But first, let’s review her Dallas visit.

Having just arrived Sunday night (thank heaven, she missed snowy Saturday) after a PA at Lake Austin Spa Resort, Pamela was the main course of the “Feather Your Nest Speakers Series” (FYN) luncheon at the Ritz. Since seating at Dean Fearing’s was limited to 60, Dallas authoress/FYN co-founder Kimberly Schlegel Whitman asked her mom Myrna Schegel if she would host a book signing reception in the evening for T&C‘s legendary editor-in-chief. Despite a nasty twist of the ankle suffered in Toronto last week — and being forced to wear flats — Myrna opened the Schlegel manor with the graciousness and elegance befitting a T&C event.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves, aren’t we?

According to Pamela, her stay at Lake Austin was really quite excellent, despite the fact that it meant her missing what was “supposed to be the most perfect weekend of weather” in New York City. But it was well worth it. She was fascinated by the women at the spa just walking around in terry cloth robes and wearing no makeup. . . just being themselves.

Then it was a quick trip to Dallas Sunday and the FYN luncheon, which was “perfection,” according to Pamela, who is a true-blue fan of Chef Dean Fearing. “The fish was prepared just perfectly,” Pamela reported. “Everyone was so very nice. What a simply gorgeous place.”

Ah, but that was just a warm-up of the hospitality in store for the 28-year veteran of the country’s leading media expert on class, style and taste. The Schlegels somehow manage to combine mega-amazing (their mansion, of course) with personal charm and gentility. With Myrna in ballet slipper-like flats at the front door, guests were warmly greeted. If you were lucky enough to get there when the doors opened at 5, you might have missed Pam as she stood in the hallway catching up with old friends like Courtney Sinelli (pictured). It seems that 30 years ago Pamela was Courtney’s babysitter.

FYN co-founder Chris Kleinert (pictured) had to leave co-hosting duties to wife Ashlee and get back to work. By the way, Ashlee and Chris are also the driving force behind Executives in Action.

Yes, this gathering was made up of people who wear out passports with trips to India, Brazil, Europe, and all points in between. Their shopping sprees take place in foreign ports of call as opposed to Sam Moon’s. “You do know that bargains can be had overseas because of the dollar situation?” is heard more than once. They wonder aloud what others only fantasize about — a month-long-rental of a house in Tuscany  this summer, perhaps?

Even the serving staff took note that this crowd was not your typical wine and champagne group. When a waiter placed an order for a “Negroni,” he admitted none of the staff had ever heard of such a concoction. “Only the bartender knew what it was” —  equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Like the guests in attendance, the drink is a classic for the well-traveled set.

Still there was something about Pamela that set her apart from this Black Card set. Was it her diminutive size? Was it her emerald-green jacket? Her necklace of multi-strands of jade? Or, perhaps it was her smile that highlighted each introduction?

But then the hallway started filling with guests, and it was time for Pamela to take her place at a desk in the two-story library with its elegant curtains. To her right were a stack of her books that quickly dwindled as guests queued up for a personal signing. Some wanted a book for themselves. Others wanted them as gifts. Don’t tell anyone, but there is one mother whose Mother’s Day gift is already a done deal.

For those who live for the itty-bittiest of details, Pamela is a southpaw and claims that her “excellent” inscriptions (pictured) are due to “Sharpies.”

What you soon learned about Pamela was her ease at making others feel comfortable. She was fascinated in all who approached her. With amazing eye contact, she made you feel as if there was no one else in the room. How she did it time after time is a wonder. But then again it was a pretty heady crowd. For instance,

