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

Among his many accolades were his receiving the 2003 Linz Award, and being named the SMU Cox School of Business Distinguished Alumni in 2008 and SMU’s Distinguished Alumnus in 2006.

Aside from these good deeds, he was also known for his great stories and his sense of humor. This past October he moderated a panel made up of Elaine Agather, Linda Custard, and Tincy Miller for the “Expanding Worlds Through Giving” luncheon to the delight of all.

“Seniors have been hit especially hard in this economy and we feel a responsibility to help,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “We’re proud to support Meals On Wheels programs across the U.S. who work on the front lines of ending senior hunger.”

That is where a question must be raised. The Dallas Morning News revealed Saturday morning that Craig simply made up the story to impress a fellow amputee in 1996. As Craig helped grow LFL, he made public appearances and the media picked up on the “mob” incident via research. Craig did not deny it. Over the years, people were advised that Craig preferred not to discuss the incident. This “preference” only added to the mystique of Craig’s loss. One cannot help but wonder if doors and budgets weren’t opened to him because of his “silent courage” regarding his victimization at the hands of a mob. (What mob? The only mob in Dallas is the crush of people trying to get into Best Buy on Black Friday.)

But perhaps even greater than Craig’s lost limb is the shadow cast on the actual good that has been achieved since his co-founding Limbs For Life. There are thousands of men, women, and children who have been provided with prostheses thanks to Limbs For Life since its founding in 1995. These great accomplishments are still in place. However, the pristine reputation of the organization has been tainted, not destroyed.

Lessons Learned From This Situation

1. Don’t give life to a lie. Craig’s embellishment of the truth years ago took on a life of its own through his silence.
2. If a lie is birthed, kill it immediately by owning up to the truth and apologizing to those affected by it. Craig admits that his silence over the years let the lie continue and appear to be the truth.
3. Don’t compound the original lie with follow-up lies. There is a reason for Sir Walter Scott‘s “Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise (sic) to deceive!”
4. Don’t complain about the media’s behavior. While it may be true that the media tends to get into a frenzy mode, it’s only feeding on what you’ve provided. Plus, you’ll make an even greater foe that will continue to hound you.
5. As painful as it was for Craig to admit publicly and to be showcased in a newspaper article that will live forever, he must be greatly relieved that his dirty little secret is finally out in the open.

When Craig started his life of a fib, it was a different world. Today in this day and age of Internet accessibility to information, lies can easily be uncovered. If you have lied, correct it immediately without being “caught.” Yes, your lie will color your reputation, but Americans are a very forgiving people. If you immediately admit your mistake and walk the straight and narrow, they will eventually embrace you and give you a second chance. If you allow the lie to live and deny it’s being a lie, your betrayal will never be forgiven nor forgotten.

Finally, there are those who have described the source of Saturday’s DMN article as a disgruntled former Dallas police officer. Let’s take a deep breath and admit something. If you were a member of the force and heard that someone was claiming to have been one of the brotherhood who had suffered loss in an act of duty, you’d probably be pretty disgruntled, too. There are unfortunately too many officers who have truly suffered harm and death honorably to have someone weasel their way into this group. This officer did what Craig should have done years ago — kill a lie and let the truth live.

Perhaps Craig might consider apologizing to the Dallas Police Department, too.

“Easy” because Bobby is the prototype for which the award was created by the Volunteer Center of North Texas — “to recognize individuals in North Texas area, who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of the community through the donation of their time, talent and resources.” To say Bobby fits the description is to understate his accomplishments. From the Salvation Army to the Boy Scouts of America to SMU, he has not just contributed his time, money, and effort. No, Bobby has taken on each task and relationship with a commitment that would stagger even the most accomplished CEO.

On the other hand, honoring Louisiana-born Bobby was going to be “tough” because he has a tricky way of shying away from accolades. Perhaps that’s why his name is unfamiliar to those who aren’t down in the trenches. As Jack Furst put it, “Bobby allows others to take the credit for what he’s done.”

