Photo provided by Aardvark Communications

While many of the celebs in town for the All-Star game were supporting Dallas’ economy by exercising their credit cards at NorthPark, two of the beyond-well-known-names of the super universe were working with kids. LeBron James and Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter (pictured from the left) worked with 100 kids from the East Dallas Club of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas Saturday afternoon.

Yes, there were the mandatory media opps, but when it came to the mentoring part of the program, LeBron and JAY-Z met privately with the students.

“We are so thrilled that Sprite is giving students from the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program and BGC the opportunity to meet and interact with two of America’s most talented and celebrated individuals, JAY-Z and LeBron James,” said Charles English, president  of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas. “It is great to see that they care about the community and want to provide this special session to young people.”

The Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola is designed to provide real-life inspiration and role modeling in several key areas of personal development through structured learning and interaction with top leadership from different industries. Through the Heart of a Champion curriculum, students learn about integrity, honesty, perseverance, and other character-building traits that make a successful individual in the business world.

Photo provided by Aardvark Communications

Thanks to Sprite, they were also able to provide scholarships to Dallas Elevators participants like Adriana Cedillo (pictured with LeBron and JAY-Z) on behalf of the two super nice guys.

“Giving back to the community is part of everything that we do,” said Santiago Blanco, VP Sprite & Flavors for Coca-Cola North America. “It is fitting for Sprite to partner with creative and iconic individuals like JAY-Z and LeBron James, who inspire today’s youth to be original and innovative.”

Take a deep breath and think about that number –a one with eight zeroes. Need a comparison? That is more than the marvelous Crystal Charity Ball has raised since its founding in 1953. And this $100M gift, as well as many previous acts of Sammons generosity, is the legacy provided by an Oklahoma orphan, who made Dallas his home.

“With this historic contribution we are honoring Mr. Sammons’ conviction that the worth of a company should be based on its profitability and its contribution to the community,” said Sammons Dallas Foundation President Heather Kreager. “The beneficiaries will be able to continue their missions of helping improve the quality of life for the people within our community who are facing challenges.”

The six groups reeling from their good fortune and which were identified by Mr. Sammons prior to his death in 1988 are:

• Baylor Health Care System Foundation, on behalf of Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas: the $20 million will benefit the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center and its new cancer complex that will include both inpatient and outpatient services as well as clinical research facilities. An endowed breast cancer research chair will be named in honor of Charles Sammons’ two sisters, Hattie Belle and Mary Sammons, who both had cancer.
• The Salvation Army of Dallas County: $15 million will establish the Elaine and Charles Sammons Endowment to support the Dallas County programs.
• Methodist Health System Foundation: $20 million will establish an endowment to deliver quality indigent care or emergency room trauma services.
• Communities Foundation of Texas: $20 million will support the foundation’s discretionary grant making in perpetuity, extending the Sammons legacy each year through grants invested by the foundation in projects which demonstrate the greatest positive impact in the Dallas community.
• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas: $20 million will endow heart, lung and vascular patient programs at UT Southwestern University Hospital with a proposed name of the Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Heart, Lung and Vascular Comprehensive Center that will include both inpatient and outpatient services as well as clinical and translational research program. This endowment will complement previous gifts from the Elaine Dewey Sammons Foundation.
• The educational trust fund of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas: $5 million will establish The Charles A. and Elaine D. Sammons Diocesan Education Trust Fund. The fund will provide financial aid and tuition to elementary school children attending parish schools and students attending the three diocesan high schools.

Mr. Sammons, his family, and his associates are to be commended for providing their community with financial support and an excellent example of philanthropy.

December 18: The late Allan McKinnon‘s Irving-based import and wholesale company Just Crystal was known for its fine crystal products (pictured) and working directly with companies in the Czech Republic. His daughter Melina McKinnon, who founded MC Films, is hosting a sale of Allan’s massive estate with proceeds going to Arts Fighting Cancer, which was founded by Melina’s hubby Michael Cain. Also included in the estate is the Molinari Collection, “a vibrant signed-collector’s edition glass from Brazil discovered at a German glass show by Allan.” Today is the last day of this very special offering being held at One Arts Plaza’s residential condominiums.

December 18 – 20: The West Village is hosting the Wish Key Event benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas. Any in-store purchase not only results in a $2-donation to M-A-W, it also earns the shopper a West Village Wish Key. What the heck do you do with the key, you ask? You take it to the holiday gift box located in West Village’s South Alley and try to open it. What’s inside? Everything from gift certificates to electronics and other goodies.  Where the South Alley? Think the area between Mi Cocina and Lemon Bar. Now you’re thinking!

December 20: Del Frisco’s is hosting a party for 200 children in the Wednesday’s Child program. You are NOT invited. Sorry about that. But you are needed. Many of these foster children have MIA parents and will probably not score very high on Santa’s list. So Dee “Laughing Lady” Lincoln (where did she get that laugh?) is setting up  26 stations at the posh steak mansion for the kids which include “gift cards, hoodies, backpacks, stuff a stocking, toys, build a bear, meet Dallas Cowboys players, pajamas, face painting, decorate a cookies, photos with Santa, and live music for dancing.” Where do you come in? They really, really need gift cards for the kids. According to spokes-elf Andrea Alcorn, “We are accepting gift cards $10 and up to Walmart, Target, or any store of choice that children can shop at. Donors can drop off gift cards at Friedman & Feiger law firm or Del Frisco’s — both are located next door to each other on Spring Valley Road.” They need them no later than immediately. While you’re there, say “Hi” to Dee and have a laugh.

