Kendall Jennings**

“The lights went up and Mike Sadler of Heritage Charity Auctions took the stage and began the exciting live auction as guests snapped up fabulous items including a Givenchy handbag, Brioni custom suit, U.S. Capitol trip, Parigi Prepared Evening, Cucinelli Shopping Spree, Kevin Garvin Personal Chef Experience, Custom Made Lukken Leather Boots and more.

“The mission of Ability Connection Texas is to provide a full range of services for people with physical and intellectual disabilities as they strive to achieve their highest level of independence. Whether advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, teaching the letters of the alphabet to a child with autism, or training an adult with a head injury to re-enter the workforce with the use of adaptive technology, Ability Connection Texas is the preeminent organization leading the way for people with any type of disability.

“As a regional health organization, Ability Connection Texas takes pride in its excellent stewardship of funds raised with 90 percent of contributions going directly to programs and services. The important work of Ability Connection is supported by tax-deductible contributions from individuals, companies and organizations.

Visit the website for more details about Ability Connection Texas and their mission at www.AbilityConnectionTexas.org”

* Photo credit: James Edward 
** Photo credit: Andy Keye and Whitney Keye

According to Young Women’s Preparatory Network Chief Program Officer Shareea Woods,

Shareea Woods*

“Our graduates are excited to come home this holiday season to share their college success stories with their families and Young Women’s Prep sisters. Many of our young women are the first in their families to attend college, and they are always eager come back to our campuses to share their inspirational stories at our alumnae receptions each January.

“This year, our wish is that you would help us celebrate our college students by providing them with care packages for the spring semester. They have embarked on an ambitious and challenging journey, and this small gesture will provide tremendous encouragement and a little taste of home as they push towards their goal of becoming college graduates! $25 will cover the cost of contents, packaging, and shipping for each care package.

Young Women’s Preparatory Network*

“You can also support the work of our organization by joining our Luminaries. Members of the Luminaries make an annual gift of $250 or more to further our mission to provide high-quality college-preparatory public education to young women across the state of Texas.

“You can provide donations and join the luminaries by vising our website. Please contact me at swoods@ywprep.org if you have any questions.”

 -Shareea Woods, Young Women’s Preparatory Network Chief Program Officer

* Photos provided by Young Women’s Preparatory Network

According to Children’s Medical Center Foundation Senior Vice President Cyndi Bassel,

“In the past, many patients in need of a furry visit were not reached due to the limited time pet-assisted therapy was available. Now, however, specially trained dogs are lifting the spirits of patients, families, visitors and staff to create a positive healing environment on a full-time basis.

Patient Halloween Carnival pooch*

“THE NEED IS STILL GREAT.

“While Children’s Medical Center is the seventh-largest pediatric health care provider in the country, it currently falls behind its peers in this important pet-assisted therapy. Our new program is a start, but more help is needed to sustain it in perpetuity. With additional philanthropic support, our goal is to build a $5 million endowment that will ensure in perpetuity a full-service program for future patients.

“Research has shown that pet-assisted therapy triggers a positive mood change and contributes to the overall healing of the patient. To build our pet-assisted therapy program, we need your help. Your contribution will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission – to make life better for children.”

-Cyndi Bassel, Children’s Medical Center Foundation Senior Vice President

* Photo provided by Children’s Medical Center Foundation

According to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ CEO/President Jennifer Sampson,

Jennifer Sampson and Hilton Sampson*

“During the holiday season, all of us at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas are mindful of the power of our community’s generous support. You see, we’re on a mission to change lives forever in North Texas. Yes, it’s an incredibly big statement. But it’s one that we are making a reality. Together with our committed partners we have had a profound effect in changing the lives of 600,000 North Texans this year.

“We’re tackling tough issues that make a lasting difference and create opportunities for greatness – like graduating college and preparing career-ready teens; helping folks find jobs and keep more of what they earn; enabling access to quality health care; and ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home.

Unite Forever Gala*

“And, behind all our work, there are people like you who get involved in big and small – but always significant – ways to ensure a better future for our families and our communities.

“To say ‘thank you’, incredible organizations in our community are sponsoring an unprecedented celebration of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ 90 years of service. My wish is that all of Dallas would join us for the 90th Anniversary Celebration, presented by AT&T. You can learn more here.

“Until then, I wish you great joy of the season, and a very happy and healthy New Year!”

-Jennifer Sampson, CEO and President, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

* Photo and graphic provided by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

According to The Senior Source’s President/CEO Molly Bogen,

Molly Bogen*

“The Senior Source works to provide life-changing services for older adults in the greater Dallas area at all income levels from the most active to the very frail.

Our wish is that you could see for yourself what “life-changing” looks like to those we serve. For example…

• “To the project manager who finds herself at age 52 out of work for the first time in her career and struggling to navigate a dramatically new job-search environment, it is having her confidence restored through assistance from our employment professionals with conducting an effective job search, updating her resume and LinkedIn profile, and learning new interviewing tips.
• “To the 84-year-old caring for both a terminally ill wife and a severely disabled daughter with no one to help ease the burden, it is receiving respite services from a Senior Companion so that he can run errands, go to the grocery store and medical appointments and get some much-needed rest.
• “To the retired couple hit hard by the recession who is having a hard time making ends meet, it is being connected to community resources by our eldercare specialists that can help with desperately needed home repairs, questions about Medicare and Medicaid and mounting utility bills.

The Senior Source*

“As this year comes to an end and we reflect on our many blessings, we hope you will help us ensure that the older adults in our community who have given us so much are able to spend their final years with the peace of mind and quality of life they so rightly deserve.

“To learn more about why The Senior Source is the best thing about aging in Dallas, and how you can offer your support, visit www.theseniorsource.org or call 214.823.5700, ext. 6156.”

-Molly Bogen, The Senior Source President/CEO

* Photo and graphic provided by The Senior Source

Michal Powell’s Christmas gift came early. The 2015 Crystal Charity Ball chair thought she was just going to the Dallas Country Club for dinner on Tuesday, December 2, with husband Loyd. No big deal. But then she walked into a private dining room and discovered 22 very close friends and family including Baylor Health Care System CEO Joel Allison and Baylor Health Care System Foundation President Robin Robinson.

Loyd and Michal Powell (File photo)

The occasion? More about that later. First a little history.

