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Mordan Update: Heidi Dillon Knew “He Was A Crook”

Just got this in from Heidi “Queen of The Fashionistas” Dillon about bad-boy Mordan:

“I knew that he was a crook right after the New Year.  We, fortunately, did not get hurt.  Our event at Bella was a success.  We had a great time and made a little money.  I did that event because Tony and Peach are good friends of me and my family.”

So glad to hear that The Fashionistas were not victimized and that Heidi is a loyal friend to Bella owners Tony Porcaro and Peach Petrie.

Let’s hope that others were as lucky as The Fashionistas in their dealing with Mr. M.

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. (more…)

Can’t Hear You. . .Something’s Missing!

Tis the week before Christmas and all through the town,

We’ve been rushing and rushing and rushing around.

But alas something’s missing.

Oh, what could it be?

Heck, forget this rhyming. Let’s get on to what’s missing. (more…)

Last Call For The Chase For Millions!

Tomorrow is the last day to register your vote for nonprofits that might get a chunk of the Chase Community Giving’s $5M. Local charities that we’ve heard in the running are TACA and the Museum of Nature & Science.

Now wouldn’t it  be quite lovely to have some of that lovely Chase money end up here in Biggest D?

CCB Part II: Love Those Fashionables!

Tina Loyd looked simply wonderful in her simple Jovani black velvet evening gown from Terry Costa with a single, go-on-forever strand of pearls, beautiful drop diamond and pearl earrings, simple black clutch, and rarely seen evening gloves. The diamond bracelet over the gloves was a nice touch that Audrey would have approved. Even her posture would have made her mama proud. Tina ought to have looked good in her TC getup. . . . she’s CEO of the darn place after working for Terry for eight years.

But what catapulted Ms. Tina to Bond girl status and stopping traffic? After all, there were those in a lot more expensive duds and diamonds.

Go to the jump and eat your hearts out.  Also, you’ll see some fashion notes about the “License To Thrill” thrills. Mostly A+, but a couple of “Oh, reallys!”

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Crystal Charity Ball Part I: The Facts And Setting

When one encounters a tsunami event, one admits that an excruciatingly long blog would be worthless. Instead it would be much wiser to break up the coverage into areas of interest.

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.

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Crystal Charity Ball Tips For Gala Novices

If you’re a first-timer at tomorrow night’s Crystal Charity Ball, here are somes that veterans share only with very special people. If you read SweetCharity, you’re darn special in our book.

1. Arrive at least a half hour early at the Hilton Anatole, go up to Nana‘s, and have a drink at the bar. You’ll beat the crowd in the luxury car lineup downstairs and you’ll have a spectacular view of Dallas. Then, when you’re very good and ready, ride on down to the first floor and make your entrance.
2. Yes, it will be chilly. Not as cold as watching the Capital Bank One Adolphus Children’s Parade in person, but still nippy. Even so, if you decide to check your wrap, be prepared to wait a bit of time to pick it up. Why does it seem like everyone leaves at the same moment? Hmmm.
3. If you see some lovelies wandering around with balloons at the gala, they’re not lost waifs in search of a circus. They’re selling chance tickets. Way better than buying a lottery ticket at 7-11, don’t you think?
4. Savor the food, the people, the fashions, the night. It only happens once a year.

Countdown for 2009 Crystal Charity Ball’s “License To Thrill” Is Underway

The 2009 Crystal Charity Ball, Dallas’s Super Bowl of charity galas, is less than 48 hours away. Couture associates, hairdressers, jewelers, and makeup artists are as busy as North Pole elves the week before Christmas. The annual black tie celebration is that one night of the year when over-the-top glamor is so very appropriate for the boldface crowd.

You’re shaking your head wondering what could be worth all the fuss. How about $4.1 million earned in one night exclusively benefiting children’s charities in Dallas County?

CCB Chair Debbie Oates, Underwriting Chair Christie Carter, and the CCB committee have spent a year working with vendors, soliciting underwriters, and researching beneficiary candidates. This year’s candidates — Baylor Health Care Systems Foundation, Community Partners of Dallas, Interfaith Housing Coalition, Network of Community Ministries, Phoenix House of Texas, Reconciliation Outreach, and Texas A&M Health Science Center/Baylor College of Dentistry — can attest to the scrutiny of such a achievement.

