Like the swallows returning to Capistrano and the Monarch butterflies winging down to Mexico, 41 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debs in their OMG white ball gowns were flocking like swans at the Meyerson for the 30th Annual DSOL Presentation Ball on Saturday, February 20.

Abby Tisdale and Samuel Boyd

Mary Margaret Hancock, Carlton Adams and Tai Massimilian

Ciara Cooley and Carolina Henry

Lucy McDaniel and Caroline McDaniel

But it wasn’t a stiff-neck get-together for the debs, their Honor Guard escorts, families and pals. From the beef Wellington served in the VVIP private reception in the Horchow Hall to the cheers in the McDermott Concert Hall, it was an all-smiles occasion.

Lowrie Reniger and John Reniger

Peyton Porter and Matthew Glaser

While the post is being finalized, check out more than 50 photos over on MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

It appeared as if a gorgeous flock of 41 swans had gathered at the Meyerson on Saturday, February 20. Instead of feathery birds, the 41 were the 2016 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debs for the 30^th annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra fundraiser. Despite the preceding days of brunches, teas and chic cocktail parties, the young women floated about the Meyerson lobby in gowns made of silks, satins and tulle. Some wore simple strands of pearls. Some wore spray tans. But all followed marching orders to wear their hair pulled back from their faces. After all, experienced vets had warned that loose curls played havoc when executing the legendary Texas Dip.

And then there was that problem of lipstick. It mustn’t kiss the gown’s white skirt for fear of leaving smudge marks.

As for footwear, deb Caroline McDaniel, who had bowed last year at La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, opted for flats. It probably made walking down the stage’s steps and doing the dip a lot easier. Another deb advised her sister debs on how to manage the step leading up and out of the hall following their presentation.

Tai Massimilian, Andrew Hall, Payton Scott and Mary Margaret Hancock

Abby Tisdale and Samuel Boyd

But before the debs were presented on stage, it was time to chill and get to know white-tie members of the Honor Guard, who were serving as the evening’s escorts. When one deb was asked about her gent du jour, she fessed up that she had just met him that night.

While some deb mums fussed with the arrangement of the place cards at their tables for the dinner following the presentation in McDermott Hall, a small group of adults including Ball Chair Nancy Labadie in a Renee Ruiz from Tootsies, Jolie and Bart Humphrey, and Kim and Bob Clark relaxed with plenty of room to sit, chat, sip and munch at a super-duper VIP reception in the Horchow Hall. There never seemed to be more than two people in line at the bar. Servers offered silver trays of hors d’oeuvres. According to Honor Guard vet John Cooper, who had lost 15 pounds thanks to cutting back on soda and eating half-portion courses, the winning tasty of the night was the Beef Wellington, hands down. Topics of the evening ranged from the doldrums of the oil business to upcoming plans for spring break.

Marlee Westmoreland, Ellie Hurwitz, Faith Lee, Megahn Ringler, Sarah Butler, Hayward Hiltreth, Sophie Phifer and Victoria Wittemann

Just a few feet away, the sea of guests partied in the lower lobby with no food being distributed and line ups at the bars stretching in length, proving that VIP-ism has its perks. Didn’t matter. Everyone was having way too much fun. In from college, Marlee Westmoreland, Ellie Hurwitz, Faith Lee, Megahn Ringler, Sarah Butler, Hayward Hiltreth, Sophie Phifer and Victoria Wittemann were there for deb Laura Scully. Escorts Jet Tuman, Bradley Harrington, Bennett Campbell, Will Vanderstraaten and Walker Coffman passed on the flutes of champagne for bottles of beer.

Jet Tuman, Bradley Harrington, Bennett Campbell, Will Vanderstraaten and Walker Coffman

As the waves of guests now started arriving via the Flora entrance with the debs’ portraits in the entry or the lower level valet, the crowd was filling to capacity. One woman bringing drinks to her friends gingerly managed the marble steps leading from the lower-level lobby to the landing. She slowly took one step at a time. Another young woman wasn’t so lucky, taking a spill as she walked up the staircase. Before white-tied escorts could come to her assistance, she was already back on her stilettos.

A couple or three or four gals in strapless gowns had to use both hands to hoist their bodices upward.

Speaking of fashion, a question was raised, “Is it all right to wear a white gown at a deb presentation?” Someone laughed, “No self-respecting man should.”

Another woman bringing drinks to her friends gingerly managed the marble steps. She slowly took one step at a time.

At 7:25 p.m., as the river of black tie and gowned guests continued to flow down to the lower-level reception, the escorts and deb fathers started showing signs of heading to the McDermott Hall’s backstage for the presentation.

Just five minutes later the flow of guests shifted now heading upstream to fill the hall.

Marilyn Augur, Margaret Hancock and Ann Hardaway

Early arrivals in the hall included Marilyn Augur looking like a snow angel with daughters Margaret Hancock in blue and Ann Hardaway in red. Marilyn admitted that she hadn’t attended the ball since her daughters debuted back when. Now, she was attending her granddaughter Mary Margaret Hancock’s debut presentation.

