The invitation set up the scene with a killer line — “Anything But Black Tie.” No doubt gentlemen guests breathed a heavy sigh of relief that their tuxedos would have the night off, but then the problem of what to wear to a gala forced men to debate the answer in their closets. Evening honoree Ted Enloe (pictured), Justin Blumoff, Wyly Theatre namesake Charles Wyly, Chad Vose (pictured), Don Carty, Ken Menges, DTC angel Hal Brierley, and others opted for the “if-I-don’t-have-to-wear-a-tie, I’m-not-gonna” look.

The ladies, on the other hand, had no problem in their selection. From tight, short cigarette skirt with killer heels to one-shoulder, to-the-floor gowns, the gals like Allison Laros (pictured) had their way.

For those in lightweight silks, they did have a bit of a challenge upon arrival as Mother Nature and her buddy Mariah literally blew into town. The twosome must have been upset that they hadn’t been invited. As guests arrived, gauzy skirts looked like tethered kites. Even the sturdiest hairsprays were challenged, but after a quick powder room visit, every hair was back in place. Gals like Lisa Runyon (pictured) looked just picture perfect despite the blustery breezes.

Due to the breeze, plans for using the esplanade for the cocktail hour were readjusted for the reception to take place in the lobby. Yes, it was a bit crowded, but, shoot,

this is a crowd of friends and soon-to-be-friends that doesn’t mind getting cozy.

It was at this point where Event Co-chair Pilar Henry‘s Spanish roots became apparent with the “Hot & Spicy  Spanish cocktails” and Conte de Loyo Flamenco Theatre dancers (pictured). Like Pilar, the drinks and dancers graciously set the tone for fun, energy, and an air of sophistication.

By the way, typical of the Henry clan, Pilar’s in-laws, Ann and John Henry (pictured right with Pilar on the left) are always on top of things. Instead of waiting til afterwards, they held a thank you party the previous Thursday at their marvelous, one-of-a-kind home to thank the 2010 underwriters of the gala. When it came time for announcements, folks were braced for the usual 15-minute comments. Instead, Pilar summed her thanks up in a two-minute “Thank you, everyone” speech. Smart gal. Smart Dallas Theater Center because it was announced at the Saturday night gala that Pilar had just been named to the DTC board.

Ah, but back to the Wyly. Just as the flamenco dancers exited the lobby via the stairs to the Potter Rose Performance Hall, guests wisely followed only to discover a beautifully decorated ballroom. You just gotta love the flexibility of the Wyly. She can remake herself to fit whatever the occasion requires.

Suspended from the ceiling were mammoth chandeliers of green, ivory, blue, yellow, and white paper lanterns (pictured). On the tables were centerpieces varying from low arrangements of white roses to three-foot high glass vases with white tulips. Hmm, the tulips provided a bit of a challenge during the evening. Not only was it difficult to see the folks on the other side of the table, but when the performance started the tulips blocked that view, too. Ah, but not to worry. The staff quickly saw the problem and seamlessly started removing high-rider centerpieces.

For foodies, a delightful dinner by Wolfgang Puck’s catering group included a chopped farmers market vegetable salad with shaved Parmesan and balsamic vinaigrette followed by slow braised short ribs with sautéed Swiss chard, baby white carrots, sweet potato puree, pan jus and flat breads and crostini.  Platters of miniature desserts were then placed on the table. Due to the lack of dessert plates, you had to pop them in your mouth or hold the second bite.

But not to worry. Everyone was having too much fun to quibble about plate ware. For instance, DTC Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty (pictured) is a true master of physical expression. Even if you couldn’t hear one word he said, you got the message just watching him. . . Speaking of being expressive, Bracewell Giuliani attorney Lauren West and Delos Investment head trader Ted Hoffman seemed to be enjoying the magic of the evening just waiting in line for refreshments. . . Yvonne Crum and Jill Rowlett (pictured) were still celebrating their chairing the “Fresh Faces of Fashion 2010″ the night before. . . Katy Menges was oh-so grateful that she brought along her shawl with the room temperature being a tad bit chilly. Ladies, remember this is Texas and a pashmina can be a lifesaver year round. Some gals were actually seen walking around in their gentleman’s jacket. Love chivalrous men in jackets.

