Did you know that there are 10,000 puppy mills in this country selling between two and four million puppies yearly?

To combat the problem, three main programs were initially undertaken by the group. First, protests outside local pet stores selling puppies from such mills. Second, investigating and notifying authorities of such operations and closing them down. Third, educating the public on the right way to get a puppy.

They have since added state legislation to their “must-do” list.

Photo credit: Lara Bierner

To salute the efforts of the local group, The Humane Society of the U.S. presented Spotlight Humane benefiting the Stop Puppy Mills Campaign at Union Station Friday night. To do the honors of welcoming the 400 guests, Humane Society of the United States President/CEO Wayne Pacelle (pictured with from the left Kristina Bowman, Catharine Flagg and Holly Forsythe)) was on hand, as were guest speakers Puppy Mills Campaign Senior Director Stephanie Shain and Arthur E. Benjamin, founder and president of American Dog Rescue and vice chairman/CEO of ATI Career Training.

The event itself was a bow-wow feat when you realize event chairs Kristina Bowman, Catharine Flagg, and Holly Forsythe had just five months to pull the whole thing off. BTW, at one point it appeared to be a bit of a pep rally for Lady Photographer Bowman. Any time her name was mentioned on the screen or from the podium, a wave of cheering took place in the Grand Hall.

But prior to all the hoopla in the Grand Hall, a VIP reception was held in the Texas & Pacific Room while the silent auction was being held in the Frisco Room. Interesting. This practice has been seen at other events and one can’t help but wonder if the high rollers might have goosed up the silent auction bidding had they had some time to browse around the hundreds of silent auction items.

Instead this group was having just too much fun chatting it up. (Too bad because the silent auction items looked very tempting.) Jocelyn White (pictured) was receiving best wishes about her engagement to Republic Title Vice Chair Kim Seal. Asked when the big date was, she just smiled that Jocey smile and said sometime in the future.

Having just gotten back from Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, where she enjoyed the red carpet action with Reba McEntire and Muhammad Ali, Nancy Lieberman (pictured) took a night off from putting the finishing touches on her Playbook for Success, which is due to the publishers on April 1. She told a group including Leslie Ann Crozier and Monica Greene (pictured) that the book deals with how women can use sports metaphors to succeed in business and life.

Both Nancy (lizard broach), Monica (earrings), and Jocey (necklace) were wearing jewelry by that animal-loving jeweler Cheryl Wyly (pictured). You couldn’t have had better billboards.

Honorary Co-chair Peggy Sewell was having to do double duty, since her co-chair/daughter Jacquelin was home sick. But Peggy is a pro and had no problemo in the charm department.

Then it was off to the Grand Hall for dinner presented by Wolfgang Puck catering. The good news was that it met the challenge of providing vittles that were animal-lover friendly with nary a piece of beef, chicken, or fish in the mix.

The bad news was that the chair-ladies remembered the final menu from the tasting a bit differently than what appeared tableside. MIA were vegetables in the pasta, which arrived only coated in Wolfie’s marinara sauce. Dessert was excellent if you were on a diet. Instead of a “full bowl of champagne sorbet with strawberries Romanoff and big wafer with dark chocolate drizzle and a chocolate covered strawberries on the side,” it was a “a tablespoon of some fruit medley and then a marble-sized portion of sorbet!” Luckily, no animals were harmed in the fixings.

The hall’s acoustics also provided a bit of a challenge in the tall hall. Guests at some tables found themselves shouting to be heard by the person right next to them as Hunter Sullivan‘s orchestra played. It was a case of too much of a good thing.

Then the speeches took place and once again the acoustics may have explained why the guests at some tables started talking so much that Wayne had to “shhhhh” the crowd into “healing, sitting,” and silencing a couple of times while he made his presentation. Wayne, it wasn’t that you weren’t interesting. It was just hard to hear you with the sound bouncing off the walls and ceiling.

Photo credit: Lara Bierner

But not to worry. The speeches and heartbreaking video of puppy mill rescues got their points across as the live auction got going under the direction of Good Morning Texas‘ Rob McCollum. Jack Knox (pictured) was top dog of the night. Seems Jack not only won the bidding war for the “Luxury Lodge in Tanzania, East Africa, for Four,” he donated it back for a second go around. Rawlins “Word Weaver Extraordinaire” Gilliland was so impressed that he wanted “to floorboard it to his (Jack’s) restaurant (Cafe Pacific) and shout ‘the lobsters are on me.’” We suspect that Rawlins might want to rethink his offer and say “the champagne is on me.” No animals are harmed in the making of the bubbly, you know.

