D

Despite Rumors Flying in New York, Town & Country‘s Pam Fiori Exemplified Class

There’s a rumor floating around about Town & Country Editor-in-Chief/founding co-chairperson of the UNICEF Snowflake Project  Pamela Fiori (pictured) who was in Dallas Monday for a luncheon and book signing of her new book In the Spirit of Capri. No, it wasn’t that she’s a Miranda type. Nor was it that T&C is going weekly. It was. . .

But first, let’s review her Dallas visit. (more…)

Albert Kriemler of Akris to be Featured Designer for Ten Best Dressed Luncheon

Neiman’s Downtown President/GM Shelle Sills revealed that Swiss fashion wunderkind Albert Kriemler of Akris will be the featured designer for Crystal Charity Ball‘s 2010 Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas Luncheon/Fashion Show on September 10 at Neiman Marcus Downtown.

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.

Chris Murzin Family, University Park to be Honored at “A Child Can Do All Things Luncheon”

Back in 2008 Chris Murzin shaved his head. It wasn’t due to a trendy new hair style. It was to draw attention to a cause that affected his family deeply. You see, one of Chris’s children is forced to use a wheelchair and this fact made Chris realize how limited area parks are for the physically challenged.

Thanks to the Murzin family’s efforts, Coffee Park in University Park is barrier-free and includes a trail system with dioramas depicting the history of University Park, new picnic facilities, athletic field improvements, park entrance signage, decorative fencing, expanded acreage on the park’s northern edge (made possible because of the Northwest Parkway Wall) and the City’s first barrier-free playground to provide fun for children of all ages and abilities.

Photo provided by A Child Can Do All Things

” A Child Can Do All Things Luncheon” Chair Alicia Wood (pictured left with, from the left, Blackie Holmes, Jerry Bradley, Christina Murzin, and Heather Pujats) announced at a breakfast at Tiffany & Co., that the Murzin family and the City of University Park will be awarded  the “Child Impact Award” at the annual luncheon on Tuesday, March 30, at Brook Hollow Golf Club.

In an addition to the presentation of the award, a NorthPark Center-sponsored fashion show under the direction of Rhonda Sargent Chambers will feature clothes from Barney’s New York, Peek. . . Aren’t You Curious, and Play @ Planet Funk.

For ticket and sponsorship information, just check here.

Jenna Bush Hager to be Featured Speaker at Appetite For Advocacy Luncheon

NBC’s Today correspondent and former First Daughter Jenna Bush Hager (pictured) will be the keynote speaker at the third annual Appetite For Advocacy Center Luncheon at the Sheraton Dallas on Friday, April 23. Benefiting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC), Luncheon Chairs Cammie and Brian Heflin are joined by Honorary Chair JoAnne Roosevelt.

Sarah Losinger (pictured)will receive the Ruth Altshuler Award for her dedication and support of DCAC.

Individual tickets are $150 with a nice $20 discount for members of the Coalition to End Crimes Against Children.

The mission of the DCAC is to improve the lives of abused children in Dallas County and provide national leadership on child abuse issues.

Lauren Bacall Delivered “The Look” and the Goods at the Nasher Salon Series

When Hollywood was legendary and the studio system was turning out the likes of Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Cary Grant, a teenage Lauren Bacall was catapulted to film royalty thanks to her captivating looks, one-of-a-kind voice, sultry acting, and marriage to Humphrey Bogart, the leader of the infamous Holmby Hills Rat Pack (predecessor to Frank Sinatra‘s Rat Pack).

Last Thursday she held court at the Nasher Sculpture Center as part of the Nasher Salon Series. Arriving for a lunch with a full room of guests, she surprisingly was upstaged by her companion — Sophie, (pictured with, from the left, Lauren Bacall, Jeremy Strick, and Michael Cain) an adorable and extremely well-manned Papillion. But, no fear of female jealousies. Bacall actually enjoyed the attention that Sophie received. Once seated at Table #1 with Nasher Director Jeremy Strick and old friends Karla and Liener Temerlin (pictured with Nancy Nasher Haemisegger in center),  Sophie sat in her owner’s lap and never raised her nose above the table. Obviously, this wasn’t Dakota-living Sophie’s first rodeo. However, later as Bacall talked to the room of guests, Sophie (pictured) decided that Jeremy was her lap of choice and sat patiently. That Jeremy just has a way about him.

