After the beating that real estate has taken in the past few years, it was showing all the signs of “comeback time” at the 2012 Fight Night 24 at the Hilton Anatole on May 3. Munsch Hardt Kopf Harr/Fight Night Chair Michael Krywucki said things were a little different this year. In addition to the national anthem being played on an electric guitar, the 1,100 guests and the ring announcer being curvaceous Amy Hayes instead of good old boy type, Michael reported that The Real Estate Council had “spent 10% less on expenses” this year. And yet, the net would get a “nice bump” over the past couple of years. How did they do that? Instead of the same old/same old, they got “good cooperation” out of their partners like the production company, Fauxcades. And you just know if there’s anyone who can negotiate a deal, real estate pros are the ones who can.
Looking at the sea of tuxedoes at the reception. . . wait, who looked at the guys? Instead the object of visual attention was the two-tier stage with two sparkly clad gals who danced, danced and danced to the tunes of Lucy Wrubel. The top one looked like an exotic fairy from “Lord of the Rings” in a crystal ball. It was actually fun to chat with the fellas and watch their eyes wander to the dancing lasses while trying to maintain the conversation. Bless their hearts.
But then another eye catcher was Tri-Tex Construction’s Randy Rogers, who shunned the black tie look for baby blue formal dress.
And then there was newlywed Herb Weitzman. Folks were lined up like customers at a Baskins Robbins on a July night. Take a number and wait your turn. One fellow came up to the retail real estate wizard and feigned “kissing Herb’s ring.” Earlier in the day Herb had attended a meeting at MD Anderson in Houston, caught a plane back to Dallas to attend the big hoop-la for the new Krogers (formerly Elliott’s Hardware) and stopped by FightNight 24. But it was only a momentary stopover. He was meeting his bride, Donna Arp, at the Mavericks game.
Dunhill Properties’ Bill Hutchinson in a white Canali double-breasted jacket reported that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was returning to Dallas on June 5. Bill ought to know, since he’s Romney’s finance bigwig in Texas.
As for the gals in the crowd, they were divided into two camps — guests in long gowns and 65 “service models” in short, tight black cocktail dresses with tattoos visible. So why not? Afterall who was “casting director” Veronica Kirksey to frown on tattoos. Her leggy tattoo stopped pedestrian traffic almost as quickly as the dancing girls.
Once the doors to the Chantilly Room opened, the evening’s main event of gambling, dining and boxing were apparent. Emcee Mark Elfenbein of 105.3 The Fan recognized the city officials present including Mayor Mike Rawlings, City Councilpersons Dwaine Caraway, Tennell Atkins and Pauline Medrano, County Judge Clay Jenkins, Rep. Dan Branch and Sen. Royce West.
Then it was dinner time and what a dinner it was. Let it never be said that the real estate types don’t know good cuisine. Highlight was the dessert. Word was passed that a new pastry chef was showing brilliance in the Anatole kitchen. One person claimed, “This is the best dessert I’ve had in three years.” No one else commented. They were too busy snarfing down their desserts.
Ringside Amy in her blue sequin gown with major back cutout was helped into the ring. Someone in the audience muttered, “I think she needs to get her hair up a little higher.” Overhead video screens showed the Mavs losing to the Thunder. The action in the ring wasn’t looking all that stellar for Luther Miller of Carthage either. He was knocked out in little more than a minute by Luis Ambriz.
On the other hand, TREC Foundation netted more than a half-million dollars for its 24th Fight Night. It’s nice to see the real estate world rebounding from the past years’ slug fest and raising funds for TREC Foundation.