D

Dallas Dozen’s Cindy Rachofsky to be Honored Friday at TACA Silver Cup

If you haven’t had a chance to read about the Dallas Dozen in this month’s issue of D, you might not know that Cindy “Homecoming Queen” Rachofsky (pictured) is one of the DD’s.

Photo provided by Dallas Opera

This Friday Cindy’s also going to chalk up another honor. She’ll join the illustrious list of recipients of TACA’s Silver Cup Award along with the Dallas Opera’s main man John T. Cody Jr. (pictured) at the Anatole.

The luncheon is presented by Chase and Neiman’s. Ticket info is available by calling 214-520-3930.

Just in case you’re wondering who are the people behind the scenes making this shindig happen, here you go: (more…)

Deadline Looming for 2010 Obelisk Awards Nominations

If you’ve been putting off that nomination for the 2010 Obelisk Award, you’re up against the wall. The drop dead deadline is Friday! But never fear, you can do it. The Business Council for the Arts has made it easier than ever. Just go on line and fill out the submission form.

Remember the purpose of the award is to “recognize and honor business volunteers and businesses in North Texas whose support has had significant impact on the region’s arts and cultural environment in 2009.”

Categories include: (more…)

Great Texas Independence Day!

Happy Texas Independence Day! Make a difference and vote!

Why is this reminder on SweetCharity? Well, it seems that the government is about as non-profit as they come.

PETA Offers Info For Pet Care In This Frigid Weather

Robbyn Brooks of PETA sent along this information regarding pets in this sub-freezing weather:

Every year, PETA receives complaints about people who leave dogs outside in the cold. Although they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and other animals can still suffer from frostbite and exposure, and they can become dehydrated when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for “backyard dogs,” who often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care.

• Keep animals inside. This is especially important to remember when it comes to puppies and kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and dogs with short hair, including pointers, beagles, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a warm sweater or coat on walks.
• Don’t allow your cat or dog to roam freely outdoors. During winter, cats sometimes climb under the hoods of cars to be near warm engines and are badly injured or killed when the car is started. You should increase animals’ food rations during the winter because they are burning more calories to keep warm. (Ed. note: Be safe and thump the hood of your car a couple of times to stir the possible resting kitty. Or better yet, open the hood and take a look.)
• Keep an eye out for strays. Take unidentified animals inside until you can find their guardians or get them to an animal shelter. If strays are skittish or otherwise unapproachable, provide food and water and call your local humane society for assistance in trapping them and getting them indoors.
• Wipe off your dogs’ or cats’ legs, feet, and stomachs after they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make your animals sick if they ingest them while cleaning themselves. (Ed. note: Remember anti-freeze may be good for your car, but it’s deadly for animals.)
• When you see dogs left outdoors, provide them with proper shelter. Details on how to provide housing can be found at HelpingAnimals.com (Ed. note: I couldn’t locate the info, and have asked Robbyn to send the exact place on the website where the info is. When we get it, we’ll update this post.)

UPDATE: According to Robbyn, here are some ideas for outdoor shelters:

• Building a shelter for dogs: http://www.peta.org/pdfs/ABC_doghouse72.pdf#xml=http://www.petasearch.org/texis/search/pdfhi.txt?query=doghouse&pr=helpinganimals&prox=page&rorder=1000&rprox=1000&rdfreq=0&rwfreq=1000&rlead=1000&rdepth=0&sufs=2&order=r&cq=&id=4b74ae237
• Declare a winter watch for animals: http://www.helpinganimals.com/animalsHome_gi_coldWeather.asp

SweetCharity Is Homebound For The Good Of Others

SweetCharity is going to be a little less active the next few days. It seems that while making our rounds in gathering information, we picked up a bug. Have no idea where we found this sniffle-making critter, but we’re staying put so we don’t give it to someone else.

Lesson learned: During these chilly days, it’s still important to be out and about. But if you have any sign that you may be coming down with a cold, flu, Ebola virus, or whatever, stay at home in bed.

Trust me — this is a gift that is better not given.

Pass the Puffs, please.

Kill Two Birds With One Buy

Here’s a thought: If you’re thinking about donating a coat or a blanket to an organization providing such needs to the homeless, you can certainly clean out your closet. Ah, come on. Do you really need that 1970′s ex-boyfriend’s letter jacket? Hey, you dumped him back then. It’s time to toss the jacket.

ShopTalk gals, heads up on this one. Here’s a real deal: Think about heading to the Salvation Army Thrift Stores and Goodwill stores. You’ll be amazed what bargains can be had! (Please note: we rarely use exclamation points.) Yes, everything from baby blankets to duvets can be had for a pittance, but they can invaluable to someone who is facing a very chilly Christmas Eve and winter. Plus you’ll be supporting two non-profit organizations that are year-round heroes.

Just A Valet Tip

With the holidays upon us, many guests are kind enough to tip a little something extra for valets. This practice might truly be appreciated by the Jack Boles valets (pictured Gary Ferraro), who went an extra muddy mile helping guests at the Cattle Baron’s Ball in September. If you’ll recall, that night offered plenty of challenges for the valets, many of whom had to pay big bucks to get their own cars out of the mud after the guests had departed.

And, no, SweetCharity is not on the take with Jack Boles or any other group. We just thought you’d want to know.

Boo! Weekend Tickler

This Halloween weekend is rather unique, so remember:

1. Tonight you may find trick or treaters on your doorstep. If you don’t want them, leave your porch lights off. If you want to see them, have candy available or you’re likely to have some pouting faces under those masks. SweetCharity makes anyone over the age of 12 sing Christmas carols.
2. After the little people in funny outfits are gone, don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour. You’ll earn yourself an extra hour of sleep.
3. Check the batteries in the fire/smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.