Following dinner, former Exxon Mobil VP Frank Risch took up the mike and told the group that at Exxon when they spotted someone within the ranks that had “high potential,” they referred to them as “hy-pos.” And that’s what he called Pilar and event underwriting co-chair Barbara Page (pictured) He then went on to describe the evening’s honorees, Bess and Ted Enloe.

• “If Ted ever calls you, don’t answer.”
• “Bess (pictured) has been on the board since 1979. She and Deedie (Rose) and others have a big influence on what this group produces.”

Then it was $$ time. DTC Managing Director Mark Hadley got things going to raise funds for the various projects including the program for the Booker T. Washington students to attend performances. In no time at all, the goal was met and the DTC development staff was high-fiving each other.

After all that eating and fund raising, it was time to settle back for some entertainment that suited the occasion. It couldn’t be stuffy. It had to be clever. It had to be unique. It had to be “Whose Live Anyway.”

What? You haven’t heard of “Whose Line Is It Anyway“? Have you been watching QVC 24/7? “Whose Live Anyway” is an improv comedy ensemble like the TV show featuring Chip Esten, Ryan Stiles, Jeff B. Davis, and Greg Proops (pictured from the left) who manage to think on their feet no matter what is thrown at them. Didn’t you see them on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”  The boys actually seemed to love the challenge of being stumped by the audience’s participation. In fact there were times during their program that they seemed to be having as much fun as the audience. Even the bartenders and serving staff took a break just to watch the foursome in action.

Running jokes of the night were about “my little SL500″ and  Napoleon. We won’t go into detail here, so you’ll just have to ask one of the 350+ guests to explain. BTW, tell Chip that it sounded as if the crowd didn’t quite get who Billy Mays was.

During these times when fund raising has been challenged, it was a nice break to laugh.

Just as the applause ended the performance, the massive curtains covering the glass walls of the hall rose revealing a beautiful evening and a perfect backdrop for dancing to “MOTION.”

Outside the Wyly, Mariah was still throwing a fit. She really wanted to join the party and she let the guests know it as they headed home.

Perhaps the biggest hoop-la was the eve of her March 9th birthday when Special Care and Career Services held its annual gala,”A Special Evening with the Pointer Sisters.” at the Winspear. The Sisters may have been the headliners, but the spotlight was firmly on the Great Mother of Dallas Residential Real Estate.

But the gala evening was not just to salute the diminutive Ebby. SC&CS ring mistress Cathy Packard (pictured) had a full agenda for the evening and she neatly got each task done beautifully.

For instance, how about a name change? Yup, on the big screen of the Skokos stage, the new name for Special Care and Career Services was presented. . .

“LaunchAbility.” It may seem like a new word to you, but it makes perfect  sense when you realize the purpose of this organization for nearly 50 years has been to enable “clients to become more self-sufficient.”

As if that wasn’t enough, there was the presentation of the Milton P. Levy Jr. Outstanding Volunteer Award to Walgreens Senior VP Randy Lewis, who has been “instrumental in introducing a new concept to Walgreens that would transform the company’s distribution centers and employment opportunities” by integrating a workforce composed of 40% persons with disabilities. Randy has established a goal of employing 1,000 (10% of the workforce) in its distribution centers by the end of 2010.

His involvement in this issue is of a personal nature since he and his wife Kay (pictured) have a son, Austin, who is autistic. But don’t put on the pity towel. There are no prouder parents around.

And speaking of awards and Walgreens, the company was on a real roll. LaunchAbility presented Walgreens with the Alliance Data Corporate Champion Award for its outstanding contributions in empowering children and adults with development disabilities to lead fulfilling lives in their communities.

Then it was time for the official honoring of Ebby. From her balcony seat, she waved to the Winspear-full crowd. Emcee Jody Dean with a ukulele accompanist (pictured) led the thousands of Ebby fans in a birthday sing-along. To return the favor, Ebby with mic in hand smiled mischievously and said, “I’m so excited. . . I just can’t hide it. . . I’m about to lose control and I think I like it” to the delight of the crowd especially the gals across the way in the balcony with the feathered boas.

