“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.

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’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.

It’s Troy Dungan. For the first time in decades, Troy has not been the spright reminding us of the holidays. But good news. He’ll be MC-ing the debut of the “Sounds of the Season” tomorrow night at Union Station complete with Wolfgang Pucks catering elves and the Texas Ballet Theater‘s Nutcracker troupe. Hosted by the Dallas Hearing Foundation, the event will raise funds to provide financial aid for patients seeking cochlear implants through the Dallas Otolaryngology Cochlear Implant Program.

(Yes, we know those are a lot of intimidating words. Simply put: A cochlear implant is a prosthetic replacement for the inner ear that bypasses damaged parts of the ear and electronically stimulates auditory nerve fibers to produce a sense of hearing. In others words, it makes the difference between hearing and not hearing. Capice?)

The selection of Troy as MC is a natural since he’s made it widely known of his personal and professional involvement in the problems of hearing loss:

“For some years now I have been on the Foundation Board for The Callier Center for Communication Disorders – part of the University of Texas, at Dallas. Since all board members are given hearing tests I discovered that I have developed some hearing loss. In fact, I have worn hearing aids now for several years. I also represent Jones Hearing Solutions in television and newspaper ads because I want people to understand that there is no stigma attached to wearing hearing aids. Hearing is a vital part of communication. That’s why I am taking part in the Dallas Hearing Foundation’s ‘Sounds of the Seasons’ Gala. Here’s to Hearing!”

But Troy is first to admit that hearing loss is not confined to those over the age of 50. Children are born with hearing challenges which can be rectified thanks to new surgical and technological developments. For instance, nine-year-old Dakota Clark, who has suffered since birth with hearing impairment, had her first cochlear implant surgery in 2007. Her mom, Jennifer, was simply amazed at the difference, “I couldn’t believe that I could have my back to her and whisper and she could hear me.” Just before this past Thanksgiving, Dakota had her second cochlear implant. While insurance helped pay the cost of the implant surgeries, the Clarks are helping DHF because they know that there are so many in need of assistance that don’t have the funds.

According to Dr. B. Robert Peters, president of the DHF, “Unlike other causes, donations to the Dallas Hearing Foundation will provide tangible, concrete surgeries and services. One donation of $40,000 pays for a cochlear implant surgery and all rehabilitation for a child. That donor will truly give the gift of sound.”

For a child with hearing loss, this donation also provides funding for therapy and the education support services necessary to mainstream patients into public schools systems, which save the public school system up to $200,000 per child in special education costs. Rather than receiving disability throughout adulthood, deaf individuals who are orally educated and auditorally competent are more likely to achieve gainful employment and independence. DHF individualizes each child’s and adult’s treatment to provide the attention needed to optimize each deaf person’s potential to hear, speak, and receive a quality education.

Chairs of this first-time gala are Sherry and Dr. Robert Peters, Francey and Larry Kelso, and Vicky and Mark Grover.

Event sponsors who are making a difference for good are: Comerica Bank, Cooper Clinic, Atmos Energy, Med-El Medical Electronics, Therapy 2000, Archibald & Associates Inc., Munn & Morris, Medical City, Mail Today, Dr & Mrs. B. Robert Peters, and Mr. Walter Bohn.

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

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!”

FASHION NOTES:

Just Dolce Plus: Only Norma Hunt (pictured) can improve on Dolce Gabbana and that’s what she did. Well, she just made a couple of teeny weeny changes to the hot raspberry, oh-so form fitting gown. You want a for instance. How about that eye-popping necklace? We’re sure DG would approve.

Classics never age: For some CCB is the perfect excuse to buy some new frock. On the other hand, if you’re a CCB veteran, you know you can get by with updating a classic gown. Oh, the retailers are going to hate us for that, but for instance Ruth Altshuler was in a marvelous Galanos jacket that she hadn’t worn since her White House dinner with Prince Charles in 2005.

Almost a Black and White Situation: Poor Alana Theorine (pictured) panicked. Here it was her first CCB and she had this eye-gouging purple gown (“I can’t remember the designer”) and a woman told her just as she was arriving that “Oops, didn’t you know, dear. You’re supposed to wear black or white.” Alana, my Julie Newmar/Darryl Hannah lookalike, you need not worry. The info was wrong; the bearer of the tidings was just jealous; and your date Ron Brame looked all the better with you on his arm.

