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.

Sports fans throughout the DFW gathered Saturday night at their favorite watering hole to celebrate the Dallas Stars’ and the Mavs’ wins on the road.

Photo provided by Jaimie Marie Siegle

Still, the weekend’s sweetest sports victory went down just across the pond in Frisco, where more than 400 football fans witnessed the Dallas Defenders’ 30-0 sweep against the Houston Gunners.

Muchos kudos to those who already knew Dallas had its own semi-pro football team made up of policemen, firefighters and EMT personnel from all over the Metroplex; for those who weren’t already aware, the Dallas Defenders are civil servants by day and philanthropic athletes by night. The football club raises money to fund community outreach programs and support families whose loved ones have died in the line of duty through the Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas.

Defenders Football Club players, coaches and supporters commemorated their season’s first victory at TopGolf Dallas for a Guns & Hoses fundraising event on March 27, but all you gotta do to help out the team is attend the Dallas Stars hockey game on April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center. For more information about ordering tickets, call Chad Pennington at (214)387–5583.

Catch the fourth and final game against the Charlotte Cobras on May 15 at Frisco Memorial Stadium. E-mail the club’s president here if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, trying out for the football team or auditioning to be a Spirit Girl. We’re so not here to judge.

Hey, Jaimie, we didn’t change one word. Blog well done.

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

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

Let’s hoist a glass on that one.

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

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

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

By the way, in the world of animals, one of its rock stars will be handling the welcome duties — The Humane Society of the United States President/CEO Wayne Pacelle. Among his many accomplishments, this Yalie grad was named “Executive of the Year” by The NonProfit Times for the HSUS’s response during the Hurricane Katrina crisis.

Personal note: Having witnessed the animal rescue operation in the New Orleans area during the Katrina aftermath, it was truly amazing, painful, and gratifying to see the work being done.

If you haven’t got tickets for tonight, you can always sit and beg, but word is it’s sold out.

The two-legged critters who are responsible for the event are:

Event Chairs: Kristina Bowman, Catharine Flagg, and Holly Forsythe

Honorary Chairs:  Peggy and Jacquelin Sewell

Host Committee: Gina Betts, Darla and Fred Brodsky, Donna Casey, Natalie Chu, Patricia Deason, Nicole Stewart Ganger and Rob Ganger, Elisabeth Grant, Candice and Robert Haas, Nancy Harte, Sally and Forrest Hoglund, Molly and Charles Kitch, Stacey and Don Kivowitz, Jack Knox, Molly and Mike Mayes, Lynn and Allan McBee, Jan Miller, Niven Morgan, Paige Nash, Joanie Nasher, Joe Pacetti, Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens,Gigi Potter, Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers,Robin Sugg, Anne and Steve Stodghill,Mary and Skip Trimble, Jocelyn White, and Cheryl and Sam Wyly

Executive Committee: Jane Arrington, Sarah Davis, Pam Greenberg, Jeanne Mitchell, Kate Watts, and Brycie Wynne

What’s a scary closet? It’s a closet that you’ve avoided like a bill collector. There are things in that closet that you just don’t to face and admit that you haven’t used in ages or you’ve found a nifty replacement. But we’ve got to gut up and let go of the stuff because someone else can use it.

This year we’re dividing up our closet finds into two categories. One group will destined for the curb and the other will be for the May 1st “Trinkets and Treasures Rummage Sale” organized by the Junior League of Dallas.

They’ll be accepting  donations at Armoires & More on the following dates:

• March 27, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• March 31, 2010 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
• April 3, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• April 7, 2010 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
• April 10, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• April 17, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• April 24, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

What kind of items are they hoping for? How about –

• Clothing, shoes and accessories
• Household Items
• Furniture
• Books, movies and CDs/videos
• Children’s toys
• Luggage
• Electronics
• Musical Instruments
• Appliances
• Lawn Care Equipment
• Athletic Equipment
• Jewelry

This inaugural sale is being coordinated by JLD Provisional Class members Stephanie Braislin, Ashley Carter, Wynne Cunningham, Cachet Eldridge, and Lauren Godfrey. Helping the gals store all the loot are storage containers “graciously donated by Sam Store and Move.”

Albert’s 2010 collection showed his appreciation for fabrics and amazing ability to blend classic looks with modern clean lines.

If you’re wondering which ladies will be designated as Dallas’ 10 top fashion leaders, you’ll have to wait until March 21 when it’s announced. Don’t try bribing Luncheon Chair Alison Farrow. She’s sworn to secrecy.

Don’t rush out and order your tickets to the luncheon quite yet. They don’t go on sale until early May.

BTW, if you hadn’t heard the 2010 Crystal Charity Ball beneficiaries include Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Children’s Medical Center, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, The Family Place, Texas Home Access Fund Inc., and Parkland Foundation.

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Pick the winning hats and sipping tea. Hardly. When you have “over 600 women” donning their finest chapeaus and strutting their stuff, it can truly turn your head around. And, please realize that each year the ladies get more and more competitive. And the hats tend to get bigger and more outrageous. No, change that last one. They get more eye catching.

But it’s not all competitive head gear. Luncheon Chair Sharon Ballew with the help of Honorary Chair (and 2009 Thematic Category winner) D’Andra Simmons has arranged for Jan Strimple to produce one of her fabby fashion shows with Highland Park Village fashions including Carolina Herrera, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, and St. John.

It all benefits the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, “A Woman’s Garden.”

(Photos provided by the Mad Hatter Tea Party)

Just bring a gently-used- or new-child’s clothing or toys to Capriccio and you’ll get a ticket into the restaurant’s celebration/fund raiser benefiting Captain Hope’s Kids. Once inside you’ll have “complimentary bites, drink specials, and live music by the Very Verys.”

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!

What did you expect? A vintage car collection? Silly.

Besides the drop-dead gorgeous spring and summer fashions, ball chair Cynthia Mitchell welcomed the newest members of CCB including Angie Kadesky, Kay Beecherl, and Suzy Giekere (pictured) and

Janie Cooke, Leslie Diers, Rozalyn Colombo, and Alicia Wood (pictured)

The six hardworking and very fortunate beneficiaries for this year’s ball were also revealed including

1. Boys & Girls Clubs,
2. Children’s Medical Center,
3. Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center,
4. Parkland Foundation,
5. Texas Home Access Fund and
6. The Family Place

(Photos by Dana Driensky)