The bitter cold would normally slow things down, but not in North Texas. Thanks to causes and pretty-please-invitations, folks turned out on Thursday, February 5.

Mary Kay Announcement

Abi Ferrin

Nancy Rogers

The West Village is simply perfect for strolling and window peaking. On this night, Mi Cocina’s doors were opening non-stop as guests sought comfort thanks to Mole Enchiladas de Pollo and Mama’s Chicken con Hongos. Across the way, Abi Ferrin was hosting a crowd with the Mary Kay gang at her flagship boutique.

Shama Hyder

Kirsten Gappelberg and Paige Flink

Winney Bang, Sobee Duenas and Helen Kim

As more than 50 guests like Paige Flink, Sham Hyder, Kirsten Gappelberg, Cristal Retana and the Mary Kay Asia regional team (Winney Bang, Sobee Duenas and Helen Kim) checked out Abi’s so comfortable and flattering outfits, Nancy Rogers arrived on the scene with Michael Flores and Douglas Carney. She hardly hit the door before she hit the racks to see Abi’s newest goodies.

Cristal Retana and Crayton Webb

But the real purpose of the night was the announcement. As part of its “Domestic Violence Awareness” campaign, the Mary Kay organization had selected Abi as its spokesperson. The idea came to Mary Kay VP Crayton Webb when he met her a year and a half ago at a dinner party and heard her story about physical and emotional abuse.

It turned out that Nancy Rogers had been a fan of Abi’s designs.

As for Abi, she revealed that she’s been using Mary Kay products like Satin Hands and the eye makeup remover — “It’s the best eye makeup remover!” — for years. Plus, “Nancy gave me the lip gloss.”

To promote the campaign, Abi did a PSA video. The week of February 17, a national figure will be revealed who will “speak to the issue of dating violence and healthy relationships.”

DSOL Honor Guard Dinner

Venise Stuart and Tincy Miller

OK, so the upcoming weekend may have belonged to the 40 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debs, but on this night it was “almost strictly” a guy get-together upstairs at the Dallas Country Club. DSOL President Venise Stuart and her cohorts Marena Gault, Sharon Popham, Barbara Averitt, Deborah Brown and The Assembly President Claire McCormick were allowed to be part of the festivities to make sure everything ran seamlessly.

Claire McCormick

John Cooper and Greg Moore

Following the age-old tradition, Tincy Miller hosted a dinner for 120 of the deb and Honor Guard’s dads and granddads like Tom Stanzel, Bart Humphrey, Roger Gault and Greg Moore. In years past, it had been held at Prestonwood Country Club. The move to the Dallas Country Club was made since PCC was being refurbished.

Tincy became the target of the evening with every gent wanting to plant a kiss on her cheek.

Tyler Armstrong

Just as the front room seemed to hold no more, dinner was announced.

Again, following tradition, the following awards were presented:

• Lois Watson Award — Tyler Armstrong
• The Vance C. Miller Award — John Cooper

After the evening concluded, the spotlight would focus on the 40 debs and their formal presentation Saturday night at the Meyerson.

Tony and Janet Dorsett (File photo)

Not everybody is heading out of town Memorial Day. Matter of fact, some very cool people are staying put. For instance, Janet and Tony Dorsett are honorary co-chairing a two-day fundraiser for Hope’s Door — Champions for Hope.

First Event chair Cary Clayborn has arranged for the Champions for Hope Dinner at III Forks on Sunday, May 31. Yum! There will also be a silent auction and cocktails, of course.

Glenn Beck (File photo)

But it won’t an all-nighter. No way. The reason? The next morning, as in Monday, June 1, there’s Champions for Hope Part II. It’s the golf tournament at Las Colinas Country Club with a 4-person scramble format, lunch, cart with green fees, player gifts and another dinner.

If Hope’s Door is familiar, there’s good reason. Last year Glenn Beck chaired “An Evening of Hope” to help support Hope’s Door “helping families affected by domestic violence.” They’ve been assisting women, children and men “being abused by someone” they love since 1986 and, unfortunately, the need for Hope’s Door has grown over the years.

Josh Ragsdale, Sheron Patterson, Kathy Helms, John McCaa and Ashlee Kleinert

Jeff Brady and Maria Shriver

With Mother’s Day just days away, the Genesis Annual Luncheon was spilling over with more than 1,600 guests in the Hilton Anatole’s Trinity Ballroom. Of that crowd, there were loads of moms and their adult kids on hand to hear a conversation between former California first lady Maria Shriver and Jeff Brady.

Another draw was the Dallas Morning News being honored with the Jane Doe Award for its “Deadly Affection” series and W.H. Adamson coach Josh Ragsdale being presented the 2015 HeRO Award.

While the posts on both the patron dinner at Joyce and Larry Lacerte’s home and the next day’s luncheon are being prepared, check out the luncheon pictures at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Genesis Annual Luncheon keynote speaker Maria Shriver’s priorities were right in place on Monday, May 4. Having arrived late Monday afternoon, she headed to Genesis Women’s Shelter loaded with questions about the residents, their stories, etc.

Lacerte library

Because of that tour, she was delayed from the cocktail reception and the Jane Doe Dinner at Joyce and Larry Lacerte’s home, where the Dallas Morning News was being honored for its year-long “Deadly Affection” series.

