Sure, commercial real estate has been taking a beating the last couple of years, but then it’s never been known for being a profession for the weak of heart. Perhaps that’s why The Real Estate Council‘s 23rd Fight Night at the Hilton Anatole Thursday night was more appropriate than ever. Welcomed by long-legged beauties Megan and Cassandra at the front door, the 1,000 black-tie gents and handful of gowned gals were in for a night of pugilism watching and heavy-duty networking.
In a sea of tuxedos, it’s hard for a fellow to stand out. Sorta like being a member of a pack of foxhounds or a gaggle of Canadian Geese. While some just naturally stood out, others used a little flair to separate them from the rest. There were some who opted for the long black tie instead of the traditional bowtie, while others wanted a splash of color. And there
were the poor souls who didn’t realize that bowties go in front of wingtip collars. All right, so that’s not that big a deal unless you’re addicted to Gentleman’s Gazette, which gave Prince a critical review for the shoes he wore to his wedding evening’s reception.
But speaking of deals, that’s exactly what kept the action going during the reception.
Always natty Herb Weitzman (Weitzman/Cencor) was talking about joining with MGHerring Group to buy Denton’s Golden Triangle Mall and redeveloping it — “We’re going to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”
When asked if having longtime experience is an advantage, Herb who is considered the go-to-retailing-guy in commercial real estate, answered, “Are you kidding?” The silver-haired Herb added that he was “still learning things,” and that’s what keeps things interesting and challenging.
And what would a gathering of commercial real estate pros be without some politicos. Yup, they were there.
Present Dallas Mayor Dwaine Caraway was buddying it
up with Dallas City Councilman Sheffie Kadane, who was doing the re-election handshake throughout the crowd.
Dallas mayoral candidate Edward Okpa evidently didn’t know he was trailing way behind in the polls because he was having such a great time hanging out with folks like Gregory B. Calhoun, who represents Evander Holyfield.
On the other hand, Mike Rawlings, who was leading in the Dallas mayoral polls, looked right at home with all these business types. After all, this group had endorsed both him and Sheffie in the May 14th election.
When asked who was responsible for the Happy Trails saga playing out in the media, Mike responded, “It’s just politics. The opposition trying to stir something up.”
Former State Sen. David Cain, who has become a real estate lobbyist, had just arrived in Dallas to say, “Hi!” and “Bye!” to the TREC-ers before heading back to Austin to “fix a bill for a local developer.”
As said before the politicos were front and center during the reception, but when the doors to the ballroom opened, the real estate folks celebrated raising $945,000 for The Real Estate Council Foundation.
As guests entered the faux-smoke-filled ballroom with the boxing ring dead center, they weren’t so blinded that they couldn’t see the adorable “extra wait staff” in tighter-than-tight white jeans, tailored white shirts, Carribean blue ribbons for belts and walk-on-your-tip-toe heels.
From the ring TREC chair Mark Gibson (HFF) reported that the event was a sellout thanks to the efforts of the three FightNight chairs: Will Mundinger II (Archon), Will Mundinger III (Crow Holdings) and Elizabeth Malone (HFF). He added that Sarah Hinkley (Peloton Commercial Real Estate) had personally sold more than $15,000 worth of raffle tickets.
But perhaps Will the elder put it best, “We’ve suffered through a very difficult period. Let’s celebrate tonight to better times.”
Then it was time to settle back with another drink served by a lass in white jeans and watch the boxers slug it out.