So, Tuesday when guests gathered at the Anatole for the award presentation/luncheon, the room looked like a joint meeting of the Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts of America, SMU, Communities Foundation, and numerous philanthropic and community leaders like Ruth Altshuler, John Crawford, Nancy Halbreich, Cindy and Chuck Gummer, Lyda Hill, Caren Prothro, Kern Wildenthal, Linda Gibbons, and Bess and Ted Enloe. Why Communities Foundation’s Brent Christopher (pictured) kiddingly even knelt before Bobby. Mayor Tom Leppert and his lovely bride Laura made time for this lunch from meet and greet til the final speech was done.

After a showing of the flags, the national anthem, the invocation provided by Salvation Army’s Major Ward Matthews, VCNT Chairman of the Board John Withers welcomed the group. Then VCNT CEO Julie Thomas introduced a video and luncheon chair Lynn McBee, whom Bobby later described as the Energizer Bunny Rabbit. Following marvelous tributes by luncheon co-chairs Charles Wyly, Jack Furst, and Gerald Turner, Gerald introduced a video describing Bobby’s accomplishments and personal involvement in helping others achieve greatness. Perhaps Dean of the SMU Lyle School of Engineering Dr. Geoffrey Orsak (pictured) put it most succinctly, “Your success means more to him (Bobby) than it does to you.”

Then last year’s recipient Erle Nye (pictured) eloquently presented Bobby with the award saying, “He is a true renaissance man. . . We are all blessed that he chose Dallas as his home.”

That’s when it happened. Bobby turned the tribute around extolling Dallas’ present accomplishments and future possibilities — the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Trinity Trust, the Bush Library, The Visiting Nurses Association, the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts, the Center for Nonprofit Management, the amazing joint effort being undertaken by the Red Cross, North Texas Food Bank, Salvation Army and Communities Foundation, and on and on.

But he couldn’t continue with praise. Now it was time for a little levity.

He told how impressed he had been with The Bridge, where he had “flipped 845 hamburgers” on Martin Luther King Day. . . “I’ve put that on my resume.”

Getting back to the need for involvement, Bobby told group how he advises young people not to wait til they’re older to get involved. Bobby likened it to a game saying, “You’ve got to get going when you hear the whistle blow (starting the game).”

In gallant and chivalrous style, he applauded the amazing contributions made by the nonprofit community, “You are truly amazing.” To back his words, he dutifully reported that the area nonprofits work with budgets adding up to $12 billion annually, employee 52,000 people, and utilize hundreds of thousands of volunteers. Like a proud chairman of the board, he reeled out more facts and figures about the people and efforts so vital to the community resulting from philanthropic activities.

Like leaving a mint on a  pillow, he ended his acceptance speech humbly and graciously saying, “I am accepting this honor on behalf of Tom Leppert and the thousands of volunteers of Dallas who have heard the whistle blow.”

According to EIA Executive Director Jeremy Gregg,”We are asking all of our supporters, members, and more to Tweet, blog, update Facebook/LinkedIn and email their supporters about our anniversary.”

As an anniversary gift, they just received a $500,000 challenge grant from their board to expand their efforts in 2010. As you probably know, this group engages transitioning, senior executives in short-term, high-yield consulting projects with local nonprofit organizations. In its first year, EIA has placed nearly 130 such executives on high-impact projects throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth nonprofit community  – and is on pace to hit 300 later this year.

The organization’s executives have been placed at nearly 50 nonprofits over the past year including the American Red Cross, Central Dallas Ministries, and the Samaritan House of Fort Worth.

EIA is the brainchild of Ashlee and Chris Kleinert along with Jeremy, Pam Gerber, Cynthia Nunn, and Brent Christopher.

Happy anniversary to EIA and congratulations to the nonprofits that benefit from its efforts.

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  Photo provided by Bryan's House

  A. Shonn Brown (pictured), who is a partner of Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell  where she focuses her practice on commercial litigation. She has represented clients in an array of complex litigation matters, including banking and financial services, class actions, and construction, telecommunications, software, trade secret and debt collection practices and holds substantial experience in both trial and arbitration. Ms. Brown is named as a “Rising Star” by Texas Monthly Magazine and among “Best Lawyers under 40 in Dallas” by D Magazine. Ms. Brown is a graduate of SMU School of Law.

