Unlike freshmen, the Crystal Charity Ball newbies don’t have to go through all types of tests and teases. Instead they’re treated a bit like Princess Charlotte as they learn the organization’s fine art of fundraising. One of the perks is a lunch, where they get to meet and break bread with the upperclass(wo)men. This year, unlike others, it was held at Neiman Marcus Downtown on Monday, April 18.
Surprise! For the early arrival types, they checked their cars at the parking area adjacent to the flagship store. Alas, pity those who were tardy. After waiting a minute or two or three or five, they were waved off being told the lot was full.
After word was passed on by the rejected ones, NM Downtown VP Jeff Byron corrected that situation. According to insiders, the problem was due to NM staffers now officing in the store who parked their wheels in the lot.
(Shades of yesteryear, when there was a hyphen between Neiman and Marcus and the parking lot had been verboten for any but customers. Oh, well, those were the days when there were actual signs of the zodiac on the walls of the restaurant, gents had to wear jackets to dine and models visited tables showing new items for purchase.)
But back to the day’s events. As the ladies gathered, unofficial news filled the room. Amy Hegi and newbie Libby Hegi were still receiving kudos on their co-chairing the Interfaith Auxiliary Luncheon… Newbie Lisa Cooley was just days away from co-chairing the Children’s Cancer Fund’s first night-time gala…Muffin Lemak was looking great despite a battle with shingles in her eye, even though she’d had the shingles vaccination…Tiffany Divis was being asked about the past weekend party at the Bush Center hosted by Laura and George W. for their past staffers…Paige Slates and other moms were comparing notes about kids’ summer camps and trunks being personalized by Camille’s Creations….Sporting a new haircut, Louise Griffeth was back in town after spending months in Houston with husband Guy Griffeth.
Soon, the gals took their seats and Jeff introduced CCB Chair Christie Carter, who asked “den mothers” Heather Esping and Kim Miller to introduce the newest CCB members (Lisa Cooley, Michaela Dyer, Libby Hegi, Stacey McCord, Alison Malone and Layne Pitzer).
Then it was time to chow down. While some were a little surprised that there were no models showing off CCB Fashion Show designer Carolina Herrera’s designs, others were hungry for the legendary NM mouthwatering popovers. Despite requests, only one or two tables got the goodies. Oh, well, guess breaking bread just wasn’t on the agenda.