Never let it be said, “January is dull.” Thursday night Dallas was proving that it’s not only popping but it hints of what’s to come this spring.
Breath of Life
First stop of the night was the Breath of Life at the Ritz-Carlton. The honoree may have been Amy Simmons, but the fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis was crafted for all ages.
Adorable guest speakers, 12-year Mason Cook of “Mockingbird Lane,” and 10-year-old Maci Drewry wandered by the auction like veteran socialites. It seems that Mason got involved in “bringing attention and awareness” to CF after meeting Tyler-native Maci at a CF fundraiser in L.A. last year. When the young TV star was asked his relationship with Maci, he answered like a seasoned red-carpet pro: “We are just friends.”
Maci is an amazing lass. Seems that it was Maci who, two years ago, inspired Amy to get involved with CF.
Like many, Amy, Mason and Maci found their way to the far back of the reception where the Dallas Zoo
ambassadors had set up shop. What did the critters have to do with a CF benefit dinner? Event Chair Gina Betts knew how fond Amy is of wildlife and the Dallas Zoo and thought it would be fun.
Sid the two-and-half-year-old African penguin may have come a bit overdressed. It was business attire, not tuxedo. The reason for the zoo kids was due to Amy’s love of wildlife and the zoo. Gina arranged to have Dallas Zoo Vice President of Guest Experiences Sean Greene bring Sid and her two buddies —a two-month-old Servil named Abeni, and a crocodile. Her/his handler admitted that no one was quite sure what sex the croc was.
As for Gina, there’s hardly anything left to her. While most resolve to go on diets following the holidays, Gina evidently had gotten a head start. How much has she lost? She didn’t know. Doesn’t believe in scales. She just knows that she feels better.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutante Underwriters
With James French portraits lining Brook Hollow Golf Club’s patio, the February 2nd Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutante presentation underwriters leisurely chatted and checked out
the nearly 50 portraits. In countdown mode for the big, upcoming weekend of partying, the photographs of the debs in their gowns were the main source of conversation for the nearly 90 guests including Marena and Roger Gault, Sarah and Mark Hardin, DSOL President Sharon Barbee and Gala Chair Kay Weeks.
Following the reception, the guests adjourned to the Oak Room and a fabulous dinner of BHGC’s signature salad (Mesclun greens, caramelized pecans, stilton cheese, dried cherries, Granny Smith apples, grape tomatoes with balsamic dressing), beef tenderloin slices with a red wine sauce, crispy seared sea bass with a beurre blanc sauce, potato gratin and asparagus bundles ties with a chive.
To top off the evening’s fare was the yummy favorite of the Brook Hollowites — chocolate soufflé.
Voice of Hope Sponsors Reception
Kenny Troutt was running late. Instead of helping wife Lisa host the sponsors of the Voice of Hope reception at their estate, he arrived just as everyone was heading for the door. But he had a good excuse — he had been in Kentucky and had flown home ASAP.
Not to worry. Wife Lisa has held so many events at their home that she’s on automatic pilot without a sign of even slight stress.
Had he been able to make it, Kenny would have heard about the 30th Anniversary Celebration on January 31 at Belo Mansion that is being chaired by Patti Flowers and Kathryn Warren. (Patti was MIA Thursday night, according to husband Tom Swiley, due to the ever-popular flu.).
The gals have arranged for a reception, dinner and a panel discussion featuring the 2013 “Voices” — former Park Cities Baptist Church pastor Dr. Jim Denison as the 2013 Voice of Faith; baseball’s Clayton Kershaw as the 2013 Voice of Service; and Amelia Earhart Learning Center Principal Andrea Nelson as the 2013 Voice of Education. Moderating the conversation will be Ray Nixon.
Voice of Hope Chairman of the Board Mike Doramus explained how the group has after-school programs for impoverished kids and has partnered up with the North Texas Food Bank. Presently VoH helps 300 kids, but plans call for it to serve 1,000 in five years. He added that, thanks to a grant from the Crystal Charity Ball, VoH will be able to help two additional schools.
Honorary Co-chair Robert Rowling, who has been involved with VoH for 15 years, had a more long-range view on VoH. Not only does he appreciate what VoH does for kids who need help now, but he added that the country’s future depends on these children succeeding. By becoming productive, he said, they’ll become taxpayers and contribute to society. Robert admitted that it’s tough, though, because 85% of black youth have no father in their lives. That’s where heroes like VoH President/CEO Ed Franklin come in. They give their lives every day to help. . . “Those are the heroes, not those of us who write checks,” Robert said. “It’s easy to write a check.”