Local Chefs Serve It Up To Benefit Dallas Homeless

photos by Rob Wythe and Cynthia Smoot


This past January 19, the soup line was a little more glamorous than usual for the 8th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale at downtown Dallas’ historic Union Station. The Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Show featured a dozen of Dallas’ finest chefs serving up a signature soup as the first course of the meal. Chefs include Chef Chairman Brian C. Luscher of The Grape and Luscher’s Red Hots; Chef Brent Anderson, Wolfgang Puck Catering; Chefs Melody Bishop & Dennis Kelley, LARK on the Park; Chef Omar Flores, Casa Rubia; Chef Danyele McPherson, Remedy; Chef Misti Norris, Small Brewpub; Chef Suki Otsuki, Mudhen; Chef Janice Provost, Parigi; Chef Abraham Salum, Salum and Komali; Chef Sarah Snow, The Grape and Chef Brian Zenner, On-Premise. Micki and Mayor Mike Rawlings served as Honorary Chairs of the 2016 luncheon, co-chaired by Stewpot Alliance members Charlotte Legg and Christi Nicolas. Longtime Stewpot supporters Christy Coltrin and Brad Oldham were honored at the event with the Stewpot Alliance Recognition of Commitment Award for their ongoing dedication to The Stewpot and its clients. Keynote speaker, Collins Tuohy, whose life was chronicled in The Blind Side and shares a famously close bond with her adopted brother Michael Oher, urged audiences to see the value that every person holds and not to let presumptions skew the judgement of others. The luncheon also included an art sale of original paintings from artists of the Stewpot Open Art Program. The Stewpot, which celebrated 40 years of service to the Dallas community in 2015, provides meals to our homeless and at-risk neighbors as well as a full range of health and human services, youth activities and cultural programs for those in need. In 2014, The Stewpot invested in a downtown neighborhood revitalization project by helping to establish Encore Park. Encore Park is a nonprofit that encompasses an outdoor community garden and amphitheater, and in the future, will provide space for nonprofit agencies partnering with The Stewpot. http://thestewpot.org

Advice For The Real Housewives Of Dallas From Fellow Dallas Celebrities

Dallas is a virtual HOTBED for TV casting. Any major reality or competition show worth its salt makes a stop in Big D when looking to cast interesting or talented characters with big personalities. We've seen our citizens dominate and humiliate in shows like The Bachelor, Dancing With The Stars, Top Chef, Biggest Loser, The Voice, American Idol, Fast & Loud, Texas Women, Big Rich Texas, Most Eligible: Dallas and many more. Last fall Bravo announced that the Real Housewives of Dallas would be the latest addition to their juggernaut franchise and ever since then Dallas has been buzzing with guesses about who would be in the cast. Even I have been fingered as a possibility, which is oh so flattering! While the cast remains in debate, what I know for sure, is that these ladies have NO IDEA what's about to hit them smack upside the head. I've been covering reality TV and celebrity news in this town for a looooooong time and have become friends with many of the stars that make these shows fun to watch. So, I reached out to a few of them to ask, "What do you wish someone had told you before you started your reality/competition TV journey?" Here's some sage advice for the new cast of #RHOD from those who have been there before:

Chick Lit Luncheon Announces Tim Gunn as Featured Speaker

Tim Gunn and Cynthia Smoot in April 2004

Tim Gunn

Community Partners of Dallas announces New York Times bestselling author and Emmy-winning co-host and mentor for Lifetime’s Project Runway Tim Gunn as the featured speaker for the tenth annual Chick Lit Luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel. Under the leadership of luncheon chair Kristi Hoyl, with honorary chair Brian Bolke, the 2016 Chick Lit Luncheon will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016, with a move to a new venue, the Hilton Anatole, to accommodate what is expected to be record-breaking attendance.

Long-time volunteer and supporter Jill C. Bee will be awarded the Partners for Children award for her ongoing commitment to the philanthropic needs of our community and years of service meeting the needs of abused and neglected children. A special Tenth Anniversary Champions of Hope award will be given to long-time Chick Lit Luncheon presenting sponsors Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, for their unwavering commitment to Community Partners of Dallas and the children they serve.

