The evening of Wednesday, April 23, had traffic moving in overdrive to get to the various events taking place throughout the entire area. While hundreds and hundreds were at the Meyerson to enjoy Diana Ross doing a knock-out performance for the Vogel Alcove, others were at . . .
Flora Awards Announcement Party
The walkway leading to Susie and John Adams’s Highland Park home was bordered by beds of colorful spring flowers. How appropriate for the announcement part for the 2014 Flora Award benefiting Texas Discovery Gardens. Even the flowers on the tables surrounded by food donated by Chef Trina Nelson of Pat-T-Trayz Catering was just perfect.
Always the perfect hostess, Suzy welcomed each guest at the door like an old friend. As for the honorees, Suzy Rhodes was dressed for the occasion in a pink and red floral dress. As each guest approached, she checked to see if it was husband Tom.
Stacey Beck is chairing the black tie event on Thursday, November 6, at Texas Discovery Gardens with tickets starting at $300.
Among the group to hear the announcement were Jennifer and Coley Clark, who had two more stops including Make-A-Wish and the Vogel Alcove events.
John Wayne Film Festival Patron Dinner
It was a true gathering of eagles at Nick and Sam’s in Addison. The eagles were the patrons of the John Wayne Film Festival on the eve of the four-day Duke-athon.
On the way over to the dinner, KRLD had broadcast an interview with Co-Chair Steve Stodghill about the event. When later asked at the reception if Stodgie had arranged for TCM to host a week of John Wayne movies to coincide with the festival, he gave a lawyerly smile saying he refused to confirm or deny the arrangement.
Don Winspear reported that he was heading to Coopers Aerobic Center to start working out again following some recent surgery. While complimented about his work in recovering from transverse myelitis, he smiled and pointed to a blond across the way. “She’s the one who deserves the compliment.” He was talking about his wife, Ellen.
Across the room some else wondered if the pelifera of red-haired babes (Anne Stodghill, Pat Stodghill, Tiffany Divis, Hayley Hamilton Cogill and Linda Ivy) was a nod to Ann-Margret, who was to be the guest of honor on Saturday night.
At the other end of the spectrum was the footwear that featured all types of boots — dazzlers, ropers, surgical. Hello, surgical? Yup, Lee Bailey was wearing two totally different types of boots. Yes, on her right foot was a splashy gold one that went perfectly with her gold cowgirl outfit. The other one was a surgical boot to help her recover from foot surgery six weeks ago. When asked how she was getting between the floors of her palazzo, she laughed, “Slowly.”
In the dining room, Micki and Mike Rawlings were just regular folks hanging out with friends. After all, Addison has its own mayor. So, the twosome looked like it was date night without a care in the world.
Among the Wayne kids present were Marisa Wayne and Ethan Wayne and granddaughter Anita Swift. They’re getting to be such regular types that some folks might think the Wayne brood has moved here permanently.
Thrive
Here’s a report from the field:
“Cancer Support Community North Texas, a free comprehensive cancer support center, hosted its inaugural Thrive event to honor recently retired** Texas Health Resources CEO Doug Hawthorne with the first ever Community in Action award. Thrive took place at the Hilton Anatole Hotel Khmer Pavilion.
“The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by a formal dinner and an award presentation. Doug Hawthorne was chosen as the recipient of the Community in Action award for his dedication to creating healthier communities.
“Kent Rathbun Dine Around and Limo for Eight with Wine Pairings, Round of Golf for Four at Vaquero Club and $500 Kendra Scott Jewelry Color Bar Party were the raffle items that helped to raise nearly $300,000, with all proceeds benefiting the organization’s free comprehensive cancer support programs throughout North Texas.”
* Photo credit: James Edward ** Evidently this report was a bit premature. According to Texas Health Resources PR Director Wendall Watson, "Mr [sic] Hawthorne recently ANNOUNCED that he will step down as CEO by the end of 2014. He definitely has NOT retired yet." So, Doug, you've still got to show up for work as CEO.