What many in the crowd didn’t know is that this was the second time during the evening that Ebby had been sung to. Earlier a VIP reception had been held backstage at the Winspear with oodles of Ebby fans including Ruth and Ken Altshuler, Diane and Stuart Bumpas with son Joe (pictured), Ellen Terry, Brandy and Will Taylor, Randall and Myriam Graham, Cody Baker, Dave Perry Miller, and DallasDirt girl Candy Evans in attendance.

Upon being presented with a candle-ladened cake, Ebby (pictured) took a deep breath and blew most of the candles out.

When asked if rumors were true about riding a customized bus with a “dance pole” to the McClung dinner in Terrell, Ebby chuckled saying that fellow bus riders Toni Brinker and Nance Chapman had tied for best performance of the night’s ride.

But enough of these Ebby shenanigans and back to the Winspear, where event chairs Elizabeth (pictured) and Eric Gambrell introduced a video on “Launching into a New Era” for the organization.

After the lights came up, Jody auctioned off “an on-stage performance with The Pointer Sisters and an opportunity to meet” the sisters after the show. With the zeal of a preacher, Jody got the bidding up to $6,000.

Then the lights went down and The Pointer Sisters (okay, so they’re not really sisters anymore. They are related, though) set the Winspear in motion with some guests getting up from their seats and dancing.

Was there any doubt that the occasion deserved a little dancing? Now imagine what’s in store for LaunchAbility? And how Ebby’s going to celebrate the big 1-0-0? Yes, we can can!

Photo credit: Holt Haynsworth

CBB Chair Kristi Sherill Hoyl (pictured with from the left True North Advisors founders Scott Wood and Mark Gehlbach) revealed Thursday night that this year’s theme will be “Great State Fair.” The headliner for the annual gala will be Alan Jackson with 2008 Academy of Country Music “Best New Male Vocalist” Jack Ingram appearing on the the Live Auction Stage.

The Thursday announcement was made at a party sponsored by True North Advisors in the Legends Room at Cowboys Stadium.

“We are returning to Southfork Ranch where we will have access to several structures and hard surfaces to ensure a great experience for our guests, rain or shine!” said Kristi.

Wonder if they’ll have a Big Texanna instead of Big Tex to greet guests.

Since it was a private event with series tickets going for a whopping $1500, it had all the frills and spit-and-polish that a high-spending crowd deserves. Starting with a VIP party at McDavid Studio across the street from the Bass, it became apparent that not all Dallasites agreed on the Fort Worth  dress code for special events.

Usually it’s the ladies who are all in a tizzy about what to wear. Not on this night! The gents were really in a quandary about what is appropriate at the Bass for a Faith Hill concert. Some came in their best bib-and-tucker dark suits like Troy Aikman (pictured, he had an excuse since he was co-hosting the reception); Drew Pearson in a bold-striped suit with brown/black striped shirt and goldfinger metallic tie and handkerchief; George Riba (pictured) in a very sportscaster flash-and-dash orange tie, blue shirt, and camel-colored suit; and Bill Lively (pictured) in CEO-styled uniform with a natty orange tie and his ever-present dazzling smile.

On the other hand, those who have probably frequented Joe T’s knew that dress-down is thumbs up in FW and opted for the open shirt with the windowpane sports jacket look. The fashion question of this group was, “Do you unbutton the top one or two buttons on your shirt?”

Leading the charge for the undone-one-button was legend of legends Roger Staubach (pictured) in blue jeans, blazer and open shirt. Doug Brooks looked right at home in his red-white-yellow-blue striped shirt and gray/white jacket. Jerry Jones Jr. (pictured) must have been thinking along the same lines as Doug, since he wore a gray/white jacket but opted for the windowpane design with a pink shirt. Rich Dalrymple (pictured) played it safe in a navy and light striped blue shirt with blazer.

The most daring look of the night belonged to Shy “Cleavage” Anderson (pictured) with his top-two-unbuttoned shirt. Oh, my, what would mother say! But Shy’s so charming, he can get away with anything.

Exception to the male fashion either-or breakdown was party co-host Joe Buck (pictured), who walked the fashion line by not wearing at tie at the reception but putting one on for his on-stage emcee duties.