It seems that a couple of years ago, CCB received an application to provide funding for North Texas babies diagnosed with spina bifida to have surgery while in-utero. It was an amazing operation available in Houston but not North Texas, forcing mothers to relocate for surgery and post-op monitoring. This meant mothers were separated from their husbands and their families in most cases for weeks and possibly months.

However, Dr. Kevin Magee and his Fetal Care Center at Baylor were on the brink of providing a breathtaking procedure. It had the baby no-bigger-than-a-Barbie-Doll being literally taken out of the womb and a pediatric surgeon sealing the spine’s opening.

Unfortunately, because of so many requests, this one just didn’t make the CCB cut.

It was during her volunteer work at Camp John Marc that Michal witnessed how devastating the birth defect was and how the surgery could truly make a dramatic difference in the children’s lives and those of their families. No, none of Michal’s family had suffered from the disease, but that didn’t matter. She wanted to do more. Husband Loyd understood and deeply appreciated his wife’s personal and emotional involvement. But what could he do? He was an oilman, not a doctor. So, he reached out to Joel and Robin for a solution.

Back to the Dallas Country Club. The real reason for the get-together was to tell Michal that Loyd had made “two nice gifts” to make the surgeries possible at Baylor. There were no photographers to capture the tears, surprise and embraces. Cameras weren’t necessary because no one present would ever forget the reactions of all in the room.

It was truly the kind of gift that reflects the season. Loyd gave Michal the gift that allowed her to provide others with life-changing happiness. Better than “The Gift of the Magi.”

It was a grand year as North Texas settled into feeling downright comfy with former new kids on the block (Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Perot Museum, Klyde Warren Park, George W. Bush Center). But more than edifices settling in took place. While weddings were celebrated with cheers, marriages that had run their course were regretted with tears. Newcomers like Toyota were more than welcomed to the hood, others like Contact were tearfully bid farewell with a thank you for all they had contributed.

After 2013 when North Texas acknowledged a tragedy of 50 years ago, it was once again thrown into the international spotlight that no one wanted. City, county and private officials were confronted with a damning healthcare challenge called Ebola. Despite confusion and fear, they handled it with determination, compassion and eventual success.

Babies boomed and so did centenarians like Ebby Halliday Acers and Margaret McDermott.

Ebby Halliday (File photo)

Margaret McDermott (File photo)

Yes, 2014 was a year indeed. Still while one can’t help but wonder what future leaders were born this year, it is with sorrow that we lost too many like:

Mary Jo Vaughn Rauscher (File photo)

Dr. Cliff Jones (File photo)

Margaret Crow (File photo)

Ted Strauss (File photo)

• Nona Barrett
• O. Paul Corley
• Margaret Doggett Crow
• Frank X. Cuellar Jr.
• Thomas Eric Duncan
• Patricia “Patty” Haggar
• Nancy Holmes
• Doug Horn
• Ken Hughes
• Dr. Cliff Jones
• Brandy Moore Ratchford
• Mary Jo Vaughn Rauscher
• Robert “Bob” Strauss
• Theodore “Ted” Strauss
• Scott Tanksley

We are a better community for what each of these people taught us through their example and their lives.

While some were having holiday lunches and others were shopping for perfect gifts, the members of the Baylor Health Care System Foundation board gathered at the T. Boone Pickens Cancer Hospital on Tuesday, December 9, for a recap of the past, a look at the future and to learn about a disease that is growing in numbers.

Jill Smith

Alan Engstrom

Sarah Losinger

Lisa Shardon

Marti Carlin

Joe Staley

The tables in the room were so filled with folks like Alan Engstrom, Marti Carlin, Jill Smith, Annette Simmons, Barry Andrews, Lisa Sharon, Laree Hulshoff, Karen Key, Pierce Allman, Dee Simmons, Leonard Riggs Jr., Trisha Wilson, Nancy Dedman, Sara Losinger, Joe Staley, Alicia Landry, Lue Taff, Norm Lofgren, Richard Bernstein, Terry Conner and Richard Eiseman, that some folks had to be seated in single chairs at the back of the room. According to Board Chair Margo Goodwin, the attendance was 30% more than years past and she suspected it was due to the topic — Baylor’s Memory Center’s involvement with Alzheimer’s.

Margo Goodwin

But before the discussion took place, Margo reported on some of the past fundraising events for the Foundation including the walloping $2.4M raised at the recent Celebrating Women co-chaired by Lisa Longino and Daffan Nettle. Margo announced that Nancy Carter would be chairing the 2015 luncheon and she was probably already “dreaming and scheming for next year’s lunch.”

She also pointed out that Lue Taff of The Senior Source was at the luncheon, due to Baylor’s relationship with The Senior Source and the day’s topic.

Richard Eiseman and Robin Robinson

Following the invocation by Glenn Callison, Foundation President Robin Robinson welcomed the guests and revealed that Baylor Health Care System and Baylor Scott & White Health CEO Joel Allison had been selected as CEO of the Years by his peers.

He then introduced a new event that would be taking place on Wednesday, March 4 — “Cancer Blows.” To explain the background of the event, Robin invited to the podium Dallas Symphony Orchestra Principle Trumpet player Ryan Anthony, who told of his life-threatening experience with multiple myeloma and working with Baylor in his treatments.

D’Andra Simmons Lock

In concluding his remarks, Ryan asked Event Co-Chair D’Andra Simmons to join him at the podium. She told the guests that when she was first approached about chairing with her husband Jeremy the Baylor Health Care System Foundation and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation fundraiser, she said she was just so busy. But upon meeting Ryan and his wife Niki and learning of their experience, they signed up with a vengeance.

Looking throughout the room, D’Andra made no bones about the fact that she would be placing calls to the people present to support “Cancer Blows” — “You know I’m persistent, so please don’t hang up on my call.” It’s very personal with D’Andra for the additional fact that she is the only one in her family who has not had cancer.

Ryan Anthony

As a perk, Ryan entertained the guests with a mini-concert. His fingers moved so quickly and effortlessly on the valves making the trumpet almost seem to become an exquisite singing voice. For one tune, Ryan picked up a coffee cup and used it as a mute. Accompanying Ryan was his longtime collaborator, pianist Gary Beard, who never faltered even when Ryan had to replace a valve. Now, that’s teamwork.