The table discussions were evidently influencing those who had plans for additions to their households. For instance, Eric “Up In The Air” Schake was seriously considering adding a Maine Coon to his household as a reward for his hoped-for completion of the New York Marathon.

German Shepherd loving Joe Pacetti (pictured) was moving unusually slowly. Seems that he took quite a tumble on the first day of his jaunt to Argentina. Here poor Joe was hosting a birthday celebration for a dear friend  and 70 buddies in Buenos Aires and he ends up in the ER. “I was in and out in 40 minutes. That wouldn’t have happened here in the States,” said Joe. But after being back a couple of weeks, he’s still doing rehab to mend his broken parts.

And speaking of mending, gorgeous equestrian Pam Greenberg (pictured) emphasized the relationship that people have with their animals. And she would know. It seems that her chocolate lab is in remission after a major battle with cancer. Pam admitted that the bonding between them through the ordeal was an incredible experience.

It’s interesting to note that when talking with members of the animal-loving world, they whip out their smart phones to show you photos of their pawed pals. Remember the days when it was glossy pictures being pulled out of wallets? Well, those days are pretty much gone and it appears that puppy mills may be headed in the same direction.

But before the reviewing started, Macallan‘s Brand Ambassador Jay Liddell (pictured) with a twinkle in his eye told the group assembled around the newest Porsches on the showroom floor that, “If some of you see me with a glass of whiskey, it’s OK. I’m a professional.”

Then, referring to the week’s topic of interest, Jay said, “In the old days, it was actually safer to drink whiskey than water. So, that’s the health care reform I think we all need.”

Let’s hoist a glass on that one.

Then Pappas Brothers Steakhouse Master Sommelier Barbara Werley (pictured) reviewed the catalog listings for the auction at the Hilton Anatole benefiting the American Heart Association. The items are simply remarkable and set many hearts thumping.

While some were sampling wine and being quite charming, Anita Dickey (pictured) was doing her homework reviewing the catalog and taking notes. This girl is going to be prepared for the auction.

Sponsors for last night’s gathering of wine lovers included Central Market, Macallan, Glazer’s, Park Place Porsche, and Sprinkles.

It’s all a part of the 11th annual benefit for the Interfaith Housing Coalition.

It starts at 7:30 and attire is “totally rad casual.” Ah, but you were already going to wear that.

A half hour into the party at Sambuca, room after room was filled with two-legged critters looking happier than dogs at Unleashed Park on a Saturday afternoon. But what else would you expect when you have alpha dogs Diane (pictured) and Hal Brierley as the honorary chairs? Needless to say, the twosome hardly made it through the front door before guests were lining up to chat with the notorious dog lovers.

You do know that Diane is the Park Cities unofficial dog whisperer, don’t you? Need proof? Okay, here’s a tale that’s absolutely true — cross our paws! It seems that over the holidays, Lynn and Alan McBee‘s canine housemate, Otis, decided to go wandering around the neighborhood.

Want to find out how this dog’s tale ended?

Lynn got a call that Otis had turned up at the Brierleys and drove on down to get her errant pooch. Upon arriving at the Brierley’s home, she found a party was taking place inside the house and Diane was seated on the front step chatting with Otis.

When asked if the story was true, Diane laughed admitting, “It’s amazing how many dogs find their way to our house.”

But they may start showing up at Sambuca in the days ahead, too. The scent of food in the warming trays had the most jaded of party goers queuing up. Sambuca queen pin Holly Forsythe (pictured left with Stacey Dorfman) knows how to set a buffet. Some folks actually looked like they were going to bid on the warming trays. The trick was finding a spot to eat.

Jodie and Billy Payton (pictured) were one of the lucky ones who found a cozy spot behind a long table of auction items to chow down. Luckily, most folks were able to juggle food, drinks, and still bid and chat. And bid and chat they did!