While the luncheon has traditionally featured best-selling female authors, the ten year anniversary called for someone extraordinary. Tim Gunn, with his witty and frank observations on everything from style and fashion to the Kardasians, along with his signature catchphrase, “make it work,” is the perfect fit. The tenth annual Chick Lit luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel will be held on April 1, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Anatole, Imperial Ballroom. The event will include a wine reception followed by a seated luncheon and remarks by Mr. Gunn. Tables begin at $1,750 and are on sale now; individual tickets will go on sale in early March. For more information, visit communitypartnersdallas.org.

The Perot Museum Is Looking For Cool Collectibles

My collection of light-up plastic Santa's from the 1960/1970s

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is conducting the ultimate hobbyist’s challenge in advance of its first full-scale, self-curated exhibition, Eye of the Collector. The general public is invited to submit their collections – everything from quirky and crafty to historic and valuable items – for a chance to have their precious possessions on display within the exhibition. Starting today, contestants can upload information and photos of their collections in the categories of “Best Youth” (17 and under), “Most Unique” or “Most Visually Stunning” at perotmuseum.org/contest. The deadline to submit is Sunday, Feb. 21, at 11:59 p.m. CST. “Imagine your personal collections on view for thousands of Museum visitors to see! The big question is – how do you use inanimate objects to tell your compelling story? What is it about your collection and why you collect what you do that moves people?” asks Colleen Walker, Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum. “That’s what we’re setting out to learn as we gear up for the Perot Museum’s first fully curated exhibition, Eye of the Collector."

FGI of Dallas Announces 2016 Rising Star Nominees

FashionGroup International Dallas (FGI Dallas) has announced the 2016 Rising Star nominees. Dallas’ most notable young talent in the world of fashion, art and design will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:00 pm at Galleria Dallas during the Rising Stars event.

Nominees include:
Fashion: Andre Yabin & Luis Nazario, Esé Azénabor, Charles Smith II
Accessories: Jeremy M. Calhoun, Allison Mitchell, Taylor Miller
Photography: Cameron Lee Phan, Kelly Williams, Jason Fitzgerald
Make-Up: Joanna Hathcock, Shane Monden, Jerrad Trahan
Interior Design: Kara Legako, James Turner, Andrew Gonzales
Art: LaToya Jones, Jo Jo Herda, Shawn Saumell

Galleria Dallas will set the stage for a seated runway show produced by Jan Strimple featuring retailers from Galleria Dallas. FGI of Dallas members will choose the winner from each category. Voting begins February 2 and runs through February 12. Tickets prices are $75 and $100 for VIP front row seats. Proceeds from the event fund FGI Dallas’ foundation scholarships. For more information including how to purchase tickets visit GalleriaDallas.com/FGI or call 214.634.0204. To join, FGI of Dallas, go to www.fgi.org/dallas.

VIPreview of Decadence: Fashions from the 1920s Offers Eye Candy Galore

Photos c/o Thomas Garza, Bob Manzano and Danny Campbell


Decadence: Fashions from the 1920s, a fashion exhibit celebrating the beauty and elegance of the 1920s, kicked off with a VIPreview on Wednesday, January 20. Presented by Galleria Dallas, curated by Ken Weber of Vintage Martini and featuring pieces from the Susan Denn and Robert Schmidt Collection and The Texas Fashion Collection of UNT College of Visual Arts & Design, Decadence showcases the allure of the 1920s in fashion and accessories. The exhibit is timely given the resurgence of 1920s-inspired silhouettes on the runways of designers such as Gucci, Marchesa and Prada and the popularity of shows such as Downtown Abbey. Local style stars and fashionistas such as Jan Strimple, Heidi Dillon, Dawn Mellon, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, handbag designer Allison Mitchell, Chuck Steelman, Carmeleta Whitely, Yvonne Crum, Jack Son, Holly Quataro, and Gina Ginsburg turned out to view rare pieces from French, Spanish and Italian couturiers including Madeleine Vionnet, Mariano Fortuny, Maria Monaco Gallenga and Lucien Lelong. The exhibit is incredibly displayed and breathtaking to behold. I can't say enough great things about it - and it's FREE - so get over to the Galleria this month and take it all in! Decadence: Fashions from the 1920s is free to Galleria shoppers and can be visited at the Galleria Dallas/Level One near Banana Republic January 22 – February 28, 2016. Visit www.galleriadallas.com for exhibit hours.

