The valets of the Crystal Charity Ball Advisory Board get together on Thursday, April 5, were told to expect 50 cars. But the line of cars around Carolyn and David Miller’s marvelous Highland Park home was so full that the number had to be beyond the predicted count. But that was to be expected, since the invitees included the 2018 CCB beneficiaries, the CCB advisory board members and the CCB members who had researched the beneficiaries.
It was the first time that the 2018 beneficiaries had come together and share their excitement about making the cut.
But before the program began, a ground zero developed in the hallway of the home. As one gent said eyeing the center of the crowd, “There’s nothing but beautiful women here.”
Well, there were some natty guys there, too, like 2018 First Husband Dwight Emanuelson in a new suit from Hadleighs and Claude Wilson, who was sporting an ivy cap due to some surgery.
Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse said they were ducking out early, but that was easier said than done as they made their way past SuSu and Jerry Meyers and Lisa Troutt.
Due to the close quarters, host David decided that it would be best to move the group to the backyard for 2018 CCB Chair Claire Emanuelson to address the crowd that included Marisa Castro McKoy, Miller daughter Meredith Beebe, Jan and Fred Hegi with daughter-in-law Amy Hegi, Alison Malone, Norma Hunt, Candace Winslow, Belinda Reyes, Piper Wyatt, Christie Carter, Margaret Elizabeth McKissack and Pat and Charles McEvoy. Wise move. The Ashley Bellamy designed backyard was made for any occasion.
With the majority of the guests standing on the upper-level terrace and down the steps leading to the yard, Claire welcomed the group officially and had event underwriter RGT Wealth Advisors‘ Managing Director Chuck Thoele thanked the 2018 beneficiaries, and the CCB advisors and committee members for their work.
As Claire announced each of the beneficiaries (After-School All Stars North Texas, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Boys And Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Buckner Children And Family Services Inc., Friends of the Dallas Public Library, Mosaic Family Services, Nexus Recovery Center and Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Inc.), hands and shout-outs arose from representatives in the crowd.
Just when the program was about to end, David stepped up and said that while the time on the invitation said nine o’clock, he said there was plenty of food from Parigi and there was no need to leave by nine.
Evidently some of the guests took him at his word and stayed put. But who could blame ’em? Once in the Miller home, it’s hard to leave.