Cindrette McDaniel and Paige McDaniel

By 7:55 p.m. the rows of seats were starting to fill with folks like John Phifer Marrs, James Campbell, Bob Gibbs with cane in hand, Paige McDaniel with her mom Cindrette McDaniel and Austin Merritt. MIA were deb brothers Chance Cooley (he was at the St. Mark’s game) and Robbie Beal (he was home chowing down on Bubba’s fried chicken). The Meyerson ushers were doing a yeoman’s job of checking tickets and directing first-timers in the right direction. Old-timers looked a little surprised as one young woman’s voice was heard over the din calling out her friend’s name. Perhaps she didn’t realize that the Meyerson’s legendary acoustics could magnify her broadcast.

Dixey Arterburn, Cynthia Beaird, Melissa Lewis, Nancy Labadie, Ginger Sager

Promptly at 8:09 p.m., the hall was filled except for three rows just to the left of the stage. Those seats were reserved for the fathers after presenting their deb daughters on stage. Cellphones were being readied to record favorite debs and their escorts. Emcee Stan Gardner opened the program introducing DSOL President Melissa Lewis, who in turn introduced Nancy. As ball chair, she recognized on stage her committee members (Cynthia Beaird, Dixey Arterburn, Ginger Sager and Barbara Paschall Averitt) and past ball chairs like Ball Founder Tincy Miller, Sharon Popham and Venise Stuart) as well as Honorary Ball Co-Chairs Lisa and George Longino, who were seated in the balcony, and her family.

Stan was then back at the podium introducing the Assembly officers (Claire Catrino, Sarah Frazee, Elizabeth Metzger, Madison Hassell, Marielle LeMasters, Elizabeth Dorsey, Katherine Hitzelberger, Fallon Schneider and Fallon Bock) and the Honor Guard officers (Willard Langhenry IV, Mark Lafferty II, Houston Waring, Charles Wysocki, Michael Machak, Andrew Perry and Austin Franks) on stage.

Lowrie Reniger and John Reniger

Peyton Porter and Matthew Glaser

Payton Scott

Ciara Cooley and Henry Howard

By 8:30, it was showtime for the individual introduction of the 41 debs at the top of the stage’s stairs. After stepping down the staircase on the arms of their fathers, they received a kiss on the cheek from their dads and stood alone centerstage to execute the dip. With the announcement of their escort, the young men entered from the right side of the stage, offering their hand to help the debs to their feet. Following a few snapshots, the couple exited down the stairs from the stage for the hall’s aisle and out the door. Where did they go? They headed backstage for the grand finale of all debs and escorts on stage to a standing ovation.

And where were the deb mothers? They had been carefully seated along the aisles, allowing them to make a quick exit following the presentation to join their husbands around the dance floor in the lobby.

Meredith Weaver and Michael Barnes

Lauren Beal, Austin Merritt, Gracie Beal, Simona Beal, Andy Beal and Tasha Beal

As the parents waited and the guests filled the lobby and overhead balcony to watch the first dance, organizers in formal attire accessorized with headsets secured a path for the deb swans and their white-tie escorts to follow from the hall to the dance floor. As the girls arrived on the arms of their escorts, the couples were separated with the debs released on the dance floor searching for their parents, while the escorts were on their own.

The first dance of the night had the 41 dads and 41 debs managing to waltz on the cramped dance floor to the tunes of the Jordan Kahn orchestra. Every now and then a father would take a chance and twirl his daughter under his arm without colliding into another couple. Despite the coziness, there wasn’t a frown to be seen either on the dance floor or from the watching crowd.

One engineering type commented that there’s just too little space for more than 160 people to dance (41 debs + 41 dads + 41 mom + 41 escorts). Perhaps the solution is to hold the affair at Cowboys Stadium. Nah! Wouldn’t be the same.

For more photos of the 41 debs, escorts and parents, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

At the reception on Saturday, February 20, for the Junior League of Dallas’ 54^th annual ball, titled “To Dallas With Love,” Hunter Sullivan was singing “Blue Spanish Eyes” for some 500 guests. Chatting and sipping cocktails and nibbling hors d’oeuvres, the handsome, black-tie crowd was really getting into the James Bond theme as interpreted at the Hilton Anatole by Ball Chair Ashley Allen.

“It’s a great theme—everything is tied in,” said Isabell Novakov, who will be next year’s ball chair. “There are great things tonight that we can build on.” Added Meredith Mosley, the Junior League’s current president: “I think this is a great night. It’s a great night to celebrate all the things that the Junior League does.”

There was some muted discussion of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s 30^th annual deb Presentation Ball, which was taking place across town at the very same time. (Whispered one JLD official: “We set our date first!”) But it didn’t detract from the happy atmosphere and the glamorous crowd that was stirred to celebrate the JLD, which promotes voluntarism, improves the community, and develops the potential of women.

Ashley, for example, was wearing a winter-white gown by Patti Flowers (a JLD sustaining member) and jewelry by William Noble, who also provided the sapphire ring and earrings that complemented Meredith’s Teri Jon gown. (Ashley was wearing a cast on one hand, by the way because she’d broken her finger two weeks before.) Noble also provided an 18-carat-gold, yellow diamond valued at $5,500, for which guests paid $100 per key to, hopefully, unlock the glass box in which it was displayed.

