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Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons Talks Perseverance, Teamwork At After-School All-Stars’ 7th Annual Rising Stars Luncheon
By Glenn Hunter Leave a Comment
The After-School All-Stars North Texas non-profit invariably seems to draw a healthy crowd to its yearly Rising Stars Luncheon. This year’s 7th annual edition of the luncheon on Wednesday, March 27, kept up the tradition — and then some.
The 2024 event at Brook Hollow Golf Club lured around 250 to enjoy the club’s famous pecan-crusted chicken and a keynote Q&A with Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ star linebacker. The attendance was up some from last year’s luncheon, which featured former Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki.
How come? “The board is really engaged this year,” offered Chloe Leal, who’s with the nonprofit’s development team. Also bolstering the turnout this year, she added, was 2024 Champion Award winner Mary Silverman, the non-profit’s popular advisory board vice chair.
At the pre-lunch reception, where photo-ops with Micah could be had, Cindy and Chuck Gummer and Gina Betts (she was last year’s Champion Award winner) with her son Jack were among the guests who turned out to support ASAS. The organization, which provides comprehensive, cost-free after-school programs that keep children safe and help them succeed, will serve 800 local middle schoolers this year.
Chuck said he didn’t have his photo taken with Micah, because “I didn’t want to break the camera.”
The luncheon, chaired by Kristin Hallam, kicked off with a welcome by ASAS Executive Director Justin Hensley. In no time he was presenting the Champion Award to Mary, who Justin said had been a tireless worker on behalf of After-School All-Stars ever since joining the group’s board in 2016.
Mary helped the organization survive a tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a leadership change at the top, Justin said. “She rolled up her sleeves, she cleared calendars, she got to work.”
Accepting the award, Mary graciously deflected attention from herself and thanked the ASAS board and staff. “I was proud to be side by side with you,” she said. “You and your staff really care about the kids, and the kids know it. And from that comes all success, self-esteem, goals, career aspirations, friendships. I’m really happy to go along for the ride.”
After a video was played explaining ASAS, guests heard from student speaker Sarahi Florence. Sarahi said she and her friends have come to appreciate After-School All-Stars, even though she wasn’t initially excited about attending the program when her mother signed her up. Now, though, “we felt like it was a safe space where we could just be ourselves,” she said.
With that, it was time for the featured Q&A between WFAA Main Sports Anchor Joe Trahan and Micah, who was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. He quickly proved the wisdom of the pick by being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year following the ’21 season.
Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Micah recalled growing up as a standout athlete in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a small city where “everybody knew everybody.” But playing varsity football in high school during his freshman year, he wanted to be a running back rather than a linebacker or defensive end. When his coaches initially resisted the idea, Micah said he thought, “I don’t know if I want to play this anymore, if they won’t let me do what I want to do.” His hard-working mother, however, had a different view. ” ‘No,’ Micah remembers her telling him, ‘you started it, you’ve got to finish it.’ She was always like that. She never let me quit anything.” Micah continued on the team and, within mere months, received a scholarship offer from Penn State — at the age of 15. “It’s testimony to, like, you never know what’s really meant for you,” Micah said, crediting his mother for advising him to persevere.
- Joe said he’s been doing TV sports in Dallas for 21 years, but obviously has never been able to report on the Cowboys winning an NFL championship. “I just want to feel it, I want to see it, because I know it’s going to be the most incredible thing ever, right?” he said. Then he turned to Micah and asked, “With that said, what do you think it’s going to take to get over that playoff hump — for you guys to play your best when those games matter most?” “Just taking care of your body — we need everyone to dial in,” Micah replied. “One thing about team sports is, it can’t just be all about ‘me.’ There’s something about team sports when you have to work together. Whether it’s business, or it’s life, or a project, when you have to work together and you get that outcome that you want, it becomes a forever bond with the people around you. There’s a brotherhood. So I would just say, everyone dial in — no individuals, no I’s — and you can deal with it.”
* Photo credit: Melissa Macatee
2024 Sold-Out Junior Symphony Ball With 2,700+ Guests Results In Record-Breaking $497,000 Check
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
While North Texas high schoolers are getting ready for final exams and graduations, some of them have literally closed the books on the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League‘s (DSOL) 2024 Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) with a check presentation.
Held Monday at the Meyerson, the event had DSOL President Nancy Labadie, JSB Chair Suzanne Austin and some of the JSB co-chairs presenting Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chief Advancement and Revenue Officer Terry Loftis with a record-breaking $497,000 check.
