Nobody was going to mess with Tucker Enthoven. After “pivoting” during her tenure as 2020 Crystal Charity Ball chair, she knew how to deal with challenges. And the threat of stormy weather on Thursday, May 5, wasn’t going to dampen her and husband Rich Enthoven’s hosting 2022 CCB Susan Farris’ theme announcement underwritten by Tolleson Wealth Management.
Still, willy-nilly weathercasters were dropping words like hail, tornadoes and the usual North Texas weather threats about the day’s forecast. But Tucker, Susan and the CCB staff remained flexible and hopeful.
And what do you know, it worked out. After a heavy-duty storm just past noon, not only did the skies clear up, but the temperatures were perfect for the Enthoven estate’s beautiful grounds to be the perfect setting for the event.
But before the first guests arrived, Dallas Opera tenor Zach Hess and pianist Thiago Nascimento rehearsed on the terrace, and catering czarina Cassandra prepped a buffet that would not be revealed until after the announcement.
But even before all that happened, there was the crowd of nearly 100 including John Tolleson, Melinda and Mark Knowles and a posse of gals — Shannon Graham, Lynn McBee, Victoria Snee and Kimber Hartmann — making it fresh from the Equest Woman’s Auxiliary’s Fashion Show kick-off party at Lela Rose in Highland Park Village.
The fashion of the night ranged from poofy dresses to flowery prints. Tucker proudly wore her newest acquisition — a Patti Flowers orange gown that just a couple of days before had been on the Salvation Army Fashion Show runway.
Pete Foster reported that his birthday gift to himself — a red, hot Corvette — had just passed the 500-mile mark, so he could really see how it performed.
Lindsay Ballotta admitted that this was her first theme announcement event and she hadn’t prepared husband Ray Ballotta for the coat-and-tie affair. Someone admitted that the rest of the gents probably envied Ray’s not having to be so buttoned up.
As for the announcement, the crowd of guests were called to the backyard terrace, where Susan recognized the ensemble of talents who would be involved in creating the event, including designer Tom Addis, Garden Gate’s Junior Villanueva, Lamberts’ Tracey and Paul Fields, entertainment agent Curtis Butt, Curtis Moving and Storage’s Jamie Furrate, orchestra conductor Tim Ishii, Lawson Rentals and Events’ Cassie Lawson and the Hilton Anatole’s Beverly Anderson, Roberta Robinson and Bruce Roy.
In a tip of the hat for the evening’s underwriter, Susan had Tolleson Wealth Management President Richard Joyner address the group, telling how proud the company was to be associated with the women’s organization that for 70 years has helped the children of Dallas County.
It was then time for the great reveal of the 2022 CCB theme for the black-tie fundraiser at the Hilton Anatole on Saturday, December 3. But just before announcing the theme, “Splendido Italiano,” to the crowd, Zach suddenly appeared from the living room door, preparing to break into song. Before a second note was sung, he backed off pretending to have missed his cue to perform. Following the news of the theme, Zach and Thiago performed to the delight of all.
As for the backstory on Susan’s picking “Splendido Italiano,” it was heartfelt due to her being “51% Italian and wanting to honor my mother’s family, The Capuzzis, which means ‘boss’ in Italian. There are so many wonderful regions in Italy, it was hard to choose just one, so the 2022 Ball will feature the five main areas of Italy; each area boasts its own culinary treasures and traditions mostly based on local climate and natural resources. No matter where you are in Italy, you will find some handmade pasta, locally produced gelato, a glass of Chianti wine and a friendly smile waiting for you.”
Even before the announcement was made, Susan’s attire hinted at the theme — a purse reading “Milano” thanks to husband John Farris.
As guests departed, they were chilled with servings of gelato and checked out Nick Sanders‘ and Holt Haynsworth‘s vespas.
For more looks at the evening’s festivities, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.