According to Gateway To Opportunity Luncheon Co-Chairs Gina Betts and Lisa Cooley,

“Sadly, in our community, more than 3,600 families with children seek our help annually because of a housing crisis. Unfortunately the number of children and families that are homeless or on the edge of homelessness is growing at a record pace.  With only 110 emergency shelter rooms for homeless families with children in Dallas, we are facing tremendous pressure to increase our capacity to serve more families than ever before.

“Family Gateway opened in October of 1986 when Mayor-Pro Tem, Annette G. Strauss saw families living on the streets of Dallas and envisioned a facility where homeless families could stay together as a family unit in a safe place.

“Today, Family Gateway acts as the point of triage for families experiencing or near homelessness in Dallas County, a new designation to help build in opportunities for families to avoid a shelter experience, if at all possible. For families who do need shelter or supportive housing, we believe that a family that stays together provides the most stability and long-term success for children. Our mission is to provide stability and life-changing supportive services to these vulnerable families, and with your help, we can do it.

“Our wish is that that you partner with us by purchasing a sponsorship or table, or underwriting necessary funds needed to make sure that the 2018 Gateway To Opportunity Luncheon is a success.  Please visit familygateway.org to learn more about us, or email kmolsberry@familygateway.org to receive 2018 luncheon information.”

-By Gina Betts and Lisa Cooley, Gateway To Opportunity Luncheon co-chairs

According to Gateway to Opportunity Luncheon Co-Chair Gina Betts and Lisa Cooley,

Family Gateway is excited to have Earvin “Magic” Johnson, NBA legend, philanthropist, and business powerhouse, as keynote speaker for the Gateway to Opportunity Luncheon on Friday, October 19.  Proceeds from the luncheon will support Family Gateway’s mission to provide stability and life-changing supportive services to children and families affected by homelessness. We are thrilled that philanthropists and basketball fans Lisa and Kenny Troutt are serving as honorary chairmen.

As a child, Johnson was strongly influenced by his parents’ work ethic. His father was an assembly worker at General Motors and collected garbage, all to support their nine children. Johnson’s love for basketball developed at a young age; he spent most of his free time practicing and perfecting his game, and later became one of the greatest and most beloved NBA players of all time. As the visionary guiding Magic Johnson Enterprises, he continues to show us how passion and persistence are keys to overcoming adversity.

The mission of Family Gateway is to provide stability and life-changing supportive services to children and families affected by homelessness.  We have seen the tremendous difference that Family Gateway makes in the lives of homeless individuals and we are asking members of the community to help raise critically needed funds by supporting the Gateway to Opportunity Luncheon.

We would love for you to join us as a sponsor and or host a table. Sponsorships can be purchased online at familygateway.org/events/gto.

With Family Gateway’s Gateway to Opportunity Luncheon featuring Earvin “Magic” Johnson at the Omni Dallas just ten days away, Luncheon Co-Chairs Gina Betts and Lisa Cooley have just revealed the raffle packages that include everything from court-side seats to an Aspen getaway.

The packages include the following:

• Life is Better in the Mountains — One week at St. Regis in Aspen (April 20 – 27, 2019)
• Calling All Basketball Fans — Basketball autographed by basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson
• Shopping Spree — $1,000 in NorthPark Gold
• Let’s Go Mavs! — Limo transportation with personal driver plus two courtside seats to a Dallas Mavericks game
• Dallas Staycation — One-night stay with deluxe room accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas with complimentary parking; breakfast for two at Fearing’s Restaurant valued at $100 and $300 gift certificate to The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton (Valid through October 19, 2019)

The tickets are going for $20 each or six for $100 with a chance to win one of the five packages. You can purchase the tickets online here and don’t have to be present to win. Ah, but come on. Don’t you want to be there when your name is called and the envy factor rises in the room? If you have gotten your reservation, now’s the time to reserve!

Logan Betts should buy a lottery ticket. But more about that later.

The Family Gateway’s Gateway to Opportunity patron party on Tuesday, October 9, in Neiman Marcus NorthPark’s shoe salon turned into a family affair. Luncheon Co-Chairs Gina Betts and Lisa Cooley were surrounded by their kids. Lisa had gal power with daughter-in-law Bela Cooley and Ciara Cooley, who was taking a momentary break from finals. As a NorthPark ambassador Lisa had arranged for the get together with a Neiman Marcus gift certificate as the evening’s raffle prize.

On the other hand, Gina brought guy muscle with husband Ken Betts and son Logan, who was offering luncheon raffle tickets. As Ken directed Logan to some new arrivals for possible purchase, Gina in black leather slacks laughed saying Logan was determined to sell the most chances. One person bought 60 tickets from Logan.

Logan’s brother Jack Betts was a no-show, but he had a good excuse. He was checking out Dartmouth for his future studies.

Another family present was Family Gateway client Shanjula Harris and her 20-year-old daughter Susporiea Harris. They were having a great time. Susporiea admitted that many times she was mistaken for a teenager.

Despite the rainy evening, guests braved the wet stuff with an added incentive of winning a $1,500 shopping spree in the shoe salon. Anyone who checked in had their name dropped in the bowl.

But as guests like  NorthPark Luxury Ambassador Kimberly Whitman, Family Gateway CEO Ellen Magnis, Anne Davidson with Mark Porter, Corinne Iadonisi, Meredith Marceau, Bill Griffin and NM associates Tony Mata and Jason Sherard drew around, Logan was given the honors of pulling the winning ticket. He looked a bit amazed. He had drawn his own name. Being ever the Betts gentleman, he put his name back in the pot and drew a second name. It was Susporiea. When last seen, Susporiea was checking out the Gucci sneakers.