Josh and Amber Ragsdale, Jan Langbein and Crayton Webb

Another highlight of the seated dinner in the Lacerte library was the acknowledgment of W.H. Adamson High School football coach Josh Ragsdale, who was the recipient of the 2015 HeRO Award. In addition to “taking a public stand against domestic violence by serving as a role model, mentor and change agent for W.H. Adamson High School football players and the greater Dallas community.”

Joining Josh was his wife Amber, who is expecting a baby in August to join their household that includes twin daughters. Josh admitted that he had been worried that he was to be the last of the male Ragsdales until Amber sprung the news that the next baby would be a boy.

Pam Perella, Beth Thoele and Robin Bagwell

Ashlee Kleinert and Nancy Ann Hunt

Among the folks enjoying the three-course dinner (Romaine and Bibb lettuce with bright spring vegetables, feta crumbles, shaved scallions and honey balsamic vinaigrette; herb seared filet with jumbo shrimp, wild mushroom demi and garlic aioli, garlic new potatoes and grilled asparagus spears; and chocolate tulip cup with crème brulee for dessert) were Genesis Advisory Council member Beth Thoele with Pam Perella, Nancy Ann Hunt, Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, Robin and Norm Bagwell, Genesis Women’s Shelter CEO Jan Langbein and Nikki Webb with husband/HeRO Chair Crayton Webb.

Luckily, Maria made it in time for coffee and dessert.

But it was an early evening, since the annual Genesis Luncheon was the next day with more than 1,500 expected at the Hilton Anatole.

The Genesis Annual Luncheon kicked off the Mother’s Day week festivities a tad bit early. But then it’s never too early to celebrate moms. So, it was no surprise that more than 1,600 high-heeled types included moms and their kiddos (Micki Rawlings and son Gunnar, Lisa Ogle and mom Nina Thornburgh, Marianne Staubach and her daughters, Nancy Ann Hunt and daughter Ashlee Kleinert and her daughter Connie Kleinert, made their way to the gargantuan Trinity Ballroom on Tuesday, May 5.

Ashlee Kleinert, Nancy Ann Hunt, Connie Kleinert and Mackenzie Meyer

Micki Rawlings and Gunnar Rawlings

As they strutted on their way, they passed by the Wedgwood Room where featured speaker Maria Shriver posed for photos with VIP guests. Each one she greeted with a handshake and “Hello, I’m Maria.” She handled each meeting like the seasoned trooper she is, including the woman who bear-hugged her.

Pio del Castillo, Jan Langbein, Maria Shriver and Crayton Webb

Eventually the action moved to the Trinity, where it was hard to find a single empty chair. Maria was joined tableside by Luncheon Chair Kathy Helm. At nearby tables were Nancy Rogers, Michael Flores, Olivia Kearney, Holly Deason, Shelly Slater, Roz Dawson Thompson, April Box Chamberlain, Katie Pedigo, Joyce Lacerte, Pio del Castillo, Amy Turner, Julie Hawes, Rev. Sheron Patterson and Claire Emanuelson. Congratulations were being distributed to the various fellows in the crowd like newlyweds Niven Morgan and Shelby Wagner and WFAA’s John McCaa, who had just earned his doctorate in philosophy.

Michael Flores and Nancy Rogers

Josh Ragsdale, Sheron Patterson, Kathy Helms, John McCaa and Ashlee Kleinert

Before Maria was introduced, The Dallas Morning News and its series “Deadly Affection” were recognized with the Jane Doe Award and Genesis Women’s Shelter Jan Langbein emphasized that the work against domestic violence was more necessary than ever.

Josh Ragsdale and Kathy Helm

Then HeRO Board President Crayton Webb gave a stirring talk on how men…real men are more than “gentlemen…they are “gentle men.” He then introduced W.H. Adamson High School football coach and athletic coordinator Josh Ragsdale, who was presented the HeRO Award. In his brief acceptance speech, it was obvious how this man who works with young men on the football field was chosen. Through his efforts, he has inspired more than just the Adamson athletes to take a pledge to be against domestic violence. His message has spread throughout the country. In addition to having twin daughters, he and his wife Amber are expecting a son, who will have an excellent role model.

Maria Shriver and Jeff Brady

Before settling into the comfy chairs on stage, Maria addressed the group, telling about her visit the night before at Genesis. Through talking with the clients of the shelter and hearing their stories, she told guests “these women deserved respect and not shame.”

Highlights of her chat with Jeff Brady included:

• At the age of 8, she hated Dallas. And due to what had happened in Dallas (the Kennedy assassination), she was not changing her mind. At the age of 40 — 32 years later — she realized that she didn’t want to drag negative influences along her journey of life. One of those items was that hatred that had resulted from family feelings. So she visited the Sixth Floor, the grassy knoll and returned to the Sixth Floor for a prayer. Her hatred was transformed to understanding and liking Dallas. In fact, one of her closest friends, Jan Miller, lives in Dallas.

• Jan Miller and Maria Shriver

• When asked if she would have gone into journalism today, she said she had been asked that before and had to think about it. Her answer? She would probably go into sports because so many things were initiating from it.
• Maria told how the previous weekend she had turned down the sound on the broadcast of the Floyd Mayweather–Manny Pacqiao fight much to the chagrin of her sons. She explained that they needed to know about Mayweather’s history of domestic violence. Maria went on to say she was not ruining their evening, she was instructing them.