Alas, have no idea which category Mayor Tom Leppert would have fit in, because he and wife Laura couldn’t attend due to a prior commitment in Dallas. Bet that won’t be the case on May 22 when concert #2 takes place with Sting at the Winspear.

But let’s not discard the ladies thinking they were in hoop skirts and bonnets. Why these gals have been playing dress up since their mamas taught them the phone number for Neiman’s at NorthPark. There was nary a Daisy Duke in the crowd. Still, it wasn’t the traditional cocktail fluff either. Event co-chair Marianne Staubach (pictured) rejected the safe black look for a remind-me-of-Santa-Fe turquoise outfit that dazzled with her blonde hair and multi-strand pearl necklace. Another color standout was Andrea Alcorn (pictured) in hottest pink leather jacket over a black beaded dressed with floral appliqués. How cute that she managed to find matching pink and buff boots to top things off. Speaking of leather, Barbara Daseke (pictured) must have compared notes with Andrea with a black dress overlaid with a belted leather jacket, but Barbara went the reddish brown route.

Then there were the gal pals. For instance, Linda “First Lady of Arlington” Cluck, Charlotte “First Daughter of Cowboys Stadium” Anderson, and Kathy “First Daughter of Arlington” Beatty (pictured from the left) interpreting the ever-popular black. However, that Charlotte in the skin-tight black leather pants gave a whole new meaning to chaps.

And then there were the showstoppers Sonia Black in her faux fur collar and black boots with Lori Jones (pictured right with Sonia), who must have checked with sis-in-law Charlotte about the pro’s and con’s of wearing black leather slacks. Or perhaps it’s just a Jones family uniform.

Joni McCoy (pictured) didn’t bother with all that boot and leather stuff. She went for the simple, classic look of “Wow!” in her beige oh-so cling, past the knee dress, bouquet of blonde curls, and a “Thank God for Texas” smile. Hey, this gal’s an oldtimer when it comes to Super Bowl who-ha. She and her husband Mike attended all three of  Troy’s Super Bowls conquests (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX, if you’re counting).

But enough of the fashions. Let’s do a quick check of the activity:

One minute the very notables were at the McDavid reception and then they all seemed to disappear. Not to worry. They were led to the tunnel connecting the McDavid facility to the Bass, put in an elevator to the ground level, and into a meet-and-greet with Faith herself.

You didn’t know there was a tunnel? Yup. Even Mayor Mike Moncrief admitted that this was his first time to walk under Calhoun Street. It was really cute watching him stroll the tunnel handholding with the love of his life/wife, Rosie.

Then it was on to the concert with segments of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington blending into one big melting pot. Before Faith even hit the stage, the two warm up acts were enough to leave the room talking.

FOX football commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman had their timing just right even when they missed cues. From walking on stage with a couple of bags of presenting sponsor Frito-Lay chips to Troy’s wearing a sign (“emcee sponsors Diane and Hal Brierley“) on his back, these totally different personalities won over the audience with their style and humor. They gave Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin a run for their emcee money.

With the mood set, the boys introduced the infamous debut of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV version of Faith Hill’s “Kiss” with area notables (Roger Staubach, Tony Romo, Nolan Ryan, Jerry Jones, Clarice Tinsley, Tom Leppert, Mike Moncrief, Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck, Dirk Nowitzki, Emmitt Smith, and many others who might not want their names mentioned) sacrificing their reputations singing like a two-for-one night karaoke bar. Tony Romo captured the “Most Painful Looking and Sounding Award” of the off-key singing luminaries. With sounds as pleasing to the ear as nails across a chalkboard, there are serious doubts that a Christmas album is in the makings.

Perhaps it was the tone of the evening, but the video was rewarded with an exuberant round of hooting, hollering, and applauding. . . much better than the following week’s Internet/media critical reviews. Let’s face it. Some things just take on a different feel in the light of day.

Finally, it was time for Faith to perform. For the intimate setting. . .  well, it was intimate compared to the likes of Gilley’s or Billy Bob’s. . . she wisely chose to use only a handful of musicians and three backup singers for the concert hall. During the first few songs, even this small coterie of musicians seemed to overwhelm Faith’s voice, but the group juggled a couple of knobs allowing her voice to take the lead.