Who knows? Perhaps she found the perfect footwear for the luncheon with Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the keynote speaker on Friday, October 19.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson was due to arrive in North Texas just before 10:30 a.m. CST. That meant he had to be in flight around 5:30 a.m. PST for the Family Gateway’s Gateway to Opportunity Luncheon on Friday, October 19, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. And his stay couldn’t be too long, because he also had to be in Milwaukee for the L.A. Dodgers playoff game No. 6 against the Brewers that night. Was it because he was that big a baseball fan? You might say. After all, he is one of the owners of the Dodgers.

But back to the fundraiser presented by Metro by T Mobile. While organizers had juggled preparations with limited time for Johnson’s appearance, all plans were locked tighter than gel nails.

Oops, that was until they checked out Dallas Ballroom Section C. Three steps into the room, and noses were as erect as meerkats on alert. Immediately a hotel staffer with a bottle walked the room spritzing to the satisfaction of relieved nostrils just minutes before hundreds of guests queued up for the meet-and-greet with Magic.

As the herd of 40 groups gathered around the perimeter of the room, the guests were briefed on their marching… or rather meeting… orders. No small talk. Put purses and cellphones on the table before entering the designated photo area. No second takes. Hustle, hustle, hustle.

There was a schedule that required that no more than 40 groups were to be photographed with Johnson in 20 minutes. To make sure the demands were met, a team had been created. One person would check guests in and make sure there were no purses or cellphones. The second person would give the go-ahead for the guests to line up with Johnson. The third person would hustle them on their way. Of course, there were some hiccups, like the gal who couldn’t help herself and locked her arms around Magic, the adorable youngster — 12-year-old Cole Levy — with the L.A. Lakers t-shirt that stopped the parade with Magic insisting on signing the shirt, and the final group including Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki’s wife Jessica Nowitzki.

Recognizing Jessica, Magic stopped in his tracks and gave her a hug of gratitude to share with her husband.

As soon as the meet-and-greet was over, Magic quickly exited the room for the lunch.

The room that had been teeming with people was now empty. But that wasn’t the case in Dallas Ballroom Sections A and B that was filling with people like Lee Ann White, Tracy Lange, Tiffany Divis, Michael Faircloth, David Davis, Clay Cooley with the Cooley gals (Bela Cooley and Ciara Cooley), Ken Betts, Joyce Goss, Christie Carter, Tanya Foster, Lynn McBee, Kara Goss, Selwyn Razor and Rich Moses, Kristina Mosley and Stacy and David Sanderson.

Because the schedule was firmly in place, the program was designed to allow Johnson to appear onstage near the start. Just after Gateway Executive Director Ellen Magnis thanked the committee and sponsors, she gave a brief explanation of the 30-year-old nonprofit helping homeless families get back on their feet. It is one of the only organizations that can take in an entire family immediately, she said, adding that the problem is only growing. In the past, Gateway monthly received 300 calls for help and was able to place 40 families. In August, that number hit 800 calls, with 150 families being placed. They focus their services on 1,100 families sleeping in cars or on the last day of living in hotels.

It was now time for Johnson to take over. With mic in hand, he told the crowd that the stage was actually meant for short people, so in his case it wouldn’t be necessary. Taking his place in the middle of the ballroom to the total delight of hundreds of guests, he started off recalling his childhood in a “poor family” of six sisters and three brothers. Not only was he the youngest son, he was also the tallest. As the clothes were handed down from older brothers to Magic, he went to school and “it didn’t look too good for me.” He added that he had a reading problem in sixth grade. For him, it was a school counselor who told him that he had to take extra reading courses to overcome this challenge, so he could “function in life.”

Magic said that the real blessing in life was helping others to achieve their goals. He then added that that was exactly what Family Gateway was doing — helping families to get out of homelessness and on the right track.

He called Cole to join him for a selfie. Then Magic told how the world’s greatest basketball player and his mother had lived in a car. He was talking about LeBron James. Somebody had helped him. Michael Jordan had gotten cut the first time he tried out for his high school basketball team. The coach took him aside and worked with him. The next year he made it.

After a chest-bump, Cole went back to his seat and Magic called a couple of other boys — Sam and MJ — to talk with him along with another photo and chest bumps.

Magic told how as a kid he did plenty of chores like carrying groceries, mowing lawns and shoveling snow to clear driveways. At the end of the week, he would give what he had earned to his mother, who would divide it among all nine children: “They were happy, but I was upset.” The lesson that his mother taught was, you’ve always got to give back.

He once again turned it back to Family Gateway and asked the entire board to stand up and rallied the other guests to show their appreciation. Ah, but this was just a build-up of what was to come.

Magic called Cole back up and started chewing the fat about the Dodgers and Dallas-native/Dodgers’ pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Just this season they had been the only team to sell 3 million tickets before the season even started.

But then the subject turned to raising some money for Family Gateway. Magic revealed that he had a floor seat, two seats at half court and four seats behind the Lakers bench for the Laker home games. He was going to auction them off for a Dallas Mavericks or Houston Rockets game when they were in L.A.You could almost feel the air being sucked out of the room. “We’re gonna start at $5,000 and go up from there,” Magic told Cole. Someone yelled out that Cole’s mother had been the first hand up.

Event Co-Chair Gina Betts’ jaw nearly hit the table and Co-Chair Lisa Cooley‘s look appeared to say, “This wasn’t on the schedule, was it?”

