Sports fans throughout the DFW gathered Saturday night at their favorite watering hole to celebrate the Dallas Stars’ and the Mavs’ wins on the road.

Photo provided by Jaimie Marie Siegle

Still, the weekend’s sweetest sports victory went down just across the pond in Frisco, where more than 400 football fans witnessed the Dallas Defenders’ 30-0 sweep against the Houston Gunners.

Muchos kudos to those who already knew Dallas had its own semi-pro football team made up of policemen, firefighters and EMT personnel from all over the Metroplex; for those who weren’t already aware, the Dallas Defenders are civil servants by day and philanthropic athletes by night. The football club raises money to fund community outreach programs and support families whose loved ones have died in the line of duty through the Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas.

Defenders Football Club players, coaches and supporters commemorated their season’s first victory at TopGolf Dallas for a Guns & Hoses fundraising event on March 27, but all you gotta do to help out the team is attend the Dallas Stars hockey game on April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center. For more information about ordering tickets, call Chad Pennington at (214)387–5583.

Catch the fourth and final game against the Charlotte Cobras on May 15 at Frisco Memorial Stadium. E-mail the club’s president here if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, trying out for the football team or auditioning to be a Spirit Girl. We’re so not here to judge.

Hey, Jaimie, we didn’t change one word. Blog well done.

Now for the good news. This Saturday’s “Walk for Literacy & Education Fair” will continue on despite rotten weather. It’s going to take place at Fair Park starting at 9. You’ve got that worried look on your face. Relax. There’s a backup plan! It’ll take place in the Coliseum.

Now for the dry activities scheduled throughout the day hosted by Charles Haley, Derrick “DJ” O’Hara Johnson, and Kelvin Edwards:

• 5K Walk
• Karaoke competition with $600 cash prize
• Storytelling
• American Diabetes Association will provide information on children’s and adults’ obesity
• Methodist Hospital will screen for prostate cancer, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar for men
• The Agricultural Extension will provide nutrition and food facts
• Carter Blood Mobile will be accepting blood donations
• Storytelling
• Presentation and book signing of Stoplight Phonics by author Nikisha Jackson, a multi-sensory early reading readiness kit which has been awarded the “2010 Mom’s Choice Gold Award”
• Housing and Urban Development and several mortgage companies will discuss home buying, avoiding foreclosures, and rental assistance
• Deborah Dennis, author of of The Road to Credit Repair, will be signing her book
• Saxophonist Jeff Aycock
• Mini-flea market with vendors selling arts and crafts

“Walk for Literacy” will  benefit the TOY (Teacher of the Year) Foundation, a non-profit organization that commends educators from the southern sector of the Dallas Independent School District; provides students with scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and offers grant funding to select teachers to continue to inspire and improve their educational strategies.

Liberty Mutual Insurance is making a note of St. Philip’s Saints coach Jack Tierney (pictured), who also participates in the BRIDGE Lacrosse Dallas program. The insurance company recently announced that Coach Tierney was one of 20 coaches in the country to receive the Positive Coaching Alliance’s “Double-Goal Coach Award” for his inspiring players to win and to learn “life lessons through sports.”

“Jack wins on the scoreboard, and more importantly, he wins by creating a positive, character-building sports experience for youth athletes,” said Jim Thompson, PCA’s founder/executive director and author of several books on coaching and sports parenting, including the just-released The Power of Double-Goal Coaching. “Ultimately, the youth athletes Jack coaches are the real winners, and as those athletes become tomorrow’s leaders our society as a whole wins.”

BRIDGE Lacrosse Dallas is a program that provides a “cross-cultural exchange between inner-city youth players and those from more affluent areas.”

According to BRIDGE Lacrosse Dallas President/Founder Edie Lycke, who nominated Jack: “He cajoles, encourages, teases (in a positive way), bellows, jokes, prods, kids and anything else he needs to do to get the players to hear what he’s saying and remember it. And what he’s saying is not just about lacrosse but also about values, such as commitment, responsibility, respect and integrity.”

In accepting the award, Cornell University graduate Jack said, “It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Positive Coaching Alliance. Their work in fostering positive behavior on and off the field is inspirational. While the award is, by definition, bestowed upon one person, it represents the collective efforts of the BRIDGE Lacrosse Dallas organization and St. Philip’s school.”

Congratulations to Jack, Liberty, and the kids in the BRIDGE Lacrosse program.

Since it was a private event with series tickets going for a whopping $1500, it had all the frills and spit-and-polish that a high-spending crowd deserves. Starting with a VIP party at McDavid Studio across the street from the Bass, it became apparent that not all Dallasites agreed on the Fort Worth  dress code for special events.

