Mercury One Gears Up For M1 Ball

Photos c/o Gittings for Mercury One


On October 17, Mercury One hosted a patron party at the beautiful home of Travis and Stephanie Hollman in anticipation of the upcoming M1 Ball, happening November 17th at Mercury Studios in Las Colinas. M1 Ball event chairs D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock, along with honorary chairs Francie Moody-Dahlberg and Kevin Dahlberg, and spotlight sponsors Dee Simmons and others, helmed the festive evening to celebrate charitable giving. At the soiree, guests sipped fine wines from M1 Ball beverage sponsor Rodney Strong Vineyards and noshed on light bites from F2M Hospitality. All got an exclusive preview of M1 Ball live auction highlights, including tropical beach getaways and priceless, unforgettable experiences. Before the close of the evening, many guests purchased raffle tickets for the chance to win the 2018 CLA250 Mercedes-Benz.

Glenn Beck Announces M1 Ball Chairs at 2018 Kickoff Party

Scroll through the gallery to view photos from this event. Photos c/o Rob Wythe


Over the past 10 years, I have attended hundreds of charity events, fashion shows and parties, so it's not surprising that for the past few months, I have been experiencing event fatigue. I've decided that to keep blogging fun for me, I need to stretch myself, explore new avenues and step outside of my self-created box and that means more of a focus on people and projects that are meaningful and are striving to change the world for the better. So, when Mercury One's executive director Suzanne Bock Grishman approached me about getting involved with their annual gala this Fall, I jumped at the chance to learn more about their organization. Mercury One is a Humanitarian Aid and Education organization focused on restoring the human spirit. Their initiatives include "providing programs to individuals to advance the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for communities to help themselves as well as assisting our nation’s veterans, providing aid to those in crisis, and rebuilding and restoring the lives of Christians and other persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East." Sounds good, but what does that really mean? On Tuesday, May 16, I joined over 100 business and community leaders at Glenn Beck’s Mercury Studios to learn more about the organization and hear announcements for the 2018 M1Ball benefiting Mercury One, the nonprofit organization founded by Beck and his wife, Tania.

Unlikely Heroes Enlists Star Power To Help End Child Trafficking

Photos c/o Rex Curry/AP Images for Unlikely Heroes




On Saturday, November 4, 2017 Unlikely Heroes, a non-profit organization that rescues and restores child victims of slavery worldwide, hosted their 5th Annual Recognizing Heroes Charity Benefit presented by RE:defined Coffee House and sponsored by COOLA Suncare at the Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas. Local star power included Chef Tiffany Derry, Kellie Rasberry and Allen Evans, Melissa Rycroft Strickland and Real Housewives LeeAnne Locken and D'Andra Simmons. Critically acclaimed comedian Anjelah Johnson and Savannah Chrisley from “Chrisley Knows Best” kicked off the night with a fun rendition of “finish that tune” with singer-songwriter, Shane Stevens. Guests were randomly selected to complete the song lyrics, winning exclusive prizes. Actress Francia Raisa played along, cheering on the crowd singing and dancing with pal and second mother, Mandy Teefey, to Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time.” Hosts Savannah and Anjelah introduced event chairs, Kenyon and Katie Coleman. “Welcome to the Family” said Kenyon and Katie Coleman as they described the established bond the family has created with the girls, Unlikely Heroes and its founder and CEO Erica Greve. “Erica, thank you for the sacrifice you have made and putting others before yourself, you’re making a difference in the world.” As she was welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation, Greve thanked the crowd for their hospitable support toward the charity benefit and being home for Goldie’s house, their U.S restoration home.