The funds were the result of the ball held on Saturday, January 27, at Gilley’s Dallas, which attracted more than 2,700 guests. The ball was co-chaired by Ela Austin of Ursuline Academy, Adelaide Boisture of Parish Episcopal School, Kate Fagan of The Hockaday School, Ashton Krug of Jesuit College Prep of Dallas, Cara Lichty of Episcopal School of Dallas, Cash Nix of Highland Park High School, James Sutherland of St. Mark’s School of Texas, Baker Trent of Bishop Lynch High School and Caroline Woram of Highland Park High School.
JSB is the DSOL’s longest-running fundraiser “supporting DSO outreach programs such as the Young Strings program and the Young Musicians program.” Since its inception 66 years ago, the “student-led, parent-guided” fundraiser has evolved “in scope and participation size.”
* Photo credit: Suzanne Austin
Turtle Creek Association’s Azalea Luncheon Featured Fashions, Flowers And Food At Crow Library
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Right on cue the azaleas were busting in beauty at Kathy and Harlan Crow‘s estate on Tuesday, March 26. The grounds were a glorious sight and rightly so for the Turtle Creek Association‘s Azalea Luncheon.
The event kicked off with champagne being served in The Harlan Crow Library’s reception hall, where even oldtimers were amazed at the newest item on display — a wood-and-glass case containing a collection of Albert Einstein‘s pipes.
As guests like Honorary Chair Ann Stuart, Honorary Chair Emeritus/newly elected TCA Board of Directors Chair Deborah Stanford, Honorary Guest Mary Brinegar, new Dallas Arboretum President/CEO Sabina Carr, new Dallas Zoo CEO Lisa New, Judy Lifson, Ralph Randall, Venise Stuart, Carole Ann Brown, Kathy Cothrum, Holly Mayer and Mari Epperson made the rounds, one of the day’s topics was the update of Barbara Bigham‘s husband, Bob Bigham, who had undergone heart surgery. Barbara had found herself caretaking and chauffeuring him around.
Inside the main hall, the room was filled to the max with beautifully decorated tables prepared for the sold-out attendance that according to organizers was the first fashion show to be held in the library.
As the guests moved into the main hall for the fashion presentation by Betty Reiter of her latest spring collection, Event Chair Sharon Ballew welcomed the sold-out crowd and introduced Chef To The Shelters Chef Mike McCoy, who was on all fours cleaning up an errant spill of water on the stage.
He had prepared a menu starting off with spinach salad with strawberries and raspberry vinaigrette, a main course of airline chicken, parsnip whipped Yukon’s, broccolini with lemon zest and an old-fashion “Happy Birthday Indulgent Chocolate Cake.”
Following Sharon TCA President/CEO J.D. Trueblood recognized members in the audience and invited Honorary Chair Ann Stuart to say a few words. She recalled that after retiring from her position as TWU chancellor/president in 2014, she moved to the Turtle Creek neighborhood, joined the association, became a member of the the board and its president and “then five years ago, here comes J.D. and, oh, boy, and he knew a lot of what should be happening.” She attributed the association progress and growth to J.D. and Sharon, who joined the association as vice-president of development. “The two of them have transformed this organization.”
Without further ado, the parade of fashions got underway.
For more looks of the guests and the fashions, check MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.
Grovel Alert: Day At The Races Is Nearing The Finish Line With A Patron Party Tuesday Night For Early Entrants
It’s not too late, but then again maybe it is. According to very well placed sources, Turtle Creek Park Conservancy‘s Day at the Races presented by Truist on Saturday, May 4, is within a whisker of being sold out. It’s so much more fun than sitting at home in your jammies or cargo shorts with your pooch and a stale bag of chips watching the Kentucky Derby.
Taking place in an air-conditioned tent overlooking Turtle Creek, the event starts mid-afternoon with schmoozing, grazing, sipping and eyeballing guests and being eyeballed by the envious types. There will be so much more than the greatest two minutes in sports. Of course, there will be a live auction, hors d’oeuvres, all types of adult beverages, games, dancing, live music and the always surprising “chic chicks and dapper dudes competition” being judged by John Clutts, Lisa Cooley, Patti Flowers, Tanya Foster and Jill Rowlett.
There will also be a live auction for the wrist sparkling bracelet provided by Kelly Mitchell Fine Jewelry valued at $12,750.
According to Co-Chairs Melissa Sherrill Martin and Ross Martin, Honorary Chair Emilynn Wilson and TCPC President Tiffany Divis, patrons are in for quite a extra perk. Tuesday night (aka April 23) there’s to be a patron party at a retailer renowned for fashions highlighted by galloping hooves. Wink, wink.