After the selection, Robin introduced the subject of the day — Alzheimer’s and Baylor’s Memory Center.

First he told a brief history of the donor-driven Memory Center. Thanks to a conversation with AT&T’s Randall Stephenson, whose stepfather suffered from the disease, seed money was provided to establish the center that’s located at Park Lane and Central Expressway. The purpose of the center was to “help patients by evaluating their memory and determining if they have a memory disorder” and to assist them and their families throughout the developments.

The Center is currently handling 2,000 families a year with the need growing as people are living longer and longer.

Robin then introduced Dr. Claudia Padilla, who is completing her work in California and will soon take on the position of Medical Director of Research.

Claudia admitted that there is presently no cure for Alzheimer’s and efforts are focused on slowing its progress. She added that detecting it earlier helps in the chance of curbing it.

With the help of slides, she provided a brief explanation of what the scientific community knew about Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

Joining Claudia and Robin for a brief panel discussion were the Center’s neuropsychologist Dr. Eric Smernoff and medical director Dr. Cindy Marshall.

Eric explained the steps that a patient went through in his/her diagnosis including:

1. A 1-2 hour interview is held gathering background information on the patient
2. A 2-3 hour testing of thinking ability, problem solving, language, etc. is held. In some cases of more difficult cases, the testing may last 6-7 hours.
3. A hypothesis is created on the patient’s situation
4. An hour meeting is held with the patient and his/her family.
5. The findings are provided for the patient and referring physician
6. Recommendations can be provided on how to proceed.
7. A representative of the Alzheimer’s Association is made available for additional assistance.

If treatment is needed, the patient can seek help from Cindy and Claudia in dealing with symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s that might require drug therapy and/or holistic practices.

Taking questions from the audience, they answered that

• Referrals to the Center can be self-referrals or from primary-care physicians, etc.
• Being brain (i.e. doing crossword puzzles, staying socially active, etc.) and heart (i.e., working out) healthy are recommended.
• Creating a baseline study at an early age would be extremely healthy for everyone for use when any possible signs may develop.
• Medicare allows for self-referrals.
• The current wait time for an appointment for a test is about two months. According to Eric, they are seeing three times the number of patients “as we did when we opened. But the wait time hasn’t decreased” despite the addition of two more physicians because of the growing demands.
• The funding for cancer and HIV research and treatments still outweigh present funding for Alzheimer’s.
• Parkinson’s patients tent to develop a form of dementia.
• The neuropsychological testing can help determine what type of dementia may be developing.

But it wasn’t all serious talk with these Baylor fundraisers. From the back of the room, one guest told the group that a woman friend recently told how her husband said that if she ever developed Alzheimer’s, nobody would notice.

Laughter filled the room, but it was tempered with the fact that the disease is no laughing matter and Baylor’s plans call for it to become the leading force in treating it. So, it may take a couple of months to get your loved one or yourself tested, but it won’t take but a couple of minutes to help fund the effort.

According to Ruthie’s Food Trucks Owner/Founder Ashlee Hunt Kleinert,

Ashlee Hunt Kleinert*

“Ruthie’s Goal for 2015 is being able to highlight twelve amazing nonprofits by sharing their mission and developing engagement with our customers through our Ruthie’s Dozen Program. My inspiration was my grandmother. We are following her example as she was always helping others and creating awareness for important causes. Ruthie’s Dozen is a special award allowing us to give back to those who do so much for others!

“Our customers may become these nonprofits’ future donors, volunteers or may even need their services one day. Our goal for 2015 is for our community to know that Ruthie’s is a Food Truck with a Purpose! 

“Ruthie’s Dozen Features/Benefits:

• “Every morning, for one month, Ruthie’s will broadcast via social media on FaceBook and Twitter about the selected nonprofit and information they wish to share – who they serve, statistics or nuggets of information surrounding their cause, their greatest needs, etc. (nonprofit to provide daily posts).
• “Ruthie’s will provide a weekly social media post to put on winner’s respective website regarding the Ruthie’s Dozen award. This will create awareness about the Ruthie’s Dozen honor and tell fans how they can support the initiative.
• “Each nonprofit will want to shout this information from the rooftop and ask their supporters to dine at Ruthie’s during their special month. WHY? Because Ruthie’s will donate 10% of its net profits that month. In addition, Ruthie’s will roll to the winning nonprofit’s facility one day that month and treat their staff to lunch. Think of it as Ruthie’s way to say, “Here’s to you!”

“For questions regarding Ruthie’s Dozen or other nonprofit initiatives that Ruthie’s supports, please contact Kelly Bennett at kbennett@ruthiesrollingcafe.com.”

* Photo provided by Ruthie's Food Trucks

If the Crystal Charity Ball gals were missing today, there was a very good reason. They were hunkered down at Community Foundations of Texas and not for a tea party. It was perhaps one of the most important meetings held by the 100 members plus former chairs — the selection of the 2015 beneficiaries.

After final presentations were made by the children’s nonprofit finalists, the vote was taken and the following groups will benefit from the funds raised by the December 5 gala:

• Catholic Charities of Dallas
• Dallas Children’s Theater
• Dallas Life
• Dallas Services
• Family Compass
• Foundation for the Callier Center & Communication Disorders
• H.I.S. Bridgebuilders
• Interfaith Housing Coalition
• Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center
• North Texas Food Bank
• Texas Health Resources Foundation

Theatre Three’s Jac Alder has mastered the stage for decades. But no one could blame him if he nearly missed his cue Monday, January 26. After all he had just received an envelope containing $30,000.

Jac Alder and Ken Villalovos

It was all a part of the TACA grant distribution of $1.3M at The Wyly.

Each of the 47 recipients had been told by emcee Ken Travis about the presentation protocol — “When your group’s name is called, come to the stage via the steps stage right, receive your check, pose for a photo and leave the way you came.”

Like obedient schoolchildren, dozens of folks followed orders. But Jac in his eagerness to get back to his seat in the crowded room, skipped the photo opp. That was until he was called back up the steps for a quickie with Ken Villalovos.

Arlington Jones and Donna Wilhelm

The only other oop’s was Kristen and Ladd Sanger being MIA to present checks for the musical ensemble groups. Despite having their names called out a couple of times, the couple evidently was not on hand. No problem. Incoming TACA Chairman of the Board Donna Wilhelm moved right in with a handful of envelopes.