Usually it’s the ladies who are all in a tizzy about what to wear. Not on this night! The gents were really in a quandary about what is appropriate at the Bass for a Faith Hill concert. Some came in their best bib-and-tucker dark suits like Troy Aikman (pictured, he had an excuse since he was co-hosting the reception); Drew Pearson in a bold-striped suit with brown/black striped shirt and goldfinger metallic tie and handkerchief; George Riba (pictured) in a very sportscaster flash-and-dash orange tie, blue shirt, and camel-colored suit; and Bill Lively (pictured) in CEO-styled uniform with a natty orange tie and his ever-present dazzling smile.

On the other hand, those who have probably frequented Joe T’s knew that dress-down is thumbs up in FW and opted for the open shirt with the windowpane sports jacket look. The fashion question of this group was, “Do you unbutton the top one or two buttons on your shirt?”

Leading the charge for the undone-one-button was legend of legends Roger Staubach (pictured) in blue jeans, blazer and open shirt. Doug Brooks looked right at home in his red-white-yellow-blue striped shirt and gray/white jacket. Jerry Jones Jr. (pictured) must have been thinking along the same lines as Doug, since he wore a gray/white jacket but opted for the windowpane design with a pink shirt. Rich Dalrymple (pictured) played it safe in a navy and light striped blue shirt with blazer.

The most daring look of the night belonged to Shy “Cleavage” Anderson (pictured) with his top-two-unbuttoned shirt. Oh, my, what would mother say! But Shy’s so charming, he can get away with anything.

Exception to the male fashion either-or breakdown was party co-host Joe Buck (pictured), who walked the fashion line by not wearing at tie at the reception but putting one on for his on-stage emcee duties.

Alas, have no idea which category Mayor Tom Leppert would have fit in, because he and wife Laura couldn’t attend due to a prior commitment in Dallas. Bet that won’t be the case on May 22 when concert #2 takes place with Sting at the Winspear.

But let’s not discard the ladies thinking they were in hoop skirts and bonnets. Why these gals have been playing dress up since their mamas taught them the phone number for Neiman’s at NorthPark. There was nary a Daisy Duke in the crowd. Still, it wasn’t the traditional cocktail fluff either. Event co-chair Marianne Staubach (pictured) rejected the safe black look for a remind-me-of-Santa-Fe turquoise outfit that dazzled with her blonde hair and multi-strand pearl necklace. Another color standout was Andrea Alcorn (pictured) in hottest pink leather jacket over a black beaded dressed with floral appliqués. How cute that she managed to find matching pink and buff boots to top things off. Speaking of leather, Barbara Daseke (pictured) must have compared notes with Andrea with a black dress overlaid with a belted leather jacket, but Barbara went the reddish brown route.

Then there were the gal pals. For instance, Linda “First Lady of Arlington” Cluck, Charlotte “First Daughter of Cowboys Stadium” Anderson, and Kathy “First Daughter of Arlington” Beatty (pictured from the left) interpreting the ever-popular black. However, that Charlotte in the skin-tight black leather pants gave a whole new meaning to chaps.

And then there were the showstoppers Sonia Black in her faux fur collar and black boots with Lori Jones (pictured right with Sonia), who must have checked with sis-in-law Charlotte about the pro’s and con’s of wearing black leather slacks. Or perhaps it’s just a Jones family uniform.

Joni McCoy (pictured) didn’t bother with all that boot and leather stuff. She went for the simple, classic look of “Wow!” in her beige oh-so cling, past the knee dress, bouquet of blonde curls, and a “Thank God for Texas” smile. Hey, this gal’s an oldtimer when it comes to Super Bowl who-ha. She and her husband Mike attended all three of  Troy’s Super Bowls conquests (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX, if you’re counting).

But enough of the fashions. Let’s do a quick check of the activity:

One minute the very notables were at the McDavid reception and then they all seemed to disappear. Not to worry. They were led to the tunnel connecting the McDavid facility to the Bass, put in an elevator to the ground level, and into a meet-and-greet with Faith herself.

You didn’t know there was a tunnel? Yup. Even Mayor Mike Moncrief admitted that this was his first time to walk under Calhoun Street. It was really cute watching him stroll the tunnel handholding with the love of his life/wife, Rosie.

Then it was on to the concert with segments of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington blending into one big melting pot. Before Faith even hit the stage, the two warm up acts were enough to leave the room talking.

