Let’s talk about extremes. On Saturday, April 21, everyone who could hobble around was drafted into valet parking duties. There were more events taking place than the State Fair on the weekend.
GREER GARSON GALA
At Union Station the Greer Garson Gala‘s “The Golden Age of Hollywood” was the perfect opportunity for the finest jewelry, fashions and autos to have a night on the town. Greer would have felt right at home thanks to Gala Co-chairs Brooke and Aaron Shelby and Honorary Chairs Amy and Corey Prestidge.
Before guests like Lee Bailey, Karen and Bill Seanor, Elizabeth and Carlton Ferguson, Janet and Hugh Hackney even got out of their Bentleys and Mercedes, the glitz and glamour of the ’40s was curbside with a 1941 Mercury parked on a red carpet with stanchions surrounding it. But before anyone could really get a gander at the black convertible, a couple of paparazzi blinded them with faux cameras but real flashes. Inside they were photographed officially between a couple of Gulliver-huge Oscars and in front of a mammoth red curtain.
Greer would have loved all the glitz and good times that were raising funds for Women and Infant Services at Texas Health Dallas.
Upstairs the gambling and bidding on such things as movie posters from Greer’s movies, trips and Bachendorf’s jewelry took place in the Frisco Room with lavish banquettes and bars.
Then guests discovered the Grand Hall all dressed up like it was Academy Awards night. Rows of tables covered in Oscar-gold clothes with sateen red napkins filled the room. Every other chair was dressed up with gold pashminas. Behind the stage was a huge screen between two more enormous Oscar statues and Palm trees in front of still more red draping.
And, of course, dinner was prepared by Wolfgang Puck, who is an old hand at feeding Hollywood types and Oscar affairs.
And that stage got used royally by Groucho Marx doing magic tricks and games, and the Andrews Sisters performing as if they were back entertaining the WWII troops.
It was a grand evening in memory of the silver screen’s most elegant red-haired Oscar winner.
* Photos by Kristina Bowman
GREAT ADVENTURE HUNT
Across town at NorthPark, ChildCareGroup‘s Great Adventure Hunt once again took over the center. Well, not exactly. Shoppers kept shopping, but they did wonder why 200 normal-looking people were scampering around the place.
As usual, the troops gathered at Maggiano’s Little Italy for dinner and marching orders from Hunt mastermind Dave Harris. While the aroma of garlic filled the air, the 31 teams went over strategy. Returning for a second year were Diane and Daryl Johnston with teammates Kit and Kemp Sawyers and Amanda and Bryon Neuhoff.
Just as the Greer Garson guests were dressed to the nines for their soiree, these adventurers were strictly casual. After all, they had to hit 10 different locations including AMC Theatres, Eiseman Jewels, Nike, La Madeleine and Thirsty’s to solve the riddles that Dave had planted. And when Dave comes up with a problem to solve, you just never know what it’s going to require.
As soon as the teams completed their missions, they headed back to Maggiano’s for desserts and results.
Want to know who won? Follow the jump. But before you do, you should know that this harum-scarum event raised $110,000 for ChildCareGroup.
** Photos by Sean Richards *** Photos by Philip Magalois
- Overall: Oakview Capital Management (Team 20) – April Henegar, Corey Henegar, Patrick Malone, Elizabeth Malone, Nathan Schubert and Tori Schubert
- Classe Première: Bank of Texas (Team 5) – Cullum Clark, Wendy Harris, John Harris, Mattson Uihlein, Taylor Wilson and Kathleen Wilson
- Classe Affaires: Thompson & Knight Foundation (Team 6) – Toni Brown, Marvin Brown, John Cohn, Tyree Collier, Andrew Melsheimer and Joshua Russ
- Voyager: Oakview Capital Management (Team 20) – April Henegar, Corey Henegar, Patrick Malone, Elizabeth Malone, Nathan Schubert and Tori Schubert
Jennifer LeLash says
Thank you Jean for your thoughtful and accurate account of our hard work for Greer Garson Gala. To hear that Mrs. Fogelson would be proud is music to my ears. It was truly a spectacular evening. Many thanks!
Hannah says
Both fantastic events!
What a difference The Great Adventure Hunt makes to thousands of children, families and caregivers in our community. From everyone at ChildCareGroup THANK YOU!
Lisa Ogle says
We love all the Media Sponsors. Our events would be nothing without you. Thank you for all you do. The TACA event tonight is going to be wonderful. Can’t wait to see you all there. Congrats to our favorite editor for her new package.
Jeanne Prejean says
@Lisa: And your media sponsors love you TACAngels, too.
Now, let’s eat marvelous food, drink fine libations and raise a heck of a lot of $$ for the performing arts tonight.
Tori Mannes says
Jeanne, Thanks for the wonderful recap of this year’s Great Adventure Hunt! Next year we hope to have you come and Hunt with us! This is truly one of Dallas’ most fun & unique fundraising events, and for such a great cause- ChildCareGroup’s early childhood programs for at-risk kids! Thanks again!
Tori Mannes says
Jeanne, thanks for the recap of our Great Adventure Hunt fundraiser! This is one of Dallas’ most fun & unique fundraising events, and all for a great cause – ChildCareGroup’s early childhood programs for at-risk kids. Thanks again!