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Despite Rumors Flying in New York, Town & Country‘s Pam Fiori Exemplified Class

There’s a rumor floating around about Town & Country Editor-in-Chief/founding co-chairperson of the UNICEF Snowflake Project  Pamela Fiori (pictured) who was in Dallas Monday for a luncheon and book signing of her new book In the Spirit of Capri. No, it wasn’t that she’s a Miranda type. Nor was it that T&C is going weekly. It was. . .

But first, let’s review her Dallas visit. (more…)

Lauren Bacall Delivered “The Look” and the Goods at the Nasher Salon Series

When Hollywood was legendary and the studio system was turning out the likes of Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Cary Grant, a teenage Lauren Bacall was catapulted to film royalty thanks to her captivating looks, one-of-a-kind voice, sultry acting, and marriage to Humphrey Bogart, the leader of the infamous Holmby Hills Rat Pack (predecessor to Frank Sinatra‘s Rat Pack).

Last Thursday she held court at the Nasher Sculpture Center as part of the Nasher Salon Series. Arriving for a lunch with a full room of guests, she surprisingly was upstaged by her companion — Sophie, (pictured with, from the left, Lauren Bacall, Jeremy Strick, and Michael Cain) an adorable and extremely well-manned Papillion. But, no fear of female jealousies. Bacall actually enjoyed the attention that Sophie received. Once seated at Table #1 with Nasher Director Jeremy Strick and old friends Karla and Liener Temerlin (pictured with Nancy Nasher Haemisegger in center),  Sophie sat in her owner’s lap and never raised her nose above the table. Obviously, this wasn’t Dakota-living Sophie’s first rodeo. However, later as Bacall talked to the room of guests, Sophie (pictured) decided that Jeremy was her lap of choice and sat patiently. That Jeremy just has a way about him.

Leave it to the Nasher folks to set the luncheon up perfectly. With B&W movies from Bacall’s past on two of the walls and framed pictures of the lady on each table, it almost made you wish you had brought your autograph book. One table of enthusiastic fans insisted on having their group photographed around the picture centerpiece.

But once she arrived and sat down, everyone controlled their enthusiasm and made it through lunch waiting for her discussion with Dallas Film Society Chairman of the Board Michael Cain.

Poor Michael was just a tad bit apprehensive about the chat. Seems that he had gone a couple of rounds with the sharp as a tack lady when she was in town a couple of years ago for the AFI Dallas International Film Fest. Like Harriet Hubbard, the lady suffers no fools. (more…)

Donovan and John Lennon Help ReserveAid Texas Raise $420,000

Donovan and John Lennon were associated with the peace movement of the 60′s. So what the heck did these names of the past have to do with raising funds for people in the military today? Later.

First consider that we often think the main challenge facing the military is on the battlefield. That’s where the war correspondents report their stories — on the frontlines. Movies are made about this dramatic action.

But there is another conflict that Reserve Service Members face on the home front — financial loss. While not as breathtaking, it takes a real toll. A reported 41% of Reserve Service Members are “impacted by a pay discrepancy between their military and civilian salaries.”

To help remedy this situation, ReserveAid Texas was created in October 2006 to raise awareness and funds for the reserve and active duty military service members and their families. Leading the charge has been NexBank, which has been a lead sponsor for the annual “Stars and Stripes Dinner”.

Photo provided by ReserveAid Texas

“Our reserve members, while dedicated to our country and call to duty, are many times uprooted at a moment’s notice and there can be lapses in pay or help needed to make payments when salaries many times decrease with deployment,” said NexBank President/CEO Davis Deadman (pictured left with Donovan Campbell, Chris Mawn, and Polly Weidenkopf). “With the support of a great organization like ReserveAid Texas, these service men and women can focus their efforts on defending our great country, and not on their financial situations back home.”

Held last Saturday at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, the dinner’s highlight was best-selling author and former Marine Captain Donovan Campbell.

Does Donovan’s name sound familiar? (more…)

Bacall And The Fonz Will Be Just A Block Away On March 11

March 11 is going to be a very busy day for people who like Hollywood types. Within a block of each other will be two legends — one of the silver screen and one of the plasma screen.

Lauren Bacall will be the Nasher Salon featured speaker at the Nasher Sculpture Center for lunch and evening chats. Married to Humphrey Bogart and Jason Robards, Bacall at 85 has appeared in over 60 films including The Big Sleep, Dark Passage, Key Largo, How To Marry A Millionaire, Written on the Wind, Murder on the Orient Express, The Shootist, and Dogville to name just a few. Known as “Betty” to her friends, she made famous the line, “You know how to whistle, don’t you? You just put your lips together and blow” (To Have and Have Not). Sorry, but the evening segment is sold out and there are only a handful of tickets available to lunch with Lauren.

