April 9 was just a warm-up act for the rest of the week that offered an onslaught of activities.
Tocqueville Society Party
A gathering of about 100 people associated with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas celebrated record results April 9 for the $25,000 Circle of the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society. The event was held at the spectacular newish home of Marianne and Roger Staubach (“Marianne built the house and I moved in with her,” Roger quipped).
As they entered, guests including Caroline Rose Hunt, Emmitt Smith and Mary and Rich Templeton saw dozens of ribbon-clad footballs arrayed on a table. Each of the “thank-you” party favors had been signed by former Dallas Cowboys Staubach and Troy Aikman, who co-chaired efforts for the $25,000 Circle.
And, what leadership the chairs provided. According to United Way/Dallas president and CEO Jennifer Sampson, 94 donors have given at least $25,000 to the Circle to date, raising more than $2.9 million, surpassing the $2.5 million goal. A total of 66 donors gave at the $25,000 level the year before.
Relaxing for a moment in the Staubachs’ living room, Ruth Altshuler recalled starting the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society back in 1986, for donors giving $10,000 or more to United Way. The relatively new $25,000 Circle was a way to up the ante. “You can’t go from $10,000 to $50,000” in one fell swoop, she explained, smiling.
Was she surprised by the strength of this year’s response? “Well, it doesn’t hurt to have Roger and Troy. They’re such good sports,” Ruth replied. “Roger knows by now what a big deal he is. Times are good in general, too, and that’s helpful.”
So, how did Troy (who had to leave the party early) and Roger persuade so many to give? “I had a lot of intel on them!” Staubach cracked. “No, United Way is a great organization. Rich Templeton [the 2012 chair] has done a phenomenal job,” Roger went on. “We’re just part of a successful campaign by Rich Templeton. His goal was to beat the year before. I just saw Tom Falk [chair of the 2013 campaign, which starts July 1], and Tom said, ‘I’ve got a lot of pressure on me now!’ ”
Cattle Baron’s Ball Raffle Kick-Off
Meantime, about 75 Cattle Baron’s Ball members and sponsors thronged Eiseman Jewels NorthPark Center for the 40th Anniversary Spur On! The Fight Against Cancer CBB Raffle Kick-Off. The party marked the first opportunity for the ladies of CBB to snag their tickets for 2013’s lineup of outstanding prizes. Among them: a 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450, a $10,000 debit card from PlainsCapital Bank and a $10,000 shopping spree at Highland Park Village.
While guests including Olivia Kearney, Don Hicks and Sandy Nachman munched on light bites by La Duni and sipped Tequila Avion margaritas, host Richard Eiseman conducted a drawing of his own, giving away the right to wear Eiseman jewels to the big ball. Clad in a black cowboy hat–a gift from CBB 10 years ago—Richard announced the names of not one but three lucky winners: Cayce Kemp, Andrea Weber and Meg Florence.
Spur On! Co-chairs Mary Gill and Brooke Shelby stressed that participating in the raffle portion of the fundraising effort makes an especially good option for those who can’t attend the ball on Oct. 5. “Mary Gill will personally deliver raffle tickets to their doorsteps,” Mary said with laugh.
So, is there a fundraising goal for the 2013 raffle? “We’d like to bring in more than ever,” Mary answered. “We’ve always stalled out at $270,000 or so. If we could do $400,000 for our 40th anniversary that would send us over the moon and back.”
Billiard Ball
At the Ritz-Carlton, Gina Betts was showcasing her ability to juggle with the best of them. Not only was she chairing Friday’s Wings Luncheon for New Friends New Life, she is also chairing the Boys & Girls Club’s Billiard Ball and the 2014 Art Ball.
But on this night she was announcing plans for the 10th anniversary of the Billiard Ball. It will take place on Saturday, October 19, at the Ritz and this year’s recipients of the Robert H. Dedman Lifetime Achievement Award will be Lee Ann and Alan White. It is given to people, who exemplify philanthropy and outstanding business leadership. Previous recipients have included Barbara and Steve Durham, Bobby Lyle, Gay and Bill Solomon, Henry S. Miller Jr., Dee and Charles Wyly Jr., Caren Prothro, Linda Custard, Norman Brinker and Ruth Altshuler.
Lee Ann and Alan were on hand for the announcement, but had to head for the door immediately afterwards for a gathering at their PlainsCapital.
On hand for the announcement were last year’s chairs Rachel and Chris Trowbridge and Rachel’s mom, Susan Stanzel. The Trowbridges are chairing this year’s National Day of Prayer benefiting the Thanks-Giving Square Foundation on Thursday, May 2, at the Fairmont Hotel.
Another chair-type in the group was Tiffany Divis, who, along with Underwriting Chair Jennifer Houser, is coordinating the Equest Fashion Show & Luncheon at Brook Hollow on Tuesday, October 8.