Leave it to the Nasher folks to set the luncheon up perfectly. With B&W movies from Bacall’s past on two of the walls and framed pictures of the lady on each table, it almost made you wish you had brought your autograph book. One table of enthusiastic fans insisted on having their group photographed around the picture centerpiece.

But once she arrived and sat down, everyone controlled their enthusiasm and made it through lunch waiting for her discussion with Dallas Film Society Chairman of the Board Michael Cain.

Poor Michael was just a tad bit apprehensive about the chat. Seems that he had gone a couple of rounds with the sharp as a tack lady when she was in town a couple of years ago for the AFI Dallas International Film Fest. Like Harriet Hubbard, the lady suffers no fools. (more…)

Faye C. Briggs Art in Bloom Floral Symposium and Lunch Will Blossom

When you think of the incredible art of floral design, you probably have visions of Dallas Blooms. You’re so smart. The Arboretum is an incredible showcase of flowers in their natural settings.

But the beauty of flowers is not limited to the lush beddings of the Arboretum. Think the Dallas Museum of Art.

That’s right  — the DMA. It’s all a part of the Dallas Museum of Art League’s Faye C. Briggs Art in Bloom Floral Symposium and Luncheon on March 29 at the DMA.  With the theme “East Meets West,” Japanese designer Mami Ogata and Dallas’ own Howard Eckhart will provide presentations of floral design representative of Asian and western cultures.

With DMA Board of Trustee President John Eagle and his wife Jennifer serving as honorary chairs, Lunchen Chair Barbara Bigham says, “We are thrilled to have two designers who will bring such diverse backgrounds and talents to the event. Every aspect of the day offers an enticement for all tastes.”

In addition to the flora design demonstrations, other activities during the will include:

• A seated luncheon featuring a fashion presentation by upscale retailer Betty Reiter with Jan Strimple producing the show.
• New York’s Billy Pry of BBJ linens, discussing not only  table top trends but also providing linens for the luncheon pro bono.
• A specially-created boutique offering floral containers for purchase.
• Travel guru Jim Strong donating copies of his newest book, Craving for Travel: Celebrating Life’s Moments for luncheon favors.

“Barbara has done an excellent job of creating a fresh and exciting event that captures the entertaining and educational components of a successful event,” said DMA League President Marilyn Willems.

If you can’t make the Monday event, you might be interested in the two half-day workshop on March 24 at Magic Moments Parties and Events. Debbie Jordan is opening her Magic Moments for a morning workshop conducted by Howard, and Mami will present an afternoon workshop following a formal Japanese tea ceremony.

Henry “The Fonz” Winkler Brought Life Lessons to The Destiny Awards Luncheon

Happy Days’ Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli was a very cool Italian kid, whose parents abandoned him, in Milwaukee. He was a high school dropout, never married, and a bit of a ladies’ man.

Henry Winkler (pictured), who portrayed “Fonzie,” is the son of Jewish immigrants who left Nazi Germany in 1939 just before the Holocaust.  He earned a master’s degree from the Yale School of Drama and has been happily married since 1978.

So, what does the fictional character of the 50′s and the man who portrayed him have in common? Both have the ability and sincerity to influence others for their own betterment through life lessons. And that’s exactly what Henry did last Thursday when he came to town for the 10th annual Destiny Luncheon benefiting the St. Philip’s School & Community Center.

Known within the entertainment industry for being down to earth and having a genuine interest in others, Henry with Fredye Factor as his escort started of the day with a rise-and-shine appearance at St. Philip’s. (No problem for Henry since his Labradoodle and Great Dane usually are climbing all over him first thing in the morning back home in California) With parents lining the walls of the gym and uniformed munchkins (pictured) filling every seat in the bleachers, Henry had his work cut out for him. Within minutes of watching the interaction between St. Philip’s headmaster Terry Flowers and the youngsters, Henry looked right at home. You couldn’t help but wonder if Henry sorta wished he’d had a St. Philip’s in his life growing up.