Across North Olive at the Belo Mansion, Henry “The Fonz” Winkler (pictured) will be part of the St. Philip’s School and Community Center‘s 2010 Destiny Awards Luncheon.  Besides being the legendary “Fonzie” of Happy Days, Henry is a producer, director, and best-selling author of over a dozen children’s books. You probably know Henry majored in drama and studied child psychology at Emerson College, and earned his Masters of Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama. But did you know that he didn’t realize that he suffered from dyslexia until he was in his 30′s? Heavily involved in various children’s projects, he co-founded the Children’s Action Network in 1990, which provides free immunizations to children. For additional info, call Anyika McMillian-Herod at 214-421-5221, Ext. 238.

Folks, get your autograph books out and give them a real work out on March 11.

UPDATE: Henry has just been added to the cast of “Royal Pains.”

Dallas Historical Society’s Tom Alexander Event Creates NM Reunion

Sunday afternoon’s “A Conversation with Tom Alexander (pictured)” hosted by the Dallas Historical Society was supposed to be focused on Tom’s new book, Stanley Marcus: The Relentless Reign of a Merchant Prince. That sounded so very proper and intellectually stimulating. Actually, it gave hundreds a reason for a Neiman Marcus reunion.

Tom’s chat with Rena Pederson on stage at the Margaret and Al Hill Lecture Hall of Fair Park’s Hall of State literally set the stage for former NM-ers to compare notes. Thanks to the efforts of DHS’s Diane Bumpas and Jack Bunning, barely any seats were left. The crowd was made up of former NM staffers and forever-after NM clients. Front rowing it were former NM pr gal Barbara Womble with Caroline Rose Hunt (pictured right with Barbara) and Charles Simmons. Dead center on the front row was Cody Baker with two Dallas favorites, Ebby Halliday Acers and her trusty Girl Friday Betty Turner (pictured center with Ebby and Cody).

The exchange between veteran journalist Rena and former NM marketing guru Tom was filled with nuggets of new information and old tales about Stanley and his involvement in Fortnights, His and Hers gifts, and antics that made NM legendary. Names like Sophia Loren and Lord Mountbatten were dropped like prices during the vintage NM Garage Sales. (Oh, how we loved that red pen that slashed numbers!)

Rena (pictured) recalled the Fortnight which Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco attended. At that time Rena was a reporter for UPI and Julia Sweeney was coordinating pr for NM. Still-amazed Rena described how Julia managed to get Rena in for a question with the royal pair: “With everything you have, what would be the one thing you would want?” The Princess hesitated making Rena think that she had just asked the dumbest question ever. Then Grace responded, “Health for my children.” Looking at Rainier, Grace asked, “What would you want?” He answered, “Time.”

Tom even provided a slide show that included Stanley seated next to Brigitte Bardot, with Stanley blowing out some candles. This photo was misleading because the two did not have great chemistry and immediately after the photo was taken, they more or less ignored each other the rest of the evening, squelching any plans for BB to attend a French Fortnight.

Sorry, but we’re not going to share any more tales with you. You’ll just have to buy the book. They’re all in there.

However, we will tell you about the post-chat snippets that took place in the Great Hall. (more…)

The Meyer Group Is “Saluted” As Title Sponsor for Give It Up! Gala

Thursday night 75 folks found a marvelously dry place to party at Mike McAdams‘ and Eric Paulson‘s home. The occasion was to  honor The Meyer Group of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Why salute them? Snap answer! The Meyer Group has stepped up to be the title sponsor  of  the Give It Up! gala on Saturday, February 13, at the Wyly Theatre. Repping The Meyer Group at the party were (pictured from the left) Cindy Herren-Sweat, Julie Hash, Gary Martin, and Carol Meyer.

Even before the musical begins, event co-chair Laurie Foley and Keith Nix (pictured) have arranged for a silent auction and reception with food by Wolfgang Puck. Following the performance, guests will be included in a cast party and a Valentine’s Day dance on the Wyly stage. Honorary co-chairs are Penny Youngblood and Nancy Pearce.

The funds raised through this event will be split between two initiatives of the Dallas Theater Center. The Gay & Lesbian Fund  for Dallas  will receive permanent recognition in the Wyly Theatre for its gift to the DTC.

According to Keith, “It will be a night of stars, from the Wyly’s architecture, to the performance to the food.”

The world premiere of Give It Up! took place Friday night at the Wyly and received glowing reviews with even a suggestion of heading to Broadway!

Besides Laurie, Keith, Penny, Eric, and Nancy, Give It Up! gala committee members are Dean Carter, Roberto De La Cruz, Tim Jivaranuntakul, Fernando Gonzalez, Rodger Kobes, Brant McFarlain, Jerrett Morris, Mark Niermann, Jay Oppenheimer, Dick Peeples, Jose Reyes, Kelly Rao, Raj Rao, Billy Rodriguez, and Kay Wilkinson.

Mr. Stanley (Marcus) Is The Topic Sunday Afternoon

Just in case you haven’t been able to get a copy of Tom Alexander‘s Stanley Marcus: The Relentless Reign of a Merchant Prince (pictured), you’re in luck. Not only can you get a copy signed by Sir Thomas, you can also listen in on a conversation between him and  fellow authoress Rena Pederson this Sunday at the Hall of State at Fair Park. If you know these two, you know it isn’t going to be a typical Q&A program.