• Former Crystal Charity Ball Chair Sara Martineau (pictured) with her daughter Maria Plankinton discussed Swiss fashion house of Akris’s Albert Kriemler‘s being the featured designer at this fall’s Best Dressed Luncheon with Pamela. “You’ll love him. He’s adorable,” Pamela smiled.
• Fashionista First Lady Heidi Dillon in a softer-than-legal white leather jacket exchanged business cards with Pamela with the latter saying, “Everyone loves to talk about fashion.”
• While waiting her turn to chat with Pamela, Barbara Daseke in luscious black lamb leather jacket admitted that she had been so impressed with the Lauren Bacall talk recently at the Nasher that she had bought Lauren’s book and was amazed at her diverse life.
• Barbara Buzzell complimented Pamela on one of her staff with whom BB had just worked with on a story. Without hesitation, Pamela knew the staffer and noted that she was a Dallas gal and very good.
• Shelle Sills (pictured right hugging Billie Leigh Rippey) got a big hug from Pamela saying, “I’m here because it’s you!” Then Shelle reported that  husband Michael was on his way just to see Pamela, too. In a flash, Michael not only showed up but presented Pamela with a drink refresher. That man knows just what the doctor orders. By the way, don’t think that NM Downtown Non-stop Head Lady Shelle spends her life entirely in four-inch stilettos. “When I’m home, it’s strictly flip flops.” Why, oh why, do we suspect that hers are so much classier than the rest of ours?

But it wasn’t all pleasantries among the book-buying guests. Pamela also shared some thoughts on the publishing industry and the various rumors swirling about.

• Shelter magazines — “The entire shelter industry went . . . (she motioned with her hand hitting the desk).”
• Print vs. online — ” So many women tell me how they like holding paper in their hands when they read.”
• Advertising — “Advertisers are so eager to think they can cut costs by advertising on the web. But a little ad online just cannot compare to a wonderfully produced ad in a magazine.”
• Social media trends — “We going through a period when people are flirting with things like Facebook.”
• Publications adjusting their standards to survive — “I’ve told them (her staff and publisher) that we’re not going to do that.”
• Blogging — “Someone just recently told about blogging and that it can be fun.”
• The Devil Wears Prada: “My doorman said, ‘Ms. Fiori, you’re not like that woman in The Devil Wears Prada.’ I sure hope I’m not.”
• Her publisher Jim Taylor — “I have the world’s best publisher. We don’t always agree but we respect each other.”
• Her next book — “It’s on St. Bart’s.”

And that rumor that’s been making the rounds. Well, it seems the NY Post’s Keith Kelly reported this past Friday that HEARST Magazines President Cathie Black has quietly been searching for Pamela’s replacement. When confronted with the Post‘s latest item, in typical T&C style, Pamela just smiled and said, “There are always rumors about Anna Wintour, me and all of us. If it happens, it happens. I have a life. . .  my husband (Colt Givner) of 28 years, my relatives, my friends. You truly realize their importance when times get difficult.”

In parting, someone asked, “Will you be back in September for the Best Dressed luncheon?”

“I hope so,” Pamela replied.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The lunch bunch including Dallas Film Society‘s Tanya Foster at one table and Carmelita Whiteley with Barbara Daseke (pictured right with Carmelita Whiteley) at another was thrilled to have such a icon of the great days of movies among them. She didn’t let them down. Her talk was filled with nuggets from the golden days of Hollywood with personal feelings interjected throughout.

Then it was back to her hotel with Sophie to rest up for the evening’s talk.

Just past 7 it was a return to the Nasher. With red carpet once again waiting at the curb, the black limousine pulled up and out came the girls. Sophie in her finest fur and Bacall with little if any makeup in black. No, she isn’t the teenage “Slim” from To Have and Have Not, but darn it if she doesn’t still have “The Look.” Graciously, she and Sophie posed for pictures with the VIP guests (pictured right Dr. Joanne Stroud with Lauren Bacall) and chatted with each of them.

Then it was time to go downstairs for the talk. As she entered the room, the sellout crowd gave her a standing ovation. Or, rather, gave her and Sophie a standing O.

Michael once again girded his loins to interview Bacall. With cards in hand, his plan was to go through the questions in chronological order. That evidently didn’t fit Bacall’s plan. He had to reshuffle his cards. Then he asked about her romantic relationship with Bogart that started during the filming of To Have and Have Not.

Whoa!

The Look was not a happy one. She corrected Michael that she and Bogie did not have any type of romantic relationship during the filming of the movie: “He was married.”

Michael looked nervous.

He asked if it was true that for her first movie, Howard Hawks gave her a choice of either Cary Grant or Humphrey Bogart as her leading man.