FOX football commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman had their timing just right even when they missed cues. From walking on stage with a couple of bags of presenting sponsor Frito-Lay chips to Troy’s wearing a sign (“emcee sponsors Diane and Hal Brierley“) on his back, these totally different personalities won over the audience with their style and humor. They gave Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin a run for their emcee money.

With the mood set, the boys introduced the infamous debut of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV version of Faith Hill’s “Kiss” with area notables (Roger Staubach, Tony Romo, Nolan Ryan, Jerry Jones, Clarice Tinsley, Tom Leppert, Mike Moncrief, Arlington Mayor Dr. Robert Cluck, Dirk Nowitzki, Emmitt Smith, and many others who might not want their names mentioned) sacrificing their reputations singing like a two-for-one night karaoke bar. Tony Romo captured the “Most Painful Looking and Sounding Award” of the off-key singing luminaries. With sounds as pleasing to the ear as nails across a chalkboard, there are serious doubts that a Christmas album is in the makings.

Perhaps it was the tone of the evening, but the video was rewarded with an exuberant round of hooting, hollering, and applauding. . . much better than the following week’s Internet/media critical reviews. Let’s face it. Some things just take on a different feel in the light of day.

Finally, it was time for Faith to perform. For the intimate setting. . .  well, it was intimate compared to the likes of Gilley’s or Billy Bob’s. . . she wisely chose to use only a handful of musicians and three backup singers for the concert hall. During the first few songs, even this small coterie of musicians seemed to overwhelm Faith’s voice, but the group juggled a couple of knobs allowing her voice to take the lead.

In between sets, her interaction with the crowd seemed a little tentative. Perhaps it was the fact that she was due to walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards the next night with hubby Tim (The Blind Side) McGraw. Just like any wife trying to pick out the right outfit for her husband’s big company party, she admitted that she was still trying to figure out which dress to wear — The Louis Vuitton or the Roberto Cavalli. The crowd leaned toward the Vuitton. (She decided to go with the black lace Cavalli, which garnered reviews from “a little bit red-light district” to “easy and sexy.” Interesting for a gal who prefers sweats.)

Irritating moment: Four people insisted on standing up and swaying throughout the concert. While it’s perfectly understandable because of the music and their exuberance, it was downright irritating to the folks seated behind them, who were forced to stand just to see the stage.

Growing issue facing performers: At least one person in the audience was seen recording the entire concert on her iPhone, while scattered throughout the hall phone cameras were shooting Faith. Don’t think Faith’s agent would have taken very kindly to all this activity, but what’s a guy to do?

Following an encore and a SO, the VIP’s strolled back to McDavid Studio for a dessert party and the rest headed home.

Orchestrating all these concerts and parties were the five Action Team Honorary Co-chairs — Linda Cluck, Gene Jones, Laura Leppert, Rosie Moncrief, and Marianne Staubach along with their team of 111 female volunteers from North Texas.

Can’t wait to see what the fashion theme will be in May!

To kick off the buildup for the event, organizers (and a v-e-r-y good looking group, it is) held a party at Hotel ZaZa with cigar rollers, big brimmed hats, lots of liquid refreshments, and some excellent news — Park Place Volvo will be the presenting sponsor of the festivities.

To get the attention of guests arriving via four-wheeled vehicles, the organizers had Tracy Moore and his Chance (a pretty palomino quarter horse pictured with Tracy) next to the entrance. No, Chance ain’t gonna being running in the Derby. He’ll probably just watch the flat screen in his stall.

The party was held in the tented patio with the pool safely covered. Hotel Manager Noel Rodriquez (pictured) looked quite pleased about the turnout and he also was sporting a very nice tan that was purchased down the street. Much healthier than baking in the sun, you know?

In the crowd were some familiar faces from Saturday’s Dallas Museum of Arts’ Junior Associates wow-evening. Hmm, wasn’t that David Dees (pictured) the other night in the ascot? Yup, sure was! For this evening, he wore a more casual red ascot admitting that ascots are “just more comfortable than a tie.”

And then there was Junior Conservancy Vice Chair Allison Edwards. Almost didn’t recognize her from the Saturday night soirée with her hair down and no major jewelry piece around her neck.

Hmm, do we see a certain thread running between the Junior Associates of the DMA and the Junior Conservancy of Lee Park? Ooh, we’d better be very nice to these groups. They may end up running Dallas philanthropic efforts some day.

That smart Lee Park President/CEO John Williams (pictured) evidently recognizes this treasure trove of talent assembled in the Junior Conservancy and was ecstatic about the turnout and the involvement of these make-it-happen-and-have-fun-doing-it crowd.