The Dallas Arboretum To Create Edible Garden With PBS Star P. Allen Smith As Consultant

P. Allen Smith

Last night I attended a farm-to-table supper hosted by the Dallas Arboretum's Vice President of Gardens Dave Forehand "to explore, learn, and exchange ideas about the Dallas food scene with local farmers, farmers markets, chefs, and restauranteurs" and to hear about their exciting plans for a new edible garden.

I just saw the words "you are invited" and "dinner" and accepted the invitation. I have to admit I didn't really know what I was walking into, but it turned out to be spectacular. What I learned was that a new edible garden and events facility called A Tasteful Place will debut in the fall of 2017 on a 2-acre plot on the property’s south side boasting a spectacular view of the Downtown skyline.

According to a recent D Home interview, "Visitors to A Tasteful Place will see all manner of in-season vegetables, herbs, and brambles. And like the Arboretum’s trial gardens for plants and flowers, the edible garden will have its own on-site lab for testing different plant varieties for viability."

What I thought was going to be a media dinner to get us hyped up about this project, turned out to be more of a focus group with local farmer's market representatives, farmers/growers, gardeners and food policy makers in attendance, eager to throw in their two cents on what this project should stand for, and how the Arboretum could help educate the public and change state policies. The Dallas Arboretum recognizes that while it's nice to have pretty flowers to look at, what we need as a society is to get better educated about what we are eating, where it comes from and how easy it is to grow your own food - or at least buy from local farmers and purveyors.

Dallas Realtor Alecia Holden Stars In Survivor: Kaôh Rōng' Debuting February 17

One of the amazing things about living in Dallas is that we are a virtual HOTBED for reality TV casting. Any major reality show worth its salt makes a casting stop in Big D when looking for interesting or talented characters with big personalities. We've seen our citizens cast as contestants and "stars" on shows like The Bachelor, Dancing With The Stars, Top Chef, Biggest Loser, The Voice, American Idol, Fast & Loud, and we are about to be able to add the much anticipated Real Housewives of Dallas to the list. Alecia Holden (age 24) who works with broker Mark Anthony Rodriquez at Uptown Realty will take her turn at trying to be the ultimate Survivor when the show returns with a special 90-minute premiere on Feb. 17.

The Hospitality Sweet To Open In Preston Center This March

The Hospitality Sweet, located inside the historic Post Office and Federal Building in Downtown Dallas, will be opening a second location in March 2016 inside Preston Center at 6135 Luther Lane in Dallas, Texas. Set to come in at almost three times the size of the space downtown, the Preston Center location will be furnished with longer farmhouse tables to accomodate large groups. The addition of a large window in the kitchen area will allow guests to watch as their meals are being prepared. Look for a much more extensive breakfast menu that will include items like Eggs Florentine, Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, and Cinnamon Hazelnut Buns with cream cheese frosting. Happy hour will be available at the second location with a menu owner Meghan Adams has been dreaming up ever since she saw it becoming a reality. “We plan to include Rosemary Donutes with prosciutto, fresh parmesan and drizzled olive oil; Vegetable Flatbread Pizza with pesto, zucchini strings, pine nuts, red peppers, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella and drizzles of olive oil; and Mini Baked Bries with almonds, craisins, and jam,” said Adams.

The Hospitality Sweet is located inside the historic Post Office in Downtown Dallas at 400 North Ervay and is open Mon-Thurs for breakfast, from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and on Friday 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Lunch is available Mon-Fri, from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. More information can be found at thehospitalitysweet.com or by calling 214.999.6704.

Dallas Dweller: Heidi Dillon

Ken Downing, Heidi Dillon, Bill Dillon and Dallas Dillon at the 2015 FGI Night of Stars Gala

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.

Dallas Dweller: Heidi Dillon

Get #Uncorked With KVIL's New Podcast From Courtney Kerr and Leigh Ann Adam

Leigh Ann Adam & Courtney Kerr are two bad-ass babes who take over the North Texas airwaves weekdays from 3-8 PM on 103.7 FM/KVIL to discuss the things that women are talking about: pop culture to breaking celebrity gossip, and sex & relationships. They chat about all of life's pleasures, problems and mysteries all over a bottle (or 2) of wine… it's unfiltered, uncensored, #Uncorked!

The only problem is, that I never get to listen to their show because I am working! So I was thrilled to hear that the girls launched a new podcast on Monday. If you like to laugh, I encourage you to subscribe. It's an edited down version of their show with the best clips of the week - minus the music.

"I am so excited about the podcast because it's worldwide and more importantly we get calls all the time about what we really said on-air," says co-host Leigh Ann Adam. "This is the unfiltered version of our show. You get to hear what was bleeped out of the local version. Plus, every podcast features exclusive new content and celebrity interviews that was not featured on the local show."

Kelly Clarkson is a fan and says she loves these girls because the "stories they tell are so memorable" and she means that in a because-they-are-so-raunchy kind of way... Subscribe to the podcast by visiting:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/leigh-ann-courtney-kerr-uncorked/id1074057516?mt=2

Hawaiian Falls seeks nominations for New Year Blessings program

Hawaiian Falls wants to hear about a family or individual who needs a special blessing in this new year. Nominate humble heroes who always put others’ needs before their own. Maybe it’s teacher, or someone who has had a rough time lately and just needs their spirits lifted. “We’re always looking for ways to bless families,” said Clint Hill, president of Hawaiian Falls. “Our mission has always been to bring families closer together. That might take the form of added value for our season pass holders by giving them money-saving coupons and Buddy Passes. Sometimes that means offering a free day at the park to families that can’t afford even a single visit to the park. If you know of a family that needs a special blessing, please take a few minutes to nominate them.” Hawaiian Falls will choose a family from each of its seven parks to receive a complimentary Family Extravaganza to be used during the 2016 summer season. The Family Extravaganza prize includes a private Cabana for a day, Hawaiian Falls beach towels, admission tickets for the immediate family, Combo Meals and All Day Drinks. To enter a nomination, visit http://tinyurl.com/hfbless16

Steve Noviello Goes Viral... With A Mermaid Pillow

FOX 4's Consumer Reporter, Steve Noviello, is a 6-time Emmy Award winning journalist known for money-saving advice, bargain hunting & product reviews (like his story on the Samsung S4 phone battery malfunction that caused the phone to catch on fire - yikes!). His popular "Deal or Dud" series tells you what's hot and what's so not... He was just at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas bringing viewers technology trends of the future. Heck, he's the guy who tracked down the thief who hacked his credit card and busted her on camera.

But he never imagined that one of the biggest news stories of his career would take place shopping on his day off. Steve and a pal were at Nebraska Furiture Mart when they stumbled across some fun throw pillows that feature a reverse sequin pattern. It's called a Mermaid Pillow. Rub the pattern one way and it's one color, reverse your flow and it turns into a different color altogether. They thought the pillows were cool and made a short video showing what you could do with them by moving your hand back and forth to create patterns or write words. Steve posted this video on his Facebook Page thinking a few people would also find it fun. He was right! Within 24 hours the video had racked up 20+ million views. Nice!

Emmitt Smith To Appear On CSI: Cyber This Sunday, January 10

Footage courtesy of CBS Broadcasting, Inc

He's the NFL all-time leading rusher, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Dallas Cowboys legend, Dancing with the Stars champion and... actor? Yep, Emmitt Smith is adding a new talent to his list of accomplishments when he appears (as himself) in an episode of CSI: Cyber this Sunday, January 10th. "Emmitt ought to do Emmitt pretty well," he joked in a recent telephone interview with The Associated Press. "It really doesn't compare to football in terms of the physical activity. Mentally, it's kind of the same because in football there's terminology you have to learn. Here, you have to remember lines." Smith appears in an early scene, signing autographs on the streets of chilly Washington. Shad Moss' character, Brody Nelson, recognizes the former running back. Moss, the rapper once known as Bow Wow, and Koontz's character, Daniel Krumitz, strike up a short conversation with Smith, even challenging him to a foot race (of sorts). Does he accept their challenge? You'll have to tune in to find out. Click here to see a fun behind-the-scenes video of Emmitt's day on the CSI: Cyber set. Watch Emmitt Smith play Emmitt Smith on CSI: Cyber this Sunday, Jan. 10th on CBS at 9PM CST.