She looked a bit shocked instructing Michael that she was not in a position to choose anything. . . “I was too scared.” Looking at Bacall now, it was hard to believe that she’d ever had a nervous Nellie moment.

Michael then asked about a string of her various “leading men” including Woody Harrelson. Mistake. . . big mistake!

“Take him out of that list! Woody Harrelson? That is a lulu,” she demanded. Later she diplomatically said she liked him (Woody), but …

At this point in the cat-and-mouse game, Michael was on the verge of tossing the cards and just letting nature takes its course. Instead he decided to simply forgo the chronological order and just chat. Wise decision. That is until he asked if it was true that Bette Davis was her role model.

Screech of brakes.

She questioned his use of the expression “role model.” After getting the definition of role model clear in her mind, she concluded, “I wanted to be Bette Davis (as an actress), but not live her life!. . . No one had what Better Davis had. She was surprising.”

In passing, Michael mentioned that guests might like to read her “book.” Like a schoolmarm correcting a student in front of class, she let him know the word should have been “books.”

At this point, Michael wisely decided to let the lady have her head and answer questions from the audience:

• On her recent Lifetime Achievement Oscar: “There’s so many awards. There are awards for breathing. But I figure, what the hell. If it’s for me, it can’t be that bad.”
• “Did she have a song with Humphrey Bogart? Bogie’s song was That Old Black Magic, but “he had no taste when it came to music.”
• On George W. Bush and current trends in art/writing/etc.: “I think people are affected by events and government. For eight years, we had a government that couldn’t even spell the word ‘art.’ There was no appreciation of the arts in those eight years. George W: one of the great brains of our age.”
• Is there somebody she would love to work with? “Unfortunately, most of them are dead.”
• She momentarily reflected on the days of the big studios. “It was the best time for quality movies. Solid, wonderful projects. … The standards were higher in those days. … Today stars run it, with the big salaries.”
• On the Australian actors: “The Australians have taken over. Cate Blanchett. Nicole. Hugh Jackman. I’m a groupie for Hugh Jackman.”  Like talking with old friends, she looked into the audience and asked if they had seen him in the The Boy From Oz. . . “You’ve got to see him in it!”
• She was astounded that no in the room knew who Louis Bromfield was.
• “I was once told, ‘Always be with people who know more than you.’ So what am I doing here?”

Then just as Michael was getting ready to close the evening’s program, one more question arose from the audience: “Next time you’re in Dallas, will you talk about Frank Sinatra?”

“The Look” froze. OMG, did the person not know the history behind Bacall and Sinatra? Well-read Photoplay and Walter Winchell devotees of the 50′s raised eyebrows and prepared for a Bacall bashing. Would Bacall order Sophie to tear the questioner’s throat out?

“Why would I want to talk about him?” she said with feathers obviously ruffled. Then she settled back in her chair and the “Look” changed to be like a Persian cat appearing to have just swallowed a very plump canary. “He was very good when he sang,” she purred.

Only problem of the night was the staging of the event. Unlike 79-year-old Robert Duvall‘s recent appearance in which he sat in a high chair on stage, 86-year-old Bacall sat in a low chair. This change of staging was probably due to the staff’s concern for her comfort and safety. However, guests in the back of the room found it a bit challenging to see her on the stage, with some resorting to standing along the sides of the room for a better view.

That situation should be easily remedied for the next Nasher guest — Gladys Knight, who will be interviewed by KLUV’s Jody Dean on June 17. Tickets go on sale May 2 at 8 a.m. and remember Nasher Sculpture Center Patron Members get a nice discount on tickets.

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.

Happy Days’

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.

With a combination of Benjamin Franklin wisdom, Morgan Freeman cool and Dr. Huxtable charm, he shows respect for the students and expects it in return. With statements like, “If we were both alike, one of us would not be necessary,” he gets his message across that the students are there for more than adding and subtracting. Self-esteem and preparation for adulthood are just as important. St. Philip’s students have an air of confidence, not cockiness about them, that is rooted in their pride of achievement thanks to Terry, his staff, and the parents who are so involved with the school.