Needless to say, the auditorium was filled with applause, smiles and cheers from the crowd of more than 300 people.

But there was more than the annual check handing out that resulted in happy faces.

Presenting sponsor Bank of Texas’ Bob White recalled the early days, when they presented checks for $300-400K in the 1990’s and thought it was a big deal.

Patricia McGregor

The guest speaker was Patricia McGregor, who was directing “Stagger Lee,” a “work partially with support from the TACA Donna Wilhelm Family New Works Fund,” at the Dallas Theater Center. She explained the importance of art within her life — “Why I’m an artist: because my work will make the world a better place for my son.”

Lauren Embrey and Megan Bowdon

After the presentation of the checks to the art groups and the collaborative groups, Donna announced the creation of the TACA Bowdon and Embrey Family Foundations Artist Residency Fund, providing an additional $100,000 per year in TACA funding for at least three years. Lauren Embrey and Megan Bowdon explained the importance of providing new artists an opportunity.

According to Lauren, “We are honored to have this fund sit beside the Donna Wilhelm Family New Works Fund as TACA’s second artistic excellence grant fund. And we thank you all for the future great work that this fund will enable you to do for North Texas.”

The announcement was greeted with still more applause, cheers and really happy faces.

For photos of all the check hand overs, they’re on MySweetCharity Photo Gallery!

KIPP:DFW*

It’s always great when family foundations support a nonprofit. This morning has started off in a truly great way. Three outstanding foundations — Simmons Family Foundation, Hamon Charitable Foundation and The Rees-Jones Foundation — are going to provide funding for KIPP Dallas-Fort Worth (KIPP DFW) and its efforts to improve education in South Dallas. The monies will “allow the organization to progress on its plan to expand to a total of 10 schools educating Pre-K – 12^th grade students in southern Dallas by 2020.”

Follow the jump for the official release and to learn about the $23M campaign that KIPP DFW has undertaken to “provide high-quality education options to the students and families of southern Dallas.”

* Graphic provided by KIPP DFW

FOUNDATIONS INVEST NEARLY $2.5 MILLION IN SOUTHERN DALLAS SCHOOL CHOICE

New funding allows KIPP Dallas-Fort Worth to open two new schools in 2015-2016 school year within larger plan to serve 5,000 students in the next few years

DALLAS, TX – February 10, 2015 – KIPP Dallas-Fort Worth (KIPP DFW) announced today new funding from Simmons Family Foundation, Hamon Charitable Foundation and The Rees-Jones Foundation that will allow the organization to progress on its plan to expand to a total of 10 schools educating Pre-K – 12^th grade students in southern Dallas by 2020. KIPP DFW feels a sense of urgency to provide high-quality education options to the students and families of southern Dallas. Currently conducting a 23 million dollar campaign, KIPP DFW will expand to 10 campuses by 2020, serving 5,000 students when fully enrolled.

“Philanthropic support from the community has been central to the growth of KIPP DFW and our goal to provide more high-quality classroom seats in southern Dallas,” said KIPP DFW Executive Director Quinton Vance. “Two new schools will enable us to nearly double the amount of students we are educating by the start of the new school year.”

“Philanthropic support from the community has been central to the growth of KIPP DFW and our goal to provide more high-quality classroom seats in southern Dallas,” said KIPP DFW Executive Director Quinton Vance. “Two new schools will enable us to nearly double the amount of students we are educating by the start of the new school year.”

Simmons Family Foundation announced they have awarded a two-year, $1 million grant to support the growth of KIPP DFW’s high-performing charter school network. Simmons Family Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life of all members of the Dallas community. The foundation supports programs that promote human dignity, a safe and enriching environment, and comprehensive support systems for individuals, children, and families.

“The Simmons Family Foundation is excited to see KIPP expanding in our area, after establishing its roots here for the past 11 years,” said Serena Simmons Connelly, Simmons Family Foundation Director of Philanthropy.  “It was an easy decision to invest in KIPP’s proven track record of success with children, especially in the least-served areas of southern Dallas.”

For the second year in a row, KIPP DFW also received a significant contribution from the Hamon Charitable Foundation. The $750,000 will be used to fuel KIPP DFW’s expansion plan. The Hamon Charitable Foundation has been an influential philanthropic leader in Dallas for several decades, giving meaningful contributions to educational, social and medical causes.

“The Hamon Charitable Foundation recognizes the need for quality primary education in Dallas County, particularly in the southern sector,” said Kelly Roach, president of the Hamon Charitable Foundation. “The latest pledge represents our continued confidence in KIPP and its mission to provide enhanced educational opportunities and choices for the students of the area.”

The Rees-Jones Foundation announced they have awarded a three-year, $725,000 grant to support KIPP DFW’s character-focused education. The Rees-Jones Foundation is passionate about leveraging their resources to achieve life-transforming outcomes and to foster a community of resilient youth and families.

“We are inspired by KIPP’s commitment to teach children life lessons that will not only enhance academic performance but also build character,” said Thornton Hardie, President of The Rees-Jones Foundation.  “KIPP teachers do more than instruct; they model strong character and by seeing what it looks like in their teachers, students learn the benefits of hard work, persistence, resilience, integrity, personal responsibility, the pursuit of excellence, and leadership through service and compassion.”

“The generosity of the Hamon Charitable Foundation, Simmons Family Foundation and The Rees-Jones Foundation is monumental for the future of southern Dallas,” said Peter Brodsky, KIPP DFW Board Chair. “These investments allow KIPP DFW to play a crucial role in providing the next generation of southern Dallas with the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to succeed in life, and ultimately catalyzing systemic change in southern Dallas through education.”

About KIPP DFW

KIPP DFW is part of the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP), a national network of 162 free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools serving more than 59,000 students in 20 states and the District of Columbia. KIPP DFW is currently comprised of two public charter schools serving elementary and middle school students within its charter area of 16 zip codes in the southern Dallas region. With high expectations for students and an extended school day and year, KIPP DFW builds a partnership among parents, students, and teachers that puts learning first and helps students achieve choice-filled lives. For more information, visit www.kippdfw.org.

Forget that morning “wake-up” coffee. The Rees-Jones Foundation is providing the perfect way to start the day for a second day in a row! It’s been revealed that the Foundation has provided a $2M-grant for the creation of the Canine Companions for Independence at Baylor, Scott & White Health Kinkeade Campus in partnership with Baylor Scott & White Health. With the help of philanthropy, Baylor will take care of the $9M costs of building and maintaining the facility, while Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) will be responsible for the day-in-day-out management.

