Wednesday, September 3, the starting gun of the fall fundraising season went off with gusto all over the area. No matter what the cause or the crowd of supporters, guests were like giddy collegiates returning from summer to play the game of catch-up. Squealing over spotting friends, air kissing like angelfish and pressurized hugging were favored activities. For those who were able to squeeze into Traffic LA for the Junior Associates‘ An Affair of the Art underwriters party or were blown away from the noise, there were a couple of other stops for them to get back in the North Texas swing of fun(d)raising:
Les Femmes Du Monde
Ka and LL Cotter’s Preston Hollow home looked like the top stop for a residential Realtor tour day. After all, there was Nancy Dunning’s “For Sale” prominently displayed in the front yard. And cars lined the street just minutes before the 6 o’clock start time.
Actually it was the announcement of plans for the Les Femmes du Monde award luncheon. But this year Luncheon chair Regina Bruce and LFdM President Alyce Heinrich had decided to up the ante.
They had already revealed the lunch would be held at the Harlan Crow Library on Thursday, October 16.
The question still in a holding pattern was who would be the honoree.
As the crowd filled the entry hall and spilled into the open living room overlooking the pool and grounds, the gals finally reported that Faye Briggs and Yvonne Crum would be the honorary co-chairs.
As for the honoree, there wouldn’t be one. Nope. There would be six – one for each decade since LFdM had been in the fundraising business for the likes of the World Council Affairs of Dallas/Fort Worth and Children’s Medical Center.
The six would be Virginia Chandler Dykes, Gina Ginsburg, Lynn McBee, Margaret McDermott, Pat Smith and Nina Vaca.
As for Ka and LL, they’re staying in Dallas, but they’re thinking of downsizing a bit and possibly building something.
Harvest Underwriters Reception
Closer to downtown Dallas, Harvest Co-Chairs Nancy Gopez and Kristi Bare were finding an overflow crowd including Maggie Kipp, Kate Rose Marquez, Kim and Justin Whitman, Danya Anderson and Connie Yates to recognize the recipients of the “Golden Fork Award” and the September 19th event’s underwriters.
The North Texas Food Bank fundraiser will take place at the newly renovated Shed 1 at the Dallas Farmers Market with food stations including goodies from area foodies Sharon Hage, Graham Dodds, Hibiscus, David McMillan, Robbie Lewis, Meddlesome Moth, Charles Miller, Place at Perry’s, Meaders Ozarow, Paula Lambert, Empire Baking Co., Dallas Mozzarella Company, Tida Pichakron, Haute Sweets Patisserie, Pierre Trevino and Pakpao.
Highlight of the evening will be the official presentation of the “Golden Fork” that’s really a plate. This year’s recipients are:
- Hunger Ambassador of the Year — Bob Miller of The Dallas Morning News
- Volunteer of the Year — Texas Second Chance
- Lifetime Achievement — Janet and Phil Cobb and Ruthie and Jay Pack
- Agency of the Year — Christian Community Action of Lewisville
- Corporation of the Year — Wal-Mart
While Honorary Co-Chair Katherine Reeves was under the weather and MIA, Janet and Phil Cobb were doing double duty as honorary co-chairs and honorees.
Honoree Bob Miller came with Dallas Morning News gal pals Laura Jacobus and Cheryl Hall. Wife Shirley was home. Claimed she was slow moving. After all she’s 97 years old. A shocked friend voiced amazement. Then Bob fessed up that his “child bride” was still in her 70’s.
Speaking of at-home-wives, Kristi’s buddy Richard Eiseman came straight from work. Said wife Betsy was home “ailing” about being an empty nester. Someone laughed that Betsy still had one child at home – Richard.
But even before the plates and honorees were recognized on stage, Kristi had to dash off to Traffic LA where her Affair of Art client was partying. Only hitch? Kristi found herself along with Tiffany and Paul Divis doing what has become known as “Doing the Ritz” — waiting for extended period of time for vehicles.
Reality check: The Ritz porte cochere seems to have been designed for NYC traffic. The designer didn’t take into account that Texans rely heavily on their autos, especially SUVs, more than mass transit or cabs. As one person commented, “It’s not the valets’ fault that it takes forever to get your car. But they’re the ones who always are stuck apologizing for the delay.”