The queen bees of Dallas charitable giving were definitely back like hummingbirds fluttering around nectar on Thursday, September 10. Their first sighting of the season was at the Dallas Country Club for the Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show’s Platinum Circle Dinner.
Spotlighting the 10 Best Dressed, who would presented on Friday, September 18, at Neiman Marcus Downtown, Hall of Famer Sarah Perot and Honorary Chair Ruth Altshuler were Johnny-on-the-spot at 6:30 for the group photo opp.
Unfortunately, those nasty little Internet trolls had prevented Janie Condon, Patty Leyendecker and Margaret Hancock from getting the note to arrive early for the photo.
Nancy Carlson, Annette Simmons, Ruth Altshuler, Nancy Dedman and Rachael Dedman
Barbara Babb
Claire Emanuelson
First on the scene just before the clock hit 6:30 were Pat and John Harloe, blonde Barbara (sporting bangs) Babb and husband hosting Comerica’s Ralph Babb and Ruth with husband Dr. Ken Altshuler, buddies/former Honorary Chairs Annette Simmons and Nancy Dedman and the ever-charming Brad Kelly.
Russ Davis and Erin Mathews
Lee Bailey and Dee Simmons
Bob Potter and Jack Jacobs
Nick Even and Lynn McBee
Soon most of the rest of the 10 arrived. 10 Bestie Katherine Coker arrived fresh from a Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala party at David Yurmin… The ladies weren’t the only fashion plates on the scene. Jack Jacobs and Steve Ivy sported Hermes ties…. And while on the Hermes subject, Barbara Daseke and Linda Ivy were talking about Hermes doing a band for the new Apple watch. Tick, tock, tick, tock… Former 10 Bestie Pat McEvoy’s love affair with her pooch, Santiago, had progressed. “Sonny” had really improved his understanding of how things needed to be in the McEvoy household… Robyn Conlon was showing off anniversary earrings that had been commissioned by husband Don Conlon…Speaking of jewelry, Erin Mathews was sporting an engagement ring that Russ Davis had presented her. No date is set yet, but stay tuned… Lee Ann White was soloing it, since husband Alan White was fly fishing with Jeremy Ford…Former Honorary Chair Gene Jones made a brief appearance. Had to get home to take care of husband Jerry, who had just had hip surgery…Luncheon Chair Mary Clare Finney was giving her compact point-and-shoot a work out photographing guests as date Chris Branscum smiled on…Caren and Pete Kline have Caren’s niece, Caren Pinto, staying with them while she’s interning at WFAA8. This was Day 2 of her training.
Alas, as the rest of the guests spilled into the ballroom with magnificent Oscar de la Renta gowns of locals like Nancy Dedman, Michal Powell, Annette Simmons, Norma Hunt and Nancy C. Rogers displayed in the alcove, the decision was made to photograph the group in attendance after waiting 40 minutes for the missing trio.
From the left: (back row) Michal Powell, Sarah Perot, Francie Moody-Dahlberg, Ralph Babb, Christi Urschel, Julie Hawes and Katherine Coker; (front row) Ashley Tripplehorn Hunt, Mary Clare Finney, Ruth Altshuler, Pat Harloe and Heather Esping
Then it was time to settle down at the assigned tables for chatting, dining and saluting the honorees.
What was that old saw that one never talks of politics, sex and something else? Well, politics were served up like breadsticks at a chintzy Italian cafeteria. Donald Trump definitely had made an impression on the assembled gathering. What were their opinions? Go elsewhere for that. MySweetCharity ain’t a political digital site. Still, it made for a lively conversation.
Recalling how former Comerican Chuck Gummer had told him about CCB when Ralph arrived on the scene, Babb remarked, “It’s amazing what they [Crystal Charity Ball members] do for children. We wanted to be a part of Crystal Charity, and this was an opportunity that was available and we were glad to become a part of it.”
But there was still more to talk about. CCB Chair Michal welcomed the hundreds and noted the fact that Neiman Marcus was on this very night celebrating its 108th birthday with NM Downtown’s GM/VP Jeff Byron taking a bow.
Then it was time to dig into the mesclun salad, the grilled filet and sea bass duo with mushroom risotto and julienne vegetables complete with artichoke sauté and broccolini. One poor soul bit into the sea bass thinking it was mashed potatoes. Oops. A few commented that the DCC version of the pecan ball with chocolate and caramel sauce didn’t quite rank up with the one being served at Café Pacific.