In between sets, her interaction with the crowd seemed a little tentative. Perhaps it was the fact that she was due to walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards the next night with hubby Tim (The Blind Side) McGraw. Just like any wife trying to pick out the right outfit for her husband’s big company party, she admitted that she was still trying to figure out which dress to wear — The Louis Vuitton or the Roberto Cavalli. The crowd leaned toward the Vuitton. (She decided to go with the black lace Cavalli, which garnered reviews from “a little bit red-light district” to “easy and sexy.” Interesting for a gal who prefers sweats.)

Irritating moment: Four people insisted on standing up and swaying throughout the concert. While it’s perfectly understandable because of the music and their exuberance, it was downright irritating to the folks seated behind them, who were forced to stand just to see the stage.

Growing issue facing performers: At least one person in the audience was seen recording the entire concert on her iPhone, while scattered throughout the hall phone cameras were shooting Faith. Don’t think Faith’s agent would have taken very kindly to all this activity, but what’s a guy to do?

Following an encore and a SO, the VIP’s strolled back to McDavid Studio for a dessert party and the rest headed home.

Orchestrating all these concerts and parties were the five Action Team Honorary Co-chairs — Linda Cluck, Gene Jones, Laura Leppert, Rosie Moncrief, and Marianne Staubach along with their team of 111 female volunteers from North Texas.

Can’t wait to see what the fashion theme will be in May!

“As I’m sure you know the touring cast of Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera has hit town on their farewell tour.  Many of these cast members will soon be out of a job for the first time after being on the road for over a decade and they are combining their need to warm up their audition materials with a great cause.

Tonight Plano based theatre & non-profit PFAMILY ARTS will host a benefit featuring the Phantom cast this Monday, March 8th with proceeds being split between LakeSide Market’s PFAMILY ARTS and a local Frisco family who recently lost their father (ed. note: Steve Damm) to cancer.

The Phantom cast members will be signing costume pieces and other memorabilia for the silent auction and will meet & greet with benefit attendees after the concert.”

For more information, check the Damm family blog or email info@pfamilyarts.org.

Tickets may just still be available.

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? Yes, he did write Joker One: A Marine Platoon’s Story of Courage, Leadership, and Brotherhood, but he also hails from Dallas and was graduated from Cistercian High School. Yes, that Donovan! After graduating from Princeton, he became a Marine to allow him to “give back to his country, engage in the world, and learn to lead.”

Another highlight of the evening to raise funds and provide entertainment for the evening was Brian Olsen, who is renowned for his Art in Action. And, boy, was it in action Saturday night. Brian created a painting on a 4.5′ by 6′ canvas of John Lennon using fingertips, palms, elbows, and up to three brushes in each hand. The painting sold for $25,000.

“Since its beginning in October 2006, ReserveAid has already helped over 1150 families impacted by the Global War on Terror with over $2.7 million in grants distributed so far,” said event co-chair Highland Capital Management in Dallas Exec Chris Mawn . “A lot of these grants address basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter and transportation, making them vital and so important for our service men and women.”

Photo provided by ReserveAid Texas

While the event raised $420,000 for ReserveAid Texas, it also provided an emotional support for Reservist with such attending guests as 100 veterans, 10 families and individuals who have received ReserveAid funds, three general officers and 7-Eleven CEO Joe DePinto (pictured with wife Ingrid) fresh from his stint on Undercover and his sit down with Oprah.

Sponsors for this under-the-radar event were:

• Medal of Honor ($50,000 and above) — Highland Capital and NexBank
• Bronze Star ($10,000 and above) — 7-Eleven, Hayman Capital, Lockheed-Martin, and L-3 Communications
• Purple Heat ($5,000 and above) — American Airlines, Credit Suisse Group, Employees of Citi, Epocal Inc., Haynes and Boone LLP, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jarvie, Investment Technology Group Inc, Jefferies & Company Inc., Knight Capital Group, Lackey Hershman LLP, Raytheon, Safety-Kleen, Strasburger & Price LLP, and Vought Aircraft Industries Inc.
• Meritorious Service ($2,500 and above) — Jesse and Melinda Bray, Broadpoint Capital, Mr. and Mrs. Davis Deadman, David Gately, Goodwin Proctor LLP, Jackson Walker LLP, Employees of J.P. Morgan, Kane Russell Coleman & Logan PC, Loughlin Meghji + Company, Moll Industries Inc. PetroCap, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Mr. and Mrs. William Pruitt, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Rossi, Simons Petroleum, Mr. and Mrs. Amit Walia, Willis Group, Winchester Carlisle, and Mr. and Mrs. Miles Woodall.
• In kind donation — Markham Fine Jewelers, Corinthian Wellness Spa, and Willoughby