Disclaimer: Emmitt Smith is a client of my agency, Gangway Advertising. So, am I biased in thinking that he's pretty awesome? Probably. But you can judge for yourself! 

USA Film Festival Announces KidFilm schedule

The USA Film Festival just released the schedule of events for the 32nd annual KidFilm® Festival taking place Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24, 2016 at the Angelika Film Center. KidFilm is the oldest and largest-attended children’s film festival in the United States, featuring an entertaining, educational, and diverse line-up of new and classic films for both children and adults. This year, the Festival pays tribute to favorite children's book authors, celebrates diversity, the power of music and rhyming, classic fairy tales, magical journeys, and salutes environmental activism with a program featuring live action and animation, short films and feature-length works for audiences of any age. Tickets for all shows are FREE for children & adults! Programs are free but you must have a ticket for admission; Tickets and seating are limited. Tickets for all shows are available day of show only, beginning one hour before each showtime. For additional information, please call the USA Film Festival at 214-821-FILM (3456) or visit www.usafilmfestival.com. The Angelika Film Center is located at 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane at Central Exp, Dallas.

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

Soup's On! benefiting The Stewpot on January 19th

The 8th annual Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Sale will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2016 (11am-1:15pm) at downtown Dallas’ historic Union Station. The Stewpot Alliance Soup’s On! Luncheon and Art Show features a dozen of Dallas’ finest chefs serving up a signature soup as the first course of the meal.

Art will be available for sale at the event 

Chefs include Chef Chairman Brian C. Luscher of The Grape and Luscher’s Red Hots; Chef Brent Anderson, Wolfgang Puck Catering; Chefs Melody Bishop & Dennis Kelley, LARK on the Park; Chef Omar Flores, Casa Rubia; Chef Danyele McPherson, Remedy; Chef Misti Norris, Small Brewpub; Chef Suki Otsuki, Mudhen; Chef Janice Provost, Parigi; Chef Abraham Salum, Salum and Komali; Chef Sarah Snow, The Grape and Chef Brian Zenner, On-Premise.

Micki and Mayor Mike Rawlings are Honorary Chairs of the 2016 luncheon, co-chaired by Stewpot Alliance members Charlotte Legg and Christi Nicolas. Longtime Stewpot supporters Christy Coltrin and Brad Oldham will be honored at the event with the Stewpot Alliance Recognition of Commitment Award for their ongoing dedication to The Stewpot and its clients.

Collins Tuohy 

Keynote speaker, Collins Tuohy will share a famously close bond with her adopted brother Michael Oher. Using her own experiences as examples, Tuohy urges audiences to see the value that every person holds and not to let presumptions skew the judgement of others. Tuohy encourages everyone to do something to change the life of another person.

The luncheon also includes an art sale of original paintings from artists of the Stewpot Open Art Program. Union Station is located at 400 South Houston Street.

Tickets are $150 per person and sponsorships are available. The Stewpot offers a safe haven for homeless and at-risk individuals of Dallas, providing resources for basic survival needs as well as opportunities to start a new life. To learn more about the luncheon and to purchase tickets, go to www.SoupsOnDallas.com.

photos c/o The Stewpot

The Pin Show To Showcase Emerging Designers on February 20

The Pin Show 2015 | Photo c/o Art Cash

The Pin Show has become known for featuring the latest in locally produced, independent fashion on a runway. Originating as a liaison for independent designers to gain access to stylists, artists, retail buyers and the like, this unique Dallas fashion show has gained tremendous momentum and a devoted following and support by those in the Dallas fashion industry.