Like a dog loving to chase a ball, these guests loved to chat and bid throughout the evening. Talk about multi-tasking. Favorite was the ever-charming Rawlins Gilliland! The man has a way with words and knows his Neiman Marcus stories. While he was straightening out Mr. D CEO on a recent cover story, he was also on the prowl for something to bid on for his two inseparable pooches, Honey and Mona. Seems that Rawlins had just won a $1,000-bet with his sister. Don’t feel too terribly sorry for sister Gilliland. She’s a multi-million-dollar lottery winner.

And speaking of money, Honorary Chair Hal was the bearer of optimism saying that consumer sentiment was stronger in January. If anyone would know, Hal would.

So would Joe “A Girl’s Best Friend” Pacetti, who had just returned from a nice trip to Florida. Seems the jeweler is finalizing preparations for a friend’s birthday party. If you know Joe, you know that it ain’t gonna be a Chuck E. Cheese event with cake from Sam’s. He’s flying  70 celebrants to his “second home” to celebrate for a week. You did know that Joe’s “second home” is in Buenos Aires, didn’t you? Tango, anyone?

Other talk of the night focused on recent Dallas visitor Mordan. One true-blue blood expert on Dallas society got huffy about news reports that Mordan had made the rounds of “Dallas high society. . .  I never saw him, so I don’t know what they’re talking about.” Another guest just cringed at the mention of Mordie’s name admitting, “I met him at a birthday party at House of Blues.” She looked away, shook her head, made a not-pretty-face, and added, “He gave me the creeps.”

Interesting transition: Seems that people who did “know” Mordan during his Dallas stay had nothing nice to say about him, but they have been very worried about the fate of his dog, Mimi. Some have even offered to fly to San Francisco to rescue the dog, which is now in animal jail until her owner’s fate is determined.

Speaking of the fate of animals, it should be noted that funds raised at Paws Cause benefit the SPCA of Texas’s Martin Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic at Village Fair in South Dallas, which provides more than 10,000 free and low-cost surgeries each year. More reason that if you weren’t able to attend Paws Cause, buy one of the SPCA 2010 calendars. Photos were shot by the likes of Holt “Scavullo of Critters” Haynsworth and you’ve got a whole year to use it!

In the meantime, here are the folks who have supported and contributed to the great fun of Sunday night at Paws Cause:

Westminster Champions $10,000 – plus: Diane and Hal Brierley and Shannon and Ted Skokos

Best in Show ($5,000-plus): Mary and Skip Trimble, Ellen and Don Winspear, and Cheryl and Sam Wyly

Tops in Class ($2,500): Café Pacific (Jack Knox), Terry Cook and Stephen Yevich, Barbara and Steve Durham, Gwen and Leldon Echols, Jacqueline and Joe Fojtasek, Myron Maartin, and Sandra Urie and Frank Herron

My Best Friend ($1,000-plus): Lee Bailey, Sheryl and Elliot Barnett, Harry W. Bass Foundation, Frank Bonilla, Rosa and Richard Buch, Nancy and Gene Carter, Margaret Clark, Jessica and Marc Colombo, Gregory Dunbar, Rebecca Farris, Janelle Friedman, Marsha and Richard Gray, Lynn Jennings, Katy Trail Animal Hospital, Bonnie and Ray Kinney, Rita and Jack Klein, Judy and Craig Knight, Ann and Guy Marcus, Jenny and Richard Mullen, Gigi Potter, Kelli and Allen Questrom, Melinda and William Rathke, Penny Rivenbark, Deedie and Rusty Rose, Hillary Hurst and Mark Schwarz, Barbara Stanfield, Kathy Usher, Barbara Williams, Terry Van Willson, Dee and Charles Wyly, and Emily Wyly

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.

“We created Thursday ‘Neighborhood Night’ as a way to treat Uptowners with ZaZa style and offer them an intimate and relaxed atmosphere where friends can meet; enjoy excellent food and service; creative entertainment and the best of company,” said Noel Rodriguez, Hotel ZaZa general manager.

And how does this reduce the January guilt factor? The staff has arranged for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to host the debut night on January 14. Proceeds from a silent auction and raffle will benefit CF.