6 to 9 p.m — Young Texans Against Cancer’s 2010 kick-off party at The Barley House

7 p.m. — Red Carpet Premiere and fundraising screening of Torey’s Distraction at the Angelika. Dr. Jeffrey A. and Regen Fearon are honorary chairs with Ashley Akin chairing the event. A fund has been created by the filmmakers of Torey’s Distraction the mission of this fund is to help children with craniofacial anomalies attain the best medical care possible by helping to pay for travel expenses for surgeries and medical consultations, help fund medical research, and share the story of Torey’s Distraction to a larger audience.

7:15 p.m. –Big D Opry Star at Gilley’s is for country western music lovers with CMT “Can You Duet?” stars Joey + Rory, multi-platinum Grammy-winning artist Bryan White, The Tejas Brothers, Plano’s Channing Dodson, Dallas’ Brittnee Lee and many more. The shindig benefits Friends of Texas Public Schools with a designated gift for DISD for arts and music education.

What’s that? You were going to watch the Olympics? That’s why they made TiVo.

The Young Texans Against Cancer‘s 2010 Kick Off Party fits the description to a T, as in this Thursday. It takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Barley House. Besides music by The Ray Johnston Band, there will be drink specials and complimentary appetizers plus the distribution of $40,000 to the 2010 grant recipients — the Annette G. Strauss Center of Neuro-Oncology and Wipe Out Kids Cancer.

“Despite the challenging economy, we were able to double our fundraising dollars this year because of our determined and dedicated members,” said Shawn Walsh, YTAC president. “Both organizations are crucial in helping in the fight against cancer and we are honored to be able to help them with their missions.”

Wipe Out Kids Cancer has already designated its grant funds to its Buddy Bag Program, that helps families make the transition from home to hospital.

Thanks to YTAC funds, the Annette G. Strauss Center of Neuro-Oncology will be able to finance a one-year research grant focusing on improving treatment options for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor.

YTAC already has their next fundraiser on the schedule — Sprint for Cancer 2010 on Saturday, April 17!

Give It Up! ended its successful world premiere run at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre on Valentine’s Day. But it was the night before when Dallas showed the love. The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas packed the house Saturday night for the Give It Up! Gala to benefit education and outreach programs at the Dallas Theater Center. The final tally isn’t in yet, but the event was a big success judging by the large crowd and generous silent and live auctions.

Guests filled the Wyly Theatre lobby noshing on Wolfgang Puck food and cocktails, with a tent just outside the main door providing shelter from the cold for those bidding up the myriad silent auction items. Mimes from Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts directed guests and acknowledged patrons such as the Meyer Group of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management/Bank of America, the evening’s title sponsor.

Photo by Natalie Caudill

Co-chair Keith Nix (Ed. note: pictured with, from the left, Carol Meyer, mime Martha Gans, and Julie Hash) with welcomed the guests from the Wyly stage before the cheerleaders and basketball players of Give It Up! sang and danced through this updated version of the Greek play Lysistrata. (Laurie Foley was the other co-chair.) During intermission, the guests went back to the lobby to enjoy a Valentine’s dessert buffet, while auction co-chairs Kay Wilkinson and Dean Carter persuaded guests to run up the bids for the silent auction.

Photo by Natalie Caudill

Honorary co-chairs Penny Youngblood and Nancy Pearce (Ed. note: pictured center with Mike McAdams and Penny) mingled through the crowd visiting with friends and thanking patrons. After the performance, the Wyly stage became the site of a Valentine’s Day dance with DJ Jennifer Miller spinning the tunes.

Thanks, Eric, for the report and please thank Natalie for the photos. If anyone else has any other coverage notes on the event, feel free to comment.