• Jeff Brady and Maria Shriver

• Upon hearing about Dale Hansen’s outgoing personality and his taking a vocal stand against domestic violence, she said she wanted to meet him.
• Maria admitted to a personal problem when she has been hit by mistaken identifications like “Are you Caroline Kennedy?” Other times she was asked if she was indeed Maria Shriver. At one point she just denied being Maria Shriver. One person said they didn’t think she was Shriver because “Maria Shriver is fatter.”

In conclusion she shared a lesson that she had learned over the years of being associated with well-known parents and other family members — do not compare yourself to others but to strive to be yourself. And Maria has indeed mastered that lesson.

More photos are available at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

Jim Malatich*

Collin County and the surrounding areas have experienced incredible growth in recent years. Companies and families have found all the perks of North Texas right there. But some folks have experienced some tough times despite all the pluses. Even in Collin County, there are such issues as homelessness, domestic violence and child abuse. For this reason, organizations like The Samaritan Inn, Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County and Hope’s Door have emerged to aid in troubled times.

It was just announced that The Samaritan Inn’s COO Jim Malatich has been named CEO of Hope’s Door. While his work at The Samaritan Inn has been to help the homeless, the 16-year Plano resident feels the transition to Hope’s Door and its efforts to stem domestic violence will be seamless.

According to Jim, “Working with domestic violence has always been in my blood. One of the leading reasons for homelessness is domestic violence, so I have worked with this population throughout my career.”

* Photo provided by Hope's Door

With Father’s Day this Sunday, the question looming is what to get the man in your life. Face it. You can only give him so many Hermes ties. And then there’s taking him to brunch and he’s usually stuck with the tab.

How about something new, like a membership to an elite organization of fellows? No, not the Eagle Scouts or U.S. Army Special Forces. Rather, it’s HeROs (He Respects Others), the Genesis Men’s Auxiliary “dedicated to creating safe homes and safe communities with zero tolerance for domestic violence.” At the recent Genesis Annual Luncheon, a video was shown about how HeROs was redefining “manup.”

Already on board, literally, are HeROs Board of Directors President Crayton Webb and fellow board members like Travis Armayor, Christopher Ayers, Jeff Brady, David Camp, Judge Robert Canas, Chief Lowell Cannaday (Ret.), David Carlock, Kendall Castello, Pio del Castillo, Fred Edgar, Bill Gammill, Taly Haffar, Holt Haynsworth, Clint Hennen, Bill Howell, Heath Hyde, Christopher Kolczun, Michaele Lamanna, Douglas Lindsay, Andrew Marcus, Tony McGuire, Sam Merten, Scott Murray, Lt. Miguel Sarmiento and Jim Savage.

Crayton Webb (File photo)

Jeff Brady (File photo)

Scott Murray (File photo)

This gift doesn’t even require your going out in the rain or fiddle-faddling with gift wrap. Just click here to get his membership underway, or make a donation in his name. What a great way to tell him that he is indeed a “hero” in your eyes.

Big news and changes have just been revealed about The Family Place’s fundraiser, ReuNight. Where to start?

First, let’s get the housekeeping info down. It will take place on Thursday, November 12.

Nancy Rogers (File photo)

Robert Weatherly (File photo)

Now, hold your breath on the news. Nancy C. Rogers and Robert Weatherly are co-chairing the night of dining and fun. But this year they’re taking “the spirit of the popular Palm Night benefits in the 1990s and early 2000s” to Oak, where Chef John Tesar rules.

John Tesar (File photo)

Paige Flink*

Yup, you heard it right — different co-chairs, different location, different chef.

And “100% of the funds raised will be used for Family Place services.” That’s right. The monies raised will be the amount on the check that is handed over to Family Place CEO Paige Flink.

Jeff and Olivia Kearney (File photo)

Michael and Shelle Sills (File photo)

The host committee is made up local swells including Joyce and Tim Goss, Olivia and Jeff Kearney, Niven Morgan and Shelby Wagner, Katherine and Eric Reeves, Shelle and Michael Sills and former ReuNight chairs Claire and Dwight Emanuelson, Mary Clare Finney and Kayla and Brian Roughton.

According to 2015 ReuNight Co-Chair Robert Weatherly,

Robert Weatherly*

“In the spirit of its predecessor, the celebrated Palm Night, ReuNight has become the fresh modern face of The Family Place. With the combination of my remarkable Co-Chair Nancy C. Rogers, our prominent Host Committee and acclaimed chef John Tesar of Oak, there’s no doubt that November 12th will be an evening of fabulous food, fun and festivities. We look forward to Chef Tesar’s menu reveal in August for an amazing dinner with specially-selected wines to accompany his creations.

“But, this is more than just a fun-filled night. One in three women in Texas are victims of domestic violence, and that number is growing daily. This figure is even higher than the national average of one in four, making our work even more important here at home. Last year’s ReuNight raised in excess of $175,000 (net) that directly funded services provided by The Family Place. With your support, The Family Place will continue to provide these desperately needed programs and services to families in crisis.

“The Family Place is the Dallas area’s leading organization delivering proven programs that address emotional and physical abuse and incest. They empower victims of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling and skills that create independence while building community engagement and advocating for social change to stop family violence. Its free, comprehensive services fully support women, children and men on their path from fear to safety. In 2014, The Family Place provided services to a total of 11,523 clients with 164,672 hours of service in Spanish and in English.

“As both a member of the Board of Directors and 2015 co-chair, we ask that you please join us in our mission to end family violence by supporting ReuNight. Visit familyplace.org.”