David Sparkman and Julie O’Connor*

Among the guests in attendance—the 500 figure was up from about 470 last year—were past JLD presidents ( 2016 Honorary JLD Ball Chair Debbie Oates, Christie Carter and Julie Bagley). Also spotted: the JLD’s president-elect Bonner Allen, Jennifer Tobin, Nikki and Crayton Webb, Lynn and Allan McBee (Lynn’s chic black outfit was a mix of pieces by Diane von Furstenburg, Calvin Klein and Yves St. Laurent, while Allan was in a Valentino tux and a handsome, blue and black striped tie he bought in Beverly Hills) and Julie O’Connor with David Sparkman, whose funeral home and memorial park was a previous sponsor of the annual ball.

The 2016 ball’s presenting sponsor was Sewell, whose owner Carl Sewell could not attend. However, someone pointed out, Carl did speak recently to a class at the Junior League’s T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute. Dr. Joseph LaManna was representing Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians Inc., which sponsored the evening’s entertainment.

As the guests moved into the Chantilly Ballroom for dinner, they marveled at Tom Addis’ dramatic, James Bond-themed décor and the beautiful flowers by Junior Villanueva. The 35-piece Lone Star Wind Orchestra played a James Bond medley and, later, guests “shook their booties” to the sounds of Think Big & the Bulletproof Brass Brand.

Bit of James Bond-theme trivia: When JLD Honorary Chair Debbie Oates chaired the 2009 Crystal Charity Ball, the theme was 007 and Sheena Easton was singing on stage.

* Photo provided by David Sparkman

David and Ann Sutherland (File photo)

With the Dallas Museum of Art’s Art Ball 2016: Art+Architecture just a month away, Co-Chairs Ann and David Sutherland have just announced some of the deets and 2016 sponsors locked down. Yes, the black-tie gala will be held on Saturday, April 23, at the DMA with the seated supper in a huge tent on the DMA Plaza.

And, yes, there will be a silent auction with Gonzalo Bueno chairing the lineup that will include “a Red Tokyo chaise longue designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1940 and a Scarpa Table from Dennis and Leen.”

Gonzalo Bueno (FIle photo)

Brook Hazelton (File photo)

And, yes, there will a live auction with Christie’s Americas President Brook Hazelton in charge. As for the goodies, leave it to blue-eyed Trisha Wilson, who has already gathered up “an African safari, Napa Valley wine country getaway and a Rebecca Warren sculpture.”

Trisha Wilson (File photo)

Todd Fiscus (File photo)

But according to insider sources, event guru Todd Fiscus has been hard at work coming up with “some new surprises.” And, no, there are no plans to have the crane topple on the grounds again this year.

Plus, the DMA’s Junior Associates are launching the new Eagle Family Plaza with Folly at the Art Ball, as the after-party. But you already knew that.

According to Ann, “David and I are tremendously excited about Art Ball 2016. The Dallas Museum of Art is an incredibly important asset to our city, and we look forward to supporting the Museum through this fantastic event.”

As for the peeps, foundations and companies supporting with ca-ching and in-kind support, here is the roll out:

Art Ball 2016 sponsors include:

Richard and Nancy C. Rogers (File photo)

• Entertainment Sponsor ($150,000): Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers
• Silent Auction Sponsor ($50,000): Jennifer and John Eagle and John Eagle Dealerships
• Patron Party Sponsor ($50,000): Forty Five Ten and The Joule Hotel
• After Party Sponsor ($30,000): Stanley Korshak
• Security Sponsor ($25,000): Sidley Austin LLP
• Luxury Auction Sponsor ($25,000): Christie’s
• Invitation Sponsor ($25,000): Dallas Art Fair
• Travel Sponsor ($25,000): Durham Family Foundation
• Catalogue/Program Sponsor ($25,000): Goldman, Sachs & Co.
• Financial Services Sponsor ($25,000): J.P. Morgan
• Red Carpet Sponsor ($25,000): Neiman Marcus
• Communication Sponsor ($15,000): AT&T
• Menu Sponsor ($15,000): Bank of America
• Moving and Delivery Sponsor ($15,000): Delivery Limited, Inc.
• Luxury Retail Sponsor ($15,000): NorthPark Center
• Automotive Raffle Sponsor: Park Place Jaguar
• In-Kind Sponsors include: Belvedere Vodka, Glazer’s Distributors, Hennessy Cognac, Modern Luxury Dallas, My Sweet Charity, Perennials, Pogo’s Wine & Spirits, Ruinart, Southwest Limousines and Todd Events

Art Ball 2016 Patrons include:

• Andrea Palladio ($75,000): Olya Sinitsyna and Andy Beal
• Mies Van Der Rohe ($55,000): Allen and Kelli Questrom and Ann and David Sutherland
• Le Corbusier ($45,000): Charlie and Moll Anderson Family Foundation, Georgina Hartland/Thomas and Nasiba Hartland Mackie, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and Marguerite Hoffman, Catherine and Will Rose and Deedie Rose
• Louis Kahn ($30,000): Nancy and Clint Carlson, The Dedman Foundation, Laura and Walter Elcock, Ann and Lee Hobson and Peggy and Carl Sewell/The Sewell Automotive Companies
• Antonio Gaudi ($20,000): Arthur J. Gallagher & Co./Cigna/One America, Gonzalo Bueno/Michael McCray/Robert Hallam Jr./Mitchell and Christina Sayare/Allan Knight and Cearan Henley, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Holly Hunt, Interceramic Inc., Mary Kay Inc., MDW Studio/Staffelbach, Lyn and John Muse c/o The Muse Educational Foundation and Connie and Marc Sigel/Elements
• Frank Lloyd Wright ($15,000): Claire Dewar, Melissa and Trevor Fetter, Scott Ginsburg, Julie and Ed Hawes, Cynthia and Forrest Miller and Gayle and Paul Stoffel
• Marcel Breuer ($10,000): Ola and Randall Fojtasek, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, Jennifer and Tom Karol, Lock Lord LLP, Wendy and Bill Payne, Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation, Jan and Jim Showers, Tolleson Wealth Management, Merry and Chad Vose and Sharon and Michael Young

Tickets for both the swell-egant gala and the “Folly” are available. If you’ve already got your spots reserved, spend some of your allowance on some new spiffy duds to be artfully gorgeous..

Isabell Novakov (File photo)

The Junior Leaguers of Dallas are hunkering down to do a double celebration next year. Not only will they be hitting the 95-year mark for their organization, but they’ll be holding the 55^th Junior League gala. That latter one has come a long way from the days when it was called the Junior League Follies and the membership would do all types of skits and such.

Chairing the 55th anniversary gala will be Isabell Novakov, whose mom Lydia Novakov was JLD president a decade or two ago, as well as ball chair.

While Isabell isn’t sharing details about the fundraiser until June, she did report that it would take place at the Hilton Anatole on Saturday, March 4.

This is gonna be a big, old hoopla to celebrate the Dallas JLD that has 5,000 members and provides (wo)manpower and money for area nonprofits. And just look around. You’ll see loads of Dallas leadership positions being filled by “grads” of the JLD.

Don’t bother going to the website to get tickets, because it’s not up yet. Stay tuned.

Myrna and Bob Schlegel (File photo)

2016 Flora Award Gala details were announced yesterday at a reception at Texas Discovery Gardens. Let’s get the big news out first. This year’s recipients are those Canadian trans-”plants” Myrna and Bob Schlegel.  Co-chairing the elegant black tie gala will be Kathryn Febbroriell, Angela Shank and Amelia Valz. The Thursday, November 3^rd event will be a cocktail reception followed by a marvelous seated supper in Grand Hall.

Past recipients have included Jan Pickens, Ellen and John McStay, Ebby Halliday Acers, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Dee and Charles Wyly, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Barbara Hunt Crow.

Proceeds from the event will support Texas Discovery Gardens’ “education mission to help children and adults discover and learn to sustain their natural world.”

Tickets officially went on sale yesterday starting at $300 per person.

Mary Urie (File photo)

Last night Café Pacific was popping as usual. While the bar brimmed primarily with the guy types, at 5:30 a group of tables in the dining room were pulled together. First to appear tableside was SPCA kingpin James Bias. Then Fur Ball Co-chair Phyllis Comu arrived on the scene followed by animal lovers  like Katy Murray, Fur Ball Co-Chair Kristen Greenberg, Mary Spencer and SPCA Senior VP Debra Burns. One of the last to arrive was Diane Brierley, just back from New York City, where one of husband Hal Brierley‘s former companies had held a reunion over the weekend.

The Café Pacific get together was billed as something to do with the SPCA’s Paw Cause. Or, at least that’s what Dave Perry Miller’ s Karen Urie was led to believe. Ah, but those SPCA folks are mischievous.

What longtime animal-loving Karen learned was they were all there to notify her that she would be presented the Spencer Humanitarian Award at the black-tie SPCA fundraiser on Saturday, September 24, at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

Tickets are available here.

Ann and David Sutherland

From the inclusion of the “+” in the theme — Art+Architecture — there was an early indication the Dallas Museum of Art‘s 2016 Art Ball was headed down a different path than years past. Instead of videos featuring DMA mainstays, Grammy-award winning entertainment and crowding the tent so Mark di Suvero‘s “Ave” sculpture felt claustrophobic, the black-tie DMA fundraiser on Saturday, April 23, somehow maintained the elegance and creativity of the night while Co-Chairs Ann and David Sutherland kept an eagle eye on raising funds.

Adam Lippes, Michael Turchin, Lance Bass and Faisal Halum

Helping to achieve that were 450 of North Texas’ most glamorous types along with some of out-of-towners like entertainer Lance Bass, designer Adam Lippes and jewelry designer Bibi Van Der Velden.

Doug Carney, Donna Brittingham, Michael Flores, Nancy Rogers, Ashley Tatum and David Nichols

And, of course, there were the always reliable boldface beauties…but you don’t want to just read about them. You want to see ’em. So, head on over to MySweetCharity Photo Gallery. But be forewarned. There are a lot of them. In fact, there are two pages of the “+” types.

Leave it to The Dallas Opera types to get ahead of the heat of summer. Word has it that DO General Director/CEO Keith Cerny and his team got those music loving Winspears (i.e. Ellen and Don) to chair this fall’s First Sight First Night fundraising for the DO’s 60^th anniversary.