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  Photo provided by Bryan's House

  Antonio Rocha (pictured), who is a tax manager with Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. His professional experience includes nine years in state and local tax with six years experience in public accounting. He is a former independent contract auditor for the Comptroller of Public Accounts and a former State of Texas Tax Auditor. Mr. Rocha is a graduate of the University of North Texas.

TACA Chair Lynn McBee admitted that the goal looked in jeopardy around the holidays, so she decided to take a pass on a Christmas vacation and womaned the phones to make the million dollar mark. For her efforts and those of the other  dedicated TACA mainstays, 35 Dallas County performing arts groups were more than appreciative in receiving their shares of the million.

The arts groups have really been stretched to the max this past year and every cent helps. One member of the arts community confessed that many of their supporters had targeted their money to the AT&T Performing Arts Center this past year, “but that was perfectly understandable. It just made us tighten our belts a bit more than usual.”

Not only were TACA officials well aware of the financial pressures, they used it as call for action and it worked.

Here’s a breakdown of how the funds were distributed:

• $5,000 – Anita Martinez Ballet Folklorico, Lone Star Wind Orchestra, Meadows School of the Arts – SMU, and Project X
• $6,000- Arts District Chorale
• $7,000 – Voices of Change
• $8,000 – Irving Chorale, Irving Symphony Orchestra
• $9,000 – Dallas Bach Society
• $10,000 – Orchestra of New Spain
• $11,000 – Undermain Theatre and Uptown Players
• $12,000 – Echo Theatre and Teatro Dallas
• $13,000 – Dallas Museum of Art
• $14,000 – Sammons Center for the Arts, Sammons Jazz
• $15,000 – TITAS
• $18,000 – Chamber Music International and Orpheus Chamber Singers
• $20,000 – Fine Arts Chamber Players
• $28,000 – Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas
• $30,000 – Junior Players and Theatre Three
• $32,000 – Shakespeare Dallas
• $34,000 – Dallas Wind Symphony
• $36,000 – Lyric Stage
• $41,000 – Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra
• $42,000 – WaterTower Theatre
• $45,000 – Dallas Black Dance Theatre
• $50,000 – Big Thought
• $65,000 – Dallas Children’s Theater and Texas Ballet Theater
• $90,000 – Dallas Theater Center
• $100,000 – Dallas Opera and Dallas Symphony Orchestra

It seemed a little ironic that the two largest amounts were presented to the two tallest chaps in the Horchow Auditorium (John Cody of the DO and Doug Adams of the DSO). By the way, John better get use to going on stage and accepting. He’s slated to receive TACA’s Silver Cup next month.

The only downside of the event was the auditorium that was bulging with people who were about to explode. They really wanted to applaud after each presentation, but MC Ken Travis (pictured) warned them that all appreciation would have to hold until all in the group had received their checks. Frustrating!!! But thanks to Ken’s strategy, the event was quickly over and everyone headed to Seventeen Seventeen for the reception. And we mean everyone. There was hardly room to back slap, but there were plenty of happy people like Jose Bowen (pictured), who had been the featured speaker at the presentation. He revealed that one of the lessons being taught to students of the arts at SMU was the business side of the any and all arts. . . . Doris Jacobs (pictured) looked quite pleased with the results of the evening in a black Dolce Gabanna.

Tanya also added the news that the DFS is launching its very first membership program, Circle of Stars. The individual $2,500-membership will provide invitations to exclusive events, Premiere Screening, and other DFS events, complimentary passes to the annual DALLAS International Film Festival, and recognition in event programs and on the DFS’s website. That Tanya girl is smart. She’s even providing an installment plan.

New board members include: Lucy Paige Billingsley, Connie Carreker, Janie Cooke, Jennifer Eagle, Lauren Embrey, Ann Hobson, Eric Johnson, Jacquelin Sewell, and Zannie Voss.

Board members returning for their second three-year term include: Nancy Carlson, Barbara Daseke, Jan Deatherage, Duncan Graham, Jeff Netzer, Kemp Sawers, Andy Teller, and Marnie Wildenthal.

Leading these art-loving troopers for 2010 are Chairman Lynn McBee, Treasurer Jim Nugent, Secretary Tara Lewis, and Vice Chairman of Programs Karol Omlor.

Chairmen Emeriti include Sis Carr, Jane Dunne, Ed Fjordbak, and Linda Gibbons.