* Photo provided by The Family Place

On Thursday, July 9, Dallas was on the verge of the pink invasion. Yup, it was time for the annual Mary Kay Convention. But it was also the evening of the “Think Pink” event at Tootsies for The Mary Kay Foundation’s Suits for Shelters program with cocktails on the ground floor and a fashion show upstairs.

But this year there was a slight twist to the gathering. There were a lot more men among the 200 in attendance. While Mary Kay VP Crayton Webb was MIA (he was in China), his involvement in HeRO was felt with such men as David Shallenberger and Bert Burkhalter taking a stand against domestic violence by attending the event.

Bert Burkhalter

David and Punam Shallenberger

Ryan and Maleiah Rogers

Luckily, Mary Kay Chief Investment Officer/scion Ryan Rogers was front and center with his wife Maleiah, who was OMG perfectly outfitted with pink accessories like an over-the-shoulder scarf and a dazzling pink clutch. Her pink toenails peeking out of her Louboutin open-toe heels were a nice touch, too.

Just when the downstairs showroom was about to burst with people, it was time to head upstairs for the fashions.

As the guests like Yvonne Crum, Melissa Sherrill, Kirsten Gappelberg, Ann Crews, Theresa Flores, Katharine Bain and Regina Bruce were taking their places, WFAA’s Cynthia “Izzy” Izaguirre was taking cellphone snaps of guests. She promised them that she would be showing them on the evening’s 10 p.m. newscast.

Rebecca Gibson and Cynthia Izaguirre

The Family Place’s Paige Flink and Melissa Sherrill were bright-eyed and chipper despite the anxieties of moving TFP’s consulting and administration offices. Paige hinted that more changes would be announced in the months ahead. Stay tuned.

Kirsten Gappelberg and Jan Langbein

Paige Flink and Melissa Sherrill

With Maleiah sitting nearby, Ryan called the group to order explaining the program and introducing Tootsies manager Nerissa von Helpenstill, who in turned handed the mic over to Izzy.

The petite anchorwoman found herself having to jump-start the runway action. Despite announcing the start of the show, no one came out. Cynthia gently admonished them to appear: “Where are they? Ladies!”

That got the action going. At first Izzy did a running commentary like, “Does Rhonda look hot or not?” and “That’s the kind of look that will wind up on TV!”

Amber Griffin

Eventually she stopped asking the models for their names, dropped the scripted remarks and just let the fashions flow. Every now and then she would announce the theme for the next group of fashions, like Boho Beach Party and Sophisticated Soiree. After all, the models had gotten in the swing of things. Model Amber Griffin blew kisses to the guests in one outfit and then appeared in a hot pink caftan with arms widespread, looking like a glorious pink eagle.

Following the finale, Ryan returned to the podium and had the raffle tickets pulled for prizes like gift cards, Mary Kay gift baskets and goodies. The final item was a $5,000 donation to the shelter of choice by the winning ticket holder. While Paige and Genesis Shelter’s Jan Langbein looked hopeful, their hopes were dashed when Joe Fox sprung up when his ticket won, rushed to the podium immediately, and reported that the money would be going to the New Beginning Center. Talk about being on a roll. New Beginning just this past May received a $15,000 emergency grant from The Mary Kay Foundation to “provide safe and secure housing in the midst of major plumbing repairs.”

It’s not too late to pop by Tootsies with that suit or those accessories that were such memory-makers a season or two ago. Why not let someone else get some mileage out of them, and you’ll be rewarded with a $25 coupon to replace it with something new from Tootsies?

Dwight and Claire Emanuelson (File photo)

Word just fluttered into the MySweetCharity coop thanks to a well-feathered carrier pigeon.

Last week the announcement letters hit snailmail boxes revealing initial plans for ReuNight. You know stuff like

• when (Thursday, November 12),
• where (Oak),
• who’s (it’s top-drawer types on the committee and Chef John Tesar in the kitchen) and
• why (fundraising for The Family Place).

Now, ReuNight Co-Chairs Nancy C. Rogers and Robert Weatherly have revealed more news. They’ve gotten longtime supporters Claire and Dwight Emanuelson to serve as the honorary co-chairs for the evening of wining and dining.

Hmm, all the ingredients — gorgeous people, great personalities, outstanding leadership, incredibly yummy food — are going to make this night of fundraising a frontrunner for memory making.

“I Can Still Shine Program (ICSSP) has been in business for over 5 years. Prior to 2011 we had another Battered Women’s agency for 15 years. We have worked for years to break the cycle of abuse. We are a faith-based agency. Our primary focus is helping clients heal by showing them love and kindness. We offer a fresh start to women and children from all walks of life.

I Can Still  Shine*

“I Can Still Shine Program helps battered and abused women and children after they leave an abusive homes. We are a safe supportive center for women and children from all walks of life, with no exceptions. We provide our clients the opportunity to choose safety, over victimization, domestic violence and drug abuse.

I Can Still Shine*

“We have helped over 9,000 women and children have been aided in some way by the organization over the years. We try to fill in the gap of other organizations. While not a shelter, ICSSP seeks to fulfill a wide array of needs.

“Because of North Texas Giving Day we had 49 new donors to our program. It was a huge success as a first time participant. The Giving Day donors helped us with emergency care, and other needs for over 200 women and children.

I Can Still Shine*

“Due to this event, we were able to help one of our moms get a place to live. We applied funds toward rent and got her out of harm’s way. She had been abused for many years. We were also able to help many more clients with emergency needs and counseling.

