Country Singer Sensation Aaron Watson

Glenn Beck, Founder | Gina and Ken Betts, Honorary Chairs

Glenn Beck, founder of the nonprofit Mercury One, Inc., and his wife Tania, brought together internationally and nationally-renowned supporters and beneficiaries, along with local friends and leaders in the arts, social and business communities for the M1Ball American Cowboy: History. Heritage. Humanity.  which featured one of today’s finest torch-bearers of real country music, singer and Texas native Aaron Watson, who performed live at Eddie Deen’s Ranch in Dallas.
         

Founders and hosts were Tania and Glenn Beck with honorary chairs Gina and Ken Betts. Honorary chairs emeritus are The Vinyard Family, Charla and Paul Vinyard, Analee and Joel Vinyard and Tiffany and Derrick Wheeless and Gena and Chuck Norris.
         

Over 450 guests joined in celebrating Mercury One’s sixth year of service, growth and accomplishments in the North Texas community and around the world.
         

The evening began with a VIP reception where sponsors and underwriters snapped photos and chatted with Glenn and Aaron, Suzanne Grishman, Executive Director of Mercury One and Michael Powell,  Director of Development of The Nazarene Fund; Pat, Stu and Jeffy from Mercury Radio and more.
         

Inside the ballroom, emcee Jane McGarry welcomed guests and introduced Suzanne, who said, “Mercury One has been very busy at work this past year. This year has seen many disasters in the form of hurricanes, fires and floods. Mercury One has proven partners who are the most efficient and effective with their resources to help the most people possible in crisis,” thanking these partners in disaster relief and sharing videos of their involvement:  Team Rubicon, Church of Addis, Gleaning For The World, Somebody Cares, Operation BBQ Relief, CitiImpact and Lighthouse Charity.
           

Continuing, she said, “Humanitarian assistance and restoring the human spirit is at the core of Mercury One's mission. We will always work towards ending human trafficking, domestic violence and support our youth in underserved communities through after school programs, comfort and safety. When these tragedies strike, our donors stand with Mercury One and our partners provide healing, aid and comfort,” and recognized these partners: KickStart Kids, Operation Underground Railroad, SM Wright Foundation, Stand To Honor - Folds of Honor, Carry The Load, The Deliver Fund, Treasured Vessels, and Hope's Door New Beginning Center.
               

Highlighting education, Suzanne said, “The future of our nation is in the hands of the next generation. Mercury One is leaving a legacy by educating our youth through first source documents and artifacts and leadership training. This year we partnered with David and Tim Barton with WallBuilders. The result was life changing,” and recognized these partners: The Dallas Film Society and the Leadership Training Program participants from the inaugural 2017 Class.
         

Focusing on Mercury One’s The Nazarene Fund, Suzanne said, “This fund has been assisting families in the Middle East who have been persecuted by ISIS for their faith since 2015. We have rescued, restored and rebuilt their lives, but there is still much to be done. Because of you, our donors, thousands of lives have been saved and resettled safely in new countries.”
         

An event not to be missed, this evening featured Glenn’s testimony as he revealed these stories to an absolutely enthralled audience and fully embraced organizations who have benefited from and partnered with Mercury One with heartfelt emotions and expressions of thankfulness and service.
         

Glenn took the stage, saying, “Tonight is a new chapter in Mercury One's future. Since 2015 The Nazarene Fund has raised over $18 million to help people who have been persecuted by ISIS for their faith. We have provided over 35,000 people with humanitarian aid, food, water, clothing and blankets. We have moved 5,500 people from tents to dignified living situations of apartments and homes with running water, heat and bathrooms. We have evacuated over 7,600 Christians and Yazidis to countries such as Australia, Canada, Slovakia, Brazil, France and 1 family in The United States. We have sponsored a youth pastor from Syria to study at Harvard for his Masters in Divinity.  Tony is family and he is with us tonight. We have funded 107 projects in the Middle East and most importantly we have rescued as of tonight 100 men, women and children who were slaves from the hands of ISIS.”
         

Speaking about human trafficking, Glenn said, “Mercury One announces an expansion of for The Nazarene Fund with Tim Ballard taking on  the role of CEO of The Nazarene Fund. Together we are going to put an end to the human trafficking around the world through ISIS and beyond,” thanking supporters by saying, “You are the ONE in Mercury One. We have so much to accomplish together!” to a rousing standing ovation.
         