One of the things that you learn from a St. Philip’s experience is the magic of Terry.

(more…)

TACA Silver Cup Luncheon Gets People Like Kenny Goss Thinking and Talking

What do international art collector/hottie Kenny Goss (pictured) and former JCPenney President and COO/Dallas Opera General Director John T. Cody Jr. have in common? Later. . . But first, let’s cover the 32nd TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon.

If you just arrived in the area, you probably don’t realize that this luncheon is the pinnacle gathering of the area art groups and those who tirelessly support them. Each year a man and woman are honored for their efforts. This year the luncheon recipients were Cindy Rachofsky and John T. Cody Jr. (pictured) at the Anatole.

But before the luncheon, which is an artistic occasion in itself, past Silver Cup recipients, VIP’s and honorees gathered for a “catch your breath” reception. It also allowed for a group picture to be taken of past recipients with the “new kids on the block.”

After the official photos were taken, Cindy and John were presented with boxes that would have been too big for Santa to fit in his Christmas sack. Like two eager children, the two pulled off the ribbons, dug through paper stuffing, and discovered their silver cups (pictured).

But before you go off thinking that this heady group of art lovers was only involved in discussing the intellectual side of the arts, back up and rethink. (more…)

Tuesday Morning’s Kathleen Mason Receives Virginia Chandler Dykes Award

SweetCharity’s roving reporter Glenn Hunter filed this story:

Just before the start of last Thursday’s 8th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon at the Belo Mansion—a presentation of Texas Woman’s University and the Bank of Texas–this year’s recipient of the award was shown an old photograph that brought back a flood of warm memories.

The framed, black-and-white picture showed Dykes honoree Kathleen Mason (pictured), now president and CEO of Tuesday Morning Corp., with her then-boss, Mildred Quattore, on a retail buying trip decades ago in Madrid, Spain. Mildred, who attended TWU when it was known as Texas Woman’s College, is Mason’s long-time business mentor.

In her talk accepting the award Mason acknowledged her debt to Mildred, whom she called an “early, unsung” retail pioneer. “When I was a new buyer on that trip to Madrid, little did I know that I would be able to honor her today,” Mason said of Mildred, who’s now in her 80s and was unable to attend the luncheon due to recent back surgery. “I know what an education did for me. And I know what a mentor meant for my life.”

(more…)

TACA Silver Cup Award to Salute Cindy Rachofsky and John Cody Next Friday

In 1979 before there was a Meyerson Symphony Center and when the Dallas Theater Center on Turtle Creek was still considered the new-kid-on-the-block, Dallas’ numero uno fundraiser Annette Strauss created the TACA Silver Cup Award.

(Yes, we’re talking about Annette the Socialite before she was Annette the Mayor of Dallas.)

This very hardworking and savvy lady recognized the need for recognition of one man and one woman who had made outstanding contributions to the arts in Dallas. Annette also saw the opportunity to raise funds for the arts by presenting the awards at a luncheon.

Since then, the TACA Silver Cup Award has been presented to 30 men and 30 women who have been instrumental to the incredible growth of the Dallas arts community. On Friday, March 5, Cindy Rachofsky (pictured) and John Cody Jr. (pictured) will have their names officially added to that list at the TACA Silver Cup Award Luncheon sponsored by Chase and Neiman Marcus.

Now, we know what you’re thinking. Cindy and John probably gave a bundle of money and this is their thank you. Oh, we thought we knew you so much better than that. Both Cindy and John have been down in the trenches working tirelessly to not only encourage others to support the arts, but to make the various arts accessible to those without the means.

As luncheon chair Rebecca Fletcher put it so perfectly, “Cindy and John are giants in the Dallas arts community. It is our privilege to honor them and shine the spotlight on two volunteers who are setting an example of excellence in all they do.”

To show their appreciation, members of Big Thought, The Dallas Opera, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Wind Symphony, Fine Arts Chamber Players, Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, and Meadows School of the Arts of SMU will perform at the luncheon.

Shameless bragging: SweetCharity is the very proud blog sponsor of the TACA Silver Cup Award.

By the way, we realize that you probably haven’t memorized the other 30 pairs, so here they are: (more…)