“November and December client needs increase due to stress from holidays. For many families, the abuse makes the holidays a sad rather than a joyous season. That’s why we strive to help as many as we can with Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts.

“At any one time, ICSSP has 75 to 80 women/families actively being assisted in some way by our program. Our goal is to help over 500 women and kids a year. All abused women are encouraged to apply.

I Can Still Shine*

“We are always open for any type of donation. We accept financial and monetary donations, cars (new and used), household items, furniture, dishes, appliances, blankets, school supplies, toiletries, food bank items, and clothing. We’re eager to accept anything that can help struggling moms begin a new life.

“We’d love for you to get up and give on September 17 from 6 a.m. to midnight! Donations will be amplified so your dollars will go even further for women and children in need of our support.

“Donations are accepted by ICSSP by appointment on Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at our Warehouse Location: 9125 Rumfield Rd., North Richland Hills, TX 76182.”

-By Brenda Jackson, Founder

* Photo courtesy of I Can Still Shine

According to 2015 Partners Card Co-Chairs Melissa Boler, Debbie Munir and Ashlee Weidner, alongside Honorary Chair Rhonda Sargent Chambers,

Ashlee Weidner, Debbie Munir, Rhonda Sargent Chambers and Melissa Boler*

“We invite you to ‘Shop with Heart’ while saving money and a life this fall during Partners Card, presented by Bank of Texas! As one of the most highly anticipated shopping events in the Dallas Metroplex, Partners Card offers shoppers the unique opportunity to receive a 20 percent discount at their favorite stores and restaurants while contributing to a worthwhile cause – family violence intervention and prevention. This year, the Partners Card shopping event will begin Friday, October 30, and end Sunday, November 8, 2015.

“The 10-day shopping spectacular rewards cardholders with unbelievable savings at some of Dallas’ most popular stores and restaurants. With the purchase of a $70 Partners Card, shoppers receive 20 percent savings at more than 750 participating retailers in Dallas, Arlington, Grapevine, McKinney, Plano, Southlake, Richardson, Frisco, Coppell, Flower Mound, Denton, Colleyville, Las Colinas, Irving, Mesquite, Addison, Garland, Rockwall and Lewisville.

“Over the past 22 years, Partners Card has become the largest fundraiser for The Family Place. However, it represents only a tenth of the overall operating budget needed to provide a safe haven to victims of domestic violence. Our goal this year is to sell 16,500 cards! Behind the sale of each $70 card is a woman and child, who with help from The Family Place, will have a safe place to retreat.

“Individuals may purchase a Partners Card from any participating retailer or restaurant, card-selling individual, through direct mail or by visiting www.partnerscard.org. Partners Cards go on sale September 7, 2015. For more information, contact the Partners Card Hotline at 214.443.7754 or email partnerscard@familyplace.org.

“We hope you will purchase a card and shop ‘til you drop during the 23^rd Annual Partners Card fundraiser!”

* Photo provided by 2015 Partners Card

Oldtimers love to play the memory game of playing the “Remember when…. at NorthPark?” Such names as Kips Big Boy’s hot fudge sundaes, “Mrs. Pierce” at The Carriage Shop, Magic Pan’s Cherries Royale Crepes, The Melody Shop’s Jack Jacobs and, of course, Ron Chapman hosting “Sump’n Else” with “The Little Group” — Joanie Prather, Delpha Teague, Kathy Forney and Calleen Anderegg. The game has been the favorite topic of late thanks to the 50^th anniversary of the legendary shopping center that was built because of the determination of Patsy and Ray Nasher.

To celebration anniversary, Patsy’s and Ray’s daughter Nancy Nasher and her husband David Haemisegger staged a great reveal on  the exact day — August 19 — and time that 50 years ago NP opened in 1965.

Before the 250 nonprofit representatives and longtime NP friends took their seats in NP’s North Court on Wednesday, August 19, numerous memories were being exchanged. NP General Manager Billy Hines, who has probably worn out countless shoes walking the grounds, reminisced about his 40+ years at NP. He had seen the center through the transition of the family ownership, the massive expansions and more holiday shopping that the NP Santa. When asked how he felt about being part of the NP family, he looked across the court at Nancy and David receiving congratulations, smiled and said, “I am honored to have been a part of it.”

James Bias and Billy Hines

No sooner had the words been spoken, then Billy was tapped on the shoulder by the SPCA’s James Bias. They’re old buddies like Dallas CASA’s Kathleen LaValle and other nonprofits that have benefited from NP’s support.

As pianist Gary Beard and trumpeter Ryan Anthony serenaded the group, guests like Dallas Women’s Foundation’s Ros Dawson, University of North Texas’ Susan Collins Sanders, The Family Place’s Paige Flink, Children’s Kern Wildenthal and Lori Wagner, Crystal Charity Ball’s Michal Powell, Team Connor’s Carolyn Alvey, Jamie Singer and Kathryn Copple, Genesis Women’s Shelter’s Jan Langbein, Dallas Habitat for Humanity’s Bill Hall, Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Jonathan Martin, Vogel Alcove’s Karen Hughes, Nasher Sculpture Center’s Jeremy Strick and Jill Magnuson, Dallas Museum of Art’s Max Anderson and so many others took their places.

Nancy Nasher

Nancy welcomed the invited guests plus onlookers telling them that the tune that Gary and Ryan had just played — “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” —was the same one played 50 years ago with the late Gordon MacRae singing. She briefly recalled being a 10-year-old handing our programs and wearing a dress and a pin that her mother had designed for her. (Nancy didn’t mention that the next day was her birthday.)