Canine Companions for Independence at Baylor, Scott & White Health Kinkeade Campus*

Considered the country’s leading source of service dogs, the CCI started back in 1975 and thanks to Jean Schulz and her late husband/cartoonist Charles “Papa of Snoopy” Schulz, it has flourished bringing together “exceptional dogs with exceptional people.” The program is an intense…no, make that extremely intense program for both canines and humans. But the results literally change the lives of men and women, both physically and emotionally.

With Jan Rees-Jones seated at a table, the packed room of community leaders and philanthropists at the Baylor Health Care System Foundation Board luncheon Tuesday had no idea the announcement was going to be made. Instead they were prepared to learn about this remarkable, life-changing program that would serve as the CCI South Central Region encompassing all of Texas.

Rue

Designed by T Howard and Associates, the center will provide the ideal facilities for the training of specially bred dogs like Rue and preparing the human/canine teams for their lives together. It will have 24 kennels and between six and eight dormitory rooms that are especially designed for humans with cognitive and physical challenges. According to CCI, the ultimate goal is to graduate 60 teams a year.

While some folks may think 60 doesn’t seem like a huge number, realize that last year CCI produced 289 partnerships. The next largest provider of service animals resulted in around 50 teams last year.

To show its appreciation for the Rees-Jones Foundation’s gift, Baylor Health Care System Foundation President Robin Robinson announced that the center would be called The Jan Rees-Jones Canine Center.

Located in Irving and slated to open this summer, the center is the first partnership between CCI and a health care institution.

Thanks to the Rees-Jones Foundation, the Baylor Scott & White folks and other philanthropists, this landmark could be just the beginning of future CCI/healthcare groups working together for the betterment and wellbeing of people in need.

More deets will follow in the days ahead, but did want you to start your day off with great news. If you want to know firsthand how CCI has made a life-changing difference in the lives of disabled humans, watch the video of retired-Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan, who brought tears to the eyes of those present, while his “canine companion” Rue lay by his side. He laughed that she was probably a bit weary hearing his story.

BTW, they’re signing up volunteers for the program and still welcoming donations that will benefit the Kinkeade Campus.

* Graphic provided by Baylor Health Care System Foundation

Mike Myers is a Dallas entrepreneur and philanthropist. And much to the delight of Parkland’s Dr. David Krause, Mike is $5M lighter.

Mike Myers and David Krause*

This afternoon it was revealed that David’s wish to raise the final millions for the “I Stand for Parkland” $150M campaign was granted thanks to Mike with his $5M gift.

While the media announcement was made in the lobby of the still-under-construction lobby at Parkland, the leadership, like Lyda Hill, Ruth Altshuler and Caren Prothro,  learned the news last night at a dinner.

Fundraising Co-Chairs Nancy Strauss Halbreich and Don Glendenning are still gasping with relief over the Myers moo-lah help for this incredibly needed effort. But Don doesn’t have time to rest. He’s got to work on his acceptance speech for the TACA Silver Cup. Ironically, the Silver Cup award was created by Nancy’s mom, the late Mayor Annette Strauss.

Congrats to the volunteers and staff of “I Stand for Parkland.” You done good.

* Photo credit: James Edwards

There was a lot of hoopin’ and hollerin’ taking place at AT&T Cowboys Stadium for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ Unite Forever Gala. UWMD CEO Jennifer Sampson‘s damn-the-torpedoes-full-speed-ahead effort paid off!

Jennifer Sampson, Charlotte Jones Anderson and Brian Gallagher

With the likes of Bushes, Perots, Joneses, Dedmans, Stabauchs, Aikman (and his cute date), Hunts and Forbes 500-type CEO’s in the crowd, success was guaranteed.

The crowds at “Unite Forever Gala”

Doing all the singing on stage were croonin’ Blake Shelton and singer/dancer Usher.

Blake Shelton

Usher and dancer

But with 20,000 in the stands and 1,400 wining and dining on a multi-terraced dining room on the field, you just know that there were a herd of hifalutin types in the crowd.

While the post is being prepared, enjoy the faces that partied hardy on Friday, February 6, at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas CEO Jennifer Sampson’s past year and more have been spent putting together the 90^th anniversary celebration of the organization. With the energy of a cheerleader, the positive attitude of a Zig Ziglar grad and the determination of a woman on a mission, the tall blonde negotiated with top-notch corporate CEO’s to come on board.

Her efforts would culminate at AT&T Cowboys Stadium with an event worthy of the 90 years of services provided to North Texas by the organization. Over the months leading up to the extravaganza, announcements were made raising the anticipation. Troy Aikman and Charlotte Jones Anderson were going to co-chair the event. Former First Couple Laura and George W. Bush would be honorary co-chairs. NBC-TV judges/entertainers Blake Shelton and Usher would be the headliners on stage.

Why, just the parties leading up to the biggie became the talk around town. There was the Evening Under the Stars private dinner at Charlotte’s place with Christopher Cross performing. The host committee kick-off at Cameron and Clay’s estate had Dallas Cowboys and CEO’s schmoozing like they were old pals. Top CEO’s were pumped about which parts of the project that they were sponsoring as Sister Hazel entertained the crowd that spilled outside.

As the weeks neared, the question was raised about ticket prices. The answer was sorta wiggly. Tickets were not available via the usual route. Instead, donations would open “the way to the 90^th anniversary way.” Evidently, a lot of donors.

Jennifer Sampson, Charlotte Jones Anderson and Brian Gallagher

The big night came and so did the thousands. At an  underground VIP entrance, the majority of the 1,400 arrived to valet parking and were ushered into the Bank of America reception. It was a great old time with Troy, Charlotte and Jennifer being photographed in various combinations with the likes of United Way Worldwide President/CEO Brian Gallagher and others. Charlotte had changed from her bright red dress that she wore in the Go Red for Women presentation to a great looking black dress.

Richard and Kathy Holt and Barbara and Ralph Babb

Over on the dance floor bankers like Bank of America’s Richard Holt and Comerica’s Ralph Babb were putting aside financial differences and partying with their pretty ladies… Gillian Breidenbach revealed that her date for the DIFFA Gala was going to be “married fella” Todd Fiscus.