Within minutes, a couple of bidders were vying for the win nearing $20,000. With a twinkle in his eye, Johnson said he would make it a double offer if the bidders would cough up $20,000 each. Without hesitation, the deals were sealed for $40,000. If Johnson ever wants a sideline job, he’d be a great auctioneer.  He was cool, entertaining and giving back.

Family Gateway staffers and volunteers said they had had no idea he was going to make this offer.

But he wasn’t through telling Cole that anytime he came to L.A., Magic was going to give Cole his two half court seats “and I’m gonna hook you up at Disneyland, too.” More jaws were dropping. As an aside, he added that one of the businesses he owns is a food service company, with two of its accounts being Disneyland and Disney World — “So Mickey and Minnie eat my food.”

Looking up at the stage where Lisa Cooley had escorted Family Gateway client Derrick Golette Sr. and his son Derrick “DJ” Golette Jr., Magic asked DJ, “Guess what? You gonna come to LA and see me, too.” Lisa said she was gonna make it happen. Magic responded to Lisa saying, “You got that lovely Chanel on. I’m not even gonna mess with you. You’ve already been to L.A. and back.”

Before leaving he asked Dirk’s Jessica to stand up and told her, “Tell him (Dirk) to get back on the court because we need that one-leg jump.”

While Derek Sr. told how he and his family had struggled until they found Family Gateway and their lives had changed, Magic was on his way to the airport. But he left something behind: the “magic” touch to help Family Gateway families.

According to After-School All-Stars North Texas advocate Gina Betts,

“After-School All-Stars (ASAS) is the largest national organization, with a strong local presence, that specifically focuses on serving middle school age students.

“As ASAS’ name recognition grows in North Texas, we are eager to demonstrate the need for the programming that After School All Stars provides.   My wish is that more corporations and individuals will become advocates and donors to ASAS in 2019.

“Studies show that 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. is the prime time when unsupervised students are most likely to become involved with gangs, crime, drugs and unsafe sex. ASAS does not incur costs for daily transportation to and from our facilities or put students in a position where they have to travel to programs alone. We are honored that the Crystal Charity Ball Committee selected ASAS as 2018 beneficiary providing a great platform as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“Our students do not have to pay to be members of ASAS nor are they charged annually dues to fees to receive programming and services. Our programs only take place at Title I schools where more than 50 percent of students qualify for federal Free and Reduced Lunch program, a proxy for poverty.

“Every day, our program initiatives work to address the most prevalent and pressing issues facing our youth. ASAS inspires students to be healthy, graduate high school and go on to college, find a career they love and give back to their community. Please visit asasnorthtexas.org to find how you can become a part of the ASAS solution.”

Last year’s inaugural Blue Jean Ball benefiting Luke’s Fastbreaks was such a great hit that it’s returning to Eddie Deen’s on Saturday, September 21.

Country western fans/Co-Chairs Gina and Ken Betts and Lisa and Clay Cooley are bringing multi-award winner Trace Adkins. Having sold 11M albums and generated more that 1B spins on Pandora, he loves being on the road. As Trace describes it, “I get a kick out of it. I still enjoy the camaraderie, the band of brothers, your crew and your band. I’m an old jock. I like team sports. I’m gonna bring a band and turn it up real loud! And we’re gonna have a good time!”

So, plan on giving the fancy evening gowns and tuxedos the night off. Just wear your favorite blue jeans and boots to scoot up the fundraising for Luke’s Fastbreaks, which provides very user-friendly T-shirts designed by former cancer buster Luke Lange for pediatric cancer patients.

* Graphic provided by Luke's Fastbreaks

Every year since 1989, the Anti-Defamation League Texoma Region has honored a member of the local legal community for his or her “outstanding leadership, exemplary contributions to the community, and a commitment to the ideals of ADL.” A number of the former honorees were present at The Fairmont Hotel on Thursday, May 23, for the 2019 Larry Schoenbrun Jurisprudence Award Luncheon honoring this year’s recipient of the award, Mike Gruber.

And, why not. A graduate of SMU’s Dedman School of Law, Mike’s one of the most respected civic leaders in North Texas, having played prominent roles with groups ranging from Dallas Habitat for Humanity and the Catholic Foundation to the Dallas Zoo and Big Brothers Big Sisters. At the reception and later during the luncheon, Mike and his better half Diane Gruber were joined by previous Schoenbrun honorees Steve Stodghill, Carol and Don Glendenning, Larry Schoenbrun himself, Jeff Chapman, Richard Massman, Gilbert Friedlander, Yvette Ostolaza and Rob Walters.

Also attending to support Mike and the ADL — the nonprofit says it’s dedicated to “standing up to hate” and thwarting “the dissemination of bigotry” — were the likes of Brad Cheves, Stubbs Davis, Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot, Justice Bill Whitehill, Douglas Lang and Gina Betts. Douglas and Gina are colleagues of Mike’s at the Dallas office of Dorsey & Whitney LLP.

Welcoming the packed house in the Fairmont ballroom was Neil Goldberg, ADL Executive Committee Chair, who quickly turned the lectern over to ADL Regional Director Cheryl R. Drazin, who thanked Luncheon Honorary Co-Chairs Kevin Dahlberg, Alan Dorantes and Royce West. With that it was time for a tribute to Mike by Jeff Levinger, former ADL Regional Board Chair.

Jeff said he’d first met Mike in 1985, when they both were “baby lawyers.” Since Mike was the youngest of nine children, Jeff said, he “had to be tenacious and optimistic,” and as a result everyone liked him. Mike’s outstanding traits include authenticity, humility and self-deprecation, Jeff continued, and he “cares deeply about equality, justice, and fairness for the less fortunate in our society.”