David Haemisegger

Just for a moment she seemed to be back in that day when a retailing legend was introduced to the world despite naysayers. Yes, there were those who thought a enclosed shopping center with pieces of artwork on display was pretty gutsy. And the very idea of plopping it down in a cow pasture across from a cemetery miles away from downtown Dallas? Well! But her parents had a vision for both NorthPark and Dallas and she and David picked up the banner and carried it on.

One of those ways that Nancy and David were continuing the legacy was by supporting the area nonprofits. To do that they announced the creation of a unique program — NorthPark50: 50 Years of Giving. Following a brief video, it was announced that 50 area nonprofits would reap benefits for the next 50 days. How that would take place was alluded to, but nothing definite was announced. Instead guests were told to check social media daily for status reports.

Fifty Years of Giving (File photo)

Brent then took the podium telling of Dallas’ national reputation for generosity in supporting the nonprofits. He kept his remarks brief because he wasn’t telling this group anything they didn’t already know.

It was also revealed by Brent that unlike years past when NTGD was held with various activities throughout Dallas, it would be held at NorthPark in North Court on Thursday, September 17.

NorthPark50 guests

Nancy returned to the stage and told of Ryan’s battle against multiple myeloma and how impressed she was at “Blow for Cancer” when Ryan the country’s finest horn musicians performed. She asked Ryan to come to the stage and perform one more tune —“Gabriel’s Oboe” — that he had performed at the March fundraiser. As the haunting notes floated through the air, all activity in the center seemed to stop. Perhaps it was proof that thanks to funding for cancer research and treatments, even cancer couldn’t quell Ryan’s talent. At its conclusion, Ryan received a standing ovation.

NorthPark50 group photo

Then Nancy thanked all and asked for representatives from the NorthPark 50 nonprofits to come to the stage for a group photo. This gathering proved to be entertaining as various stagings were attempted to fit all 50 plus on the stage, off stage, with chairs on stage, with chairs off state. Nobody minded. After all, they had 50 days of surprises ahead.

Summer was closing down, but The Family Place’s ReuNight crowd was gearing up. Originally slated for Sunday, August 23, at the Oak, Chef John Tesar reorganized the tasting to the next day, Monday, August. 24.

There were a couple of reasons. He was in Alaska on a cruise cooking up a storm with Chef Matt McAllister put on by D SideDish. And then there was the fact that Oak is closed on Sunday.

Claire Emanuelson, John Tesar, Robert Weatherly and Paige Flink

While ReuNight Co-Chair Nancy Rogers was in New York City with husband Richard Rogers, he Co-Chair Robert Weatherly was front and center with Honorary Co-Chair Claire Emanuelson and The Family Place’s Paige Flink.

While the trio learned that John was orchestrating a menu based on the freshest ingredients of the fall season paired with most yummy wines, Nathan Johnson of Gro Floral and Event Design was revealing that all the Oak furniture including the banquets would be replaced for the Thursday, November 12^th fundraiser by family-style tables and seating. If Nathan’s involved the place is gonna beyond belief.

If Nathan’s name is new on your radar, you’ll recall he created a dazzling entrance at Michael Flores Salon for Lady Rogers’ pre-Crystal Charity Ball 10 Best Dressed Champagne toast last year.

This night’s gonna be fun and fundraising. Tickets start at $1,500.

Yes, the valet ballet is underway. Philanthropists, fundraisers and plain generous folks are bumping into each other as they travel from one event to another. Tuesday, September 1, provided such run-ins as:

WaterTower Theatre President’s Circle Reception

A cocktail reception was being held north of LBJ for WaterTower Theatre’s President’s Circle at Barbara and Don Daseke’s teak home with The Joule serving up the most delicious vittles for more than 30 guests like Wade Owens of Regions Bank, Lisa Clawson of Happy State Bank and Hollis Ard of American Bank of Commerce.

Don and Barbara Daseke and Terry Martin

While some guests toured the house, old timers checked out the scrapbook of the Dasekes’ trip to South Africa last year with the Dallas Zoo. Speaking of the zoo, Barbara is hosting the 2015 Zoo To Do patron party and it should be a must-attend. Plans call for the Daseke pool to be drained and filled with natural water (i.e. no chlorine), so the penguin ambassadors can have a splash. Word has it that cheetah Winspear and his companion Lab Kamau will be onsite, but not at the same time as the penguins.

Margo Keyes revealed that thanks to husband Jim Keyes’ position as CEO of Fresh And Easy in Torrance, California, they were doing the commuter cha-cha between Dallas and Redondo Beach…Barbara Bigham was all smiles telling friends that she is still cancer free after a real “tussle” with the disease just a year or so ago.

But the purpose of the evening was to celebrate WaterTower Theatre’s President’s Circle that is made up of folks who commit to a minimum of $1K a year for a minimum of three years.

Don welcomed the guests and told them to “Feel free to walk around the house. Just don’t open the closet doors. Our cat is in hiding.”

As President’s Circle Co-Chair Stan Graner put it to be President’s Club members and potentials members, “We welcome all tonight. But the next time it will be members-only.”

Donald Fowler

As “Creep” creator Donald Fowler watched from the sidelines, WaterTower Theatre Director Terry Martin did a brief report on WaterTower plans including the 2016-2017 season marking the group’s 20^th anniversary with Barbara Daseke chairing the anniversary gala on April 9.