Highlights included a spirited live auction featuring many one-of-a-kind items, silent auction, raffle of a 2017 GMC Canyon sponsored by Sewell Automotive Companies and a lively Dillo Derby armadillo race managed by “Armadillo Jim” Schmidt. The winner was The Blaze’s Jeffy Fisher.
         

Host committee included Dr. Kathleen Bassford; Rozalyn and Robert Colombo, Giovanna Cugnasca, Suzanne and Michael Grishman, Michael Holmes, Beth Knott and Brad Staggs, Kendel and Paul Martin, Lora and Aaron Mattix, Gwen and Adam Rich, D’Andra Simmons and Jeremy Lock, Dawn and Travis Simpson.  Media sponsors were PaperCity Magazine and The Park Cities News/The Waters Family.
         

For more information, visit the website at mercuryone.org/m1ball  

About Mercury One: Mercury One is a 501(c)(3) foundation based in Dallas, Texas. The M1 Ball benefits the foundation’s General Fund which pays for all administrative costs, overhead, research, fundraising, and awareness, so that each dollar donated to a particular project will go straight to it. Mercury One provides aid and support in the areas of disaster relief, humanitarian efforts, veteran causes, support for Israel, education initiatives, and rescuing and restoring persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East. Visit the website for more information: mercuryone.org/m1ball    

 Photos by Rob Wythe/Gittings, Amber Fisher, Chris Waits.

Barbara Daseke, Chair, Woman of the Year gala
Sharon Ballew, 2017 President, Les Femmes du Monde 

Les Femmes du Monde supporter and longtime community leader Carmaleta Whiteley Felton was celebrated as the Les Femmes du Monde 2017 Woman of the Year at the gala dinner held at the Dallas Country Club, chaired by Barbara Daseke.           

Les Femmes du Monde president Sharon Ballew welcomed guests and gave a brief history of Les Femmes du Monde, which was founded in 1961 as a fundraising committee on behalf of the Dallas Council on World Affairs, now the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth.  In 1987, Les Femmes became its own nonprofit organization. In 1995, Children’s Medical Center (now Children’s Health) was added as a second beneficiary.  Since its inception in 1961 Les Femmes du Monde has given over $670,000 to Children’s Health and $2 million to the World Affairs Council.
         

Barbara said she was honored to chair such a wonderful event and shared that she and Carmaleta have been friends for years saying, “She is one of the kindest, nicest ladies in Dallas.  Carmaleta is always interested in others and is very caring and thoughtful.  She makes things fun and people love to work with her. She is multi-talented and a great role model.”
         

Emcee Ron Corning, WFAA Channel 8 Daybreak anchor, talked about his friendship with Carmaleta and praised her for her tireless dedication to the community, her involvement as a volunteer and the strength and integrity she brings to everything she is involved in.
         

Otis Felton, Carmaleta’s husband, gve the invocation, follwed by a most delicious dinner of a panzanella salad, an entrée of braised short ribs and roasted chicken breast with gouda gristmill grits, buttered haricot verts with cabernet pan gravy and delectible desserts of variety of small cakes garnished with strawberries and raspberry sauce.
         

Skip Hollandsworth, always a most entertaining keynote speaker, shared a story he had written as an executive editor of Texas Monthly, titled The Man Who Love Cat Burgling, which had most of the guests nodding and remembering the circumstances of the events.
         

After a lovely tribute video showcasing many of Dallas’ top business and community leaders, Sharon presented Carmaleta with the Woman of the Year Award
saying, “This year’s honoree is dedicated to the causes she has chaired and has a deep commitment to inspire and help others.  She has chaired over 15 events including AWARE, KidneyTexas,  Dallas Children’s Theater Gala, The Mad Hatter’s Tea, The Leukemia Society St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon, The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show and Luncheon, and most recently, she co-chaired The Pat and Emmitt Smith Gala with her husband, Otis Felton.  She has served on 15 nonprofit boards and raised millions of dollars for nonprofits.  She was on the cover of Grand Luxe Magazine in 2008.  In 2011, she was named in D Magazine’s Dallas Dozen as one of the important people in Dallas and most recently was Paper City’s Bomb Girl. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome this year’s Woman of the Year, Carmaleta Whiteley.”
         