And speaking of Wednesday’s Child, the Wednesday’s Child Benefit Corporation has an opportunity — giving cash without costing you anything. Yes, it requires you to register with GiveSmart. Once you’ve registered, each purchase you make at certain stores (Target, Borders, Best Buy, PetSmart, Walmart, Office Depot, and about 90 others) returns a percentage of the sale to the Wednesday’s Child organization.  Just think! You could register with GiveSmart, buy a passel of gift cards at one of these stores earning Wednesday’s Child a donation, and drop the cards off for the Del Frisco’s party. That sounds like two holes-in-one in a row.

• Boys (birth-2) – 65 stuffed animals, 45 books under $10, and 35 baby toys like building blocks, trucks, etc.
• Girls (birth-2) – 35 baby toys and 45 books (under $10)
• Boys (3-5) – 80 Matchbox/Hot Wheels cares (five pc sets @ $6), 80 Play Doh (four pc sets @ $2), 55 Diego & Friends toys (under $10), and 35 books (under $10)
• Girls (3-5) – 80 Fisher Price Doodle Pro Designs-SpongeBob/Barbie/Go Diego ($8-9), 80 Play Doh (four pc set @$2), 30 Dora & Friends toys/My Little Pony Favorite Friends ($10), and 80 books (under $10)
• Boys (6-8) – 65 board games ($11+), 60 action figures – Star Wars/Pokemon/Spiderman (under $10), 115 Power Rangers/Batman Power Pack ($9-10), and 115 books (under $10)
• Girls (6-8) – 70 Books (under $10) and 70 Snow White/Tinkerbell ($3)/Pet Shop purses ($7)
• Boys (9-11) – 70 StarWars Lego figures ($11), 85 soccer balls ($$ needed, buying wholesale), and 85 books ($$ needed, buying wholesale)
• Girls (9-11) – 75 Activity Paints Sets/Word Wear ($10), Friendship bracelet sets ($10), and books ($$ needed, buying wholesale)
• Boys (12-14) – 55 Pocket Pogo/Connect4/Simon Trickster handheld games ($10), 55 official footballs ($$ needed, buying wholesale, and 55 books ($$ needed, buying wholesale – Tomo series)
• Girls (12-14) – 55 Glitter nail polish sets/sparkle lotions and Lip Smacker Party Pack of 8 ($8) and 65 books ($$ needed, buying wholesale – Tomo series)

And you know darn well that if you can’t shop for a toy or book, you can simply pop off a nice check to Brother Bill’s at 3430 Odessa, Dallas 75212. No, you can’t make an online donation, you techie type. Their website just isn’t as sophisticated as you. In return you’ll get a receipt for tax purposes and it will make opening your own gifts a lot easier.

Also, please remember that there are other groups in need of help due to the extreme economic times. They need toys plus everyday things that we all take for granted, like soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and the essentials. If you know of such a group, share it in the comments. You could make a difference for good.

Photo provided by Sunwest Communications

In 1957 before there was a Texas Stadium or a D/FW International Airport, a group of folks in Irving organized Irving Cares to help with the social welfare of the needy in the Irving community. The good news is that Irving grew; the not-so-good news is that the demand for Irving Cares also grew.  Why during the past year more than 25,000 people or 12% of the population of Irving required assistance for food, housing, transportation, counseling, and jobs from Irving Cares. Remarkably, Irving Cares has not only provided for these needs but has exceeded “industry standards with 80 cents of each dollar going back into the community as a program related expense.”

These accomplishments have impressed many including Rex Tillerson. Oh,  please, don’t ask who he is! You really don’t know. Think ExxonMobil. No, he’s not the fellow who runs the gas station down the street. Rex is chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil Corporation. You know, that local group that just announced plans to buy Fort Worth-based XTO Energy today.

Back to Rex and Irving Cares. It seems that each year ExxonMobil presents the Chairman’s Gift to a nonprofit organization. Guess which group received the $50,000 grant this year? Yup, Irving Cares!

Last week Rex not only presented the check to Irving Cares executive director Teddie Story (pictured with Rex), he toured the facility and was welcomed like Santa.

So, please comments section to blatantly promote any group that you feel could benefit. The kids would truly appreciate it!

Does anyone know which are the reputable groups that make the Santa connection?

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.

Whatever the reason, they’ve got such an opportunity for you!

Here’s the deal: If you look on the cover of D Magazine, the price is $4.99. But for an extremely limited time, you can give a year’s subscription as gift to your best friend, parents, boss, or whomever for . . . drum roll . . . $10. According to the SC calculator, that’s a savings of $49.88 for you and we promise not to tell the recipient of your smart shopping.

How do you it? Here’s the answer.

Now we know why the SweetCharity holiday party is a small bag of week-old cookies and a Swiss Miss packet that expired last year.