As for the world premiere of “Creep,” Terry reminded guests that it will open on Sunday, October 4, with a cast of 18 and ten in the orchestra. It’s hard to imagine that the first read was on WaterTower stage back in 2010.

Calvin Scott Roberts

Kathryn Taylor Rose

But for this evening, Terry admitted that despite many of “Creep’s” cast being in other parts of the country performing, they had managed to have “Creep” cast members Calvin Scott Roberts and Kathryn Taylor Rose perform “A Boy With Dreams” and “I Think That He Loves Me,” respectively. The twosome will also be singing at WaterTower’s Community Cast Party on Saturday, September 12. On hand to serve up the food and beverages for the night will be Table 13, The Egg and I Restaurant, Dough Bro’s, Union Park Restaurant, Suga’s Cakery, Outback, D’Sweets, Carrabba’s Italian Villa, Puerta Vallarta, Lakewood Brewery and Goody Goody Liquor. Steering committee Co-Chairs April Bosworth, Stan Graner, Corky Pledger and Debbie Staggs have arranged to have Frost Bank sponsor the party.

Texas Trailblazer Award Luncheon Committee Happy Hour

Carol Seay hit the door as soon as it opened on the second floor of Mesero on Henderson. She was there to support The Family Place’s Texas Trailblazer Award Luncheon fundraiser on Thursday, October 1, at the Hilton Anatole. On her way out, she ran into tall drink of blonde water Stephanie Hollman who had co-chaired last year’s Texas Trailblazer Award luncheon with Carol’s daughter-in-law Stephanie Seay. Carol was in a rush because she had to meet Toni Pickens for dinner at Hillside.

Inside the dining room, Luncheon Co-Chairs Michaela Dyer and Layne Pitzer were welcoming the 25 to 30 guests. Over at a table along the wall, Texas Trailblazers emcee Gloria Campos sporting a new haircut was seated with her son/musician Ditch Prince, who has a “record” out called “Knife.” After living in Philadelphia, Ditch was back residing in Dallas.

As The Family Place’s Paige Flink arrived, she was followed by Lynn McBee, who had still another event to attend.

The luncheon will have keynote speaker Marisa Tomei, and Nancy Nasher and Robert “Bob” Miller receiving the Texas Trailblazer and Real-Life Hero awards, respectively.

If you’re wondering what Marisa has to say in connection with The Family Place’s mission to assist those overcoming domestic abuse, you need to dig deeper into Marisa’s projects. The Academy Award winner “traveled to Ethiopia to direct a short film based on the book ‘Half the Sky’ by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn. The film, which was also her directorial debut, focuses on a 13-year-old girl’s struggle with the institutionalized oppression of women in Ethiopia.”

Yup, the comings and goings are underway. Warm up your engines.

Beth Rafferty, Brooklyn Geyer, Jaylie Geyer, Shay and Brian Geyer*

IBB Design Fine Furnishings proprietress Shay Geyer and her mom Beth Rafferty know how to throw a party and they did just that on Wednesday, September 9, for the Partners Card‘s North Seller Soirée benefiting The Family Place. Here’s a report from the field:

“Approximately 100 guests gathered together for a Seller Soirée at IBB Design Fine Furnishings in celebration of Partners Card 2015.

“The Family Place, along with Co-Chairs Melissa Boler, Debbie Munir and Ashlee Weidner and Honorary Chair Rhonda Sargent Chambers, welcomed card sellers, sponsors, retailers and friends for an evening filled with festive hors d’oeuvres, sips, shopping and door prize drawings.

Debbie Munir, Ashlee Weidner and Melissa Boler*

“Co-Chairs Melissa, Debbie and Ashlee led the remarks, reminding everyone to please mark their calendars and purchase their $70 card for the annual shopping fundraiser, presented by Bank of Texas, set for October 30 through November 8, 2015. Bank of Texas Senior Vice President and Manager of Commercial Banking Mandy Austin also addressed the group and thanked The Family Place for its wonderful, long-lasting partnership.

Clinton Encinias, Paige Flink and John Mazey*

“This year will mark Bank of Texas’ seventh year as presenting sponsor of Partners Card. The Family Place Chief Executive Officer Paige Flink concluded by thanking all those who have contributed to making Partners Card the largest fundraiser for The Family Place. In addition, she shared The Family Place’s latest fundraising goals, motivated card sellers to go beyond previous accomplishments and invited others to join in promoting and selling cards for one of the most popular shopping events in the Dallas Metroplex.

Rhonda Sargent Chambers and Diane Hopson*

Heather Street Baker and Mandy Austin*

“Guests included: Nancy Scripps, John Mazey, Eric White, Sharon Jett, Brandy Taylor, Michael Munir, Michele and Mickey Munir, Maggie Kipp, Quitman Stephens, Katie Hunzinger, Melissa and Jeff Cameron, Diane Hopson and Kathryn Henry.”

* Photo credit: George Fiala

The Family Place’s Paige Flink promised to make an announcement today at the 20th Anniversary Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon. Well, she did way more than that. She made two amazing announcements in the Anatole’s Imperial Ballroom!

Paige Flink

First announcement: A $13M capital campaign — “The Family Place Legacy Campaign-Building Hope for the Future” — that will allow The Family Place to turn a 40,000-square-foot building into the Central Dallas Counseling Center. The plan calls for raising the needed funds by December 2016.