After a resounding round of applause, Carmaleta said, “I am truly humbled and honored to be named the 2017 Woman of the Year and so grateful to the committee of Les Femmes du Monde. I am following in the footsteps of so many amazing women who have given so much and are truly my heroes.”   
         

She continued, “An event chair has to be dedicated to the cause with a deep commitment and inspired to help others. You have to believe in what you are doing and gather an audience that believes in the cause you are working to enrich.”  But Carmaleta confessed that she has never asked for money. “I like to give opportunities.  An opportunity works for everyone and gives the donor a chance to become part of the team.   It is also very important to recognize that that your goal cannot be met without committees of volunteers to ensure a successful event.  They are the backbone of all we do.” She also noted she was carrying one of her mother’s purses, saying she has followed in her mother’s footsteps, deeply committed and she always inspired others.
         

Whitney Reilly, VP Development and Partnerships, along with Amy Miller, Director of Education, representing the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth and one of the beneficiaries, spoke about the Young Leaders Program sponsored by the council and supported by Les Femmes du Monde. The Global Young Leaders Program at the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth seeks to educate students and teachers on how international events affect  their lives, their communities, and their country.  The goal is to empower students to become effective, active global citizens and leaders in the community.  Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014, this program has impacted more than 1 million students and trained more than 8,000 teachers since its inception in 2004."
         

Brent Christopher, president and CEO of Children’s Health, spoke about the Child Life Program at Children’s Health, one of the beneficiaries, thanking everyone for their support and said the primary goal is to minimize the impact of illness on a child’s normal growth and emotional and cognitive development.  This involves establishing supportive relationships with patients and families and providing them with developmentally-appropriate information that helps them prepare for, understand and cope with their healthcare experiences. 
         

Les Femmes du Monde’s first celebration of Woman of the Year began in 1986. Since that time, Les Femmes has honored a woman each year for their dedication and support to the Dallas Community.  Past honorees include ladies such as Laura Bush, First Lady of Texas; Ruth Altshuler, Mary Kay Ash, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Billie Leigh Rippey, Nancy Brinker, Ebby Halliday,  Lynn McBee, and Margaret McDermott to name a few.    

Membership in Les Femmes du Monde is open to the public and has many benefits, including events at private homes. Join through the website at www.lesfemmesdumonde.org  

Photos by Dana Driensky.

KidneyTexas, Inc. presented over $114,000 to six beneficiaries at the Check Presentation celebration hosted by TOOTSIES in Preston Center. 
         

Jocelyn White, emcee, welcomed everyone saying that KidneyTexas, Inc. has raised over $3,000,000 since 1999, to a rousing ovation. She thanked this evening’s sponsors, including Dee Lincoln of Dee Lincoln Prime for her support in underwriting wines at all of the KidneyTexas, Inc. events and an Over-The-Top Award honoree; Gold Crown Valet, for sponsoring the valet services all year and Nerissa von Helpenstill and Dustin Holcomb of TOOTSIES, this evening’s host, Over-The-Top Award honorees and for their sponsorship of the fashion show produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple. Special recognition also went to Sue Goodnight, the namesake of the Sue Goodnight Service Award and also the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, along with Brian Whittington for this evening’s music.
           

Andrea Alcorn, president of KidneyTexas, Inc., spoke from her heart saying how resilient everyone was for continuing their support of the organization through this past summer and fall’s tragedies, including Hurricane Harvey.  She gave heartfelt thanks to sponsors and underwriters including honorary chairs Linda and Steve Ivy, Barbara and Don Daseke for hosting the Patron Party, luncheon chairs Susan Russell and Christine Martin and Don Russell and John Castorr.     
         

Then it was time for the check presentations to beneficiaries Baylor Health Care System Foundation, which wasgranted $30,000 to fund their Hispanic Kidney Transplant Program to participate in a five-year study aiming to implement and evaluate a culturally competent transplant center program tailored to Hispanics to increase the rate of living donor kidney transplants (LDKT) within this population; Camp Reynal, which enables over 100 children to enjoy summer camp and is equipped to handle their medical needs, $19,500; Children’s Medical Center Foundation received $20,500 for hemodialysis and blood pressure machines; Parkland Health and Hospital Foundation was given $30,500 for a kidney dialysis unit; Texas Health Resources Foundation received $14,214 for a hemodialysis machine; UT Southwestern Medical Center received $29,925 towards kidney related research to Identify the role of FGF23 in cardiac function in states of hyperphosphatemia but with normal renal function.