Somebody needs to declaw the cat that threw up that hairball of misinformation.

Women with Designs: Toni Munoz, who can wear absolutely anything including grocery bags and make them look drop dead, was making Escada look all the better. . . . Kristi Dallas (pictured) had Lora Simonds design a blue ball gown. How smart the two were to add a matching wrap. You just never can tell where the thermostat is going to be set nowadays. . . Julie Turner was all smiles having taken the black and white route with a Michael Faircloth.

Retailers were out and about: Richard Eiseman was thrilled not only to see so many of his jewels in attendance, but he’s also looking forward to his trip to New York in January for induction into National Jeweler magazine’s Retailer Hall of Fame. Eiseman’s was selected as the finest independent jewelry store in the nation. Betcha Richard is sparkling! . . . Neiman’s Shelle Sills was in a pale J. Mendel with fur sleeveless jacket. . . . And speaking of NM, couture manager Matthew Simon looked like a proud papa with all of his clients in attendance. . . . Stanley Korshak’s Crawford Brock made the evening a family affair with wife Janet and daughter Leigh with husband of a year-and-a-half Ryan Friend (pictured with Leigh).

Ivory was golden: Heather Furniss knows how to pick her men. She was simply ivory elegance in Oscar de la Renta with husband Todd (pictured with Heather). When told that he had excellent taste in women, Todd retorted, “I have excellent taste in one woman.” Oh, Heather, that’s an early Christmas gift right there and then. . . . Margot Ruebel also took  a Markesa design in ivory to a whole new level by adding a six-strand pearl choker and an adorable husband Darin Ruebel (pictured with Margot).

Train derailments: Gowns with trains were challenges all the way around. Liz Spruance gave out a rabbit terror scream and was stopped in her tracks as her charming gent stepped on the train of her dress. He quickly apologized saying, “I don’t want to break the dress.”

Coming into port: Houston’s glamour girl Debra Grierson’s (pictured) silver metallic Oscar de la Renta was the most spectacular gown of the evening, or at least the most overwhelming. She was in town for the event with new hottie hair engineer Ceron, who was most charming and chivalrous. At one point while entering the grand ballroom, the gallant Ceron had to be a traffic manager as the skirt of Debra’s gown demanded the entire space of the doorway. Trust us, all in range gave the angel in silver plenty of room.  As she wedged herself between the tables, the poor beauty looked like she was hauling a ball and chain. What price beauty!

Tuxedo add-ons: Love those men like Barry French (pictured) who just added a scarf to dress up their tuxedos. This was his first CCB and he was laughing as he headed to the gaming tables. “I’m going to lose money and have a great time doing it.”

Tut tut tacky: Galas are those occasions when black tie optional is not on the menu. That means it’s formal, folks. If you’re not going to get all gussied up for the biggest gala of the year, when are you? It’s almost. . . we said, “almost”. . . . an insult to the organizers and the stature of the event itself. Short dresses are for less formal occasions like cocktail parties. There is a reason why cocktail dresses are called cocktail dresses. Some doyennes may argue that they wear short dresses to prevent upstaging the younger women, but come on. Heck, why not just leave the curlers in your hair? You might as well have worn a pair of blue jeans and a sweatshirt. It’s distracting and unfashionable not to show the appropriate respect that the committee and the event are due.

Back to Tina: If you’re still wondering why Tina was the talk of CCB, here is your answer. And, yes, we hate her, too.

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.

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.

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.

ANGELS OF HOPE ($250,000 and up) — Anonymous, Harold Simmons Foundation, and Neiman Marcus

GILDED ANGELS ($100,000 to $249,999) — Anonymous, Hilton Anatole Hotel, and Lisa and Kenny Troutt

GABRIEL’S ANGELS ($50,000 to $99,999) — Tom Addis Productions, Anonymous, AT&T, Bank of America, Horace C. Cabe Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Clint D. Carlson, COMERICA BANK, The Robert and Nancy Dedman Foundation Fund of Communities Foundation of Texas, Deloitte, Jacqueline and Joe Fojtasek, James French Photography, Haynsworth Photography, Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, JPMorgan, KPMG LLP, The Moody Foundation, Nokia Siemens Networks US LLC, Park Place Lexus, Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Rogers, Sue Ann Scala, Sewell Lexus, Dee and Glenn Simmons / Beverly and Jerry Lancaster, Mr. and Mrs. James Sowell, Spangenberg Family Foundation to Benefit Children’s Education and Healthcare, and Lauryn Gayle and Tom W. White