Several Dallas luminaries echoed Jeff’s sentiments in a video, with then-Mayor Mike Rawlings calling Mike a “special person” and Royce, a longtime state senator, adding, “Mike is a servant, OK?” Then, after Michael Katz, ADL Regional Board Chair, presented Mike with the Schoenbrun award, it was time to hear from the man of the hour himself. “It’s not every day that you get to hear your own eulogy,” Mike began with a smile.

The business-litigation attorney went on to say the “common denominator” among all the Schoenbrun honorees is that “they didn’t have to destroy their opponents” in order to prevail. He pleaded with the attendees to support the ADL, and lamented the current “horrific state of public discourse.” He also deplored the “near-historic levels of anti-semitism” in 2018, saying that “hate speech is borne of ignorance,” and that the ADL is the first line of defense against hate.

The ADL “defends free speech” and believes the answer to hate speech is more speech, Mike said. He concluded with a request that the attendees “come back to next year’s luncheon and contribute to the ADL on a regular basis, because its mission has never been more relevant.”

* Photo credit: Amanda Harris Photography

Alas, Luke Lange wasn’t able to attend the Blue Jean Ball raffle reveal party benefiting his Luke’s FastBreak on Thursday, August 1, at Park House. Seems Park House Dallas’ “house rules” prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from being in the Highland Park private club after 6 p.m.

Not to worry. Luke was probably still recovering from jet lag after the Langes’ family trip to South Africa.

Luckily, Luke’s folks, Tracy and Ben Lange, were jolly on the spot along with 2019 Blue Jean Ball Co-Chairs Gina Betts and Lisa Cooley, as well as guests like Pogir, Christie Carter, Jennifer and Richard Dix, Tiffany Divis, Lori Costillo, Ciara Cooley with Hunter Bigger and Becky and Kyle Bowen.

Halfway through the reception, the reveal of the two raffle items took place for the fundraiser at Eddie Deen’s on Saturday, September 21. For the ladies, there are 18kt white fold diamond fringe earrings donated by jewelry gem Sue Gragg and valued at $11,290. For the gents, the raffle prize will be a custom three-piece suit donated by Q Clothier and valued at $3,000.

To rev up ticket sales, Lisa reported that Sue and the Q team had kicked in a couple of incentives. The top ticket seller of the earrings will be rewarded with an 18kt white gold diamond cross pendant valued at $4,000. For the person selling the most chances for the suit, it will be a Q Clothier custom blazer valued at $1,000.

Gina and Lisa previewed some of the live auction items that included an array of stays in Argentina, Telluride, Lake Cypress Springs, Sea Island and Cabo San Lucas.

As soon as the announcements were done, raffle sales went into overdrive.

Chance tickets are going for $25 each/five for $100. And if you don’t know Lisa, Gina, the Langes or anyone on the committee, you can always go online and buy a couple dozen here.

* Photo provided by Luke's Fast Breaks

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According to Blue Jean Ball Co-Chairs Gina Betts and Lisa Cooley,

In 2014, our dear friends heard the words no parent wants to hear — “Your child has cancer.”  When Tracy and Ben Lange heard those words, their son Luke Lange was only 9 years old. After numerous doctor visits, chemotherapy and basically having their lives turned upside down, Luke and his family courageously won this horrible battle and we are proud to say that today Luke is cancer free. While this was wonderful news for the Lange family, it was not enough.

During the times Luke was going through chemo, they realized that he did not like the hospital gowns as they made him feel worse and were a constant reminder of his illness, so they created a t-shirt with snaps on the side for easy port access. Of course, all of the other pediatric patients loved the shirts as well and Luke’s FastBreaks was a success.

Today Luke’s FastBreaks has given away thousands of shirts, and are serving children in dozens of hospitals. What a huge difference, a “normal” t-shirt can make for a child battling cancer!

Our momentum is building for the second annual Blue Jean Ball on Saturday, September 21 at Eddie Deen’s with headline performer Trace Adkins. Our inaugural event was a huge success, but every year more kids are diagnosed and they need your help. Please join us for a fun evening that will raise funds to continue the success of Luke’s FastBreaks.

The team at Luke’s FastBreaks understands that cancer touches every member of the family, which is why they include programs for siblings and parents designed to focus on each member of the family. Through their new medical research initiative, they provide much needed funds to doctors seeking better treatments and ultimately, a cure for all pediatric cancers. Here is an opportunity to become a part of the Luke’s FastBreaks solution.

The post MySweetCharity Opportunity: 2019 Blue Jean Ball appeared first on My Sweet Charity.

Folks have hardly had time to recover from last week’s nonprofit activities than they’re facing a tsunami of a week ahead. As if the 11^th annual North Texas Giving Day on Thursday wasn’t enough, there are loads of invite-only events and the big-time fundraisers like Concert For A Cure at The Eye at The Joule, the Roberts S. Folsom Leadership Award Dinner honoring former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings at the Anatole, Harvest at the Arboretum’s A Tasteful Place, the SPCA’s Fur Ball at the Hyatt and CitySquare’s A Night To Remember with Steve Martin and Martin Short at the Winspear. Whew!

Now, despite all these get togethers taking place within three days, Saturday night’s Blue Jean Ball benefiting Luke’s FastBreaks at Eddie Deen’s has just posted the “Sold Out” sign.

But according to insiders, 2019 BJB Co-Chairs Gina Betts and Lisa Cooley will make room for a couple more tables if someone is hankering to party with Trace Adkins and to doff the ties, suits and stilettos for blue jeans, boots and leather vests.

If you’re one of those with a “hankering,” call 855.585.3732 ASAP. But don’t tell them where you heard that you have a chance to get in.

