As part of the Dallas merry-go-round of activities stirring up philanthropy for the nonprofits both now and in the future, last Wednesday night lived up to the “never-say-slow-down” motto.
CELEBRATION OF GIVING
Even before Santa settles into his chair across the way at NorthPark, the Communities Foundation of Texas was celebrating with a big crowd the 3,000+ grants it had distributed this year. In the lobby of its headquarters, CFT President/CEO Brent “Mr. Bowtie” Christopher and his staff had arranged to have five recipient groups on hand including the American Heart Association, Life Shines Bright/Methodist Health System, Entrepreneurs for North Texas, the Texas High School Project and the DonorBridge/Japan-American Society. If you’re not very familiar with all of these organizations, you understand the thinking behind the selections — to showcase the diversity of CFT contributions.
It was also a very diverse gathering of benefactors (Bobby Lyle, Karen Shuford, Jane Pierce) and beneficiaries (The Family Place’s Paige Flink, Attitudes & Attire’s Lyn Berman), with restaurateur Abraham Salum making sure no one went hungry.
Regarding the present situation, Bobby admitted, “We need a better economy–and rain.”
At 7 the crowd adjourned to the auditorium, where Brent unveiled the CFT’s new logo designed by O&H Brand Design. Why is such a presentation a big deal? Well, the last time CFT’s logo was changed was 30 years ago — three decades during which the organization’s growth and evolution had changed dramatically.
PAWS CAUSE “ARTFUL BOWLS”
Mary and Alberto Tomas opened their studio/gallery on Dragon Street for best friends, both human and four-legged types. While there was a pound full of two-legged critters, the tail-wagging variety was represented by Panda, a one-year-and-three-month old Shih Tzu, that escorted KC Cermak.
The occasion was a silent auction of dog and cat bowls benefiting the SPCA, and we’re not talking your stainless steel or plastic types. These little gems were created by such artists as Rhea Ann Chamness. Early in the evening one of hers was going for $125.
Married 34 years, the artistic Tomases had hardly had time to recover from Mary’s latest project — creating 210 pieces for the new Omni Dallas Hotel. Her reaction to the project? “Dallas has given a nod to the artists” with the program. “I’ve never seen Dallas come together like that before. I’m proud of Dallas.”
CHI OMEGA CHRISTMAS MARKET
On the other side of Dallas City Hall in the Dallas Convention Center, the Christmas shopping was already in high gear. Those owl-loving Chi Omegas were hosting 500 guests for a sneak preview of the weekend’s Chi Omega Christmas Market. Everything from holiday decoration, gifts (even garish sweaters) to art were there for Chi O’s, GDI’s and whoever. One booth offered “Ladies Pajamas 3 Sets/$40.”
At 8:30 p.m. sculptor Brad Oldham was center stage in the spotlight as he unveiled his 2012 owl– Sunday, a tawny owl embodying the importance of rest. While it was Brad’s first retail public event for his retail product line, “Pure Sculpture,” this hooter wasn’t his first. Made of “silver infused bronze,” each owl comes in a box with a little leather-bound book. He’s already created three limited edition owls (there are only 450 of each):
- Barn owl Captain (“he sails the seas of love”)
- Great horned owl Walter (as in Cronkite) and
- Burrowing owls John and Abigail (for the president and first lady)
Chi O’s Charlene Howell and Lynn McBee compared notes on their owl collections. Charlene is the proud owner of 262 owl Christmas ornaments and had just added Walter to her nest.