As the statue overlooking Turtle Creek was being removed on Thursday, September 14, JP Morgan/Chase was hosting the Crystal Charity Ball cocktail buffet at Shirley and Bill McIntyre’s estate in North Dallas.
In this case there was another creek, but it was much smaller and there was a bit of maneuvering. It seems that the turn into the McIntyre’s circular driveway required a sharp turn. One driver ended up slightly dipping into the landscaped terrain. And speaking of the vehicles, they ranged from posh Bentleys to decked-out pick-up trucks.
After turning their cars over to the valets, the guests strolled over a narrow foot bridge to the fabulous mansion with its towering glass windows and stone walls. At one point the parade of pretties came to a traffic jam stop like Stemmons Freeway during rush hour. Sara Lee Gardner had just crossed the bridge with husband Stan Gardner and Shelle and Michael Sills, when she turned and walked halfway back on the bridge to talk with Muffin Lemak and Claire and Dwight Emanuelson. The result? The strolling flow of guests across the narrow bridge came to a standstill, with no HOV lane in sight. Needless to say, a traffic cop was not required. Just a couple of throat clearings by a bystander literally got the guests on their way.
They were greeted by petite JPMorgan Chase banker Elaine Agather, who was getting her workout opening the heavy front door. The blonde in red revealed that she had been less visible on the fundraising scene due to an expansion of her territory that now ranged from the far north of the U.S. to practically the space station. By the way, while Elaine is a well-known gal who is just as comfortable in a boardroom as she is on a saddle, has managed to combine a firm handshake with soft hands. She must have been loyal to wearing gloves when reining her ponies.
As for entertainment, there was a pianist, but the real draw were the people. Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse had to duck out early due to a dinner date…Carmen and Don Godwin were with Australian jeweler Margot McKinney and Peter Kedwell. Margot’s goodies highlighted by mega-pearl necklaces (thanks to Margot, Carmen was wearing literally the world’s largest strand of baroque pearls) would be the accessory du jour for the 10 Best Dressed the next day… Rich Enthoven told how he nearly parted ways with his vintage Corvette. No matter how he tried, it just wasn’t reliable. Then Daryl Johnston, upon spotting the car and hearing of Rich’s frustration, told him about the “Corvette Whisperer.” Rich took a chance and it worked. Both Rich and his eye-catching Corvette now are happy campers… Tom Addis reported that Garry Cox, who had just recently undergone a liver transplant, was doing very well and already home…Pete Foster reported on the pros and cons of the just-announced Apple iPhones 8, 8 Plus and X… Solo appearances included Ralph Babb (wife Barbara Babb was recovering from a cold) and Joanna Clarke (her boss Paige McDaniel was under the weather)… On the other hand, designer Zac Posen arrived with his posse (Amelia Gibson, Jillian Sinel and Celine Mariton). Earlier in the day, Zac had been named Rosewood Hotels Ambassador for Dallas.
Alas, even at the best affairs, there is a guest or two who didn’t listen to their mama on good table manners. In this case, a couple of folks were seen pulling a George Costanza. The shocked catering maven, upon seeing the double dipping, promptly withdrew the bowl from the table.
But it was an early night, because ccB Chair Pam Perella and 10 Best Dressed Chair Christi Urschel and the 10 Besties had an early call the next morning, and everyone needed their beauty sleep.