GUARDIAN ANGEL ($25,000 to $49,999) — A. L. Chilton Foundation, American Airlines, Mr. and Mrs. Barry Andrews, Anonymous, BANK OF TEXAS, Baylor Health Care System, BBj Linen, BBVA Compass Bank, Tricia and Gil Besing, Bickel & Brewer Foundation, Faye C. Briggs, Mr. and Mrs. B. Gene Carter, Cartier (NorthPark Center), Dianne Cash, Citi, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians Inc., Carol and Bill Dever, DIAMOND DOCTOR , Mr. and Mrs. Dwight H. Emanuelson Jr., Embrey Family Foundation, Ernst & Young LLP, Mary Clare and Stan Finney, Gail C. and Clifford Fischer, The Garden Gate: creative floral design / Maria and Junior Villanueva, Tricia and Kenn George, Godwin Ronquillo PC, Mrs. Lamar Hunt, Hyperion Oil & Gas / Mary and Albert Huddleston, Jet Linx Dallas, Gene and Jerry Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Craig R. Levering, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP, Scott Polk @ Lyles DeGrazier Wholesale Jewelers, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Mary Kay Inc., Carolyn L. and David B. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Vance C. Miller, MODERN LUXURY DALLAS, Needle In A Haystack,  Lezlie and Bill Noble, Mr. and Mrs. Nickey L. Oates, Dianne and Jim Pasant, Pam and Vin Perella / RSG LLC, PlainsCapital Bank / Lee Ann and Alan White, Aileen and Jack Pratt Foundation, Bridget and Mark Russell, Dr. Bob & Jean Smith Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Phin W. Stubbs Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Eric Suder, Mary and Mike Terry, Dee Collins Torbert, Julie and Jim Turner, Wang Foundation / Mr. Courtney S. Wang and Family. Melinda and Steve Winn, WINSTAR WORLD CASINO, and Sharon and Terry Worrell

ARCHANGEL ($15,000 to $24,999) — Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, ALON USA, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Altshuler, Anonymous, Baylor Oral Health Foundation, Ben E. Keith Company, Susan and Stephen Butt, Capital One Bank, Robyn and Don Conlon, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Denton Sr., John Derryberry Photography, ESCADA, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald J. Ford, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, Patrick and Beatrice Haggerty Foundation, Cynthia Hayes, Hilltop Holdings, The Hoglund Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Rob Langdon, Del and Dennis McCarthy, Gail Nogle Photography Inc., NORDSTROM, Parkland Foundation, Margot and Ross Perot, Connie and Marc Sigel / elements, and Wynnwood Catering and Special Events,

CRYSTAL ANGEL/CHILDREN’S BOOK COMBINATION ($10,700 to $14,999) — Amegy Bank of Texas, Children’s Medical Center Dallas, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Goodwin, Al G. Hill Jr., Lyda Hill, Kline Family Foundation, Amanda and Justin Leonard, Dian and Sparky Moore, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Pickens, Pat and Jed Rosenthal, and XTO Energy Inc.

CRYSTAL ANGEL ($10,000 to $14,999) — Anonymous, Diane and Hal Brierley, Canyon Ranch, Chrysta Castanedã and Cynthia Timms, Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., Dave Perry-Miller & Associates, Sandra and Elmer Doty, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Enthoven, Mrs. Julia M. Ford, Nita and John Ford, George Catering, Louise and Guy Griffeth, G. Thomas Graves, Haynes and Boone, Dr. and Mrs. William P. Huckin - T. C. Lupton Jr. Family Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Clark K. Hunt, Joyce and Larry Lacerte, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Lemak, MADISON, Tom and Charlene Marsh Family Foundation, Granville C. and Gladys H. Morton Fund of Communities Foundation of Texas, Connie and Chris O’Neill, Sarah and Ross Perot Jr., The Portrait Studio Ltd., Robertson, Griege & Thoele, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Seanor, Blanche Mary Taxis Foundation, Texas Health Resources, and Mr. and Mrs. Reid S. Walker