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For the first time since temperatures hit the century mark, gents were having to pull out their best ties for an evening event on Thursday, September 5. The occasion was the 2019 Crystal Charity Ball Platinum Circle Dinner at the Dallas Country Club. The annual dinner underwritten by Comerica is considered a warm up for the CCB Ten Best Dressed Fashion two day events. As emcee Ron Corning pointed out to the decked-out crowd that only in Dallas is there a pre-pre-event for a pre-event and event. This year’s presentation would be taking place at Neiman Marcus Downtown on Friday, September 13.

The ballroom was set up for the reception and dinner. Individual photographs of the 10+ were placed on the wall next to the entrance. At the opposite end of the room was a bigger-than-life sized, group  photo of the ladies.

In most cases, it was the first opportunity for the invitation-only crowd like Debbie and Nickey Oates, Dinner Co-Chair Lynn McBee with Trammell S. Crow, Louise and Joe LaManna, Meredith Land, Kelli and Jerry Ford, Margaret and Barry Hancock, Tracy and Ben Lange, Angela and Brad Cheves, Caren Prothro, Betsy Sowell, Ashley and Ward Hunt, Myrna and Bob Schlegel and Daffan and Doug Nettle to return to the area after summer hiatuses. Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse were back from their digs in Montecito; Tiffany Divis had just returned from Michael Faircloth’s birthday celebration in Italy; Mary Parker made the rounds returning to Dallas with butter from France and biscuits from Olamaie in Austin; Pam Busbee admitted that she was ready to be back in North Texas after spending time in Santa Fe; Lisa Cooley had planned originally to spend Labor Day weekend with her kids (Ciara Cooley and Chance Cooley) and Hunt Biggers in Miami. But Hurricane Dorian had her switch coasts ending up in Napa playing croquet at Meadowwood.

Barbara and Don Daseke were still receiving congratulations on Don’s turn 80 this summer and their co-chairing the upcoming Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala that will be the kick-off of the season’s black-tie events on Saturday, September 28.

MIA were Evening Co-Chair Gina Betts who damaged her ankle while helping son Jack Betts move into his dorm at Amherst… Another not on the scene was Barbara Babb. According to husband Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank Executive Chairman Ralph Babb, her supervising of a home construction project demanded her staying put.

Luckily returning back in action was Kim Hext, who had spent most of the summer healing from some skin cancer surgery. As Kim told Jacqueline Fojtasek, “If you ever see me tanned, you know someone has sprayed me.”

BTW, Kim, who is chairing the 2020 Salvation Army Fashion Show and Luncheon, reported that the collection clothes is already underway and are being accepted at the Salvation Army main office and at Tootsies.

The catch-up chatter became so loud that emcee Ron had to do a sit-down countdown over the PA. At each table was a centerpiece of  rare dusty rose roses from South America. With all in their places, he introduced 2019 CCB Chair Pat McEvoy, who welcomed the group and invited Comerica CEO Curtis Farmer to address the guests.

Ron returned to the stage and introduced nine of the 2019 Ten Best Dressed (Delilah Boyd, Lisa Cooley, Tiffany Divis, Jennifer Dix, Cate Ford, Cara French, Karla McKinley, Amy Prestidge and Kimberly Schlegel Whitman) and 2019 Hall of Famer (Francie Moody Dalhberg). Unfortunately, 10 Best Dresser Amy Hegi was unable to attend.

No sooner had the presentation been made than the chatting returned and dinner was served including Spanish Insalata (Romaine, hearts of palm, Manchego Cheese, sundried tomatoes, toasted almonds, roasted red pepper and tomato vinaigrette) and filet mignon and sea bass along with charred leak Yukon mashed potatoes, artichoke sauté, honey roasted carrots, cabernet demi-glace with mushrooms and lemon beurre blanc.

For dessert some guests received a chocolate hazelnut tart (an Ecuadorian chocolate filling a hazelnut crust, adorned with caramelized hazelnuts and chocolate garnish), while others had tres leches (sponge caked soaked in milk, pineapple, whipped cream, coconut and caramel).

Additional photos of the evening can be found at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

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Poor Olivia and Jeff Kearney. The Fort Worth couple had the best of intentions to head east to Dallas in time for Luke’s FastBreaks’ (LFB) 2019 Blue Jean Ball on the evening of Saturday, September 21.

But first, they were waylaid by SMU fans leaving Fort Worth following the Ponies’ win over TCU at Cowtown’s Amon G. Carter Stadium. Then, after overcoming that slo-mo traffic jam, they finally made it to Gilley’s Dallas, only to find no Blue Jean Ball. That’s because it was being held down the block at Eddie Deen’s. Thanks to a little regrouping they headed to the right location, only to find a sea of tables with guests already chowing down on barbecue.

But then, the Kearneys weren’t the only ones who had had some challenges finding their way. Ashley and Ward Hunt had arrived at Eddie Dean’s earlier, but had searched and searched for their assigned table without success. There was no posted map of the tables, it seems, and there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the layout. Quipped another frustrated guest: “It was like a drunk had arranged the layout.”

As soon as the roughly 400 guests like Diana and Steve Hamilton, Tiffany Divis, Laura and Dennis Moon, Tanya and Pete Foster, Candace and John Winslow, Patti Flowers and Tom Swiley, Cara and Jim French, Mary Martha and John Pickens and Tia and Bedford Wynne did settle down to their vittles, they got caught up on their recent weeks and getaways. Designer Michael Faircloth, for example, was back after celebrating his big 6-0 in Italy. In addition to Milan and Florence, the birthday celebration took place at a 15^th century villa in Lake Como.