Photo credit: Chris Kraus

When it comes to pooches, it’s easy to spoil ‘em. Let’s face it. You don’t have to put them through college  or pay for any weddings. So why not provide them with their own comfy place. That’s exactly what those SPCA folks have created — designer pet beds. And we’re talking designers using their maxed out creativity!  How about:

• “Pup Tent” (pictured) by Ann Sutherland at Perennials Fabrics
• “Precious Cargo” by The Mews
• “Coco to Go” by Neal Stewart Design and Jim Couch
• “Jungle Secret” by Pawlocity/Greg Hooper/Susan Kilgore
• “Industrial Pup” by Barb Gover, Kay Chefchis, and Richie Almond
• “Swank Dog” by Swank Lighting/Doug Taylor/Faith Scheznayder (It includes its own vintage Murano lamp)
• Rubic Cube-inspired bed by Taylor Boyd

If you want a gander of a dozen of the bow wow boudoirs, head on over to Highland Park Village where a dozen of them are on display in the old Harold’s windows through December. Then the beds move to the Neiman display windows at NorthPark from January 14-21.

What next? They’re auctioned off at the January 24 Paws Cause benefiting the SPCA spay/neuter programs at Sambuca Uptown. Co-chairs for the event are Escada’s Melinda Rathke and Neiman’s Susan Jones. Honorary chairs are Diane and Hal Brierley.

Sure it may seem a bit extravagant, but the money goes to a very good cause. So go ahead and bid and don’t feel guilty.

Still not convinced that it’s all that different? You’re a hard sell.

How about the fact that the artists did their work on site yesterday. Today they’re working in shifts to fill 150-18″x18″ plywood canvasses. During tonight’s event, all pieces will be sold in a rapid-fire live auction with bids starting at $20.  Ah, we thought you would find that intriguing.

For the music lovers, the featured music will have Telegraph Canyon, The Crash That Took Me, The Boom Boom Box, and RTB2.

For those more attracted to the video world, Edward Ruiz will have a video installation. Pretty cool.

In its fifth year, Art Conspiracy is partnering up with the wonderful folks who bring you KERA’s Ar&Seek. Proceeds from the event will go to Resolana, an organization that provides rehabilitative arts programming for women in the Dallas County Jail and Dawson State Jail in Dallas.

Now, you have no excuse to stay home tonight, dear.

Needless to say, Saturday night’s Crystal Charity Ball was such the case and SweetCharity will post accordingly. Your patience is appreciated.

First, let’s tackle the facts and setting for “License To Thrill.”

FACTS AND SETTING: Since 1952 Crystal Charity Ball has held the top place in the tiara of charity galas in North Texas. There are no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. It’s the Big Mama of events earning multi-million $$$ funds for children’s charities in one night. This year CCB chair Debbie Oates (pictured with husband Nickey) and her committee faced that challenge of providing a mega spectacular event that satisfied the investment of underwriters and sponsors, but also didn’t cross the line of appearing to be the 21st century’s Marie Antoinette court.

Arrival: It was apparent from arrival at the Hilton Anatole that the CCB ladies had checked in a “Mission: Accomplished.” Using “License to Thrill,” the gals totally redressed the entire reception area and ballroom itself. Pity the poor hotel guests, who lugged in their baggage amid the CCB gentry arriving in fur coats (pictured), colorful ball gowns, and tuxedos.

From the starting time at 7, the place was buzzing with beauties, martinis, and Bond-like fun. No, not Daniel Craig fun. He’s sexy, but he’s not the Bond we were dealing with. Think more vintage like Sean, Roger, and, yes, even George. Swarthy, menacing, and stirring. As for the women, think Honor, Ursula, Shirley, and Diana. Sexy, gorgeous, and femme fatales.

Only questionable moment during this first impression was made when one photographer started handing out her business cards after shooting guests. It seemed so State Fair Midway.

(WARNING: If you haven’t been to the Anatole, you’re going to get lost in the following description. So, go get in the car and drive over to the Anatole, check it out, and then return to read the description.  It’s worth it. CCB event designer Tom Addis, his staff, and florist Junior Villanueva had been working since Monday to totally reinvent the Anatole. M would have been very pleased with their handiwork.)

Reception: As you entered the Anatole, Hunter Sullivan’s big band played where normally is a check in. No, the gals decided to divide and conquer the arrivals. Two different areas were set up for guests to check in complete with computers. Ah, the first sign that CCB has used the occasion to incorporate high tech. More about that later.

Once past the check ins, guests could head in one of three directions. On the left was the well-lit silent auction area. The entire area leading to the rest of the hotel had been covered with a bigger-than-mammoth montage of Bond-isms and the Union Jack. How very British!

At the opposite end of the room was the casino with three Goldfinger gals (pictured) on pedestals. Those girls are probably still scrubbing that gilding off today.