President-elect Mary Lee Cox announced the chairs for the 2018 Fashion Show and Luncheon, Annalee Aston and Joanna Tollenaere, with Dr. Goran Klintmalm as honorary advisor. The entire incoming board will be revealed soon.
         

Membership in KidneyTexas, Inc. is open to the public and offers many benefits, including exclusive events in private homes. Sign up through the website at at http://www.kidneytexas.org, contact 214-891-0896 or email kidneytexas@sbcglobal.net     

Mission Statement: The purpose of KidneyTexas, Inc. is to provide funding to improve the methods of treatment, the search for a cure and prevention of kidney disease and other kindred or contributory diseases; and to develop more adequate provision for the care of persons suffering from such diseases.

Statistics: Debilitating kidney diseases impact approximately 20 million people in the United States today. Groups at high risk include African Americans, Hispanics, senior citizens and people with diabetes. In Texas, there are over 30,000 people on dialysis and 4,000 on a transplant list. The number of patients on dialysis is anticipated to double this decade.

History: Since 1999, the dedicated volunteers of KidneyTexas, Inc. have worked in tandem with our generous underwriters to raise over $3.1 million for local efforts to improve the ability to diagnose and manage kidney disease. 
          Each fall KidneyTexas, Inc. hosts its Fashion Show and Luncheon in an effort to raise money for designated beneficiaries and awareness for a disease that affects millions of people each year. The success of this event depends heavily upon the contributions and dedication of our Dallas business and community leaders, and we're asking for your support. 

Photos by Dana Driensky,

 The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society (PCHPS) celebrated four homeowners for excellence in historic, architectural or renovation significance with landmark awards plaques just before Thanksgiving.
   

The landmarked homes are: 4201 Lakeside, a Tudor style built in 1920 which sits on almost an acre. Anton Korn was the architect; 3508 Lexington, which was built in 1914 on one of the original blocks of homes in Highland Park. The home is Prairie style with wood frame and siding; 3835 Shenandoah is an English Tudor home built in 1930 in rough cut limestone, slate roof, leaded windows and stucco and half-timber with a turret and bay window. Hal Thompson was the architect; 4309 Westway, built in the late 1930s and remodeled in the 1960s in the French eclectic style with an added porte-cochere.
   

Find out more about landmarking criteria and previously landmarked homes on the website at pchps.org
   

Don’t miss these three fabulous events in the Society’s Taste • Tour • Explore which begins with the Distinguished Speaker luncheon on Wednesday, April 11 featuring Jenna Bush Hager as the speaker, chaired by Tish Key; the Historic Home Tour, April 14, chaired by Jana Paul and the Classic and Antique Car Show on April 21 chaired by Polly and Dan McKeithen.  Lucinda Buford is president, PCHPS. The events are presented by Allie Beth Allman with presenting media sponsor, D Home.      
   

Tickets for the Wednesday, April 11, 2018 luncheon are on sale now and start at $150 each. Patron single seating starts at $300 each and include a Patron Party invitation. Other levels include more benefits. Sponsorships and table underwriting are available beginning at $1,500 up to $10,000. Check the website for updates: http://www.pchps.org or email mailto: info@pchps.org for sponsorship forms.

Advance tickets for the Saturday, April 14 Historic Home Tour will be available one month before the tour online at www.pchps.org and at these Tom Thumb stores: Snider Plaza, Preston Center, Greenville/Lovers Lane, Inwood/University, Lincoln Center.  For more information, call the PCHPS office (214) 582-0021.
           

PCHPS mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the fundraisers will be used to help preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PCHPS archives at the University Park Library, fund the Society’s landmarking initiatives and award scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history. Membership in PCHPS is open to the public. For more information visit http://www.pchps.org

These two extraordinarily creative individuals shared  highlights of their careers and how their lives were graced with a lifetime of achievements.

 The Stephens College Alumnae Club of Dallas Annual Texas Fundraising Luncheon featured two Dallas icons, Jan Strimple and Tom Addis, who shared a thoroughly entertaining and insightful retrospective of highlights of their careers as the keynote speakers at this year’s event at the Dallas Country Club.