­­ANGEL/CHILDREN’S BOOK COMBINATION ($5,700 to $9,999) — Anonymous, Cynthia and Brice Beaird, Melissa and Stephen Brooks, Captain and Mrs. A. W. Chandler Jr., Mrs. W. W. “Foots” Clements, Mr. and Mrs. William A. Custard, Ann and Bob Dyer, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Furniss, Randi and Edward Halsell, Pat and John Harloe, Carol and Jeff Heller, Dr. Wesley and JoEllen Herman, Libby and David Hunt, Linda and Steve Ivy / Heritage Auction Galleries, Mr. and Mrs. Hal W. Johnson, Di and David Johnston, Kennedy Legal Firm PLLC, Charlotte and John Kimberlin, Mr. and Mrs. Jack King Jr., Ruth and Roman Kupchynsky, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Lattner, Mr. and Mrs. George F. Longino III, Mr. and Mrs. Allan W. McBee, Joni and Mike McCoy, Pat and Charles McEvoy, Helen K. and Robert G. McGraw, Ellen and John McStay, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Malone, Minyard Founders Foundation, Cynthia and Tom Mitchell, Susan and Bill Montgomery, Traci and Sean Owen, Palo Verde, Anne Steakley Reeder, Southwestern Medical Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. John Stuart III, Thompson & Knight Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Addison G. Wilson III, and Kathy and Rodney Woods

ANGEL ($5,000 to $9,999) — Anonymous, Austin Industries Inc., Donna and Bill Baker, The Theodore and Beulah Beasley Foundation Inc., Kay and Will Beecherl, Nancy and Randy Best, Jane and Pat Bolin, Mrs. William O. Braecklein, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Bright, Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Brittingham, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Brundage, Dorothy and Russell Budd, James D. Carreker Family Advised Fund of The Dallas Foundation, Carrigan Paul Ferguson Group at UBS, Governor and Mrs. William P. Clements Jr., COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION OF TEXAS, Comstock Resources Inc., Mr. and Mrs. William R. Cooper, Jane and Bill Corbellini, Garry Cox and Don McDermett, Betsy and Guinn Crousen, Kathy and Michael Crow, Curtis Specialized Moving and Storage, Dallas Aircraft Sales & Jet Charter /Carl Neuzil, Barbara and Don Daseke, Anne Davidson, Gwen and Leldon Echols, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Farrow, Fluor, Kelly and Norman Green, Linda and Scott Greer, Ed Haggar Family Foundation, J. M. Haggar Jr. Family Foundation Christa and Scott Hinckley, Mr. and Mrs. W. Herbert Hunt and Family, Don V. Ingram, Just Brakes, Leigh Anne Haugh and Clothilde Cloud, Scott C. Kimple / Warrington Asset Management, Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Layton, Ms. Emily Losinger, John R. Losinger, Mr. and Mrs. Carl G. McCaslin, McElvain Oil Company L.P., Mr. and Mrs. J. Bruce Martindale III, Mary Blake and Chuck Meadows, MedSynergies Inc., Methodist Health System Foundation, James D. & Kay Y. Moran Foundation, The Mulford Family, Elaine and David Nelson, NEXEN PETROLEUM U.S.A. INC., Northern Trust, Lydia and Dan Novakov, Reese A. Overcash Family Foundation, Melissa and Blair Pogue, Gigi Potter, Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation, Carolyn and Karl Rathjen, Tanya Roberts, Diane and John Scovell, Mr. and Mrs. Donald H. Snell, Sovereign Bank, Patti Flowers and Tom Swiley, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy A. Valenta, Mr. and Mrs. W. Phillip Whitcomb, and Emilynn and Claude R. Wilson Jr.

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?

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.

As guests entered the Cattle Baron’s compound, two committee members sincerely welcomed the survivors of “crossing the pasture” and told them not to worry about tickets or checking in: “We’re just so glad you came.” They seemed truly amazed and touched to see people arriving.