EXCLUSIVE: Photos from LeeAnne Locken and Rich Emberlin's Engagement Party

Photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


On February 1, 2017, LeeAnne Locken and Rich Emberlin hosted friends and family for an intimate gathering at the Prashe showroom in the Dallas Design District to celebrate their engagement. This party was filmed for the Season 2 finale of the Real Housewives of Dallas - which is why I am just now showing you scenes fro the event. Bravo doesn't like spoilers! Flip through the gallery to see images from the party. Viewers of the show know that LeeAnne grew up spending summers on the carnival circuit, so it was fitting that the party had an (upscale) carnival theme. In attendance to celebrate the couple were "real" friends Heidi Dillon, Steve Kemble, Ken Weber, Shane Walker, Jane McGarry and me, of course. LeeAnne was radiant in a custom dress designed by Dallas-based designer, Nardos Imam. Since this soiree was part of the season finale, it was an all-cast event, which meant that Stephanie Hollman, Brandi Redmond, Cary Deuber, D'Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott were also milling about - some happier to be there than others. While there were no games to be played by guests, the cast played many. You can see how the soiree played out on the finale episode of #RHOD on Bravo Monday, October 30 at 9:00 PM/CST.

RHOD Memes: Season 2, Episode 1

Real Housewives of Dallas kicked off last night for the Season 2 premiere. Below are a couple of memetastic moments from last night's debut episode. I attended a private viewing party at Highland Park Village Theater hosted by LeeAnne Locken and D'Andra Simmons. Among those in attendance were Rich Emberlin, Jeremy Lock, Jane McGarry, Bo Dorton, Caroline Kraddick, Steve Kemble, Jenny Anchondo, Leigh Ann Adam, Dawn and Ryan Neufeld, and Hamilton Sneed. The show trended on Twitter, which was awesome. For those of you who watched... What did you think? Hit up my Instastory in the next 8 hours if you want to see behind-the-scenes-fun from last night's event. 

Real Housewives of Dallas Season Two Taglines Revealed!

The new season of the Real Housewives of Dallas will return to Bravo next Monday, August 14 at 9:00 PM CST. Joining returning Housewives Cary Deuber, Stephanie Hollman, LeeAnne Locken and Brandi Redmond are newbies D’Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott who will bring some new drama to the mix. In anticipation of the upcoming second season, which will include unexpected betrayals and shocking scandals, their new taglines were just revealed. Which is your favorite?

Real Housewives of Dallas Throw Shade Before Season Even Begins

This past Monday night during the Real Housewives of Orange County's Season 10 premiere episode, Bravo released a trailer for the Real Housewives of Dallas, Season 2 and FINALLY gave us an official air date of Monday, August 14, 9:00 PM CST. In addition to revealing the air date, Bravo also confirmed the two new cast mates, D'Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott by including them in the trailer. The next morning, they released their bios on BravoTV.com. None of this was any secret to readers of this blog since I announced Kam and D'Andra would be joining the cast back in February... but now the rest of the world knows. Once the cat was out of the bag, it didn't take long for the "ladies" to start jockeying for position and throwing massive shade on Twitter. Here's just a taste of what's already occurred and what we can surely expect much more of this season:

Symphony of Chefs 2017 Takes Dining For A Cause To A Whole New Level

photos c/o Thomas Garza


The social season is in full swing and as a result I am so behind in bringing you the scoop from the scene. Better late than never, right. I attended the 7th Annual Symphony of Chefs benefitting KidLinks on February 27, 2017 at the newly renovated and renamed Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station and was so impressed with the spectacular event that Hamilton A Sneed of HAS Events produced. This culinary evening was led by Honorary Chairs D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock, Event Co-Chairs Georgia & Marc Lyons and Bonnie & Nathan Shea and Honorary Chef Chair, Salvatore Gisellu with Urban Family Restaurants. The unforgettable night began with an hors d’oeuvres reception featuring Rising Star Chefs: Jan Loov of Texas Spice, Benjamin Maulsby of Happiest Hour, and Juan Orocio of 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery. DSQ Electric provided a live musical performance from the balcony in the Stationmasters Lounge lending a romantic flavor to the start of the night.

Jeremy Lock Flies Solo With A New Photo Exhibit at JM Gallery

JM Gallery recently launched a solo show of aerial landscapes and portrait photographs from photographer Jeremy Lock. The new exhibition kicked off Friday, March 3 where Lock hosted friends and family. In attendance were Lock's wife, D'Andra Simmons, and several of her Real Housewives of Dallas cast mates: Lee Anne Locken, Rich Emberlin, Dr. Mark and Cary Deuber. I loved that Kate Rose Marquez had her children in tow for a cultural outing, and I also chatted with Hamilton Sneed, JB Hayes, Jane McGarry, Steve Kemble, Chad Collum and a host of other interesting characters.