Ellen and Don Winspear and Jennifer and Keith Cerny (File photo)

Gee, it was three years before Don was even born and such names as Elsa von Seggern, Larry Kelly and John Ardoin were mainstays along with Juanita and Henry S. Miller Jr. in making arias the hip of hop of Dallas sounds back then.

But there’s more to the reveal. Joyce and Harvey Mitchell will be the honorary co-chairs.

Tiffany Divis (File photo)

Kara Goss (File photo)

Rhonda Marcus (File photo)

More good news! NorthPark will be the presenting sponsor for the First Sight Luncheon Fashion Show that will be returning to the Winspear on Thursday, October 27, with fashions gloriously provided by NorthPark’s Versace, of course. The luncheon co-chairs will be the willowy fashion-loving trio of Tiffany Divis, Kara Goss and Rhonda Marcus.

Of course, there will be the designer highlights, but those details are forthcoming.

Ron Kirk and Matrice Ellis-Kirk (File photo)

As for the black-tie goings on, Matrice Ellis-Kirk and Ron Kirk will co-chair the cocktails, dinner, opera — “Eugene Onegin” —and after-party with Hunter Sullivan providing the non-operatic tunes. That will all take place on Friday, October 28, at the Winspear. The evening’s festivities are being presented thanks to Deutsche Asset and Wealth Management.

As for the vittles, the Wolfgang Puck crew will be in charge for both the luncheon and dinner.

Before heading to Pilates, why not get your tickets now?

Ann Hobson (File photo)

If Dallas had an All-American poster gal, Ann Hobson would be a finalist if not the winner. In addition to the killer smile, the great cheekbones and the twinkling eyes, the blonde actually has even more going for her. There’s her fabulous taste (example: the Hobsons’ home-sweet-home), her smarts (Duke grad, don’t you know) and her cutie-pie Ivy Leaguer husband Lee Hobson and three kiddos. And then there’s her involvement in the community that has ranged from VNA, Episcopal School of Dallas, TACA to the Dallas Museum of Art.

That last one is going to take full advantage of Ann’s time and talents in the year ahead, since she’s just been named to chair the 2017 Art Ball. But don’t worry about Ann. She’s an old hand at throwing soirees at the DMA. Just back in 2013, she co-chaired the Museum’s polished Silver Supper with present DMA Chairman of the Board Melissa Fetter.

While details are still being worked out, there will still be the auction, seated dinner and dancing. So, put Saturday, April 22, on your “must-attend” list. If it follows Ann’s usual POA, the gala will be smart, elegant and fun.

According to Fur Ball 2016 Chair Phyllis Comu and Co-Chair Kristen Greenberg,

Phyllis Comu and Kristen Greenberg*

“We are beyond thrilled to chair the SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2016, ‘Shedding Light on Their Future!’ The event is DFW’s salute to the bond between people and their pets. As the oldest, largest animal welfare organization in North Texas, the SPCA of Texas helps local pets…now and in the future.

“The black-tie gala will include dinner, dancing, headline entertainment by Limelight and live and silent auctions for over 1,000 guests to be held in the Omni Dallas’ largest ballroom on Saturday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available today at www.furballdallas.com. Individual tickets are $225, patron tickets are $300 and a table for 10 is $2,000.

“Fur Ball 2016 is sure to be a tail-wagging success, thanks to Honorary Co-Chairs D’Andra Simmons and Jeremy Lock, Anne and Steve Stodghill and Drs. Wendy and John Vandermeer and Auction Chair Sandra Fite. We’re also excited to announce that LeeAnne Locken is M.C. for Fur Ball this year!

“Karen Urie is the recipient of the 2016 Mary Spencer Humanitarian Award. This award, named for animal advocate extraordinaire Mary Spencer, honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant difference in the lives of animals in the North Texas Community. Karen is the marketing and business development director for Dave Perry-Miller and his team. It was her volunteer effort in 2007 when she was on the Paws Cause event committee that first introduced her to the SPCA of Texas and since then she has been actively involved with a myriad of SPCA of Texas activities and events and is currently a board member. Karen’s voice for animals is loud and clear, and the SPCA of Texas is fortunate indeed to have her support.

Fur Ball 2016*

“All money raised through Fur Ball 2016 will benefit the SPCA of Texas to help rescue, heal and find homes for thousands of animals. The SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare agency in North Texas, serving 50,000 pets and people in eight counties each year.

“Fur Ball 2016 is sure to be elegant, out of this world fun, all in the name of helping our furry friends.”

* Photos provided by SPCA of Texas

Melissa Lewis and Nancy Labadie (File photo)

The two biggy fundraisers for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra are the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s spring Debutante Presentation Ball and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Association’s Dallas Symphony Gala that kicks off the black-tie fundraising season in the fall.

How big? Well, 2015-2016 DSOL President Melissa Lewis just sent word that thanks to “the Ball (along with our other fundraisers), the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League raised over $773,000 which was given back to the Dallas Symphony in support of their outreach and education programs.”

A tip of the hat to 2016 Ball Chair Nancy Labadie and the rest of the DSOL-ers on a mission well done.