Then Henry spoke to the hundreds of students. While the parents may have remembered him from his leather-jack days as Fonzie, the kids recognized him from his series of children’s novels about Hank Zipzer: The World’s Most Amazing Under-Achiever and more recent television shows and movies.  It didn’t matter which character they recalled because Thursday they got to know Henry. Masterfully talking to the entire gym full of students and adults, he made them feel like an old friend admitting that life had not been a snap of the fingers for him.

• His parents had called him “dumb dog” because he didn’t seem all that bright in school.
• The only thing that he was good at in school was lunch.
• Test scores placed him the bottom percentile as a youngster.
• His father, who owned a lumber company, had been disappointed in his son for not taking over the family business which he had brought over from Germany. “You mean it didn’t have anything to do with the Nazis?” Henry asked his father.
• He discovered that he was dyslexic at the age of 31.

When he discovered he suffered from dyslexia, he admitted that at first he was very angry. It all made sense. Because of the condition he had been made to feel dumb and lack self confidence throughout his childhood and early adulthood. Then he realized that if it hadn’t been for the dyslexia, his life might have been entirely different.  He might have not gone into acting, gotten the role, met his wife, had his kids, etc.

But he also knew that no child needed to carry the burden of poor self-esteem. To carry on a campaign to counter this situation, he started his Hank the Zipzer series, became a major supporter of various children’s charities (United Friends of the Children, Children’s Action Network, Cerebral Palsy Telethon, Toys for Tots, the Special Olympics, and the Los Angeles Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival for Children), and motivated youngsters and adults to communicate.

That last one is very important to Henry. As he told the graduating class of Austin College in 2002, “Thank you for listening to me. . . my parents never did.”

After he got a standing ovation from the students, it was picture time and he settled right in with the multitude of kids surrounding him (pictured).

Then it was on to Belo Mansion for The Destiny Award Luncheon, where once again he was on time, extremely at home with one and all, and championing the cause for children.

But the luncheon wasn’t just to see Fonzie/Henry, though. It was also to present awards to outstanding members of the community who have time and time again been role models and gone the extra mile for the community. This year’s Destiny Awards were presented to:

• Jewish Family Services – Organization
• Annette Simmons - Leadership
  
• AT&T – Corporation
• Linda Walker - Unsung Hero
  

In the crowd was Shannon Skokos (pictured), who had a pencil and tablet for conversing. Seems that between spring allergies and hollering for the Mavericks, she had lost her voice. . .  Barbara and Stan Levenson arrived looking ever fashionable and wonderful. Barbara looked especially relieved reporting that Stan’s recovery from cancer had been highly successful. Stan, with a twinkle in those bluer-than-blue eyes, smiled that Barbara had been doing all the heavy lifting at their agency during his recovery. . Ever gracious and articulate Pat Smith (pictured) handled emcee duties with ease despite wearing the highest of platform heels. To the delight of the crowd, she confided that she and husband Emmitt were expecting a baby in October. . . Laura “First Lady of Dallas” Leppert (pictured) admitted that she and husband Tom had to miss the Faith Hill concert in Fort Worth due to a prior commitment. That’s one problem Mayor T just can’t solve. How to be in two places at the same time. . . Liz Minyard-Lokey (pictured) kept getting pats on the back for chairing the flawless event. . . Alas, Annette Simmons was out of town and had to send a sub to accept her award.

And let’s not forget the sponsors, who made the event happen like:

Title Sponsor – Citi

Magna cum laude – Balfour Beatty

Dean’s list sponsors – AT&T, Liz and Tom Halsey, Liz Minyard-Lokey, and Southwest Securities

Honor roll sponsors – Bridge Lacrosse Dallas, Dr. and Mrs. Bob Kramer, Mayor and Mrs. Tom Leppert, and Mona and David Munson

A true scholar sponsors – Bank of America, Steve Becker, Center Operating Group, Claude Connelly, David Cowling/Amy Youngquist, DART, Mike Davis, Episcopal School of Dallas, Susan and Hollye Fiske, Jewish Family Services, The Hockaday School, Diana and Todd Maclin, Martineau Petroleum, Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger, Northern Trust Bank, Parish Episcopal School, Raymond Construction, Andrew Sinwell, Bonnie and Peter Smith, St. Mark’s School of Texas, St. Philip’s Foundation, Strong AV, and Weber Shandwick

