Dale Wigley (File photo)
Dale Wigley’s life was remarkable. During her 85 years, the Dallas native’s life was filled with beauty, philanthropy and a marvelous twinkle in her eye. In addition to having been married to Bill Wigley until his death in 1975 and raising three children (Dorothy Dale Wigley, Thomas Patten Wigley and Williard Robert Wigley), she was an active member of the Junior League of Dallas, designed jewelry, won the Brook Hollow Golf Club’s Ladies’ Club Championship 10 times over three decades, raised African violets and loved the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Summer Musicals.
But what some may not know is that at the age of 21, she joined a small group of women to create an upstart fundraiser — Crystal Charity Ball. The idea was to raise money for children’s charities. That first ball in 1952 benefited the Dallas Polio Chapter and had 350 guests including the late Greer Garson at the Baker Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom.
In 1955 at the age of 25, she chaired the fourth CCB. According to the CCB history, Dale in 2002 recalled those early days:
“I’ll tell you this. We had an office that moved the Ball out of our homes. Our husbands were thrilled! Leo Corrigan Sr., had a hotel called the Lomo Alto on Lemmon Avenue, long since torn down. It was just a room for a couple of months, but did it ever help! In those days we had to work hard for the money… I mean, really scrounging! Making $15,000 was a big deal, engaging our efforts all year long. But, we certainly did put the ball on the map, didn’t we? After serving as Chairman, I remained as Treasurer for almost 20 years. In fact, Carla Francis gave me a funky watch (Timex of sorts) for 20 years of service.
“Anyway, we got Arthur Anderson involved. When the gals had to account for each Contribution Ticket sold, unsold or lost, they nearly had a fit! But, we felt confident that every dime the charity collected was, indeed, counted. I worked closed with Mr. Foster for years, and never could really enjoy the Ball those 20 years for trying to organize Contribution Ticket sales the night of the ball. Once the drawing took place, I was given the money. Bill and I took it home, recounted it carefully and hid it under the bed until the morning deposit. Since Bill Wigley was in insurance, he hardly slept worrying that we might be robbed. Once Arthur Andersen got wind of that process, it was the end of our having to do it. Pickup by armored care was used from that point forward.
“Most photos for the society sections were taken at the home of my mother-in-law, Mrs. Pio Crespi (Florence Crespi Howell). The Morning News would shoot the committee in evening attire and The Herald would photograph us in daytime attire, alternating each year. Both were good about photographing the funds distribution meeting.
“And, oh yes, I don’t even remember my ball gown — but I’m sure it was strapless, the style at the time, with a huge skirt — fuller than full — maybe pale blue with lots of sequins. Or, was it an Oleg Cassini emerald green satin — sleek and Marlene Dietrich looking? We never had a fashion show or other activities. We were busy hustling people to attend the ball and buy Contribution Tickets. We were the first charity of its kind in Dallas, so it was a new thing for people to attend. We had to work really, really hard just to sell tickets!”
While Dale’s life may have ended this past Sunday, March 29, her accomplishments and contributions will live on especially in the children who benefited from those first Crystal Charity Balls and now have children and grandchildren of their own.
A funeral will be held Saturday, April 4, at St. Michael and All Angel’s Chapel at 1 p.m.