In the center was the pit. Talk about one of the swankiest bars since the original Cipango Club! With multi-media screens displaying undersea scenes behind the barkeeps, martinis were being shaken, stirred, and served left and right. Underneath huge chandeliers were comfortably luxurious seating areas and gaming tables galore.

Throughout the room, Union Jack balloons floated continuously. They should have. You see they were attached to the lovely committee members selling raffle tickets for the Lexus.

And then there were the committee members who weren’t floating. They had to hold 10-pound digital bidding computers and smile. Let’s just say that by today there are many arms being soaked in Epson Salts. Holding those machines for two hours was heavy lifting. Ah, but the little gadgets expedited the bidding immensely for the silent auction.

By George, what was that? Crystal Charity had dropped the traditional paper bidding for digital! And those computers at the check! Halls of Dallas society shaking. And thank heaven! But what better time to do it. Instead of having Q come up with Bond-like gadgets, they simply had AES Auctions seamlessly ring up participation in the silent auction, casino, contribution tickets and gift/prize purchases without the usual muss and fuss.

As the clusters of tuxedos and ball gowns began to swell into a cluster busting situation, the reception ended. You didn’t need a watch to know what time it was. All you had to do was watch the savvy veterans edging their clusters toward the ballroom doors as the clock got closer to 9 p.m.

The Ballroom: Promptly the doors opened to what used to the be the Chantilly grand ballroom. It had been replaced by a disco with go-go dancers (pictured) prancing and dancing in their individual cubes behind the James Davis Orchestra and in two-story towers and on platforms at the corners of the dance floor.

In keeping with the James Bond techie mood, cell phone cameras (pictured) were whipped out by guests to immortalize the moment. “Golly, they’re not gonna believe this back home!”

Those gadgets also caused a big, old whoop and holler at one point in the night. Seems Texas’ squeaking by Nebraska had just texted in.

Another feature of the ballroom was the walls that were totally swathed in white flowing material with lighting that changed colors throughout the night. The lavender made everyone seem younger, thinner, and more beautiful than ever. The lime lighting was another story. You felt like you were in shimmering lime Jello.

Then before guests could take their seats on the ballroom floor and on the terraces in the back of the room, the turntable stage in front of the orchestra wheeled around with a white grand piano and Sheena “For Your Eyes Only” Easton (pictured) began singing a collection of Bond oldies but goldies. Her interaction with the crowd was limited to singing. Heck, she’s a songbird and one who likes to sing with eyes shut. She probably felt a tad bit intimidated with the Tyrannosaurus Rex-size silhouette of Bond looming behind her. Then once again the turntable rotated her out of sight for a break.

It was then time for din din and guests were not disappointed dining on roasted breast of tarte au fromage, filet of beef tenderloin, melange of breads, vahlrona chocolate tart and plate au fromage. While SweetCharity is the first to admit that serving nearly 2,000 people is quite a feat, the service was a bit uneven with white wines being served in place of an Alexander Valley 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon with the tenderloin. (Heavens, Nancy, what do you think? We’re being too picky, aren’t we? Never mind.)

But all was forgiven when guests found a goodie at their place. Some found the weighty Crystal Charity Ball Book, formerly known as the CCB Datebook. (The dates are long gone, but the 450+ pages of adorable photos of the children remain.) Others discovered a Tiffany box with playing cards. How Bond!

Unfortunately, not all got favors. It seems that in recent years, some guests have gift-lifted favors, leaving some with nothing. They probably equate it with taking hotel soaps. Perhaps that’s why a dozen plain-clothed security gents were on the peripheral area during the night. Or maybe they were just there to provide an Odd Job touch.

Be patient, my eager ones. The next post will cover the fashions oh-so-rights and not-quite-rights of the evening.

Courtesy photo provided by GermanDeli

If you can whip up an entry, start your batters churning because the GermanDeli in Colleyville is holding its fifth annual Gingerbread “Haus” competition as part of the 10th annual WeihnachtsFest on Sunday. (Side note: It’s words like WeihnachtsFest that makes one glad not to be a radio or TV reporter.) If your primary or secondary language isn’t German, WeihnachtsFest means Christmas Festival.

A new addition to the competition is a silent auction of the little hauses (Is that the plural of haus?) with 100% of the proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation.