Mad Hatter's Tea Announces Theme For 2016

Mad Hatter's Tea is always on my short list of "can't miss" events and 2016 looks like it will be another amazing showcase of fashion and fun.  The Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden recently held an announcement party to unveil plans for 2016 where Jocelyn White, Mad Hatter’s Tea chair, welcomed the crowd and thanked Nerissa Von Helpenstill, Director at TOOTSIES, for hosting the night’s event.

The first reveal was the fabulous logo by fashion illustrator Rongrong DeVoe, literally depicting the theme for the 2016 Tea of Steel Magnolias – a fabulous sketch of a Southern gal wearing a hat with the steel structures of the City of Dallas rising out of the crown. Connie Carreker, a former Mad Hatter’s Tea chair, was announced as honorary chair. Jocelyn announced the Mad Hatter’s fashion show will be produced by Jan Strimple and feature fabulous spring fashions from sponsor TOOTSIES.

Shane Walker will once again create the centerpieces (and many of the events winning hats). Attending were Andrea Alcorn, Patricia Armstrong, Kay Hammond, Dixie Marshall and Linda Spina. Former Mad Hatter’s Tea chairs enjoying the scene were Carole Ann Brown, Kim Mathews, Dyan Skelton, Jewel Williams and Sharon Adams.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Steel Magnolias will celebrate its 28th anniversary on Thursday, April 21, 2015 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This fabulous and fun party has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised grow and maintain A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum. Over 500 guests, some from as far away as California, plan their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – many in wild and wonderful over-the-top hats - but to view the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.

The event includes a champagne reception in Ginsburg Plaza, professionally staged and choreographed fashion presentation inside Rosine Hall and afterwards, hats are judged in different categories and contest winners are announced at the fashion show and strut the runway. The fashion show festivities are followed by a seated al fresco luncheon under elegantly draped tents. It is truly a day of fun, fashion and celebrating friends. Sponsorships and underwriting are available by contacting Patricia Armstrong, Underwriting chair at 214-215-1300 or email at patricia.armstrong@verizon.net. For photos from past Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties and more information, visit the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org 


Photo: Nerissa Von Helpenstill (Director, TOOTSIES, fashion show sponsor); Billy Fulmer; Jocelyn White (Chair, Mad Hatter’s Tea); Connie Carreker (Honorary Chair); Shane Walker (Florist and table centerpieces); Jan Strimple (Fashion Show producer); Dustin Holcomb (TOOTSIES, fashion show sponsor) Photographer: Dana Driensky

Mad Hatter's Tea Announces Theme and Leadership for 2015

(top left) Lissa Wagner with Honorary Chair Sherwood Wagner (top right) Sue Ringle with Nell Broughton
(bottom) Allison Brodnax, Mad Hatter’s Tea Chair Sharon Popham, Dixey Arterburn,
Women’s Council President Marena Gault, and Ginger Sager. Photos by Chuck Clark

Plans are underway to make the 2015 Mad Hatter’s Tea one most grandiose events in recent history. With an “April in Paris” theme, it will be chaired by veteran event organizer Sharon Popham and is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Dallas Arboretum. How many Eiffel Tower chapeaus and Chanel-themed looks do you think we will see?! The Announcement Party was hosted by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum at the Brook Hollow Golf Club on October 16 to introduce Honorary Chair Sherwood Wagner. Sherwood wore jewels by jewelry designers David Lee Holland and Yanni Kyriazis who flew in from New York City for the evening. David Lee Holland Fine Jewelry is the brainchild of the two designers who create botanically-themed jewelry. They will be custom-designing a piece of jewelry to be auctioned at the Mad Hatter’s Tea. Dallas’ premiere fashion event producer Jan Strimple will orchestrate the style show for the Mad Hatter’s Tea featuring the collections of fashion sponsors Betty Reiter, Canary, Nardos Imam, and V.O.D. Celebrating its 27th year, this fabulous and fun party has been an ongoing fundraising event raising monies to grow and maintain A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum. It's no secret to readers of this site that I think Mad Hatter's is one of the best events of the year. I already have Shane Walker working on my hat for 2015!!

For more information visit http://www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org




This post sponsored by The Woman's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery:

Dallas Dweller: Shane Walker

If you are like me, every month you flip through the pages of PaperCity, Modern Luxury, F!D Luxe, GrandLuxe and the like, scouring the social pages to see who was deemed worthy of photo recognition.  There's a handful of regulars who seem to do no wrong when it comes to picking the right outfit or arm candy for editorial selection. And then there are those photos that you see and think, "Who IS that person?" Whether they strike your fancy for their fabulous frock or outrageous hair or interesting style.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to the fabulous faces you've always wondered about but haven't had the occasion to meet in person. This week, let me introduce you to the "Mad Hatter" of Dallas:

Shane Walker

I first encountered Shane at last year's Mad Hatter's Tea Party at the Dallas Arboretum.  Walker owns Shane Walker Design, a floral design and event planning empire and has been involved with Mad Hatter's for years.  "Accolades, such as 'awesome' and 'dramatic', describe Shane Walker's big and bold arrangements. He has become a hit among those who entertain with panache, says Entertaining in Dallas.

Walker's passion is "creating art with flowers.  My look is very dramatic, unique and over the top.  I have a passion for hat designing as well, which I call "wearable art".  I've been designing floral art for nearly twenty years.  My artwork seems to get better with time, due to the fact that I always want to out-do myself." If you want to win one of the coveted titles at the Arboretum's Mad Hatter's Tea... you'd better call Walker, because you can't win without him!

Real Housewives of Dallas Memes From Episode 2: Mad As a Hatter (April 18, 2016)

In the Real Housewives of Dallas Episode 2 titled Mad As A Hatter,  LeeAnne enlists the help of a Benzario Couture to create an extravagant hat for the Dallas Arboretum's annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, one of the most coveted events on the Dallas social calendar. Brandi struggles with her husband Bryan’s constant business travel as she hosts a birthday party for her mother. Elsewhere, Tiffany and Aaron go house hunting with Tiffany's pal Cortney Bailey, despite Aaron’s reservations about setting down roots in Dallas. Later, Stephanie and Cary are dragged deeper into Brandi’s conflict with LeeAnne when Brandi arrives to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party donning a hat decorated with fake poop. Want more information on what really went down at Mad Hatters, CLICK HERE to read my post after last year's shit storm.

Here is a recap of my favorite moments from #RHOS Episode 2, presented in meme-tasctic style:

Mad Hatter's Tea 2012

The 24th annual Mad Hatter's Tea benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s A Woman’s Garden is always one of the most fun charitable events of the year.  This year's event was held on Thursday, April 12, 2012. And just like last year, the day started off with gray skies and a smattering of raindrops. Fortunately the rain was short-lived and this year's Chairman, Carmaleta Whiteley and Barbara Daseke greeted guests as the sun broke through the clouds and ladies in their fabulous chapeaus waltzed into the Ginsburg Plaza.

Barbara Daseke (with a stuffed chipmunk on her shoulder!) and Carmaleta Whiteley
with their hat designer, Todd Fiscus

The divine Hunter Sullivan crooned Big Band tunes as ladies flitted about the outdoor Plaza ooh'ing and ahh'ing over the amazing array of millinery creations, sipped champagne and snapped photo after photo. This is one event where everyone has their cameras out!  I was on one side of the Plaza when I stopped dead in my tracks - across the way I spied a hat with a working fountain on it! I dashed over to see who had such a fantastic creation.  Of course... It was Mad Hatter's legend Jill Rowlett, there with her trusty sidekick and BFF, Yvonne Crum.

Jill Rowlett (with a working fountain on her head!) and Yvonne Crum

Not to be outdone, Jocelyn White had live butterflies on her hat. She explained that their wings had been misted so they couldn't fly away. As the day progressed and their wings dried out, they would flutter off into the skies of the Arboretum. She had a big bag of them and was handing them out to everyone. It was super cool. Look at the photo above and you'll spot a big yellow and black butterfly on Yvonne Crum's arm.

(top left)  Joclyn White with live butterflies   (top right)  Guest with D'Andra Simmons
(bottom left)  Shay Geyer is pretty in pink  (bottom right)  Doris Jacobs and Lee Bailey

We moved into Rosine Hall for a fashion show produced by the incomparable Jan Strimple, featuring designs by local retailers Betty Reiter, V.O.D., Forty Five Ten and Cicada.  Then it was time for the awards! Emcee Ron Corning, along with this year's judges, announced the winners and handed out prizes. And the winners were....




After the fashion show and awards presentation, everyone went back outside for a beautiful lunch under a tented pavilion. Since its inception in 1982, the Women’s Council has supported the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden overall and through the creation, development and on-going funding of the world renowned A Woman’s Garden and now, through funding the garden’s enhancements that will continue to draw visitors to our great city from all over the world.

Shane Walker and Cynthia

The main topic of conversation at the luncheon was everyone wondering when next year's theme would be announced. Let the planning begin!!  For more information, visit the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org.

Click here to see a complete gallery of photos from this event

Special thanks to Shane Walker of Shane Walker Design for creating my over-the-top amazing hat and to Lela Rose in Highland Park Village for styling me in the perfect frock to accompany such a magnificent creation!

Dallas Dweller: Carmaleta Whiteley

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments. Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces. Today, I'd like for you to meet Carmaleta Whiteley, the Fairy Godmother of the Dallas charity scene:

Carmaleta Whitely is proud to be a sixth generation Texas, born in Ft Worth. Her parents moved to Odessa when she was six or seven and her father opened a machine shop that catered to the oil business. "That machine shop is still in business today and is owned and managed by my sister and her husband," says Whiteley proudly.

"Growing up I always wanted to be like my mother. She was very pretty and dressed like a model. I loved her clothes and accessories and often flew with her to Dallas to shop at Neiman Marcus. I moved to Dallas to go to college and stayed most of my adult life. I worked in commercial real estate leasing high rise buildings. However, leasing has its up and downs so when our Texas economy fell, I followed the money and moved to Los Angeles. I worked for the largest west coast developer managing a 2.6 million square foot office complex in downtown LA. I loved my job but after seven years I was ready to move back to my family and home state of Texas.

Many on the social scene know Whiteley from her years of tireless fundraising for the causes she holds dear. Whiteley is looking to take her years of marketing experience and decades of philanthropic work and combining them into a brilliant publication that aims to become the standard program at charitable events, devoted to supporting Dallas-area charitable organizations. Her latest venture is called Charity Dallas and will launch in early 2015.

Mad Hatter's Tea Announces Rachel Zoe As Celebrity Guest for 2017

The Mad Hatter's Tea and Luncheon has long been one of my personal favorite events of the year so I am gleeful about next year's luncheon and fashion show because it was just announced that for the 29th annual event  RACHEL ZOE will be in attendance and her designs will walk the runway courtesy of Tootsies. Bananas! The 2017 theme has been announced as Under The Tuscan Sun and the event will take place April 27, 2017.

Mad Hatter Shane Walker becomes the Masquerade Man

DIFFA/Dallas recently unveiled plans for the House of DIFFA 2014, the organization’s annual gala and largest fund raising event. Inspired by the legendary Carnival of Venice, House of DIFFA 2014’s theme is a black tie Masquerade ball. Patrons are encouraged to wear traditional Venetian masks. The best mask will be judged for originality, quality and design, and awarded during the course of the evening.  DIFFA's annual gala is always one of the most stylish and exciting annual charity events in Dallas and this year's soiree will take place at 6:00pm on Saturday, March 29th at the Omni Dallas Hotel and promises to be filled with the hottest fashions and attendees. Simona Beal will serve as this year’s honorary chair for House of DIFFA 2014. This year's Event Chairman is longtime DIFFA/Dallas board member Jim DiMarino.

Shane Walker

Floral designer Shane Walker is the genius behind many of the elaborate and over the top chapeau's at the annual Mad Hatter's Tea at the Dallas Arboretum, so it's no surprise that Walker has been inundated with calls to create masks for this event.

"I can give you a few hints about the people behind the mask and what they are wearing," says Walker. "There will be a mask that is made from sculpted black leather and encrusted with gold metal findings, chains and bling. Move over Ga Ga!

I also have a guy that is pretty over the top and his personality always shines just like his mask! His mask will be all silver and black and heavy on the Austrian Crystals. He also ordered a solid rhinestone bow tie to compliment the jeweled masterpiece!

 Oh, and let's not forget about the two guys from Florida arriving in for DIFFA. They will be sporting matching mask made of sculpted black leather and embellished with gold spikes of different sizes! Spikes don't always go on shoe's! I will be designing a mask to replicate a black raven! It will literally look as if he could take off in flight at any moment."

Any thoughts I had about buying a mask at Party City long since flew out the window...

Mad Hatter's Tea Party 2011

The 23d annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party was held on April 21, 2011 at the Dallas Arboretum benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum. A drizzly day couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Southern Belles who turned out in full force wearing their finest chapeaus for a tumble down the rabbit hole.

 (left) Jill Rowlett with Honorary Chair, Yvonne Crum a.k.a. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum sporting McKenzie Childs teapots that they had converted to purses for the occasion  (top right) Wonderland Decor  (bottom right) Judges Lisa Garza, David Nelson Wren and LeeAnne Lockon

Marilyn Hailey's vintage hat collection and sketches were on display in the courtyard during the champagne reception, collected over the years with original hats and designs from Frank Olive, who designed hats for Neiman Marcus when she modeled for them.  Wandering the crowd were celebrity judges Valerie Elizabeth, Lisa Garza, Daniel Winson Lewis, LeeAnne Locken and David Nelson Wren looking to dole out fabulous prizes to the best hats.  Let me tell you, the competition was fierce!

Click here to visit my photo gallery and see all the festive finery!

Steve Kemble gave a nod to the future Princess Kate Middleton

After much oooh'ing and aah'ing over the wild array of millinery creations, guests enjoyed a fashion show produced by the imitable Jan Strimple featuring luscious fashions from Tory Burch, Karen Millen, Tootsie's, Betty Reiter and Anne Fontaine. 

At the end of the show, awards were given out for:

Most True to Theme: A Timeless Tory;

Most Botannical: Fontaine’s Floral Finery;

Most Whimsical: Tickle My Tootsies;

Most Elegant: Magnificent Millen-ary;

Best of Show: Dee-Lightful;

Most Outlandish: Reiter or Wrong

(Note the nod to sponsors.  Clever...) 

Click here to see video snippets of all the winners! 

After the fashion show, we ladies tottered out to a beautiful tented pavilion where we enjoyed a seated luncheon.  This was one of the most enjoyable events I have ever attended. It was whimsical and fun, everyone was into the theme and the spirit of the event and the Arboretum did an amazing job providing a stunning backdrop for the fundraiser.

I'm already pondering my attire for next year's event...

Cocktails for a Cause: Spring 2015

View the brilliant millenary creations of Shane Walker from Mad Hatter's 2012

Earlier this month, I published a post that's an annual shout out to some of my favorite charity events. Today, KTXD's The Broadcast TV asked me to come on their morning talk show and share my picks with their viewers. I made sure to clarify to host Dawn Neufeld that when I say these are the "best" charity events in Dallas, I am not talking about the most worthy charitable endeavors. Every non-profit organization has great intentions towards an admirable cause. But let's face it, there is only so much time and money one can give. At the end of the day people are looking for an event that not only provides them with a way to give back to a cause or their community but also provides a great experience, delicious food, great people-watching and an amazing experience that still has you talking about months later. We only time time to highlight a few events happening this Spring, which just means I'll just have to go back on in a few months and talk about what else is coming up on Dallas' social calendar! Buy your tickets early because these luncheons, galas and shows WILL SELL OUT!




See the links below to get more details and purchase tickets:

Dallas Dweller: Yvonne Crum

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces. Yvonne Crum is one of those people that everyone knows and no one ever has anything bad to say about. That's quite a feat in this town. When I approached her about this article, her response was, "I don't sound so interesting... basically I love fashion, fundraising and fun with Samantha (her grand-daughter)!" Well, I disagree. I find her story fascinating, her enthusiasm and energy contagious and am pleased to spotlight her through this feature:

Yvonne Crum

Yvonne and Mayo Crum
photo: Martha Miller

Crum joined Braniff Airlines as a flight attendant in 1964 and retired in 2010 from American Airlines. Her many flights through the friendly skies will live on in infamy as a member of the Flight Attendants Hall of Fame.

After a successful battle with breast cancer, this survivor was determined to make the world a better place. She has lent her fundraising, organizing and motivational skills to many causes in Dallas, serving on boards, chairing luncheons, dinners and galas including Dallas Children's Theater, Mental Health Association, Dallas Summer Musicals, Texas Film Commission, Nexus Recovery Center, National Women's Board, Dallas Museum of Art, Northwood University and the DIFFA Style Council and all totalling over $8 Million in her career.

She has been honored with The Distinguished Woman Award from Northwood University in 2001, the Dallas Historical Society award for Excellence in Volunteering in 2006 and in 2009 she was named Woman of the Year by Les Femmes du Monde. Yvonne received the most prestigious Honorary Doctorate from Northwood University 2009 and most recently was named Mother of the Year for 2013 by Dallas Can! Academy.

Whew. I'm exhausted just typing all of these accolades and efforts out. Can you imagine doing all this stuff?!

Mad Hatters was Skittles Rainbow of Floral Fun

Celebrating its 26th year, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Serenade to Style fashion show and luncheon included a champagne reception, a fashion presentation showcasing collections from Lela Rose, Diane von Furstenberg and Escada and a seated luncheon. This year there were 6 awards to be handed out: Over the Rainbow: Most Colorfully Flamboyant, My Favorite Things: Chic Couture, The Yellow Rose of Texas: Most Elegant, Edelweiss: A Vintage Look, Tip Toe Through the Tulips: Most Whimsical, Do Re Mi: Most Creative use of Natural Materials, Best of Show. Criteria: Integrity of Design and Creative Use of Botanical. As you can see from the photos in this post, these ladies are serious about the themes and about W-I-N-N-I-N-G. In years past, the judges cast votes in all the categories. This year, each judge was assigned one category. In theory, this was a grand idea to simplify the process for the judges. The only problem, was that no one at the event knew which judge had each of the categories. This created mass pandemonium as contenders tried to figure out who they needed to get in front of to be seen and considered for their category.

NOTE TO THE COUNCIL: Next year have each judge seated at a table with a sign so that ladies can line up at their intended destination and everyone feels like they have been seen. Much more efficient to have the ladies parade past the judges that to have the judges try to navigate the crowd and see everyone. Just my two cents. Take it or leave it... 

Cynthia Smoot, Steve Kemble

The weather couldn't have been lovelier and everyone in attendance was in a sunny mood as we sipped champs and snapped away on our iPhones.  I'm pretty sure we almost overloaded Instagram.

Everyone was a-buzz because Steve Kemble was missing. But, wait! There he was - over in the corner with a milk carton on his head. Oh, that crazy Steve. You just cannot outdo him, no matter how hard you try. And try indeed, did LeeAnne Locken who dazzled in a custom chapeau created by Andre Yabin at Binzario Couture that took up two seats at the fashion show in and of itself. She was a rainbow of color (see below)!

There was practically a stampede to get a photo of Jill Rowlett who won the Best of Show award for her "It's Not Easy Being Green" Kermit the Frog ensemble. Not only was her hat amazing, but she was dressed in head to toe green silk and had a darling Judith Lieber Kermit clutch. Perfection! I always love Jill because you just never know what crazy, over-the-top thing she will show up in. Two years ago, she showed up with a 3-tiered working fountain on her head... I'm telling you people, these ladies are SERIOUS about this competition!

Oh So Stylish: Mad Hatters Tea 2017

Scroll through this gallery of spectacular images! Photos c/o Dana and Daniel Driensky, Gregory Martin, Danny Campbell, and Shana Anderson


Celebrating its 29th year, the always stylish and fashionable Mad Hatters Tea took place on March 27th in the beautiful Ginsburg Plaza at the Dallas Arboretum. This annual soiree benefits the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the nation inspired by women, funded by women and dedicated to the universal spirit of women. Event Chair Linda Spina with Sharla Bush as vice-chair and honorary chairs Amy Warren and her daughter Amanda Hill, greeted a sold-out crowd of 500 women who had come dressed to impress. Celebrity guest and hat judge Rachel Zoe created quite a buzz when she arrived with her dapper husband, Rodger Berman. It was bananas. Rachel is an unparalleled fixture in the fashion world known for her unique take on effortless glamour, fashion stylist to the stars, clothes designer, author and editor of The Zoe Report. Also penciling-in their favorite hats in special categories were judges Kori Green, jewelry designer, attorney and wife of country singer, Pat Green; Tara Green, president of Klyde Warren Park; Courtney Kerr, editor of KERRently, a fashion, beauty, interior design and travel blog; Caroline Kraddick, Kidd’s Kids CEO/Chief Happiness Officer of the Kraddick Foundation; Dallas-based fragrance designer Niven Morgan; Dallas’ own First Lady, Micki Rawlings, community leader, volunteer and wife of Mayor Mike Rawlings and the judges team of Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing, Park Cities restauranteurs and owners of Shinsei and Lovers Seafood and Market.

The Most Anticipated Charity Events in Dallas for 2015

Last year I published a very popular post titled, "The Best Charity Events in Dallas". While it was one of my most clicked on posts of the year, it also got me in a bit of hot water. The events that I listed loved it and everyone else got their feelings hurt that I didn't include them. SORRY! In that post I stated, "When I say these are the "best" charity events in Dallas, I am not talking about the most worthy charitable endeavors. Every non-profit organization has great intentions towards an admirable cause. But let's face it, there is only so much time and money one can give. At the end of the day people are looking for an event that not only provides them with a way to give back to a cause or their community but also provides a great experience, delicious food, great people-watching and an amazing experience that still has you talking about months later." I stand by that statement and the sentiment holds true for this year's post. Here are a few events for 2015 listed in calendar order that I can't wait to attend. Buy your tickets early because these luncheons, galas and shows WILL SELL OUT!

Dallas Dweller: Shay Geyer

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces.  Shay Geyer is no stranger to the charity scene, but in the past year, she's become the "it" girl of philanthropy circle. Need a chair person who can raise tons of money and attract all the right sorts of people? Want your gala to not only be fun but memorable?  Shay's your girl.

Shay Geyer

A love for design and a keen eye for art and textiles is in her blood.  Shay's mother, Beth Rafferty, started IBB Design Fine Furnishings, when she was just a toddler. After graduating from Arizona State University, Shay moved back to Dallas to partner with her Mother.

In 2006, Shay was asked to be the design expert for Good Morning Texas. Her segments feature tips on hot new design trends, how to buy furniture, selecting color palettes, making a difference with accessories, make-overs & much more.

And as if her schedule wasn't busy enough, IBB will launch of a 16 page glossy publication, IBB At Home, in September. The free subscription will offer their clients & readers features on our design projects, tips & trends & lifestyle & entertaining advice from some of the city's top luxury tastemakers.

When she and BFF, Maggie Kipp, co-chaired The Celebrity Waiter's Luncheon benefiting Family Gateway in 2011 they set new standards how to get tongues waggling, donations given and funds raised. She and Kipp teamed up again this past Spring to co-chair the Mad Hatter's Tea Party benefiting the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum. She is also active in The Junior League of Dallas, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Junior Associates of the Dallas Museum of Art, The Elan Circle of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and she is a board member of the Family Place and a founding member of STAR Children’s Charities.  "My mom & I are thrilled to be honorary chairs for this year's Partners Card benefiting The Family Place," states Geyer.  "IBB is a participating retailer in the amazing one week shopping event. 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of a Partners Card goes directly to The Family Place."

DIFFA/Dallas 2013 Delivers (Again)

Note the working chandelier inside her wig. Shut the front door!

DIFFA/Dallas is North Texas’ standout organization for raising funds for preventative education and services for men, women & children affected by HIV/ AIDS.  Now in its 23rd year, this year’s fundraising event, titled House of DIFFA, took place on March 23rd at The Hilton Anatole ballroom.  Rachel Abrams at CultureMap said of the event, "Marie Antoinette-inspired fashions, dynamic drag divas, priceless live auction experiences, burlesque dancers — over-the-top doesn’t even begin to describe House of DIFFA, the fashion and awards show presented by Joule Dallas, benefiting North Texas HIV/AIDS charities."  AMEN!  There are two events in Dallas that should be on your bucket list - and this is one of them (the Mad Hatter's Tea at the Dallas Arboretum is the other) and here's why:

Reason number one is that at any event where gays are the focus and in the majority, the level of fashion (ie, bling) is going to be off-the-chart fantastic.  The hair, the make-up, the accessories, the frocks.... it's like an eye candy explosion!  Think I'm exaggerating? Look at the photos in this post... and this is just a small sampling of what was in the room. I was pleased to see that our local design scene was duly represented by fashionistas at the event: Prashe was seen on Allison Volk, Dawn Mellon and Vivian Lombari.  Bri Crum donned IZAVEL by Isabel Varela and Dawn Neufeld shimmered in Watters.  Creations by couture jeweler, SHONA, adorned Jayne Chobot Harring, Dawn Mellon and LeeAnne Locken and Lisa Petty was spotted in Gehati.

Cary Deuber To Visit Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen On April 25

There are two measures of success when it comes to the hierarchy on a Bravo reality TV show: One, is the seating order at the show's reunion episode. The most important characters are seated closest to Andy Cohen. The further away from him you are on the couch, the least impact Bravo feels you had on the season. The other, is getting invited to appear on Andy's nightly talk show Watch What Happens Live to represent your series. Brandi Redmond was the first Real Housewife of Dallas to sit on the WWHL clubhouse and do shots with Shep Rose from Southern Charm and guest bartender Lady Bunny. Looks like Cary Deuber's "magical junk" has cast a spell on Cohen and she will be the next #RHOD Housewife to jet to NYC making an appearance on WWHL this Monday, April 25.

Tune in to Bravo at 9:00 PM CST on Monday for episode three. (Click here for a sneak peek!) We will see Tiffany featuring Cary’s couture closet in her web series, Sanctuary of Style, and discovering a shocking revelation about Mark. Brandi will deals with fallout from Bryan after her alcohol-infused episode at a male strip club and LeeAnne will invite Stephanie and Cary to lunch to address Brandi’s behavior at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Finally, Brandi’s mother shares a family secret causing Brandi to question everything she thought she knew about her grandfather. When episode three is over STAY TUNED for Cary's appearance on WWHL at 10:00 PM CST. My prediction is that she will wear Roberto Cavalli and they will discuss her magical junk. I can't wait!

Shay Geyer & Maggie Kipp are Texans With Character

The Celebrity Waiter Luncheon is no ordinary charity ladies-who-lunch event...

My friend Teresa Frosini called me a couple of days ago and said she was looking for someone to interview for a series she has called Texans with Character on CBS. She wondered if I knew of anyone who might fit the bill.  The problem wasn't "do I know anyone", my problem is that I know a million people who are worthy of being spotlighted! Dallas is full of amazing people doing good works to better our community.  

Maggie Kipp and Shay Geyer are co-chairing this year's Celebrity Waiter Luncheon benefiting Family Gateway. Not only is this event the most fun you will ever have at a charity event, they raised over $100,000 at last year's event and plan to double that goal this year. They have already been tapped to co-chair the Dallas Arboretum's Mad Hatter's event next Spring. These two are the new power couple of the Dallas charity scene so they were a no-brainer for this segment and I was happy to connect them to Teresa.

Here's the segment that aired today:

 
If you want a seat to the best luncheon in town, you'd better act quick. I am being told that there are only about 4 tables left to this year's Celebrity Waiter Luncheon benefiting Family Gateway. Click here for more information or to purchase a table or individual tickets.

PS: Love that I got a little cameo in this piece! Check me out in the ginormous sunglasses at :33 seconds into the segment standing next to Shay! And this is my video footage of Steve Kemble leading the room in the Village People's YMCA. To see the complete video ( a moment that will live in infamy) visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wunL_Y3lqNU

Real Housewives of Dallas Memes From Episode 3: Making Frenemies (April 25, 2016)

Tonight, the Real Housewives of Dallas kicked off with Tiffany visiting Cary’s couture closet to tape a vlog segment for her web series, Sanctuary of Style. During the course of the afternoon, Tiffany discovers a shocking revelation about Mark - he's a flaming Metrosexual who not only loves to cook but also buys all of Cary's clothes and knows a thing or two about clothing construction and textile design. Brandi dealt with fallout from Bryan after her alcohol-infused episode at a male strip club (now she knows how he feels when he gets accosted after a boys night out at The Lodge) and LeeAnne invited Stephanie and Cary to lunch at Bread Winners in Inwood Village (despite the exterior shot of the Uptown location) to address Brandi’s behavior at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party where this blog got a MAJOR shoutout. Holla! Don't worry, Harvey Levin, I think your job at TMZ is perfectly safe. Finally, Brandi's Mom (Jana Nace) shared a family secret that causes Brandi to question everything she thought she knew about her grandfather. Here's a meme-tactic recap (in no particular order) and a video clip of my moment of glory courtesy of Stephanie Hollman:

What You Missed: Twerking, the Limbo and Crooning at the 2013 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon

LeeAnne Locken and Candy Evans give Ron Corning a twerking for charity
photo Allyson Aynesworth

Celebrity Waiter Luncheon 2013
as recalled by Candace Evans of Candy's Dirt

Jamie Singer & Lindsay Jacaman
photo Shana Anderson

It’s Monday, and I am still trying to recuperate from this year’s Celebrity Waiter Luncheon benefiting, as it always does, Family Gateway. Family Gateway is a wonderful local charity that breaks the generational cycle of homelessness by providing individualized care to homeless families with children, then restoring the dignity, stability and self-sufficiency of the family unit.

Did you know that families with children are the fastest-growing homeless group in our city? Celebrity Waiter is one of many events throughout the year that raises money for Family Gateway, now in its 27th year. At the kick-off party last spring, held in the penthouse of Museum Tower, Jill Herz, board chair of Family Gateway, talked about the agency’s dream of ending child homelessness in Dallas by 2017. After Friday’s event, I’d say they are well on their way!

This year’s luncheon took place on September 6, at the newly decked out Joule Hotel in the heart of downtown Dallas. The organization was beautiful, as guests were greeted as soon as they emerged from the endearing valets – mine told me, unsolicited, how nice I looked! (He got a HUGE tip!) Garry Potts directed and produced a super video and PSA spot for Gateway as a donation in kind, and talented Shane Walker, who is opening a fab new store down in Trinity Groves, created all of the centerpieces that were available for purchase.