From learning about the opportunities in the non-profit sector to just having a jolly good time, the charitable types were buzzing around town.
Communities Foundation Of Texas
Leave it to Communities Foundation of Texas to make education fun. Brent Christopher and his staff had a winning combination of cocktails and a controversial chef cooking up food for thought. The “chef” in this case was author Dan Pallotta, who wrote “Uncharitable” and “Charity Case.”
Don’t go ho-humming. Such folks as Kenneth Craighead, Patrick Esquerre, State Sen. Florence Shapiro and Susan Ragland were johnny-on-the-spot for this one.
And rightly so. According to Danny, we’re taught all the wrong things about charity and giving. The stress is placed on keep fundraising costs low, but that sometimes means the group can’t grow, because it doesn’t spend on advertising, for example, or pay its executives enough. Doing more with less can be like drawing blood from a stone. Plus, to keep the costs low, groups can do all sorts of accounting tricks. He is most interested in how you solve problems; what does it take to actually solve these problems? He tries to point out what it would take. Dan thinks it’s not necessarily smart for charities to “act more like a business.”
Ouch! That’s not the norm in the world of charitable giving and fundraising. But it is food for thought.
Art of Film Patron Party
Katy and Lawrence Bock may have been hosting a preview of the new Bond movie, “Skyfall,” over at Highland Park Village, but Dallas Film Society devotees were at Tara Lewis‘s and John Sword‘s home for The Art of the Film patron party. Tara had to singlehandedly host the party because John was out of town.
Despite Honorary Chair Ruth O’Donnell Mutch being unable to attend, Event Co-chairs Jennifer Houser and Mersina Stubbs were front and center when DFS Artistic Director James Faust took his place on the stairway.
James warned all not to be surprised at the evening including a chat between actor/former Batman Val Kilmer and film expert Elvis Mitchell. Encouraging sponsorships, James added, “Depending on how much money you give, I will personally drag Val Kilmer to your table.”
After the announcements were made, James updated his plans on his pending marriage. It’ll be September 2013. Why wait so long? She wants an outdoor wedding and he’s got a film festival to take care of. That was the best time that fit both of their needs.
Dallas Film Society Chairman of the Board Lynn McBee, clad in a nifty black Bill Blass sweater coat over black leggings with a YSL belt and shoes, reported that husband Allan was over at the “Skyfall” showing. . . Author Harry Hunsicker said his latest thriller, “The Contractor,” would be out next fall. It had been on the market for a couple of years.
Texas Women for Arts
Still another opportunity to learn with a touch of class and fashion was happening over at the Dallas Country Club. Showcasing Highland Park Village’s newest kid on the couture block was Akris.
GM Dianne DeVeny had a whole bunch of models in Akris fashions strutting the ultra-private runway for Texas Women for the Arts.
- TWA’s Patsy Donosky explained that TWA is an organization that works with the Texas Cultural Trust and the Texas Commission for the Arts. In fact, organization chairman Sandra Gillilandhad flown in just for the evening.
Among the 70 fashionable and well-heeled set were Muffin Lemak, DeeDee Lee, Claire Emanuelson, Janie Condon, Sheryl Barnett, Capera Ryan, Lucretia Wagoner and Lori Jones with youngest recruit Mary Chambers Jones.
The biggest problem facing organizers was getting the gals from the cocktail reception into the ballroom for the fashion parade.
Luckily, all complied. But what else would one do when Patsy says, “March”?
The Trains at NorthPark Patron Party
Patrons of The Trains at NorthPark benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas were treated to red roses and candles in quite a setting — Cate and Jeremy Ford‘s Park Cities mansion. It seemed extra special since it was the 25th anniversary of the little choo-choos that have delighted thousands and thousands each holiday season.
To truly commemorate the occasion, Alan Engstrom and husband Randy and Debbie Raynor with husband Alan, who co-chaired the first Trains, were drafted into being honorary chairs this year.
And speaking of longterm relationships, Norm Bagwell recalled how his involvement could be traced to the 1990’s when he was at Bank One. When he moved over to the Bank of Texas, he took the sponsorship with him.
This year’s new addition to the Trains, which get rolling Saturday, is the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge to the Dallas skyline.