Bravo Is Banking On D'Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott To Save RHOD

Let's face it, the first season of Bravo's Real Housewives of Dallas was kind of a disaster. Questionable casting choices, an inexperienced production company, poor editing and a bad time slot all added up to a less than favorable debut for RHOD in the Spring of 2016. By the time the first season was over in May 2016, there were many who said the franchise would never be picked up for a second season. I, for one, never doubted that it would return for the main reason that in the history of the HW series Bravo has never canceled a franchise after one season. Well, except for Washington, D.C. but that was for legal reasons with that whole Salahi affair... What Bravo did, was set about to retool the show and give it the best chance of success the second time around. And one thing that would entail is new cast members. Over the past summer, I think every eligible woman over the age of 35 within 10 miles of Dallas got a call or an email to gage their interest in the show. Out of that group, many had phone interviews with casting and those who fared well advanced on to Skype interviews with the production company. Six women were selected to have video "sizzle reels" made to present to Bravo and in the end, two women were chosen. According to casting, high on Bravo's list was wealth, status and diversity. Well, they got two of the three with their selections. So, let's get ready to welcome Kameron Westcott and D'Andra Simmons to the crazy train, shall we!? Sources tell me that D'Andra will be introduced as LeeAnne Locken's friend and Kam will be brought in as Cary Deuber's friend. The reality is that D'Andra and Kam are great friends in real life and it will be interesting to see if they take their cues from production to play on the teams they've been assigned or rebel to forge their own path.

So, you want the juicy scoop the only I can bring you? Well, here it is:

A Night At The Museum Had The Perot Seeking To "Elevate" Fundraising in 2016

photos c/0 Thomas Garza Photography and the Perot Museum


Dancing in the clouds, hot air balloons, flight simulators, hair-raising experiments, dancing birds and floating foods had visitors soaring at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science’s annual fundraising gala, Night at the Museum: Elevate, on Saturday, Nov. 12. Held on all five levels of the Museum, the nearly sold-out soiree featured “play-and-party” activities, live entertainment, delicious science-infused fare and cocktails from Wolfgang Puck Catering, and dreamy décor that had patrons floating on cloud nine. “From aviation and nature’s beauty, to the future of flight, this year’s Night at the Museum will explore the many interpretations of elevation,” said Dan Kohl, the Perot Museum’s interim chief executive officer. “This event supports our mission to inspire minds through nature and science by allowing us to sponsor community outreach programs, fund research, provide financial assistance for students and bring in traveling exhibitions to our visitors.” An invitation-only VIP pre-party, presented by Highland Capital Management, kicked off the evening and in a nod to the Perot Museum’s fall traveling exhibition, Birds of Paradise, where Earth’s most flirtatious birds are visually displayed in a simulated exotic New Guinea rainforest guests got to witness a live bird show.

KidLinks Announces The 7th Annual Symphony of Chefs

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


Last Thursday, I attended a kick-off event for the 7th Annual Symphony of Chefs benefiting KidLinks. I have never attended this event so I was excited to learn more about it and the work that KidLinks provides. The party was held at the estate of long-time supporters, Vinette and Mike Montgomery, who welcomed over 80 guests for a night celebrating what will surely be an evening of culinary composition. Event chairs Georgia & Marc Lyons and Bonnie & Nathan Shea greeted guests as they filled the Montgomery’s backyard, which overlooks the Dallas Country Club. Good Morning Texas Co-Host Jane McGarry served as emcee introducing Marc and Bonnie who shared personal stories of why KidLinks and the annual Symphony of Chefs event was so important. They also recognized Honorary Chairs, D’Andra Simmons-Lock and Jeremy Lock along with sponsors and partners for making the evening possible.