Besides some excellent behind-the-scenes stories of NM marketing in Mr. Stanley’s days, the crowd promises to look like an NM reunion. No telling who just might show up thanks to the coordination of Dallas Historical Society Chair Diane “I Love Breakfast Meetings” Bumpas, Exec Director Jack Bunning, and a legion of Neiman’s grads. The reception following the program should be fraught with additional tales of life in the good old days.

Oh, and since the program starts at 4, you’ll be home in plenty of time for the Pro Bowl.

Terry Wise To Speak On Society’s Taboo Subject Wednesday

Suicide is a problem that faces every segment of society regardless of sex, age, or financial standing. With recent economic stresses, it seems to becoming more and more prevalent. But society is learning from experience that suicide is preventable thanks to dedicated and hardworking people.

• By the time Grant Halliburton was 19, he was already an accomplished artist, writer, and  musician. While he never made it to his 20th birthday due to depression and bipolar disorder, his family and friends did not let his death end his contribution to the community. Rather, they used it as a rallying point to help others facing the same challenges. The result was the Grant Halliburton Foundation created “to help people recognize the signs of mental illness. To help families know what to do before a treatable illness turns into a crisis. To help young people feel free to ask for help and to know where to get it.”
• WHERE (Women HERE) was established this past September by I AM HERE Coalition member Barbara Farmer “after a five-year journey with my daughter. It became clear to me that there was an overwhelming need for an outreach group offering support, resources, and encouragement for women.”

Tomorrow WHERE will hold a community luncheon at the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas benefiting I AM HERE Coalition and the Grant Halliburton Foundation. The featured speaker will be Terry Wise, author of Waking Up: Climbing Through the Darkness. The book deals with Terry’s battle with depression, her ultimate suicide attempt, and her road to recover.”

According to Barb, “Terry’s inspiration message — told with honesty, humility, humor, and hope — offers something for everyone dealing with the challenges of living with and caring for those who struggle with emotional and mental health issues.

Author Michael Gross Spotted Mordan As Atypical Dallas Typecasting

While Mordan wiles away the hours in a San Francisco jail with DA’s throughout the country trying to decide what lies in his future, reports have been flowing in on his reign of supposed scamming in Dallas.

Locals are chattering about which groups were taken in by the chap. So far, the nonprofit sector has been silent about possible victimization. Heidi Dillon‘s Fashionistas evidently escaped unscathed from a Mordie event earlier this month. Let’s keep our manicured fingers crossed that none suffered from Mordie’s alleged conning.

And it seems that visiting Rogues’ Gallery author Michael Gross, who was photographed with Mordie back in September, was taken aback by the bleached blonde at the Adolphus book signing. Now Michael is not a tourist to the high profile set. No indeed. He’ s made the literary rounds with the likes of the 740 Park Avenue set to Helmut Lang. In other words, he’s been around the character block and can spot a questionable character immediately.

So, imagine after attending a cocktail party at Laura Hunt‘s the night before, Michael finds himself at the Adolphus book signing with Mordie suddenly cozying up for a photo with him. Ever the gentleman Michael sensed Mordie seemed shall we say out of step with Dallas social folks:

“I must admit that Mordan was not what I had expected. But the other guests like Linda (Ivy) showed the graciousness that people associate with Dallas.”

By the way, Michael’s book Rogues’ Gallery is exceeding expectations despite the headwinds of the economy and the campaign by the Met to blacklist it. Thanks to a word-of-mouth wave, it’s becoming a publication sensation.

Chick Lit Luncheon Author Revealed To Chic Calypso Crowd Last Night

Last night Calypso in Preston Center East was jamming with chic young chicks. You would have thought it was Thursday night at Ocean Prime or Rattlesnake Bar. But, no! It was the “reveal party” for the April 29th Chick Lit Luncheon at Brook Hollow. And what did they reveal? This year’s author who will be the main event at the luncheon.

Since this group of very un-bookworms cuts to the chase, the author announcement was made early in the evening — Chicago’s Jen Lancaster. If that name is new to you, settle back, have a good laugh, and join her fan club. Getting her start as a blogger, Jen’s talents have resulted in such books as Bitter is the New Black; Bright Lights, Big A-s ( a word that SweetCharity is not allowed to use); Such a Pretty Fat; and Pretty in Plaid.

Now normally guests exit quickly after such an announcement is made, but, oh, no, not with this group! They stayed; they chatted; they drank; they met Chick Lit Luncheon sponsors Lara (pictured) and Robert Tafel; they tried on clothes; they bought clothes, perfume, purses (with a nice percentage going to Community Partners of Dallas).

Must admit that the shower curtain-style changing rooms at times proved to be a bit revealing themselves. As one guest passed by, her purse accidentally pulled the curtain open revealing a guest who was in a state of undress. Thank heaven, she heeded her mama’s advice to wear her prettiest undies. Oh, well, it was a girly party, so what the diff.

And speaking of girls, those gals responsible for the Chick Lit fun

(more…)