Layne Anderson

After spending nearly a week of lunches, cocktail parties, suppers and last minute fittings, the 2016 La Fiesta de Las Seis Banderas Duchesses, their escorts and hundreds of their friends took over the Anatole’s Chantilly Ballroom on Saturday, June 18, for the formal presentation.

Elizabeth and John Gambrell and Rebecca Gregory

Talk about an over-the-top scene. The gowns were gloriously colorful. The gents were grand in their white tie and tails. The audience was pretty darn glamorous. And the cheers made the event seem more like a pep rally. While the post is being prepared, check out all those gowns and guys at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

It was the last black-tie hurrah of the 2016 spring season. While temperatures proved summer was indeed setting up residence, La Fiesta de Las Seis Banderas types were dressed to the nines on Saturday, June 18. The honoree of the day should have been the person who created A/C.

At 5:40 p.m. as family and friends gathered in the Chantilly Ballroom’s lobby, the ballroom itself was a flurry of activity. All the staging was nicely in place. Two large screens faced each other from the far side of the ballroom. A multi-tiered stage with columns and a huge fan featuring the six flags of Texas served as the backdrop. Across the way at the back of the room was a stage for the band, a dance floor and platforms for videographers and production crews. In a corner to the side of the stage was a small stage for the presentation band and a mic for the speakers.

But the videographers, bands and speakers were not to be found at this time. No, it was time for the official photographs of the Duchesses and their escorts. As the Duchesses stood to the side of the stage, the escorts assembled on stage for the first photo of the night. Well, most of the escorts that is.

Like a vet wrangler of cats, photographer James French stood on a ladder hollering orders first to the group of escorts on stage. “You on the top row on the end. No, the top row. Yeah, you. Step down.”

Finally all with gloved hands clasped standing like a team of football players in white tie, the photos were taken.

La Fiesta De Las Seis Banderas escort

Then it was time for the photo of the couples. That’s when the problem was discovered. Standing among the couples were a handful of beautiful Duchesses without escorts. An adult shouted to one of the girls, “Where’s your escort?”, as if the Duchess has hidden him in the storage room. The Duchess raised her shoulders and motioned with her hands, “I don’t know.”

Before that reality hit home, three white-tie escorts came bounding in the room and hustled to the ladies in waiting. As French and the rest of the advisors did a quick check, they realized they were still three escorts short. As if on cue, the last three rushed into the ballroom, just as French realized that the “done” escort photo was going to have to be “redone.”

2016 La Fiesta De Las Seis Banderas Duchesses and escorts

Finally the group photo, the Duchesses photo and the redo escort photo were done. French hustled off hollering to the escorts, “If you’re going to have a family photo done, go now.” Escorts scampered.

La Fiesta De Las Seis Banderas Duchesses

By 6:16 p.m. the ballroom was now devoid of Duchesses, escorts, and French.  In their place were servers setting up tables. One organizers was heard to say, “Get ready for round two.”

In the meantime the crowd in the lobby had become a selfie extravaganza. While some might think it was due to the overload of collegiate types home to support their former classmates, the adults were into the memory-making photography, too. One leggy young thing with a thigh high slit sprinted across the lobby on nose-bleed stilettos like a gazelle to greet her pals.

Chris O’Neill, Isabel O’Neill, Connie O’Neill, Pierce Allman and Jack O’Neill

La Fiesta Co-Founder Pierce Allman was with Connie and Chris O’Neill talking about their son, Jack O’Neill, escorting his granddaughter Allie Beth Cowan. All-dolled up Gala Co-Chairs Elizabeth Gambrell and Rebecca Gregory didn’t show any signs of having coordinated the day’s preparation. Others in the crowd included Linda Shiffer, Karen Young, Catherine Magee, Mary Kumpf, Jillian Daber, Cecily Work, Duchess mama Mary Humphreys Parker, Amy Hughes, MaryMichael McCartin, Emily Anwar, Lily Cockerell, Arden Wynn, Leah Lambert, Regan Tate and Brooke Wilson.

Catherine Magee, Mary Kumpf, Jillian Daber and Cecily Work

Erin Egan, Elizabeth Cooper, Megan Giotes, Tate Giddens and Ellie Gosnell

Mary Humphreys Parker, Leah Lambert, Regan Tate and Brooke Wilson

Soon the signal was given that the main event was getting ready to start. Running a couple of seconds late, the lights in the ballroom dimmed at 6:45, the A/C cranked up, so even the wooliest tuxedoed guest would feel right at home and the crowd of guests moved into the ballroom.

The doors opened and initially only five or six senior types ventured in, but within minutes they were followed by a flood of guests making their way to their assigned tables for dinner and applauding. Watching the various generations of guests make their way into the ballroom, the questions of heels was noted. Some guests took long strides and looked like they had been born in stilettos. Others looked like they’d had their feet bound as they hobbled their way to their tables.

But these guests weren’t finished chatting. At 6:52 “the voice” over the PA asked guests to “take their seats. The program will being in 15 minutes.”

As some heeded the call, it was noted that the video crews were outnumbering the still photographers.

Three minutes later “the voice” warned “the program will being in 10 minutes.” Still the guests had a lot of hugging and talking to do and one couldn’t really blame them. After all, some of these collegiate types hadn’t seen each other since graduating from high school last year.