Scott and Carole Murray and Darren Woodson

Darren Woodsen was keeping company with Carole and Scott Murray… Caren and Pete Kline had provided a lift for pal Pam Perella, while Perella husband Vin was on his way from the airport after a trip to Florida. Oh, he texted that he was on the premises. Ain’t it great how you can keep track of spouses?… Preston Pearson was looking pretty hunky in his black cowboy hat and chains while talking with Brad “Voice of the Dallas Cowboys” Sham.

Su-Su and Jerry Meyer and Nancy Dedman

As former Dallas Cowboy Charles Haley was hustled through the growing crowd, Nancy Dedman was getting smooched on the cheek from friends as she arrived with pals Su-Su and Jerry Meyer. When a bystander commented that Nancy looked great, Jerry immediately retorted, “She never ages.”… As the moments of the reception waned, some heavy hitters appeared like Marianne and Roger Staubach.

No sooner had they appeared on the scene, than the call was made for the hifalutin types to head to the freight-like elevators to take them to the bowels of the stadium for a walk to the EY (Ernst & Young) red carpet tunnel.

There was the true dividing of the peeps. On the left only the glory boys of Dallas Cowboy legends walked with a smattering of mega-high profilers like Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. On the right, the rest of the expensive donors were to walk against the  sponsor backdrop.

Tracy Ripsin

Oops, it seems that too many were strolling on the right as a part of the board tittered and tottered and caved in. The parade included all types including Linda and Bill Custard, Brent Christopher, Annika and Dennis Cail,  Cindy and Chuck Gummer, Troy’s gal pal Tracy Ripsin, Gina and Ken Betts with Tanya and Pete Foster, Cameron and Clay Smith, Debbie and Nickey Oates, Sheila and Jody Grant, Kelly Compton with Karen and Alan Katz, Kara and Ross Goss, Lynn and Allan McBee (he had just recently appeared in a non-singing role in the Dallas Opera’s “Everest”), Carolyn and David Miller, Olivia and Jeff Kearney and Lottye Brodsky with Bobby Lyle.

Kent Perkins and Ruth Buzzi

At another point, Ruth Buzzi was pointed out to the young photo wrangler. The wrangler shrugged as if she hadn’t a clue who “Laugh-In’s Gladys” was. Ah, shoot! The poor millennial wrangler probably didn’t know who Gilda Radner was. Oops, generational goof!

On the other side of the rope, the former Cowboys were being interviewed. Roger admitted, “I’m a Blake Shelton fan. I don’t dislike Usher, but I’m a big country-western guy.” Troy complimented the United Way operation saying, “I think what they’re doing with the community is awesome. Jennifer Sampson has done a great job, measuring the results. Hope this [concert] will help attract young people.”

Alas, this was a sign of the dividing of the generations. The baby boomers and Depression-era Darlings had loyally supported United Way over the decades, but the Gen X-ers and Millennials were rather new to the cause.

Sure, there was one elderly doyenne who sniffed that she felt a bit shunned after all of her years of emotional and financial support. But come on. The goal was to entice the next generation. Sacrifices have to be made.

Mike and Micki Rawlings

Gaby Gutierrez and Gunnar Rawlings

But back to the wrangler’s woes. She was waiting for Mayor Mike Rawlings. He was late in the lineup. Handlers were anxious trying to find him. Finally, he appeared with wife Micki, son Gunnar and his date Gaby Gutierrez. They whisked Mighty Mike off to an interview that appeared on the Jerry screen overhead.

“Unite Forever Gala” in A&T Cowboys Stadium

While the VIP’s gathered on the multi-terraced dining room, the stands filled. Oh, boy, did they fill. As cotton candy vendors walked up and down the aisles, the 20,000 or so watched the big buck buckeroos wine and dine with nary a care in the world. As one area fundraiser said, “This looks like a target-rich environment,” as s/he hustled off to press some flesh.

Royce West and Dan Branch

Okay, so maybe it was a little tight getting through the back-to-back chairs, but who knew. You just might back up to Pat and Emmitt Smith or TV types like Ron Corning? Former State Rep. Dan Branch looked very relaxed catching up with state Sen. Royce West.

The terraces including the lounge area built by the Fiscus team were strategically situated on the other side of the pit fronting the stage, where the Young Leaders Society was partying. Thanks to its placement, there was no chance of the pit crowd blocking the view of the big spenders when the show got underway around 7:55 with all the hoop-la of a Cirque de Soleil on uppers. Drums, trumpets, tubas, trombones and French horns announced the beginning of the festivities. On the side of the stage, fire cannons blasted. A video rolled on the drive-in-movie-sized screens on either side of the stage and on the video screens overhead featuring United Way loyalists like Lyda Hill, Ruth Altshuler and Caroline Rose Hunt. In the flesh, Charlotte and Troy arrived on stage saying the evening was being presented by AT&T and recognized area officials.

In an exchange of levity, a video appeared showing a faux “Voice” audition by Troy. As Usher and Sheldon were seen grimacing in their judge seats, Troy crooned on bravely. Finally, Jerry Jones popped up on the screen telling his former quarterback not to quit his day job.

On the screen appeared AT&T’s Randall Stephenson, who apologized that he couldn’t be present and announced the key CEO’s who had been involved in the production. One guest asked his tablemate, “Do you think he really exists? Or, is he just a CEO ‘S1m0ne‘?” The dinner companion answered, “Ask Holly Reed.”

No sooner had the CEO’s been seen on stage looking like regular-type guys waving to the crowds, than former Dallas Cowboy Darren Woodson was seen standing in the bleachers with mic in hand to introduce the part of the program about the 9 [Cowboys] for 90. Breaking from script, he ad-libbed to the lady seated next to him, “Tonya, did you grab my butt?” and laughed.

Troy Aikman, Tony Dorsett, Ed Jones, Preston Pearson, Emmitt Smith, Roger Staubach, Darren Woodson and Daryl Johnston

Next the former Dallas Cowboys (Troy, Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, Preston Pearson, Daryl Johnston, Darren Woodson and Ed “Too Tall Jones), who had been involved with the year-long “9 for 90″ project, entered the stage through a gauntlet of Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. If an applause meter had been in operation, Emmitt would have scored the most points.

