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True Confesssion: Bishop’s Gala Was A Lot More Fun Than Mass

The Hilton Anatole was buzzing with three different groups Saturday night. There were those lugging briefcases and luggage. There were those in ball gowns and tails. There were those who mixed and mingled blue jeans with tuxedoes.

Now try to match which group was which – The Bishop’s Gala for Catholic Charities, the Terpsichorean Club, January Total Home & Gift Market. If you’ve been around the Dallas social circle more than once, it was a snap matching the groups. Now guess which one had the most fun — The Bishop’s Gala.

Whether it was the theme, the familiar friends getting together, or just Bishop Kevin Farrell‘s Irish ability to make for a good time, 600 partied the night away. Or, perhaps it was because the party ‘s honorary chairs were the David G. and Mary Fox family.

Before we get caught up in the all the fun stuff of the night, Bishop Farrell gently suggested that guests make a donation to the Haitian victims, noting that hundreds of Catholic missionaries and volunteers were lost or missing in the aftermath.

The theme, “Boots & Dazzle Big D Style,” opened the door for the gents to mix and match their finest with their most comfortable, and they did just that. Poster boy of the tuxedo/blue jean set  was former Southwest “legend” (no pun intended) Herb Kelleher.

“He’s a magnet. People are just drawn to him. I’m just his nanny,” said Colleen Barrett (pictured with Herbie), who isn’t too shabby herself when it comes to attracting folks. Gala goers lined up just to chat with the twosome.

Herb must have tucked his big-boy wallet into his jeans, because during the live auction he snatched up four tickets to the Final Four for a smooth $9,000. Shoot, it goes to Catholic Charities, so what the heck.

Not to be outdone was John Sergiovanni in his jeans and tuxedo. While wife Sheila (pictured with John) smiled on, John admitted that he had come prepared. “I wasn’t going to be the only one (in jeans),” he said, so he brought along his tuxedo trousers just in case.

But it wasn’t all dress up/dress down. Sr. Mary Anne Owens (pictured), who has herded the Catholic Charities for years, admitted that years ago “my ladies” took me aside and said, “Sister, we need to dress you up a bit.” So, they took her shopping.

“Trust me. You couldn’t tell which year it was from my pictures. I wear the same jacket each year,” she said with a sisterly chuckle as she worked the room like a polished politician.

And speaking of politicians, Bishop Farrell (pictured) was holding his own in the baby holding and handshaking department. Mothers wanted their babies photographed with him. MC Don Small advised the assembled group, “The Bishop is still holding court up front. As soon as he sits down, we can get started.”  The admonishment wasn’t directed at Bishop Farrell as much as the lineup of folks wanting to chat with him. Finally, he was able to take his seat at Denise and Denis Simons’ table. Denise’s cute bob (pictured with Denis, left, and Gregg Engles) was cut by Kristen at Toni & Guy’s at NorthPark. Don’t know where Denise got the tattoo (pictured) between her shoulders; doubt if  Kristen did it.

But then things got started, and the first big hoop and holler went up when it was announced that Charley Pride (pictured) and his bride Rozene (they were hitched in 1956) were in the house as guests of honor. They had quietly entered the ballroom and taken their seats earlier in the evening unbeknownst to the other guests.

During the rest of the evening, people were table hopping like bunnies on Easter Sunday. Fr. Tim Gollob (pictured), who is the Jimmy Stewart of the Catholic Diocese with tireless energy and dedication, told one table that his four big cats were well and healthy and could beat up any dog.  . . . The Catholic Foundation’s Ed Schaffler was a little overwhelmed by the fact that the Foundation’s annual dinner is going to have 1,400 in attendance on February 5. (The Catholic Foundation Award is going to Jesuit head Fr. Phil Postell.) On the other hand, wife Jane was thrilled that she’s due to become a grandmother again. . . . Paul Stanzel was talking cowboy history with Chris Strempek. No, not horse riding cowboys, but rather Dallas Cowboys. The question that stumped them wasn’t previous game statistics. Nope, they couldn’t place Alicia Landry‘s age. Oh, please. She’s ageless, guys.

Suggestions for next year:

1. Audio does not need to be ramped up. One-on-one conversations  at times looked from a distance like shouting matches.
2. Instead of white napkins, consider black napkins. Not only would they match the black table overlays, they are easier on trousers.
3. Centerpieces don’t need to tower over the tables. They created a forest making seeing the stage and the videos a bit of a challenge.
4. Keep the menu. Everybody seemed to clean their plate. Some looked at empty seats for an extra dessert (Valrhona chocolate and almond tart creme anglaise and carmel sauce).
5. Consider adding a table chart at the ballroom entrance. Without one,  one was forced to ask the check-in diva where the assigned table was. She didn’t know, but cracked that walking  around to find it would “be good exercise.”
6. Keep up the formal/casual attire theme. This group loved it.