Speaking of that Lake Como villa, jewelry designer Sue Gragg’s dazzling handiwork had been the centerpiece of an over-the-top surprise engagement party orchestrated by GRO’s Nathan Johnson. The Texas lass of the hour had thought the gathering was to celebrate her birthday. But then, following a fireworks display, a couple of Cirque de Soleil types and a hot-air balloon materialized, all aimed at presenting the b-day gal with an unexpected gift: an engagement ring by Sue.

Blue Jean Ball Co-Chair Lisa Cooley, upon hearing this tale, recalled that when husband Clay Cooley presented her with her engagement ring, it had cost $1,200 — because that’s all the money Clay had. Sue’s husband Jimmy Gragg topped that engaging tale, saying that it took the pair 10 years of dating before they tied the knot. Was he marriage-shy? Heck, no. He simply didn’t have the dough. Now, after 41 years of wedded and professional bliss, Jimmy still claims that Sue is his “trophy bride.”

Across the main room at Eddie Deen’s, Luke’s Fastbreak’s namesake Luke Lange and his sister Livy Lange had their own place of honor — “Luke’s and Livy’s Loft.” While Livy and her gals pal chowed down at a nearby table, Luke and his friends settled back in couches in the loft. And, why not. It was cancer-survivor Luke’s “FastBreaks” brainchild, after all, that had led to creation of the LFB nonprofit and the Blue Jean Ball and to the distribution of 12,000 FastBreak shirts, so far, to children, adolescent, and young-adult patients in six countries.

Co-Chair Gina Betts was a table away from Livy’s ladies, while husband Ken Betts fetched her dinner. Was Gina being a princess? Not at all. Seems this was her first night out without her “rehab boot” since suffering a painful low-ankle sprain. Meantime, Luke and Livy’s parents Tracy and Ben Lange were busy coordinating the evening’s agenda. It included a delicious buffet (think barbecued brisket, chicken, sausage and ribs; pinto beans and coleslaw; and fruit cobbler) and a live auction. The seven auction items, which included a vacation in Telluride, a Sea-Doo jet ski and an Argentina dove hunt, corralled nearly $80,000, and a “Paddle Up” sequence starting at $10K raked in even more.

Then it was time for the evening’s entertainment by country star Trace Adkins. Accompanied by several guitars, drums and a keyboard, the deep-voiced, black-clad, Louisiana-born singer opened the show with 1996’s “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” his first No. 1 hit. Soon enough the floor was packed with dancers, including Tracy and Ben as well as Lisa with her daughter Ciara Cooley and, later, Clay. As the night wore on, though, some guests could be heard muttering their disappointment with the “unfamiliar” music, its loud shrieking quality and a less-than-stellar sound system.

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While the Dallas Cowboys and the rest of the NFL haven’t locked down dates for the 2021 season, Healing Hands Luncheon Co-Chairs Gina and Ken Betts and Amy and Paul Wilson have their dates, place, keynote speaker and honorary chair all signed up.

Benefiting Healing Hands Ministries, the fundraiser will take place on Thursday, October 14, at the Dallas Arboretum’s Rosine Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At the podium will be 2017 NFL Hall of Famer/1987 Heisman Trophy winner/Dallas native Tim Brown, who is no stranger in supporting are non-profits like Family Compass, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Great Dallas, Vogel Alcove, Dallas Can Academies, Anthem Strong Families, Star Helping Heroes and Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council. His professional and personal reputation has been acknowledged over the years, including his receiving the Dallas Historical Society’s inaugural Award for Excellence for Sports Leadership.

Serving as honorary chair will be philanthropist/community leader Pam Busbee, who just chaired the Callier Cares Luncheon.

According to Gina, “We are thrilled to have Pam serve as honorary chairman of the luncheon. She has served the community  for the past 50 years by her involvement  and leadership with a variety of non-profit organizations including The Crystal Charity Ball, Callier Center for Communications Disorders, Junior League of Dallas and Jonathan’s Place.”

Proceeds from the luncheon will supports Healing Hands Ministries’ mission to “provide patient-focused compassionate and accessible quality care for children and adults” with such services as behavioral health, dental family health, nutrition, pediatrics, women’s health and vision.

According to The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 39% of the Dallas population is uninsured with 11% of children in Dallas being uninsured.

A limited number of individual tickets are available starting at $250 with sponsorships ranging from $2,500 to $25,000.

* Photo provided by Healing Hands Ministries 
** Photo credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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This afternoon it was business as usual at Healing Hand Ministries (HHM). Parents were shepherding their youngsters in for vaccinations; a couple of women in niqabs were walking from nearby apartments in Vickery Meadows for their appointments; adults were rolling up their sleeves for COVID-19 vaccinations; and a pregnant woman was leaving after receiving a good checkup following her months of prenatal care.

But over in a small conference room on the ground level, three people were gathered around a table. They weren’t there to take advantage of the services offered. They were there to lend their hands literally to support the organization that provide the behavioral, family practice, pediatrics, women’s health, vision nutrition and dental services for “the uninsured and underinsured in Dallas County.”

The trio was HHM new CEO Brian Hawkins and Healing Hands Luncheon Co-Chairs Amy and Paul Wilson, who were putting their John Hancocks on letters that would soon be hitting mailboxes about the fundraiser on Thursday, October 14, at Dallas Arboretum’s Rosine Hall.

Amy was familiar with the Vickery Meadows program through her volunteering with Northwest Bible Church. Both she and Paul had become even more involved with the organization thanks to HHM Development Officer Jean Buys from her tenure as executive director for the Retina Foundation of Southwest Texas. Paul had been so impressed with both the mission and the need for HHM, he joined its board.