Table sponsors — Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, Anne and Wes Goyer, Suki Jarzemsky, Schatzie and George Lee, Seabridge, Dan Stansbury Jr., T. Howard and Associate, Texas Instruments, and Weber Shandwick

Friends — The Adolphus, Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House, Chocolate Secrets, Kelly and Norman Green, and Neiman Marcus

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. They’re so normal. For instance, sisters Nancy Cain Marcus and Nelda Cain Pickens (pictured on right with Nancy) are as different as salt and pepper  — Nancy the professor at SMU and UD; Nelda the country western singer. Yet, put them together and they giggled like any sisters about growing up and providing their mom with challenges. . . Tincy Miller admitted disappointment over the recent election results and discussed her future plans after she goes off the State Board of Education. . . . John Eagle expressed amazement that wife Jennifer (pictured) actually found her sky-high heels  extremely comfortable. He, on the other hand, is the type who just likes to kick off his shoes at the end of the day . . . Luncheon Chair Rebecca Fletcher (pictured) was an old hand at TACA Silver Cupping. She is second-generation TACA with her mom Bess Enloe having received the Silver Cup in 1993.

Then TACA President/Executive Director/Top Wrangler Becky Young signaled the group that it was time to head to the Anatole’s grand ballroom. With 1,000 crowding the ballroom, Becky wisely had the head table guests escorted around the perimeter of the room to avoid all the well-wishers and to expedite their seating. If this group had tried to make it on their own, we’d still be waiting for lunch to be served.

(Sidenote: The TACA program booklet was one of the best. No, it wasn’t hardbound with embossing. Rather, it was extremely well put together with a full explanation of the event, program, bios, credits for the sponsors/committee members, the 2010 TACA beneficiaries with contact info, etc. For a novice at events, this item may seem rather frivolous to mention, but to old-timers and underwriters, the program is tangible proof of the event’s organization and professionalism.)

One of the highlights of the luncheon was the lineup of performances by various arts groups throughout the meal. This year the performing artists included The James Gilyard Ensemble, Dallas Wind Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Opera Orchestra, Big Thought, and Fine Arts Chamber Players. Each group performed atop mini-stages placed throughout the room.  The performances weren’t too loud or too long, they were just right. However, the stages with the chairs and equipment proved to be a bit challenging afterwards for guests whose view of the head table was blocked. Usually it’s three-foot centerpieces that provide the viewing challenge. On a more positive note, TACA’s centerpieces were the most delicious platter of cupcakes that allowed guests to actually see guests on the opposite side of the table.

But back to the action and enough of this nitpicking.

Lee Cullum‘s (pictured) MC skills were top-notch. She had tales on everyone and somehow managed to handle the usual luncheon housekeeping info with humor and charm.

But it wasn’t all levity. The fact that TACA managed to raise a million dollars this past year to support the art groups despite the extremely challenging economy was food for thought throughout the luncheon. This number will help support 22,000 local performances.

One of the recipients of the TACA efforts was Meadows Schools of the Arts/tenor Juan Jose de Leon, who was presented the Neiman Marcus Performing Arts Scholarship at SMU. To show his appreciation, Juan performed “Ah! mes amis . . pour mon ame” from Le Fille du Regiment. Neiman’s, your scholarship went to the right student!

Then it was on to the presentation of the Silver Cup. Last year’s recipient Hal Brierley is everyone’s dream of a presenter. He knows his stuff, is to the point, and gracious. His intro of Cindy (pictured) was a blend of sincerity, respect, and warmth focusing on her incredible involvement in the visual arts arena. Cindy reciprocated with an acceptance speech that ranged from tearing up in thanking husband Howard (pictured) to energetically firing up the audience with her admission that her recognition was due to “working as a team” with others.

Then Tincy introduced John (pictured) with a true appreciation for his work taking charge of the Dallas Opera. In accepting his honor, John told how his interest in the opera wasn’t love at first earshot. No, his first attendance was all right, but not life-changing. Then his wife Patti started including the librettos in his briefcase as he traveled the world for JCPenney. Thanks to this positive education, he started understanding and growing his appreciation for the operatic nuances and productions.