And what a crowd it is! Ralph Lauren (West Village) GM Colleen Kelly (pictured) set the pace for what-to-wear for the May 1 party in an adorable sun dress with smashing green necklace. Why does one suspect it came from RL’s? . . . Showing off two types of chapeau suggestions for the May 1 event were Michelle Scott (pictured) in a XXL wide brim and Lindsey Thomas in a coquettish cocktail hat with netting. That one won’t keep the sun out of Lindsey’s face, but it sure can catch a look or two. . .  Lee Park & Arlington Hall Conservancy Board of Director’s Executive Officer Peter Dauterman (pictured center with, from the left, Lindsey Thomas, Allison Edwards, and Jose Reyes) was finding time to promote the April 1 “A Spirited Tasting for Lee Park” in the Sky Club of the Mayfair. Only 100 are allowed to attend this Thursday night event for liqueur lovers. Like “Day at the Races,” it has become such a success. Perhaps it’s due to their providing only the best scotches, bourbons, wines, beers, tequilas, and liqueurs. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Heck, a couple of drinks at Ocean Prime cost more than that! . . . Junior Conservancy’s Scott Turner (pictured) was working the check-in table and getting major back-patting for his joining the LP&AHC’s board of directors. The board is wisely keeping itself vital by bringing in members from the Junior Conservancy. . . To add a bit of “standout” for the occasion, Janielle Dodds and Lindsay Clem (pictured right with Janielle) stopped traffic in their red hot outfits. They weren’t wearing hats, but who noticed? Tally ho, y’all!

Photo provided by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has got the Olympians beat. Earlier this month, 14 young amputees (pictured) took the 29th Annual Amputee Ski Trip to Winter Park to learn how to ski at the NationalSports Center for the Disabled.

Photo provided by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

After watching these young people in action (pictured), one can’t help but wonder if facility should be renamed the NationalSports Center for the Highly Enabled. Their dexterity, balance, and determination to ski truly makes them athletes of world class.

Texas Scottish Rite’s staff has long “recognized that snow skiing is well suited for amputees, and with special equipment they often excel at the sport. The goal of the trip is to foster a sense of self-confidence, discovery, and independence for these special children.”

This gratifying program is absolutely free to the patients thanks to the generosity of American Airlines, their partners, and TSRHC medical staff and chaperones.

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.”

The answer was simple. Have the players and sponsors come on out for an appreciation brunch and a nice check presentation of $525,000 to Dallas CASA.

Did you just read that? Yup, this annual golf tournament’s participants provided over a half million dollars despite the fact they didn’t get to play one round.

That’s better than a hole in one any day. Just ask CASA.

Photo provided by The Fashionistas

FRIDAY - (7 p.m. to midnight at Equinox on Oak Lawn) You didn’t think the Fashionistas were going to be stay-at-home types this weekend. They’re partnering up with Equinox for an “Old School Red Carpet Gala.” What does it entail? Basketball players wearing the newest duds in court wear? Heck, no. The Legends of Basketball (Houston Chapter aka “Dallas’ most southern burb”)  will honor Moses Malone (pictured) and “Sweet Lou” Dunbar. Besides locals, you can also expect to see special invited guests. It will be a night of cocktails, legends of style, silent auction, and entertainment by DJ Guillaume, DJ Kelly Hooper, and live entertainment from Boss Level. The $50-ticket will cover Fashionista membership, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres with proceeds going to the Fashionistas and Youth Basketball Camps of Texas. Leave it to those natty naughties Heidi Dillon and Bri Crum to be putting this little tall pal gathering together.

Oh, and, Mike, tickets just might be available at the door. See ya!

Starting at 9 a.m., Dash for the Beads will take place with proceeds directed to “Light Up Bishop Arts Project.” For your non-beautification types, DftB Steering Committee Member David Sassano explained,

“This beautification project consists of uniformly lighting the Bishop District Arts District merchant roof lines and wrapping the trees lined on Bishop Avenue with white lights that will shine year round providing a beautiful, entertaining, and safe destination for all those who visit our vibrant neighborhood.”

They’ve arranged for a 5K run, as well as a one-mile walk. Love those walks especially when they’re pet friendly! And to add that extra punch that Bishop Arts folks are known for, they’ve even included a costume contest with Shelly Slater and Krystal Summers judging.

They’re expecting 300 participants, so if you’re not Run the Rock caliber, Dash for the Beads is a great opportunity to have fun without being part of a stampede of seasoned runners.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what “beads” have to do with Bishop Arts District, think “Mardi Gras.” FYI: Return to the Bishop Arts District on Sunday at 2 p.m. for the annual “Krewe on Bishop,” the annual Mardi Gras parade.