Ah, those delicious homes in the Preston Hollow hood and close cuzzins. They have everything but curbs. That was the case on Wednesday, November 13.
Crystal Charity Wrap-Up Luncheon
With their legendary gala less than a month away, the ladies of Crystal Charity Ball held their annual wrap-up luncheon at Mercury courtesy of Northern Trust. It allows those who went way beyond the call of duty to be recognized. The top ten in solicitation of funds receive a charm from Lyles-DeGrazier. The top money raiser receives a gold one, while the remaining nine get silver.
The one who raised the biggest, “OMG, did you hear that?” was the member who raised $560,000 — Michal Powell, who just so happens to be chairing the 2015 CCB.
And then there were those who scored accolades in more than one category, like Lynn McBee and Carol Seay.
Great Adventure Hunt Kick-Off
Years ago Kit and Kemp Sawers talked their buds Diane and Daryl Johnson into joining their team for the Great Adventure Hunt benefiting ChildCareGroup. One of the Johnstons questioned their friends’ choice of teammates for this puzzle-oriented game — a model and a jock? Silly! When it comes to a twosome that is not only gorgeous but smart as a Jeopardy finalist, then the Johnstons are at the top of the list.
The Johnstons got hooked on the game playing event. So much so that they along with the Sawers and fellow teammates Amanda and Byron Neuhoff are co-chairing the February 8 fundraiser sponsored by Alliance Data. To get things going, the Johnstons hosted the kick-off party sponsored by Bank of Texas at their PH home with a perfect fireplace blazing on this chilly night. Why, even the bartender taking care of the drinks next to the pool and spa had a patio heater to keep him company.
But this wasn’t just any kick-off party. No, it was more like a reveal, since major changes were announced. For instance, the 2014 games will take over the Joule Hotel with clues. Another change is the emcee. It will be WFAA morning cup-of-coffee Ron Corning.
Still another change in the POA is the puzzle master. The brain teasers will be the handiwork of Tom Shroder, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, who, along with Dave Berry and Gene Weingarten, orchestrated the hunts in Miami and Washington, D.C.
The word at the party is that 2013 champs Thompson & Knight Foundation are determined to maintain their standing. According to Kit, “We think this year’s Hunt will be the best yet, and we encourage new participants to come out for a fun night that supports ChildCareGroup’s quality, educational child care programs benefiting the youngest and neediest citizens of Dallas County.”
The event is limited to 240 contestants (aka 40 teams) and their goal is to raise $200,000 for ChildCareGroup, so put your team together. Hey, here’s a thought — Why not book a room at the Joule for February 8, so you don’t even have to worry about the drive home and you can enjoy room service Sunday morning?
Trains Of NorthPark Patron Party
Karen Seanor all in black sat on the couch in her PH mansion. She looked around the rooms of guests and admitted that while she hadn’t known much about the Ronald McDonald House’s folks, she was mighty impressed with what she saw.
The occasion was the patron party for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas’ Trains at NorthPark, and the crowd was sleek.
Ronald McDonald House of Dallas CEO Jill Cumnock reported that the 26th annual miniature train extravaganza had some changes in store. . . literally. Instead of being adjacent to the old Barney’s location on the upper level between Nordstrom and Neiman’s, the trains would be chugging merrily across the way. According to Jill, these new digs will have white carpeting that will add to the wintry holiday feel.
Presented by Bank of Texas, the trains start their choo-chooing Saturday, November 23, and will continue to breeze through the most amazing scenes until Sunday, January 5. Even if you don’t have a munchkin, this ever-active 4,000-square-foot exhibition is one for kids of all ages, plus it benefits the Ronald McDonald House.