The Pin Show just announced that it will host its 2016 event on February 20, 2016 at The Bomb Factory. The Bomb Factory offers 51,000sq ft. of wide open space as a blank canvas for The Pin Show. The Pin Show will still feature its 22 designer line up, with each designer showcasing collections of 6-10 looks.

New to The Pin Show this year is an opening ceremony, where we will open with two Veteran designers, Jesse Thaxton of Melancholic Design and Charlotte Elliot of Yomono, who will curate their own show by creatively working with our professional teams on music, hair, makeup and stylists, to feature over 15 looks each.

The Pin Show has also teamed up with BBD designers, Mike Arreaga, Rick Fontenot, and Jonathan Rudak for a creative installation on the runway. BBD has most recently featured their projection and installation work at AUORA and Art Conspiracy.

The Pin Show will feature a Co-Op boutique with looks from the 2016 designers as well as a market place featuring 10 additional designers in Accessories, Handbags, and more! For more info, visit http://www.thepinshow.com/.

Annual Radiothon Raises Over A Million Dollars For Children's Health

Touch your mouse to the image below to scroll through a gallery of images from this event:
photos provided by Children's Health, staff photographers


The 2015 Christmas is for Children Radiothon, which supports Children’s Health, raised more than $1 million for the seventh-largest pediatric hospital in the nation. The annual event, held Dec. 10-11, raised a total of $1,003,236. One hundred percent of the funds raised over the two-day period support programs at Children’s Health. In partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, CBS Radio DFW broadcast live from the hospital on 98.7 KLUV, La GRANDE 107.5 FM and NewsRadio 1080 KRLD. This year, 22 patients and families shared their heartwarming stories via pre-recorded interviews or live appearances with on-air personalities from all three stations. Brian Purdy, senior vice president and market manager for CBS Radio DFW, said, “Even after all these years of working with the amazing team at Children’s Health on this incredible effort, we continue to be overwhelmed by the response of our listeners. They open their hearts and their wallets with one purpose: To help the next generation of North Texans live life to the fullest. We can’t imagine a better gift.” For more information, please visit https://www.childrens.com.

Dallas Cowboys End Season With Support From Famous Fans

The Cowboys were 4-11 heading into today's final game of the season against the Washington Redskins. According to USA Today, "They’ve played seven games at home at AT&T Stadium (today was their eighth) but haven’t won one since the opener against the New York Giants on Sept. 13. Alabama has played at Jerry Jones’ house twice this season and won both games — its opener against Wisconsin and the College Football Playoff on New Year’s Eve against Michigan State. So when you think about it, the Crimson Tide is more successful in the Cowboys’ stadium than the Cowboys." OUCH. The Dallas Cowboys may have had one of their worst seasons in recent memory but that didn't stop Dallas' famous faces from turning out to support America's Team at Sunday's game against longtime rival, the Washington Redskins.

How Dallas' Famous Faces Celebrated New Years Eve

Proving like they are just like us - only richer and usually better dressed - Dallas celebrities, sports stars and media journalists brought in the New Year like most of us... with friends, food and a whole lotta booze. I hope that wherever you were and whatever you did, you ended 2015 and started the new year surrounded by family, friends and a whole lotta love. Happy New Year everybody!!

Today our Rookie Club teamed up with @DoGoodLiveWell to deliver food & spread cheer at a local senior facility. pic.twitter.com/guHPoJ79y5

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 28, 2015

Kicking off the New Years festivities a few days early, the Dallas Cowboys Rookie Club teamed up with Do Good. Live Well to deliver food & spread cheer at a local senior facility.

We made it!!! Bon Voyage!! 🛳 pic.twitter.com/0nR5JtxSCp

— Melissa Rycroft (@MelissaRycroft) December 28, 2015

Well, @tonydovolani, looks a little different than the last time we did this...but not too shabby!! 😉 pic.twitter.com/72oqRGLSxM

— Melissa Rycroft (@MelissaRycroft) December 31, 2015

Melissa Rycroft (The Bachelor and Dancing With The Stars) headed off with her family on a Disney Cruise to bring in the New Year, proving that the happiest place on earth is anywhere your family is! And how cute is she with that baby bump!?