But they’re not alone in putting the event together. Joining them as co-chairs are HHM Board Member Gina Betts and her husband Ken Betts and Pam Busbee, who will serve as honorary chair.

In addition to lining up Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Brown as the keynote speaker, they will be “honoring the Rosewood Foundation and the Caroline Rose Hunt Family with a special award for their generous support of our Rosewood Vision Center and their commitment to vision healthcare.”

Already the Wilsons, Bettses and Busbee have gathered to get an all-star tea for the host committee including Carol and Steve Baker, Keith Braley, Christie Carter, Regina Montoya and Paul Coggins, Rozlyn and Robert Colombo, Anne Marie and Jeff Drummond, Tucker and Rich Enthoven, Kelly and Joe Foster, Jennifer Staubach Gates, Nancy Gopez, Sarah Losinger, Vinette and Mike Montgomery, Debbie and Nicky Oates, Margot Perot, Mary Martha Pickens, Virginia Rose Harris, Julia Sands, Christopher Thompson, Stacey and Reid Walker and Candace and John Winslow.

If your letter got lost in the snailmail universe, don’t tap your foot waiting. Sign up here and join the fundraising.

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Following yesterday’s announcement that Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society was changing its name to Preservation Park Cities, another North Texas nonprofit has revealed that it’s adapting its name.

Henceforth Healing Hands Ministry will be known as HHM Health in order “to reflect the agency’s role in providing healthcare for the uninsured and underserved throughout the Dallas and surrounding areas with compassionate, quality and affordable healthcare.

According to HHM Health CEO Brian Hawkins, “Quality healthcare is a basic human need and many in our community who are living in poverty do not have access to quality care. HHM is critical to solving this problem by providing barrier-free access to quality healthcare to many of those in need. Healing Hands never closed its doors to their patients, even during the worldwide pandemic.”

HHM Health will continue to provide its seven service lines — behavioral health, dental, pediatric, two family practice clinics, women’s clinic and the Rosewood Vision Center. During the 2020 pandemic, the program had “more than 47,000 visits.”

In order to provide such services, the inaugural Healing Hands Luncheon Co-Chairs Gina and Ken Betts and Amy and Paul Wilson and Honorary Chair Pam Busbee have arranged to have NFL Hall of Famer/Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Brown as the keynote speaker at the Dallas Arboretum on Thursday, October 14.

In honor of its generous support of HHM Health’s Rosewood Vision Center, a special award will be presented to The Rosewood Foundation and the late Caroline Rose Hunt family.

More sponsorships and tickets are available here.

* Photo provided by HHM Health 
** Photo credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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According to 2021 Healing Hands Luncheon Co-Chairs Gina and Ken Betts and Amy and Paul Wilson,

“Healing Hands Ministries has changed its name to HHM Health to reflect the agency’s role in providing healthcare throughout the Dallas and surrounding areas.  We are proud to serve as chairmen of an important inaugural event, especially during a time of uncertainty regarding healthcare, to promote the new name and garner support for such a worthwhile organization.

“HMH Health is a faith-based community health center that provides culturally competent health service with compassion to all walks of life.

“The first official fund-raising event under the new moniker will be an in-person luncheon on Thursday, October 14, featuring Tim Brown, a Dallasite, NFL Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy Winner, as the featured speaker at the Dallas Arboretum.

“The Rosewood Foundation and the Caroline Rose Hunt Family will be honored with a special award for their generous support of our Rosewood Vision Center and their commitment to vision healthcare. Civic leader Pam Busbee is honorary chair for the inaugural luncheon.

“HMH Health (formerly Healing Hands Ministries) has seven service lines including behavioral health, dental, pediatric, two family practice clinics, women’s clinic and the Rosewood Vision Center. During 2020, Healing Hands had more than 47,000 patient visits.

“Since its inception in 2007, HMH Health has continued to serve the uninsured and underserved in Dallas and surrounding areas with compassionate, quality, and affordable healthcare.

“HHM Health leaders emphasize that quality healthcare is a basic human need and many in our community who are living in poverty do not have access to quality care. We believe HHM is critical to solving this problem by providing barrier-free access to quality healthcare to many of those in need. Most importantly, HMH Health never closed its doors to their patients, even during the worldwide pandemic.

“We would be honored to have your participation and support of HMH Health’s important mission. For more information, visit hhmhealth.org.”

* Graphic/photo provided by HHM Health 
** Photo credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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HHM Health’s Healing Hands Luncheon that was scheduled for Thursday, October 14, has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 31.

According to Healing Hands Luncheon Co-Chairs Gina and Ken Betts and Amy and Paul Wilson and Honorary Chair Pam Busbee, “As a faith-based community health center that provides culturally competent healthcare with compassion to anyone in need, we’ve opted to move the luncheon during this challenging time that impacts the health of everyone in the community.”

Before making the move, the organizers made sure that the Arboretum, honoree Rosewood Foundation and the Caroline Rose Hunt Family and featured speaker/NFL Hall of Famer/Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown would be available. All answered a definite yes!

Adding to the new date is that Texas-born, award-winning WFAA Sports Anchor Joe Trahan will be the emcee.

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According to Healing Hands Luncheon Chairmen Gina and Ken Betts and Amy and Paul Wilson,

“As you may know, Healing Hands Ministries recently changed its name to HHM Health to reflect the agency’s role in providing healthcare throughout the Dallas and surrounding areas. We are pleased to serve as chairmen of an important inaugural event, especially during a time of uncertainty regarding healthcare, to promote the new name and garner support for such a worthwhile organization.

