On the morning of Sunday, December 8, there were quite a few bleary-eyed folks, who had barely enough time to swap their tuxedos and designer gowns for khakis and flats before heading to NorthPark Center. Just hours before they had been guests at the 2019 Crystal Charity Ball benefiting Dallas children’s charities. But now they were supporting another children’s fundraiser by escorting their children and grandchildren to Breakfast With Santa Spectacular benefiting Children’s Medical Center Foundation and hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
In the crowd of up to 800 were 2011 CCB Chair Connie O’Neill holding a balloon critter and 2015 CCB Chair Michal Powell, who was wrangling her clan including husband Loyd Powell, son Gideon Powell with his wife Felicia Powell and the Powell granddaughters Hallie Powell and Asa Anna Powell, who were pictured perfect sitting in Santa’s lap for a photo.
Another CCB guest who had rallied up to attend the sold-out breakfast was Children’s Health First Lady Cristina Durovich. She congratulated 2020 Children’s Cancer Fund Co-Chairs Holly Davis and Jamie O’Banion for the upcoming fundraiser at the Hilton Anatole on Friday, April 17.
Watching escort elves Joanna Clarke and Monica Egert Smith charm and introduce the never-ending line of families to the jolly elf-of-the-hour was NorthPark Center GM Billy Hines, who was on his hi-tech scooter and showing off his equally hi-tech leg.
Looking like 21st century Mr. and Mrs. Claus Diane and John Scovell enjoyed their table in the VIP seating overlooking the entertainment of youngsters in the NorthCourt. They laughed that the best part of being grandfolks at the multi-generational events was settling back as the parents tried to keep up with their kids and get them back to normal.
Just a few feet away from the Scovells was the buffet of brunch items with characters like Batman, Spiderman, Ana, Elsa, Olaf and a towering toy soldier posing with guests.
Underneath the Ad Astra sculpture, emcee Marissa Huckin orchestrated a lineup of dancers and singers to rows and rows of delighted guests. It was so crowded that NorthPark First Lady Nancy Nasher took her place on a bench and cell-taped the young dancers and singers like a proud mom in the NorthCourt. Said Nancy: “Isn’t this fantastic?!”
Throughout the rest of the area were all types of activities including DJ Double G providing music in the CenterPark Garden as kids put the bounce house to good use as adults asked for seconds on the hot chocolate. Late to the party were the reindeer that didn’t show up until 11. Guess they had a long night, too.
For more looks of the morning, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.