On December 3, the biggest and grandest ball of the society season beckoned Dallas’ most philanthropic. The Crystal Charity Ball, held annually at the Hilton Anatole, is known for being an elaborate production, and this year’s affair was no different, with a theme of To Everything There is a Season.
Upon arrival, guests walked that famous red carpet (covered and heated, of course) before being ushered into what felt like a midsummer’s night dream, with a huge floral-encased television screen projecting the changing of seasons.
Between sipping bubbly and cocktails and noshing on assorted small bites, guests — including Nicholas McCord, Mary and Robert Black, Elizabeth and Eric Gambrell, Lisa and Kenny Trout, Lisa and John Geider, Kimberly and Thomas Ricks, Becky and Jim Lozier, Phyllis and Steve McKnight, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, and Mary Beth and Kevin Conlon — perused the comprehensive silent auction. For those feeling lucky, there was also casino fun to be had, all in the name of charity.
Once it was time for dinner, the doors to the Chantilly Ballroom opened to reveal a magical winter wonderland draped with crystals, flowers, and candle-filled glass globes suspended from elaborate table arrangements. Throughout the dinner — which included Maine lobster salad and garlic-crusted filet of beef — an orchestra played an assortment of classical and big band tunes. As dinner wound down, a Motown band took the stage, drawing the guests onto what quickly became a packed dance floor.
Post-dinner, those who didn’t want to dance were free to resume the casino games and place last-minute bids on those must-have silent auction items. As the evening wound down, the scent of the sweetest of CCB traditions — fresh, hot beignets — began permeating air.
The Crystal Charity Ball Committee’s sole purpose is to aid, support, and make contributions to charitable organizations dedicated to the welfare of children located in Dallas County. It was established in 1952 and has raised more than $130 million with an active membership of 100 women.
This year’s beneficiaries include Community Partners of Dallas ($1,359,236), Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas ($976,000), Notre Dame School of Dallas ($676,020), and Parkland Foundation ($789,002), among others.
Tim Heis, Ashley Heis
