Philanthropy circuit
Hands (and pockets) were not small at the Big Black Tie Ball: An Evening withJewel
- Photo by John Hudson Photography
- Photo courtesy of Jewel
- Photo by John Hudson Photography
- More than 600 guests gathered at the Omni Dallas for the Big Black Tie Ball: AnEvening with Jewel.Photo by John Hudson Photography
- Photo by John Hudson Photography
- Photo by John Hudson Photography
- Photo by John Hudson Photography
- Photo by John Hudson Photography
- Photo by John Hudson Photography
- Photo by John Hudson Photography
Although more than 600 people gathered in gowns and tuxedos for the Big Black Tie Ball, it was still an intimate affair at the Omni Dallas.
Jewel headlined the annual gala benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. The event supports the organization's efforts to help children pave the road to success via volunteer mentorship.
This year's silent and live auctions — which included prized items such as a metal sculpture made by children under the supervision of artist Lezlee Liljenberg, sports and travel packages and a guitar signed by Jewel — raised $200,000.
Ball chairman Brian Walker said, "There are no words to adequately convey thanks to everyone that attended and contributed this year's event."
After dinner and the auctions, attendees — including honorary chairs Angela and Jim Thompson, Alicia Newsome, Tricia and Daniel O'Rourke, Ashley and Jeff Lamont, Amy and Brad LaMorgese, Barbara McColm, Ronna and Lon Tiemann, and Doug and Barbara Lawson —were seduced by a 55 minute acoustic performance by award-winning musician, Jewel.
All tallied, this year's event raised $550,000 — beating last year's number of $500,000.
If philanthropy does in fact "save your soul," we'd all be wise to emulate Big Brothers Big Sisters.