Where to Go – The western town layout of the area was meticulously explained in the map (pictured) that guests received. But that plan went by the wayside once you got your bearings. The food stations with barbecue and all types of edibles had staff looking rather taken aback as the wet guests cued up like POWs in a chow line. We really can’t critique the food because it was so soggy that it appeared to be goulash. Pity the poor servers who stood valiantly by their open bars with hardly a soul stopping for drinks. It soon became apparent that the only way to survive was to seek shelter from the rain. There were clusters of people huddled together under the overhangs of the Eddie Deen’s Buffet buildings, but there wasn’t much room there. Forget the Live Auction Stage and the Main Stage. They were totally out in the open, with rows upon rows of seats that would never be used. In a quick assessment of the situation, it became obvious that the only places to go were the American Airlines Silent Auction Tent and the Andrews Tent. Ah, sanctuaries at last.

Once inside the tents the mud was still everywhere and small gulleys were developing because of a couple of holes in the tents. But leave it to the CBB guests to hunker down. Texans are wonderful people when it comes to facing challenges and they came through. The Andrews Tent became the Noah’s Ark for all types of twosomes, as well as for the live entertainment (Julianne Hough and Montgomery Gentry) and partying. Unlike Cattle Baron’s of the past, where one hair couldn’t be out of place, this group was just wet and wildly partying. The mosh pit for Julianne got down right frisky. MADD CFO Lista Hightower (pictured) and her husband Rick found a nice dry leather couch and settled in for an evening of people watching and music listening. . . The electric bull under the tricky fingers of its owner Jim Nolan was ridden to death surrounded 8-deep by folks just having a heck of a good time.

The American Airlines Tent was a little more sedate with people checking out real (I mean, real) bargains. It was like discovering Sam Moon for the first time. Some folks gathered on higher, less muddy areas of the tent comparing notes. Veterans were amazed at what they were witnessing. Newcomers like newlyweds Jake Decker and Cassie Evans decided to leave early because there was something about that hill that worried Jake. What hill? Yes, there was a slight tilt to the landscape from the entrance road, but no hill.

The Departure – From a distance the departing guests looked like a scene from Paint Your Wagon with mud, mud, everywhere. That hill that Jake had worried about now resembled a La Brea Tar Pits of vehicles and people. Imagine trying to get 400+ cars up two sides of a hill in a Dallas ice storm. Slip, slide, ouch! Some got oh-so close only to have the metal fence prevent them from making it to road. The autos wallowed and languished in the brown stuff. One car was so deep in the mud, its doors couldn’t open. Tow trucks backed off from getting into this mud pit, so the Kaufman sheriff called a couple of locals with tractors to pull the formerly pristine luxury Porsches, Lexuses, Cadillacs, and limousines from their mud baths. They worked until 4:30 a.m. before taking a break leaving 60 vehicles (pictured) still embedded in Kaufman dirt.

Quick memories: A man rising from the mud looking like Swamp Thing. . . Numerous scenes of people trying valiantly to push cars out of the soft mud . . . A wet head blonde wandering through the crowd searching for something. When asked what she was looking for, she held out a coupon saying, “My gift bag.” . . . An older couple huddling together not quite sure where their car was or even where to go to ask about it. . . A gentleman in a soggy blue blazer standing on a mound of hay with his Italian loafers in hand looking to all the world as if he were waiting for a taxi. . . Committee members wandering around dazed like cast members from Night of the Living Dead. One committee member when asked how bad the event was, snapped, “I’m on the committee and I’m getting out of here” as she sent someone to hunt down her black Mercedes. . . Hal Brierley good naturedly telling the valet parkers when his car was stuck in the mud that he would just spend the night in the car. (BTW, Brierley underwrote the valet parking for the event.) . . . Laird Fairchild, faced with the reality that his car was there to stay, helping others rescue their vehicles. Laird didn’t mind the rain and mud and in fact enjoyed the unplanned activities. He laughed that he was probably the only one at Cattle Baron’s who had earlier in the day been on a horse and tractor. Luckily Laird and his wife had made arrangements at the nearby Best Western. To get to the hotel our Good Samaritan had to ride in the trunk of a limousine with another fella.  

But as mentioned before, Texans are notorious for their spirit of pitching in. Whether it was helping fellow guests push their cars out of the mud or offering rides back to Dallas, they proved themselves proud by living up to this year’s CBB theme, “honor of cowboys.”

Suggestion for next year: Backup plan!