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Bigs Gather at the Cartys for Big Black Tie Ball Prelude

Last night Big Brothers/Big Sisters of North Texas  pulled off a rather wonderful, small gathering of the “Bigs” at the charming estate of Ana and Don Carty (pictured). It was billed as a prelude to the “Big Black Tie Ball,” but it was actually sorta marvelous. From the perfect weather for the Cartys to take full advantage of their dreamland backyard to the camaraderie of the guests, there was no need for big-name entertainment, NFL football players, or even fireworks.

The energy, determination, and belief in BB/BS were positively contagious. If you need someone to blame, let’s all point fingers at Don. Without hesitation he championed the belief that unlike many of the party guests, an important part of our society does not have the family or mentors in place to help them. Time and time again, he extolled the importance of individuals stepping up and making a difference for these young people.

He also admitted that funding was an important part of a successful nonprofit organization like BB/BS, but added, if “you haven’t got money, you can give your time. That’s invaluable.”

Don ‘fessed up that one area where BB/BS is in great need is adult members of the African-American community. “We’re working with fraternities and other organizations to get them involved.”

Then he turned his attention to another area facing nonprofits nowadays. The days of nonprofits using a picture of a needy child or an abused animal are oh-so past tense. Today fundraising is a full-blown business and must rely on the same standards, practices, and accountability as any successful corporation. Don pointed with pride to Charles Pierson (pictured), BB/BS of North Texas CEO, who left the for-profit sector to head up BB/BS here, as the key to BB/BS becoming a leader within the national organization.  By the way, Charles started out as a “Big” volunteer in 1993 and became CEO 10 years later.

And since the BB/BS organization is expertly skilled in doing the right thing, they presented their hosts with gifts of thanks. For Don, it was a bottle of 1988 Dominus Estate, Napa Valley. And for Ana, it was a one-of-a-kind hand-signed glass vase from the Molinari Standard collection.

Okay, so you want names? Other Bigs included white-haired standouts like Norm Green and Herb Weitzman with Donna Arp. . . . Kelly Green (pictured) compared notes with Myrna Schlegel about Little Sister Azalea’s lovely violin performance as a sneak preview of the November 14 ball. . . .Kimberly Schlegel-Whitman and hubby Justin Whitman toured the new addition of the Carty house. . . . BB/BS of America CEO Karen Mathis just happened to drop in to congratulate the Dallas bunch for their work. Karen, who just came on board this month, has been in the friendly skies since taking her position. The Dallas stop for the Carty gathering was a must-attend item on her agenda. She couldn’t even stay ‘til the end of the party. Had to be whisked away in a waiting vehicle to catch her flight at D/FW Airport.

 Can’t wait to see what the Bigs pull off for the ball at the Fairmont. It should be very, very big.