This is where Kenny Goss comes in. We know you’ve been waiting. Now settle down. If you think we’re going to dwell on Kenny’s relationship with superstar singer George Michael, get over it. Instead, we’re going to cover Kenny as a part of the turnout of art supporters at the TACA luncheon.

So, what does the white-haired, stately, operatic impresario Cody have in common with the hip contemporary art aficionado/Goss-Michael Foundation founder? It was John’s acceptance speech.

Besides embracing contemporary art, Kenny also recognizes that nurturing future generations in the field is vital. His focus on education is contagious, but it is not limited to just contemporary art. Kenny and sis-in-law Joyce Goss (pictured with Kenny) go in overdrive on the subject of education and encouragement of young people.

And, yes, Kenny has been putting his money where his ideas are. By not only providing scholarships for Booker T. Washington, he and Joyce have been putting various programs in place to encourage young people to learn and express themselves through art. In hearing John’s talk encouraging education and not giving up on the first try, Kenny recognized a kindred spirit. Kenny admitted that scholarship money is important in many situations, but that recognition and a pat on the back can be life-changing for a young person who is frustrated or questioning his/her own abilities.

In summary, class, the TACA luncheon was established 32 years ago to recognize a man and woman who have gone beyond the call of duty to support the arts. Friday it also provided an opportunity once again to open communication and understanding for diverse groups and people to come together, share, and re-energize their efforts. If you have any doubts, just ask Kenny and John.

Luncheon founder Annette Strauss would be extremely pleased to see her awards luncheon idea has come full circle thanks to the following people:

Co-Title Sponsors: Chase and Neiman Marcus

Aria Sponsor: Nancy C. and Richard Rogers/Mary Kay Inc.

Chance Ticket Sponsor: RBC Wealth Management

Program Sponsor: Jennifer and John Eagle/John Eagle Dealerships

Valet Sponsor: Lexus

Concerto Sponsors: Bess and Ted Enloe/Rebecca and Barron Fletcher, Marguerite Steed Hoffman/Sharon and Michael Young, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, and Vin and Caren Prothro Foundation

Media Sponsors: Modern Luxury and Sweet Charity

The worker bees that made the occasion so very special were:

Chairman: Rebecca Fletcher

Committee: Naomi Aberly, Carrie Becker, Barbara Bigham, Lucy Paige Billingsley, Diane and Hal Brierley, Nita Clark, Mary McDermott Cook, Janie Cooke, Garry Cox, Linda and Bill Custard, Mason S. Custard, Barbara Daseke, Cammy Davis, Arlene Dayton, Suzanne Droese, Lynne Duncan, Jane Dunne, Jennifer Eagle, Gwen Echols, Bess and Ted Enloe, Heather Esping, Ann Fielder, Nancy Halbreich, Ann Hobson, Marguerite S. Hoffman, Kaki Hopkins, Jennifer Houser, Lisa Kazor, Elizabeth Malakoff, Lynn McBee, Janie and Cappy McGarr, Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, Cynthia R. Mitchell, Joyce Mitchell, Lisa Ogle, Karol Omlor, Barbara Baker Page, Nelda Cain Pickens, Caren Prothro, Serena Young Ritch, Catherine Rose, Deedie Rose, Lizzie Routman, LeDée Sachs, Deborah Scott, Peggy Sewell, Abigail Sinwell, Margaret Flanagan Solomon, Gigi Sussman, Ann Swisher, Andy Teller, Michelle Thomas, Merry Vose, Sarah Weinberg, and Marnie and Kern Wildenthal

Chance Ticket Committee: Amy Campbell (Chairman), Kimberly Alexander, Tamara Campbell, Aparna Crosnoe, Mary Adair Dockery, Sarah A. Hamlin, Zoé de Ropp Hart, Pilar Henry, Katie Johnson, Laura Jorgeson, Gigi Lancaster, Ashley Lett, Michelle Lockhart, Paula North, and Betty Schultz

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.”

The audience that warmly applauded Mason included several previous winners of the Dykes award, which is given to Dallas leaders with a life-long commitment to community improvement and to furthering the importance of education. Among them: Gretchen Minyard Williams and J.L. “Sonny” Williams (they received the award in 2005) and Caroline Rose Hunt (2009), who introduced Mason to the crowd of more than 400.