“The first official fund-raising event under the new moniker, is an in-person luncheon that was originally scheduled for October featuring Tim Brown at the Dallas Arboretum. The native Dallasite, NFL Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy Winner, has agreed to speak at the event.  We are thrilled to report that Thursday, March 31, has been secured for the luncheon which was re-scheduled due to Covid-related concerns.

“The Rosewood Foundation and the Caroline Rose Hunt Family will be honored with a special award for their generous support of our Rosewood Vision Center and their commitment to vision healthcare. Civic leader Pam Busbee is honorary chair for the inaugural luncheon.

“HHM Health has seven service lines including behavioral health, dental, pediatric, two-family practice clinics, women’s clinic and the Rosewood Vision Center.  During 2020, Healing Hands had more than 47,000 patient visits.

“Since its inception in 2007, HHM Health has continued to serve the uninsured and underserved in Dallas and surrounding areas with compassionate, quality, and affordable healthcare. HHM Health is a faith-based community health center that provides culturally competent healthcare with love, compassion, and respect to anyone in need.

“HHM Health leaders emphasize that quality healthcare is a basic human need and many in our community who are living in poverty do not have access to quality care. We believe HHM is critical to solving this problem by providing barrier-free access to quality healthcare to many of those in need.

Most importantly, HMH Health never closed its doors to their patients, even during the worldwide pandemic.

“We would be honored to have your participation and support of HHM Health’s important mission. The following companies and individuals have demonstrated their support for our mission and we hope to have you join them as we finalize preparations for the new date.

“Special thanks to top donors Margot Perot, Texas Health Resources, The Rosewood Corporation, Vinette and Michael Montgomery, The Baldridge Foundation, Stacey and Reid Walker, Gina and Ken Betts, Amy and Paul Wilson, Kelly and Joe Foster, Comerica, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Amy and Ran Merrill, SST Accountants/Lisa and Bill Sims, Jennifer and John Gates, Carol and Steve Baker, Lisa and Clay Cooley Family Foundation, Patterson Dental, Northern Trust, Sarah Losinger, Anne Marie and Jeff Drummond, Paula Miltenberger, Thomas Foundation, Tricia Shimer and Claire Emanuelson.

“For more information, visit hhmhealth.org.”

* Photo credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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With Dallas Blooms in full array, the Dallas Arboretum was picture perfect for HHM Health‘s debut of the “Healing Hands Luncheon” on Thursday, March 31. Matching the look of the day’s sold-out fundraiser were guests in floral dresses and bright colors. Why, featured speaker Heisman Trophy winner/NFL Hall of Famer/native son Tim Brown was a real standout in a hot pink jacket.

Thanks to WFAA Sports Anchor Joe Trahan‘s chat with Tim, subjects covered everything from sports to the importance of healthcare. And speaking of healthcare, the Caroline Rose Hunt family was presented with the inaugural Healthcare Innovator Award. Here’s a report from the field:

The weather gods were smiling on the premiere HHM “Healing Hands Luncheon” at the Dallas Arboretum’s on Thursday, March 31.  The breezy, somewhat chilly morning gave way to a sunny, albeit cool, setting for the VIP reception outside the Arboretum’s A Tasteful Place overlooking the Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake and thousands of orange, yellow and pink tulips colorfully ablaze during the annual Dallas Blooms festival.

Following a reception and photo opportunity with featured guest speaker Tim Brown, the 300-plus guests moved indoors to Rosine Hall for a sold-out seated lunch and presentation of the inaugural Healthcare Innovator Award which was presented to the Rosewood Foundation which also sponsored the VIP reception. Margot Perot was Luncheon Presenting Sponsor.

WFAA sports anchor Joe Trahan served as master of ceremonies and introduced Gina Betts and Amy Wilson, both of whom were event co-chairs with their husbands, Ken Betts and Paul Wilson.  Gina and Amy took the stage, sans spouses, and thanked Honorary Chairman Pam Busbee as well as a large contingent of Crystal Charity Ball committee members in attendance like Christie Carter, Leslie Diers and Candace Winslow.

The 2020 Crystal Charity Ball designated HHM Health, then known as Healing Hands Ministries, as a beneficiary and the non-profit received $650,000 in funding for the finish out of the third floor Women and Children’s Health Center in the Vickery Meadow neighborhood.

Joined by The Rosewood Foundation President John Dziminski and VP Lynn Fisher, Caroline Rose Hunt‘s son Patrick Sands and her granddaughter  Julia Sands Cunningham accepted the award referencing her family’s passion to assist the vision-impaired by establishing a vision clinic at HHM Health.  Since its inception in 2020 (how appropriate!) approximately 2,000 patients have been served by the clinic “with quality vision healthcare.” HHM Health CEO Brian Hawkins presented the award and introduced a brief video showing the recently launched expansion

Luncheon was followed by an informal Q&A with Joe visiting with Tim on a variety of topics beginning with health care. Tim talked about his idea of healthcare, based on his father’s philosophy was “only going to the doctor when it’s an emergency” while was growing up in Dallas.

Tim elaborated that his years in the professional football world and, as a father of four children, now “dictate” his advocacy for preventative medicine and individual responsibility for one’s healthcare. Joe reminded the audience of Tim’s distinction as the first African American man from Dallas to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame which was met with applause.

That was followed by Tim’s explanation of how he maintained a stellar reputation at Notre Dame and later with 16 years as an LA Raider which he attributed to “great coaches” and a sense of dedication instilled by his parents. Tim and Joe congratulated the “health care heroes” who work at HHM Health throughout their conversation.

* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron

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