But “the voice” was not to be ignored. At 6:59 sounding like a call to arms, “the voice” announced for guests “to take your seats. The program is about to begin.” No more of the minute countdown. The time had come and there was no turning back.

Well, that may have been well and good, but the masses kept pouring in and not settling down to business. Over the PA, “Chicago That Toddlin’ Town” played. Interesting choice.

Uh, ho. At 7:04 the doors closed, the music stops and still a few stalwarts keep standing and talking. “The voice” returns. His credibility is on the line. He repeats that the program is about to begin. There’s just the slightest tinge of a sounding like a father, who isn’t falling for his kid’s excuse for being past curfew. This time the message came across and seats were almost filled. Alas, at 7:07 he gave it one final effort. Evidently there were a number of people with hearing challenges.

But at 7:08 the stage lights came up and the last standing guests were seated. The main doors of the ballroom opened and the escorts marched in and onto the stage. Yes, all the escorts were accounted for. They were followed by six beautifully dressed folklorico dancers, who performed flawlessly on stage. After all, this year’s them was “Viva La Fiesta! — Celebrating The Splendors of Mexico.”

Kaitlyn Gamster

Following very brief remarks by La Fiesta Chairs Eloise Meachum and Missy Rothwell, the presentation was underway. First there was the presentation of the escorts, who disappeared off stage. Then eight escorts returned to places on the multi-tiered stage. The first Duchesses were individually escorted centerstage by their fathers and joined by their escort. Each Duchess represented a unique duchy (i.e. the Duchess of Monarch Butterfly, the Duchess of Cinco de Mayo, the Duchess of Palacio de Bellas Arts, etc.) with her gown reflecting her theme. Following the Duchess’ bow, her father presented her with a white rose and she rewarded him with a kiss on the cheek. As the father left the stage, she Duchess and her escort returned to the escort’s place on the tier. Despite having 40 Duchess presented in five groups, it all came off flawlessly.

Chronicling moments was potential Duchess-to-be Kaitlyn Gamster with her cellphone.

The finale had all 40 Duchess and their escorts on stage for a standing ovation. Then they promenaded down the runway to the dance floor for the first of many dances to come.

For more photos of the Duchesses, their escorts and the whole goings-on, check MySweetCharity Photo Gallery. Be prepared because there are a heck of lot of ’em.

According 2016 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala Co-Chairs Marena and Roger Gault,

“As Chairs of this year’s Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala, along with Honorary Chair

Sherwood Wagner and Marena and Roger Gault (File photo)

Sherwood Wagner, we invite you to play your part on Friday, September 16 by purchasing a gala table or concert and After-Party tickets. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala kicks off the social season, and this year features world-renowned pianist Lang Lang along with our fantastic Dallas Symphony Orchestra and heralded maestro Jaap van Zweden.

Jaap van Zweden*

“As one of the largest fundraisers for the Dallas Symphony, the Gala supports the DSO’s three goals: Creating Music, Enriching Lives and Advancing Dallas.

“The DSO regularly makes beautiful music both at the Meyerson Symphony Center and beyond. Every concert spotlights the superb talent of our musicians and entertains audiences each week. The DSO provides patrons with ways to enjoy music including DSO on the GO, which brings the full orchestra to neighborhoods around the Metroplex. ReMix, a casual, intimate concert series at Dallas City Performance Hall which gets audiences up close and personal with the orchestra. Parks Concerts in partnership with the City of Dallas have entertained neighbors and families for decades. This is all in addition to the classical music and terrific pops programs we all know and love. The DSO is committed to breaking down barriers to classical music so everyone can enjoy all it has to offer.

“But the DSO knows that they are more than a performing organization, and has a responsibility to serve its community. The DSO’s education programs brings classical music and music appreciation into schools, and the Young Strings program provides music instrument instruction to children as young as 6, free of charge. New programs such as the My DSO Concert, specially designed for audience members with developmental disabilities, allow the DSO to share music with more members of our community and make a difference in people’s lives.

“Our city is growing at a rapid pace, attracting new businesses and industries that are enhancing all of North Texas, and a strong cultural scene, and especially a strong orchestra, go hand-in-hand with a thriving city. Educated and skilled workforces continue to move to Dallas due to the quality of life that our cultural offerings provide. The Dallas Symphony’s international reputation are part of what attracts people when relocating their corporations. It makes Dallas an exciting place to live and work.

“We hope you will join us at the 2016 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala. Table and ticket sales are open, and we’re pacing ahead of schedule, so don’t miss out! With your support, we can make this a record year and provide strong funding and foundation for the DSO to continue its mission to make beautiful music and important strides for future generations.”

* Photo courtesy of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

On the heels of this week’s OMG activites benefiting Les Femmes Du Monde, Equest, Fur Ball, Cattle Baron’s, Partner’s Card, Harvest, KidneyTexas, Crystal Charity Ball, Dallas Symphony, The Elissa Project and so many others that are filling the MySweetCharity Calendar, believe it or not there are still more way-over-the-top events the following week. Needless to say, false eyelashes are going to be in need of major league refreshing with all the razzle dazzle!