“Thirty-six years ago, a friend called and said, ‘Have you discovered this wonderful new store called Tuesday Morning? They have the most fantastic inventory of high-quality goods, and the prices are unbelievable!’ ” recalled Hunt (pictured, left, with Billie Leigh Rippy). “She knew I thought a bargain was a treasure, and I haven’t changed. When I learned about Kathleen Mason, I said, ‘Tuesday Morning has found a real treasure.’”

Also speaking Thursday were the award’s namesake Virginia Chandler Dykes, internationally known for her work in occupational therapy; Dr. Ann Stuart, TWU’s chancellor and president; and Norm Bagwell, CEO of the Bank of Texas, who pointed out that the bank has sponsored the award luncheon for four years. This year’s event was the first to have an honorary chair–Sis Carr, whose well-known penchant for the color yellow inspired the table centerpieces: yellow roses.

Bagwell was also a member of the luncheon advisory committee, as were attendees Joel Allison of Baylor Health Care System (pictured with his wife Diane) and real estate doyenne Ebby Halliday. Ebby’s attendance was noted with delight by Sonny Williams, who seems to be even busier these days since leaving Minyard’s food stores.

Besides serving on the board of the Dallas County Community College District, Williams owns a dance studio, an advertising/printing company and Highland Park Pharmacy, which he said is nearly 99 years old–the same age as Ebby, one of his regular customers there.

“She comes into the pharmacy Saturday afternoons and tells me she’ll have her ‘fix’: a grilled cheese sandwich and a root-beer float,” Williams (pictured with his wife Gretchen) said with a laugh. “We’ve also agreed to have a big party when we both [Ebby and the pharmacy] turn 100.”

In addition to the Dykes leadership award, Ph.D. candidates from each of TWU’s four colleges were honored Thursday as recipients of $2,500 scholarships. They are Kalyn Myers Briggs, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy), sponsored by Edgemere & Senior Quality Lifestyles Corp.; Kimberley Bookout, MSN, RN, CPNP, CWON, College of Nursing, sponsored by CIGNA HealthCare of Texas; Illana Morgan, College of Arts and Sciences, sponsored by Sis Carr; and Marlene M. Montgomery, College of Professional Education, the Birdie Virginia Guy Goodman Award, sponsored by Tincy Miller.

Major underwriters of the luncheon were:

• Presenting Sponsor — Bank of Texas
• Scholarship Award Underwriters — Sis Carr, CIGNA HealthCare of Texas, Edgemere & Senior Quality Lifestyle Corp., and Geraldine “Tincy” Miller
• Diamond Sponsors — Tuesday Morning Inc.
• Platinum Table Sponsors — Haynes and Boone LLP, The Rosewood Corporation, and Jill & Rob Selati
• Gold Table Sponsors — Ruth Altshuler/Laurey, Peat Baylor Health Care System, Children’s Medical Center-Mary Stowe CNO, Virginia and Roland Dykes, Fulbright and Jaworski LLP, Ebby Halliday REALTORS, Hester Capital Management LLC, Minyard Founders Foundation, and  Geraldine “Tincy” Miller
• Silver Table Sponsors — Bank of America – Merrill Lynch. Sue and Christopher Bancroft, Beacon Looms Inc., Chancellor – Texas Woman’s University, CIGNA HealthCare of Texas, Ernst & Young, Executive Women’s Roundtable, Suzy Gekiere, HKS Architects, Karyl Innis/Valerie Freeman, International Women’s Forum, Medical Education Technologies Inc. (METI), Methodist Health System Foundation, The Methodist Hospital-Houston, Peacock Alley Inc., Planned Parenthood of North Texas Inc., Southwestern Medical Foundation/UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Sally Shultz, OTR Texas Health Resources, Texas Instruments, Texas Woman’s University Foundation, Thompson & Knight Foundation, Amy Turner, TWU College of Nursing, TWU Former Students Association, TWU Institute for Women’s Health/College of Health Sciences, and Sharon Venable
• Gold Patrons — Radford & Patricia Crocker, Dr. Diana P. Cunningham, Joanne M. Fay, Gramercy Marketing Associates, Joni B., Leg Apparel, David G. Luther Jr., Nanci Mackenzie, Sarah Seddelmeyer, Pam Smitham, and Anne J. Stewart,
• Silver Patrons — Austin Industries Inc., Elaine Blaylock, Chet and Eunice Bonar, Barbara Bradfield, Wanda Brice, Mary M. Brinegar, Regina M. Campbell, Catherine Candler, Kay Clayton, Judy Cole, Harry and Helen Crumpacker, Lee Cullum, Claire Cunningham, Jerry and Meredith Dickenson, Evergreen Enterprises Inc., Phyllis Farragut, Brenda Floyd, John and Nita Ford, Katherine Freiberger, Dr. and Mrs. Ron F. Garvey, Marilyn A. Hailey, Vicki Heath, Brenda Hernandez, Linda R. Hughes M.D., Darren James, Dean B. Kadesky, Barbara Lerner, Anita N. Martinez, Retta Miller, Edna Elya Naxon, Richard Nicholas, Bill Palmertree, Bill Patterson, Delia Reyes, L. Nan Restine, Carol Roehrig, Dave Roman, Dee Ruckman, Bill and Sandy Sahliyeh, Dr. C. Jeannine Sandstrom, Miriam Sibley, Glenda Brock Simmons, Bonnie Strauss, Chris C. Turner, TWU College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. and Mrs. Charles Van Duyne
• Special thanks to VGS Marketing Group, cebolla Fine Flowers, and Judy Moore Productions