Second announcement — The Moody Foundation has already got things going with a $5M gift.

In a show of appreciation of the largest gift in The Family Place’s history, the Center will be named The Ann Moody Place.

According to Ann Moody’s daughter Francie Moody-Dahlberg, “My heart is touched when I think of the legacy of rebuilt hopes, restored futures and simple dreams of safety that The Family Place has given to so many women in Dallas. The Moody Foundation is honored to be a champion of The Family Place’s extraordinary legacy.”

The new facility “will allow The Family Place to house expanded victim counseling services and its administrative offices in a location easily accessible by bus and rail.”

According to Paige, “The expanded space will help us to better prepare our clients to start new lives by expanding our training and education rooms. We will be able to have a client computer lab in the new facility that will allow us to empower clients with hard and soft job skills programming and certificate and employment training, as well as providing collaboration with organizations like the Dallas County Community College District, Per Scholas and other job training programs.”

The renovation of the present facility will kick off in March 2016.

There was a lot of anticipation about the next day’s Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon at the event’s Wednesday, September 30th patron party the night before. The Family Place Executive Director Paige Flink was saying the luncheon at the Hilton Anatole was “close” to its fundraising goal. And everyone was talking about their favorite movie by actress Marisa Tomei, the featured luncheon attraction, who couldn’t make the patron party because her plane wouldn’t be arriving until 7 p.m.

But, plenty of others did. Among the 90 in the crowd at Ann and Bob Dyer’s place were las year’s Luncheon Co-Chair Carol Seay, Ceron, Anita Martinez (she’s a former Texas Trailblazer), Carolyn and Bryant Tillery (Carolyn’s on The Family Place board) and Luncheon Honorary Chair Debbie Taylor, who said that it was her job this year to drum up corporate support for the event, and she reported some success.

During brief remarks, Paige told the crowd that between Texas Trailblazers, the Partners Card program and the ReuNight dinner, “It’s like I’m having a baby every year!” Then she turned the mic over to Trailblazer Co-Chairs Layne Pitzer and Michaela Dyer.

After the dynamic duo thanked everyone their help, it was revealed that it was Michaela’s birthday, prompting much singing and applause and the presentation to her of a tray of special birthday cupcakes.

The Family Place’s 20^th Anniversary Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 1, was filled with awards, announcements and even hints about “The Empire.”

As 800+ guests like Jonathan Martin, Anne Dyer, Di Johnston, Lauren Gayle White, Kern Wildenthal, Stephanie and Travis Hollman with Carol Seay gathered in the Imperial Ballroom, the program had a slow start-out-of-the-gate. While locals were seated and chatted in overdrive, emcee Clarice Tinsley had to delay getting the program underway because keynote speaker Marisa Tomei hadn’t arrived in the ballroom.

Carol Seay and Clarice Tinsley

Di Johnston and Lauren Gayle White

The petite Academy Award winner had spent time posing for photos with top underwriters and sponsors. In between the photo session in the Carpenter Ballroom on the ground level and joining the hundreds in the third-level ballroom, Marisa swapped her comfy flats for highest heels.

Michaela Dyer, Marisa Tomei and Layne Pitzer

Luncheon Co-Chairs Michaela Dyer and Layne Pitzer welcomed and thanked key folks like Honorary Chair Debbie Taylor and awards were presented to the following:

Nancy Nasher

• Nancy Nasher — Texas Trailblazer
• Bob Miller — Real Life Hero
• United Way — Advocacy Award

Bob Miller, Lisa Miller and Shirley Miller

Unfortunately or fortunately, scholarship winners Erin Baptiste and Julissa Figueroa were not able to attend. They were at college studying.

After lunch (zucchini and saffron vichyssoise with grilled gulf shrimp, crispy chicken breast on a bed of sautéed kale with herb pistou, tricolor marble potatoes, haricot vert and roasted pearl onions and red grape tomatoes) the chat took place between Marisa and Clarice. Unfortunately, the audio in the ballroom made hearing the conversation a bit of a challenge for some in the room. In addition to talking about her stage and film projects, Marisa told of her experience in directing “Half the Sky” about a young girl working through the oppression that women face in Ethiopia.

But there was no doubt that Clarice is a fan of “Empire,” which Marisa has recently joined. Despite her best efforts, Clarice couldn’t pry plot developments out of Marisa. But she did hint that her character’s name — Mimi Whiteman — should provide food for thought and she did love Mimi’s clothes being chic.

But the big news of the day was The Family Place’s launching a $13M capital campaign — The Family Place Legacy Campaign – Building Hope for the Future — for a 40,000-square-foot Central Dallas Counseling Center. The new facility “will allow The Family Place to house expanded victim counseling services and its administrative offices in a location easily accessible by bus and rail. This includes providing space for domestic violence victims and their children to receive therapeutic counseling and case management, as well as the Dignity at Work job training program that assists in financial empowerment, the Be Project youth bullying and violence prevention education program and an on-site children development center.”

With a big old smile, The Family Place’s Paige Flink then revealed The Moody Foundation was kicking in $5M to get things going. As a thank you, The Family Place will name the facility “Ann Moody Place,” after Moody Foundation Executive Director/Trustee Francie Moody-Dahlberg’s mother.

One message that got across was the importance of purple for Family Violence Month. Don’t be surprised if you start seeing purple nail polish as the color of the month on gals like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and even fellas. In a month that has traditionally been pink for breast cancer awareness, the two colors have come together for health and wellbeing.