The club’s main hall held a special treat – costumes and gowns, from avant-guard to elegant, showcasing a few of Jan’s fashionable productions, were exhibited on mannequins, which we would later learn were created in Jan’s form.
         

Guests arrived and enjoyed bidding in the silent auction while catching up with friends and families, some sharing a two-generation or more history as Stephens College alums.
         

The room was beautifully set with luncheon tables swathed in fuschia silks and luscious floral arrangements of hydrangea and roses, all by Garden Gate Florist.
         

Spotted in the crowd were Elizabeth Anderson, April Bosworth, Linda Ivy, Carolyn Keeble, Suzanne Palmlund, Rosemary Redmond, Donna Arp Weitzman and many more.
         

Emcee Scott Murray welcomed the crowd and as the lights dimmed, introduced the Stephens College video, which his Murray Media had produced, to a round of applause. He said Stephens is the second oldest women’s college in the country, having been founded almost 200 years ago.
         

Monica P. McMurry, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Design, gave a brief history and introduced Jan and Tom, who were seated on stage flanked by two huge video screens and the stories and slideshow began. Tom shared reflections about his mother’s time at Stephens, saying interior design was her passion and she flourished at the college.
         

His own career began early on as a young boy playing little Patrick in a stage production of MAME in Dallas, then Burt Reynolds’ little brother in the White Lightning movie, then touring with Sandy Duncan as part of a Disney Studios production. Tom is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and is now celebrating his 24^th year designing and producing Dallas’ premier children’s gala, The Crystal Charity Ball. He has also received accolades for his work on national events such as the reopening Celebration of the National Library of Congress and the State Dinner hosted by the Secretary of State and international events, such as Young President’s Organization University events in Budapest, Hungary, Rome, Italy and Cape Town, South Africa. His work has been featured in publications ranging from PaperCity Magazine to Town & Country. He said how thankful he was that he and Jan first met at DIFFA and started their design collaboration, bringing the vision of the events they share to life.
         

Jan began her presentation with photos of herself with her mother, both quite fashionable even at Jan’s young age and now, Jan is an internationally renowned couture fashion model and a premier event and fashion show producer in Dallas and Fort Worth. She shared behind-the-scenes slides of her shows which have rocked the runways from New York's Fashion Week to Dallas/Fort Worth's most high profile fashion luncheons and award shows. Known for her creative theatrical productions, she equally relishes opportunities to showcase collections of emerging designers in a straightforward but edgy style. She credits her recognized sense of style to her years working closely with Yves Saint Laurent and Bob Mackie. She has been recognized worldwide for her unique career.   
         

Both Jan and Tom received the Stephens College Alumnae Club’s Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by luncheon chair Jeanette Korab and Susan Schmidt, president of the Alumnae Club of Dallas.
         

The invocation was presented by Susan Ingram, followed by a delicious luncheon and a spirited live auction, including a pair of customized bespoke smoking slippers from Hadleigh’s, a trip to Broadleaf Farm, a Mazatlan Retreat and a Ladies Day Out.

“Both Jan and Tom inspire others as they have shared their unique stories and paths to success,” Susan said. “Our mission is to promote the interests of Stephens College and to maintain among the graduates and former students a spirit of fellowship and service through educational and social programs. Learn. Grow. Lead.”
         

For more information visit the Club’s website at http://www.stephenstexasalums.com.                                                     

Dallas Alumnae Club

The Stephens College Alumnae Club of Dallas was founded in 1935 by Mrs. Opal Love.  Since then, the club has had approximately 63 presidents, all carrying the tradition held in the “Stephens 10 Ideals” of service, support, respect, responsibility, courage, creativity, belief, intelligence, independence and leadership through the years.  Club goals are to broaden fundraising to include all of the wonderful Texas alums and to create a social media presence so Texas alums can connect, interact and become more active with supporting one another and their college.  The Alumnae Club is a sisterhood that shares the amazing experience of attending Stephens College.

College Vision Statement: Inspired by its tradition as an undergraduate women’s college, Stephens College engages lifelong learners in an educational experience characterized by intellectual rigor, creative expression, and professional practice, supported by accomplished faculty, talented staff, and engaged alumnae/alumni. Graduates of Stephens College are educated in the liberal arts, informed by diverse perspectives, and committed to lives of leadership, integrity and service.  https://www.stephens.edu

Photos by Dana Driensky.