(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:

1979 Mrs. Eugene McDermott and Mr. Henry S. Miller, Jr.
1980 Mrs. Grace Stemmons Kepler and Mr. Robert S. Folsom
1981 Mrs. William Plack Carr and Mr. George V. Charlton
1982 Mrs. Leland Fikes and Mr. Waldo E. Stewart
1983 Mrs. James B. Francis and Mr. Jerry Lee Holmes
1984 Mrs. Edward S. Marcus and Mr. Irvin L. Levy
1985 Mrs. Theodore H. Strauss and Mr. Stanley Marcus
1986 Mrs. Henry S. Miller, Jr. and Mr. Ralph B Rogers
1987 Ms. Elsa von Seggern and Dr. Philip Montgomery, Jr.
1988 Mrs. Patricia B. Meadows and Mr. William A. Custard
1989 Mrs. Edith O’Donnell and Mr. Peter O’ Donnell, Jr.
1990 Mrs. Nancy B. Hamon and Mr. Liener Temerlin
1991 Mrs. Greer Garson and Mr. Curtis W. Meadows, Jr.
1992 Mrs. Wendy Reves and Major General Hugh G. Robinson
1993 Mrs. Robert Ted Enloe III and Mr. C. Vincent Prothro
1994 Mrs. Lawrence S. Barzune and Mr. William Winspear
1995 Mrs. Edmund J. Kahn and Mr. Jeremy Halbreich
1996 Mrs. Virginia L. Nick and Mr. John W. Dayton
1997 Mrs. Deedie Rose and Mr. Robert L. Crandall
1998 Mrs. Joyce Mitchell and Mr. Raymond D. Nasher
1999 Mrs. Arlene J. Dayton and Mr. Howard Hallam
2000 Mrs. Linda Pitts Custard and Mr. Charles Wyly
2001 Ms. Mary McDermott Cook and Mr. Otto Wetzel
2002 Mrs. Patsy Miller Donosky and Mr. Harvey R. Mitchell
2003 Mrs. Caren Harvey Prothro and Mr. Marty Weiland
2004 Mrs. Diane Brierley and Dr. Kern Wildenthal
2005 Ms. Lynn Flint Shaw and Mr. Howard Rachofsky
2006 Mrs. Marguerite Hoffman and Mr. Robert Hoffman
2007 Ms. Linda Perryman Evans and Mr. Ruben Esquivel
2008 Mrs. Elaine Agather and Mr. Brad Todd
2009 Mrs. Geraldine “Tincy” Miller and Mr. Harold M. Brierley