You didn't think a little ice would stop the most fabulous and philanthropic Dallasites from attending the most highly anticipated social event of the year, did you? More than 1,500 attendees got out their furs and braved the cold for the 2013 Crystal Charity Ball themed "Magnificent Manhattan" at the Hilton Anatole.
Caren Kline, chairman of this year's fantastic fete, glowed in a grand Marchesa gown as she welcomed faithful friends — including Kay Bailey Hutchison, Lucy Billingsley, Lynn and Allan McBee, Karen and William Seanor, Mary Gill, Brooke Shelby, Barbara and Don Daseke, Mary Clare Finney, Niven Morgan, Nancy Carlson, Marlene and John Sughrue, and Myrna and Bob Schlegel — for what was surely the pinnacle of this year's social calendar.
Capturing the excitement of the Big Apple, the Anatole was transformed into the bright lights of New York, with street performers, Broadway entertainers, and even a street cart or two. As they were serenaded by the Hunter Sullivan Band, guests bid on hundreds of luxury silent auction items, got their portraits taken by James French, sipped champagne and noshed on chilled shrimp, and tried their luck at the casino stations — and this was all before dinner.
When the clock struck 9, the doors of the Chantilly Ballroom opened, and glam guests were whisked into a winter wonderland created by Tom Addis, where they supped on lobster salad, steak and spinach souffle amid sparkling floral arrangements adorned with crystals.
After dinner, attendees hit the dance floor to the James Davis orchestra — and after the successful year these Crystal Charity ladies have had, there was much to dance about. Eight beneficiaries will receive nearly $5 million to help ensure every child has the opportunity to become a healthy and educated member of the community.
New York-based Starlight was there for the late-night movers and shakers, who also partook in a little candy and coffee. When it was finally time to say farewell, guests went home with fun New York-themed Tiffany mugs and bags of bagels and cream cheese to go.
We wonder, is it too soon to start dreaming about what 2014 Crystal Charity Ball chair Robyn Conlon has up her sleeve?
Pam Perella, Caren Kline, Betsy Eiseman