But one of those during the week of September 19^th is Friday’s black tie TACA Custom Auction Gala at the Mansion. With Deutsche Bank Wealth Management and The Patrón Spirits Company as presenting sponsors, Dianne and Mark LaRoe and Honorary Co-Chairs/adorable buds Wanda Gierhart and Dean Fearing have had Highland Park Village’s Rachel Michell put together a collection of live auction items.

It will be the last one for TACA President/Executive Director Becky Young, who will be retiring on December 31. Not to worry. Longtime art-loving executive Wolford McCue will be taking over.

But let’s start the countdown of mega-packages with a visit to that Texas landmark of taste — Marfa. Okay, so you’ve got to dig down in the honesty pocket and admit that you haven’t been there in ages … oops, you haven’t been there at all?… but this package will have you wanting to see the changes and what makes this the artist lovers’ terra-sweet-terra!

Artistic Retreat In Marfa (Value: $21,000)*

Artristic Retreat in Marfa**

Spend an unforgettable weekend at the world-renowned Chinati Foundation museum in Marfa, Texas. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access and celebrate at the Chinati Foundation’s annual Weekend Benefit Dinner. While in Marfa, experience the 360-degree views of grass dunes and weathered mountain ranges while staying at the one-of-a-kind Ranch 2810.

• Six tickets to the 2017 Chinati Weekend Benefit Dinner on Friday, October 13, 2017
• Dinner for six with Director of the Chinati Foundation Jenny Moore
• Private guided tour for six of the Chinati Foundation collection
• Four-day, three-night private accommodations for six at Ranch 2810

* Courtesy of the Chinati Foundation, Jenny Moore and Ranch 2810 
** Photo provided by TACA

This annual favorite TACA Custom Auction Gala package is the one that has some of Dallas’ top art-loving types sipping and supping in the Lavon Farm pasture on a Sunday afternoon. Instead of the usual highest bid winning, it’s open season with paddles being raised throughout the black tie gathering at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek on Friday, September 23.

This year’s package will be available for just 30 couples, so warm up your bidding arm and be prepared to compete to be one of the lucky pairs.

Farm-To-Table Dinner* (Value: $750 per couple**)

Farm-To-Table (File photo)

Enjoy a multi-course meal al fresco on Sunday, April 2, surrounded by the beautiful, pastoral expanse of Lavon Farms, a third-generation dairy farm tucked away north of Dallas. Chef Abraham Salum of Salum and Komali will create an unforgettable meal featuring locally-sourced ingredients, all accompanied by live entertainment.

• Cocktails, appetizers, and family-style dinner service
• Menu created and prepared by Chef Abraham Salum
• Live musical entertainment

* Courtesy of Chef Abraham Salum and Lavon Farms 
** Only sold in pairs, limited to 30 couples 

Television has come a long way since the black-and-white days of the stand-alone boxes without remote controls. Nowadays there is 24-hour news, breathtaking dramas and documentaries that bring the world to the drive-in-movie size flat screens throughout homes and even on smartphones.

No, it’s not your grandpappy’s TV world any longer and the industry’s awards have annually recognized the quality of such progress at the Emmy Awards.

Need proof? Then just watch Sunday’s 68^th Emmy Awards hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Then envision yourself as part of the audience for the 2017 presentation. But why not make that vision reality for you and your best boob-tube buddy by being the winner of this TACA Custom Auction Gala package on Friday, September 23?

Live At The 2017 Emmy Awards* (Value: $17,550)

Live At The 2017 Emmy Awards**

Experience the glamour of Hollywood at the 69^th Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2017, where you and your guest will see your favorite celebrities from the silver screen. Enjoy a relaxing four-day, three-night stay in Los Angeles, including round-trip, business-class air transportation for two.

• Tickets for two to the 2017 Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2017 at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles
• Three-night deluxe accommodations for two
• Round-trip, business-class air transportation for two provided by American Airlines

* Courtesy of the American Fundraising Foundation and American Airlines 
** Photo provided by TACA

When it comes to Dallas performing arts, some folks might wonder is visual art fits the description. Ah, but they haven’t see artist JD Miller in action. For ages, JD has mesmerized art lovers with his live painting exhibitions. So, it’s only natural that this lively creation should be one of the TACA Custom Auction Gala packages.

Ah, where is the perfect setting for such a happening? Why JD’s home base at Samuel Lynne Galleries, of course. So why not make a party of the occasion. So invite 100 buds to watch the birthing of this tailor-made painting complete with yummies from Sissy’s and wine from Ste. Michelle.

Live Painting At Samuel Lynne Galleries* (Value: Priceless)

Live Painting at Samuel Lynne Galleries***

Invite up to 100 guests for an intimate evening** at Samuel Lynne Galleries in the heart of the Dallas Design District. Watch as local artist JD Miller creates one of his signature 3D oil paintings live, while you and your guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres created by Sissy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar and fine wines provided by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Afterwards, take home your new original JD Miller to add to your private collection.

• Reception for up to 100 guests at Samuel Lynne Galleries
• Menu created and prepared by Sissy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar
• Wines provided by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
• Original oil painting created by JD Miller for the host

* Courtesy of Samuel Lynne Galleries and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates 
** Date to be mutually agree upon 
*** Photo provided by TACA

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

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

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

Shop And Dine At Highland Park Village**

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

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

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