Hint: Giddy up and and sign up for the patron level here or call Chris Denny at 214.971.3747 or Tiffany at 214-929-6006 and tell them that Mr. Ed sent you. If you’re sorta shy, you can always go online here to pick your place at the gate.
Patron level is a double doozy of an opportunity. Not only will you enjoy the patron perks on May 4, you just might find the perfect outfit to impress the other beautiful peeps.
JUST IN: Kappas Are “Keyed” Up to Celebrate Tablescapes’ 30th Anniversary With Herrera’s Wes Gordon
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Area weather guessers were betting that North Texas would be ground zero for getting slammed with the usual nasty elements (i.e., hail, wind, lightning, loads of rain, etc.) by 4 p.m. Thursday. But they didn’t know that the Kappa Kappa Gamma Dallas Alumnae had an “in” with Mother Nature. That resulted in ideal conditions Thursday to announce plans for Tablescapes 30th anniversary at an afternoon cocktail party that included Tablescapes Co-Founder Louise Griffeth, Anne McPherson, Victoria Snee and Susan Glassmoyer.
And to add to the perfection of the weather, 2024 Tablescapes Co-Chairs Frances Mitchell, Elizabeth Phillips and Katherine Sundby had the perfect place to announce their plans — the Carolina Herrera salon in Highland Park Village. It wasn’t just because of all the fabulous gowns, dresses and accessories there. The gals revealed that this year’s luncheon keynote speaker would be none other that ever-adorable and talented Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon, who in his spare time released his book “ColorMania” last fall.
Ideally scheduled a month before the holiday season gets into high gear, the luncheon will take place this year on Tuesday, October 15, at a “local country club.”
Leading up to the day of table viewing and Wes visiting, there will be the Tablescapes by Tea and by Candlelight gathering the day before (aka Columbus Day). It provides a sneak preview of the table displays and all types of grazing.
This year’s fundraiser will benefit Aspire, Clayton Dabney, ScholarShot, West Dallas Community School and Young Women’s Preparatory Network.
It’s well known that this two-day fundraiser is always a sell-out, so waiting doesn’t pay. Underwriting opportunities and tickets are available now.
Over the past three decades, Tablescapes has provided nearly $4.2M to more than 141 beneficiaries.
Take Back Day Is Nearing To Part Ways With Expired And Unwanted Medications
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
With a bit of a chill in the area this weekend, why not use the time to clean out your closet... or, rather your medicine cabinet? Take a deep breath and admit that there are pills and medicines that you didn't use or just put aside for a later need. Not good. Either the use-date is way gone or … Read More...
JUST IN: Texas Women’s Foundation Taps Non-Profit Veteran Karen Hughes White As President and CEO
By Glenn Hunter Leave a Comment
The Texas Women's Foundation (TXWF) has appointed non-profit veteran Karen Hughes White as its new president and chief executive officer. The Dallas-based foundation, which advances economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls, said White has a 20-year record focusing on the needs of … Read More...
Grovel Alert: 2024 Equest Blue Ribbon Gala
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
With less than ten days until the big fundraiser, the Equest Blue Ribbon Gala Co-Chairs Calvert Collins-Bratton and Melissa Oates have passed the word that the hoedown is nearing a sold-out status. With the event moving to the Hilton Anatole's Chantilly Ballroom after years at its Texas … Read More...
MySweetCharity Photo Gallery Alert: The Azalea Luncheon
With the azaleas on the grounds of Kathy and Harlan Crow's estate in perfect harmony with the Turtle Creek Association's "Azalea Luncheon," guests were welcomed from the doorstep to what many claim was the first fashion show at the Crow Library on Tuesday, March 26. As colorful as the buds were … Read More...
Scott Orr Named Dallas CASA Board Of Directors Chair Along With Four New Board Members
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Over the past decade, Dallas CASA "has experienced tremendous growth." Why, in 2023 alone, "1,088 Dallas CASA volunteers were assigned to serve 2,151 children in protective care" in Dallas County. As a result, the group "has been able to serve every Dallas child in need with an advocate for five … Read More...
Rita Wilson Dishes On Hollywood, Music, Tom Hanks, Male Journalists And Spanx At 2024 Chick Lit Luncheon
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Perhaps the Community Partners Of Dallas' 2024 Chick Lit Luncheon should have been renamed Chic Lace, what with Co-Chairs Cathy James and Lisa Ogle and keynote speaker Rita Wilson all dolled up in various styles and brands of lace at the Hilton Anatole on Friday, March 22. Going against the lacy … Read More...