The only oops of the night came when it was announced that Roger and Dallas Cowboys First Lady Gene Jones would be on stage. Roger, who had just been on stage with the Dallas Cowboys legends, returned to the stage and looked a bit like he was looking for a receiver. He went left and right and no Gene. Then magically, she appeared from the sidelines with a smile to a relieved Staubach.

Just as all seemed right with the world, Gene started talking but ears strained to hear the shy one of the Jones family. It seems that she was holding her mic at waist level. Roger pulled a quarterback sneak and wrapped his arm around her shoulders bringing her close enough for his lavalier mic to cover for her. Then he smoothly took her hand mic and worked it between the two of them. The guy still has the moves to save the day!

Still, Gene revealed that the Dodger wasn’t her fav quarterback: “People ask me why Troy is my favorite? Because he’s won three Super Bowls. We love those Super Bowls. We want more!” “Now!” yelled someone in audience.

Eyes returned to the screens, where Bush clan matriarch Barbara Bush appeared wishing Ruth Altshuler a happy birthday: “Ruth, you make it clear to all of us that 90 is the new 40.”

Next up were the Bushettes — Laura Bush and her daughter Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager. The twins teased their mom about her musical preferences, but Laura held her own. On a serious note, Laura revealed that Lyda Hill had issued a challenge match of matching donations that night up to $1M. She added that guests could text to win the chance to sit in a suite with Roger during the 2015 Cowboys season.

Blake Shelton

With no further ado, Blake appeared on stage singing “It’s All About Tonight” and “I like Doin’ What She Likes.” The country western crooner sang a couple of songs and then focused on a couple in the pit. Talk about “The Match Game.” He did everything but offer to buy them a hotel room for the night. The crowd loved it.

Blake Shelton

At one point, he decided that it was only right to do a George Strait number and “All of My Exes Live In Texas” resulted. Folks started dancing and that could have been enough, but then Usher and his troupe took over.

Usher

Talk about East meets West, Usher went to the other extreme. The fire canon went wild. He and his team filled the stage with singing, dancing and wonderment. With sweat pouring out like the White Rock spillway, Usher was a combination of Michael Jackson and the Energizer Bunny Rabbit. Royce commented, “That’s a lot of energy, right there!”

Usher

In between songs, Usher told the audience, “Our efforts are definitely achievable when we come together. Usher and Blake Shelton on the same stage? Could only happen in Cowboys Stadium!”

He complimented Blake’s music for having emotion in it. Shelton joined Usher on stage for a duet. It was amazing to old timer and youngster how the hip hopper and the country-western singer sounded right at home together. Blake showed that his only hip dance move was an itty-bitty moonwalk and complained that Usher had brought “all these freaking dancers.” But that complaint lasted only a couple of seconds as Blake was surrounded by Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Usher left Blake and the girls to do their thang.

After singing, “Hillbilly Bone,” Blake said, “I love performing country and western music in Texas. I feel stupid cuz I felt like I left somebody out.” Recalling his earlier days, he donned a cowboy hat with long hair extensions and sang, “Some Beach, Some Where.”

Afterward he told the thousands, “I think we screwed up tonight. We should have televised this concert tonight!”

Blake asked the crowd to hoist their cellphones in the air and the stadium lit up like a birthday cake, but there were far more than 90 candles on this cake. One could have said the place “was lit.” With Usher once again joining him, together they sang Blake’s slow ballad song, “Home.”

To the surprise of many including some in-the-know-types, the two singers were then joined on stage by the event’s key players to sing, “With a Little Help From My Friends.”

By this time, the generations had largely headed in their own directions. The elders and boomers headed back home, while the VIP Gen X-ers and Millennials continued the celebration at an after-party with DJ Lucy Wrubel handling the good vibes.

It will be interesting to see what Jennifer has planned for the 100th anniversary. It’s only 10 years away.

For more photos of the peeps who were part of this mega-extravaganza, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

“Girls in white dresses,” or at least that’s how the song goes in “The Sound of Music.” But evidently Julie Andrews and the Alps have never experienced the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Deb Presentation.

2015 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutante Ball presentation

This year’s ultra-formal affair took place on Saturday, February 7, at the Meyerson with all mega fanfare. Once again the DSOL debs outdid the wimpy debs of the world by accomplishing the legendary Texas dip without smearing one touch of lipstick on their skirts.

Arianna Allen

Okay, so there were a couple of itty-bitty oops, but the swans in their magnificent gowns with dad and escorts in white ties and tails overcame any question of teenie-weenie improprieties.

And, shoot! The family and friends were darn good looking, too!

Savannah Troutt and Lisa Troutt

Aileen and Jack Pratt

Emma Allen and Fariba Allen

While the post is being prepared, sit back and take in the glorious gowns and the fabulous fanfare of 40 ladies bowing to their family and friends at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Maybe it was the glorious weather. Or, perhaps it was that golden moon hovering over the Meyerson. But the annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Deb Ball seemed to relax past stringent rules on Saturday, February 7.

Before the first wave of guests gathered in the Meyerson’s lower lobby, the 40 debs in magnificent white ballgowns with long gloves were posing with their escorts in white tie and tail for a group photo on the steps leading to the McDermott Concert Hall. After the prim and proper photo was taken, the group broke up with some posing for cellphone photos and others just relaxing. Not to sound way too corny, but the cluster of girls in white dresses “chilling” on the staircase looked positively dreamy. This collection of gowns was just slightly spectacular. But the signal was given and the debs disappeared backstage following the tradition that the debs and their dresses are formally presented to “the world” on stage and not before.

Debs heading backstage

Ah, but protocol doesn’t always fit with a girl’s plans. As guests started arriving, the Meyerson’s downstairs lobby filled with men in tuxedos and tails and ladies of all ages in fabulous gowns. Some of the designer frocks were shimmering; some were jewel-colored. And, of course, the jewelry was remarkable. In the tapestry of colors, there was one that stood out to vet observers. It was a pretty young thing in a white ballgown with opera gloves. It was a deb. Glory be. To the newcomer, it was no biggie. But for the very proper types, it was right up there with a bride greeting guests at the church door before the wedding.

One vet raised her manicured eyebrow and summed it up, “Naughty, naughty.”

Still the deb stayed drinking water and having a male friend provide tidbits for munching. Mustn’t soil those white gloves, don’t you know.