The committee members also know that they have a longstanding legacy that requires perfection to be the biggest moneymaker every year. In total, Crystal Charity has distributed $88 million to children’s charities in Dallas County since its inception in 1953. Many, many beneficiaries count their blessings for the work that this group has achieved time and time again.

But before “License To Thrill” with Sheena Easton begins, take time and read the hundreds of individuals, foundations, and companies that have dug down in their pockets to support these women, the event, and the grateful beneficiaries. (more…)

GMC And Chase Ramp Up Facebook For Charities

You’ve just gotta love those creative marketing geniuses who have found new ways to use the social media to build their customer base. Ah, but some are smart enough to help nonprofits in this year that has been excruciating for the charities. Here are a couple of local examples of social media marketing for area charities:

GMC TERRAIN CHARITY CHALLENGE — An “Ambassador” is selected from each charity. They are provided with a 2010 GMC Terrain crossover SUV, a $400 gas card, and a Flip video camera to document their experience. From November 16 til December 20 they participate in various challenges (i.e. scavenger hunt, famous photo competition, and music video competition) and “encourage their friends and charity sponsors to become a fan of GMC Dallas/Fort Worth at Facebook.com/GMCDFW and then vote for their charity.”

The three area Ambassadors and nonprofits are (pictured from the left) Adam Rivon (Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas), Bri Crum (Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children), and Steven Cartwright (The SPCA of Texas).

To make the invitation more attractive, everyday one voter is awarded a $25 gift card and one will be selected for a $1,000 gift card.

Remember, you have until December 20 to sign up as a fan and vote.

JP MORGAN CHASE –Facebook users get to decide how $5 million in charitable dollars will be distributed.  You can participate by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/, logging in as a Facebook member, becoming a fan of Chase, and registering your vote.  The top five runners-up will receive $100,000 each, and the charity receiving the most votes will be awarded $1M. An advisory board will distribute an additional $1M to the organizations of their choice from all that are nominated.

You can cast one vote for up to 20 charities. Voting ends December 11.

By the way, we happen to know that TACA is in the running and don’t you always love stories about locals winning national competitions?

Cattle Baron’s: The Great Mud Ball of 2009

One internationally renowned socialite was rumored to claim, “In order to be successful, one must be controversial.” If that holds true, last night’s Cattle Baron’s Ball was the most successful Dallas charity event in history.

First, let’s all hold hands and admit that the CBB committee members are among the hardest working in the nation. They have contributed millions of dollars to the fight against cancer. They have elevated the status of the event to national prominence with 23 copycat galas throughout the country. Their efforts are to be applauded and appreciated by event sponsors, guests, and cancer patients.

Now, let’s get to what happened last night that put this CBB in the Dallas society history books permanently.

Pre-party – Despite rain and an already wet environment, organizers decided at 5:15 p.m. to proceed with the party for 3,000 at Star Brand Ranch in Kaufman, the scene of the original Cattle Baron’s Ball 36 years ago. The good news was that the “Buick-size mosquitoes” that had pestered staff earlier in the day had gone home. Way too wet for them littler skeeters.

The Weather – Thank heaven, it was not a torrential thunderstorm complete with 40-MPH wind, lightning, and thunder. No, this rain was a constant drenching type that allowed no dry spot. It was the type that farmers pray for and outdoor event chairs dread.

The Arrival – For those arriving around 8:30-ish, it made getting out of JerryWorld a snap by comparison. With Kaufman police turned out with lights flashing on the roadside, the lineup of car brake lights looked like they were waiting for free gas during the $4-a-gallon days. But everyone was patient and polite despite the fact that it took 46 minutes to go a country block. Hmm, what was the problem? Could this traffic jam be a foreboding sign of things to come? Ah, shucks, no. This is Cattle Baron’s, and it ain’t their first rodeo! Upon arrival, the valet parkers were gracious with umbrellas as they escorted guests to the edge of civilization . . . or rather to the pasture ballroom. Then you were on your own to forge through the mud of Kaufman. There were all types of mud. There was the slippery type (pictured) that had seasoned veterans as well as first time buckeroos looking like a mud-sliding Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in Romancing the Stone. Then there were the surprise mud holes, which had some guests up to their knees in mud. There was the stuck-in-the-mud variety, in which you had your partner or an accommodating passerby pull you out. Yup, that Kaufman stuff is just downright fascinating.

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