Scotch all those thoughts about the Crystal Charity Ball gals lounging around having their gel nails extra gelled and Botox appointments being kept. Nope. For the past few days, the ladies have been hard at work counting napkins, stringing beads, schlepping all types of goodies for the silent auction and dining on Chick-fil-A, cupcakes and pralines.
Piper Wyatt, Heather Furniss, Angie Kadesky and Claire Emanuelson
But tonight they took a break and gathered in the Anatole’s Margaret Thatcher Suite to celebrate the reign of CCB Chair Robyn Conlon. In addition to the committee members were past ball chairs (Barbara “Birthday Girl” Stuart, Debbie Oates, Cynthia Mitchell, Connie O’Neill and Aileen Pratt), Conlon kids and kids-to-be and the ever adorable Conlon patriarch Don.
Cynthia Mitchell, Debbie Oates, Connie O’Neill, Aileen Pratt and Barbara Stuart
And what was there to celebrate? First, they were way ahead of schedule. Second, Ma Nature was cooperating with a glorious moon slated to be overhead Saturday night instead of the icicles of a year ago. Third, Robyn’s son Casey had just gotten engaged to his adorable Lizzie Herbert. Fourth, Robyn’s salute to the ladies who filled the room for supporting her through her parents’ death, her own health issue and creating a potential record crunching fundraiser for area children’s charities. Fifth, Jewels of the Garden is gonna be a gem of an occasion for even the most ball weary vets and the first timers.
Lizzie Herbert and Casey Conlon
Oh, so what’s on hand for Saturday night? Good question. Guaranteed — loads of baubles, magnificent couture gowns and a ballroom that ain’t your grandmother’s Crystal Charity Ball. Just wait til the doors open and you’ll see what Robyn, event producer Tom Addis and the CCB ladies have in store.
We’d tell ya, but then Robyn would have to kill us and then spend Saturday night in jail.
And, yes, Virginia, even Santa couldn’t get you a ticket for this one. It’s been sold out for ages and ages.
BTW, if you’ve been thinking about trying out Uber for the first time, here’s your chance and it includes a $20 discount.