But she was the only white swan seen in the cocktail reception. Another one scampered to a crowd on friends/family and then rushed back up the marble steps to be with the sisterhood.

Another eyecatcher was the young lady in the multi-colored evening gown who proved that even in formal attire one can walk across the lobby chewing an appetizer with mouth wide open.

Margaux Anbouba

Sarah Frazee and Claire McCormick

Stan and Sara Gardner

Mary Mitchell

Others in the crowd were Assembly President Claire McCormick in a gown by Sherri Hill and President-Elect Sarah Frazee in a dress from Tootsie’s; evening emcee Stan Gardner with his wife Sara Lee Gardner in a gold Chris Roth gown with matching wrap; mother-of-a-deb Mary Mitchell in a shimmering Giovanni with white shawl; deb little sis, 7-year-old Emma Allen spending time with Event Chair Venise Stuart in a red, hot Patti Flowers with added sparkles from Eiseman’s;  Aileen Pratt in a “vintage” Carolyne Roehm and husband Jack Pratt in Armani, of course; and former DSOL deb Margaux Anbouba in a black gown by Milly with a Christian Dior purse, Louboutin shoes and her mother’s Syrian jewelry.

Venise Stuart and Emma Allen

Aileen and Jack Pratt

As the Meyerson chimes alerted the guests to move upstairs for the presentation, some were a little surprised at the attendants who advised them that beverages were verboten in the hall.

Stan welcomed the tiers of guests and gently suggested that decorum should be kept in mind. Translation: No shouting, hollering, stomping, air horns, etc. This message seemed to be directed to some of the younger members of the crowd, who seemed to be visiting the Meyerson for the first time. The message got across to the majority. However, there were momentary breaks with cheers from deb buddies. One went on a little too long and was answered with sh-sh-es from parent-age types.

Another issue that developed was the problem of guests leaving the hall during the presentation. In some cases, when a deb and escort left the hall, some of their friends exited, too, to congratulate the twosome on a successful debut. The friends didn’t take it kindly when attendants told them there was no re-admittance. After a huffy complaint or two by returning guests, the staffers decided that it wasn’t worth a disturbance to abide by the rule and just let the returnees back in. Guess along with a program, organizers need to include rules for attending presentations.

As for the presentation itself, it went off without a hitch. Okay, there was that one time when the deb appeared high atop the stage and heard the wrong song being played. The music stopped and the right tune was played. Luckily, the deb didn’t flutter an eyelash and continued on.

Dixie Marshall

Brice and Cynthia Beaird and Lynn and Presley Mock

DSOL President Dixie Marshall and Venise thanked all involved in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra fundraiser including Cynthia Beaird, Sharon Ballew, Marena Gault and Sharon Popham. Honorary Co-Chairs Cynthia and Brice Beaird were presented. Then Stan returned to the podium to introduce the Assembly officers and Honor Guard officer. To the left side of the stage, three rows remained empty, while the rest of the seats were filled. Eventually those empty places would be filled by the presenting fathers, uncles and grandfathers.

Sharon Ballew and Marena Gault

Sharon Popham

Gracie Hayhurst

While all 40 swans (Arianna Allen, Ellie Allums, Kathryn Anderson, Emily Bearden, Ellen Beecherl, Madeline Beecherl, Sarah Bruyere, Anne Marie Bullington, Sissi Buss, Sarah Carlsen, Courtney Chavez, Ellen Crowe, Carolyn Cunningham, Mary Cole Daulton, Sydney Dunbar, Alex Ferrer, Brownlee Fielder, Caroline Frattaroli, Margaret Hardage, Gracie Hayhurst, Brookie Hewes, Lexie Hood, Camille Humphrey, Arielle Iola, Sarah Kline, Courtney Klingaman, Coco Kubicki, Olivia Lewis, Alexis Madormo, Meghan Mitchell, Abbey Mock, Lauren Newman, Brooke Oliver, Brittany Perry, Caroline Reece, Megan Reynolds, Mason Strickland, Tiffany Tubb, Hayley Waring and Sydney Wilkins) pulled off the step-down from the entrance stage to the main stage where they executed perfect Texas dips and then from the stage down to the hall’s floor, they weren’t off the hook yet. It was those tricky steps leading up from the hall to the hallway that proved a surprise challenge. Those dang, gorgeous expensive gowns that looked like glorious puffs of meringue didn’t mix with the steps. Some of the debs with bouquets in one hand and Honor Guard in the other discovered themselves in the dimly lit aisle stepping on the hems. Realizing the next step would probably take them down, they dropped the fellow, grabbed a hunk of the skirt and managed to climb the stairs.

After the last deb was presented, she and her escort swiftly moved to the back of the stage for the presentation of all 80 debs and escorts on stage.

2015 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutante Ball presentation

The next step in the evening was the first dance that was to take place in the Meyerson lobby on the dance floor between the debs and the senior men in their lives. While families and friends surrounded the dance floor and many of the younger crowd found spots along the balcony overhead, a pathway was cleared for the debs to make their way from the hall to the dance floor. Soon, a parade of debs and Honor Guard members were seen parading along the path. At the edge of the dance floor, the escorts peeled off and the debs sought their families to hugs, smiles and congratulations as photographers hustled to get photos. When all were reunited, the first dance of the night took place on a very crowded dance floor with moms smiling from the sidelines.

Meghan Mitchell

Sissi Buss

Arianna Allen and Ellie Allums

Alex Ferrer

Following the dance, guests settled down to dinner and more partying. The next morning the deb families would gather one last time for the Tears and Cheers brunch at the Fairmont’s Pyramid Room before heading back to the real life of jobs and schools. Those magnificent white gowns would go into storage.

For more photos of all the debs and many friends and families, check the MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Because the weather is challenging, the The Dallas Festival of Ideas organizers have just dropped all fees associated with today’s programming. It’s not because they’re rolling in dough. It’s because of “the generosity of our supporters.”

The Dallas Festival of Ideas*

They go on to report, “To join us for Beer and BBQ, it is $20 unless you are already a ticket holder. Starting Tuesday, we will be handling refunds.”

Ah, come on. Refunds? Really? The show is still going on and the organizers are doing all they can to provide the program without endangering the safety of others. Still the costs of flying experts in and facility rentals have to be paid. So, if you want to feel like a “generous supporter,” don’t bother asking for a refund.