Dallas Opera Opens Their 60th Season With Versace At The First Sight Fashion Show & Luncheon

photos c/o The Dallas Opera


Fashion is wearable art, a form of self-expression like none other so it's no surprise that the city's style-setters recently flocked to First Sight Fashion Show & Luncheon chaired by Ellen and Don Winspear for a fabulous presentation by Versace at NorthPark Center. Honorary Chairs were Joyce and Harvey Mitchell, and Luncheon Chairs were Tiffany Divis, Kara Goss, and Rhonda Marcus. Approximately 230 guests filled the C. Vincent Prothro Lobby in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. The fashion show began with a flurry of fantastic costumes from past Dallas Opera productions to add an air of authenticity and artistry to the event. The designers represented were Peter J. Hall (Rodelinda, Aida, Otello), Allen Charles Klein (La vida breve), and Nicolas Dvigubsky (Boris Godunov). Guests marveled at the creativity, detail, luscious fabrics, and adornments of the pieces enhanced by the beautiful set designed by Larry Leathers. The show continued with Italian luxury brand VERSACE presenting a variety of looks that ranged from casual, to career and evening in a variety of beautiful fabrics including wool, leather, jersey, silk, viscose, and suede. Judging by the enthusiastic applause, Fashion Show Producer Rhonda Sargent Chambers had another successful “turn on the runway.”

Join Me At Fur Ball 2016: Shedding Light on Their Future

photos c/o SPCA of Texas


The SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare agency in North Texas. The non-profit organization operates two shelters and three spay/neuter clinics located in Dallas and McKinney, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators to respond to thousands of calls in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other's lives. The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other humane organization so fundraising is important! And here's where you come in.  The SPCA of Texas will present Fur Ball 2016, “Shedding Light on Their Future,” on Saturday, September 24 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This gala is the a salute to the bond between people and their pets and a celebration of the SPCA of Texas’ important mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home. The elegant, black-tie gala will include dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions for over 1,000 guests. This year’s Fur Ball is raising the bar with headline entertainment by Limelight, a party, variety and dance band that features top flight singers and musicians from around the country. Fur Ball 2016 is sure to be a tail-wagging success thanks to honorary chairs D’Andra Simmons & Jeremy Lock, Anne & Steve Stodghill and Drs. Wendy & John Vandermeer; chair Phyllis Comu; co-chair Kristen Greenberg; auction chair Sandra Fite; and event emcee LeeAnne Locken.

Alyssa Milano Honored at 2nd Annual UNICEF Children First Gala in Dallas

(Press Release) On Friday evening, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF hosted the 2nd annual Children’s First: An Evening with UNICEF gala at Sixty Five Hundred in Dallas, Texas, which raised funds to support UNICEF’s mission to save and improve children’s lives. The event honored actress Alyssa Milano with the Spirit of Compassion Award for her work in support of children throughout 13 years as a UNICEF Ambassador. “I’m truly grateful to be part of this special family making a difference for our world’s children. I say family, because to me, that’s what UNICEF is: a global family... Becoming a mother has only intensified the pride I feel for this organization. No parent should ever have to go through the pain and suffering of losing their child to preventable causes. I hope that my dedication to UNICEF one day inspires my own children to take action and live a life that focuses on giving.” said Alyssa Milano. Pier 1 Imports also received the UNICEF Children First Award, accepted by President and CEO Alex W. Smith, for their 31-year commitment to raising funds and awareness for the organization, while Sterling McDavid, UNICEF Next Generation National Development Committee Chair, was presented with the inaugural NextGen Champion for Children Award, for her dedication to helping children globally. Over the course of the evening, guests enjoyed a performance by country singer Sara Evans, a seated dinner and a live auction presented by Louis Murad. More than 330 guests attended the gala hosted by Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers raising over $730,000 in support of UNICEF’s work. Notable attendees included actress Naomie Harris, event Co-Chairs Joyce Goss and Jessica Nowitzki with Dallas Chair, Let us Learn’s Serena Simmons Connelly as well as leadership committee members Catie Enrico, Sheryl Maas, Selwyn Rayzor, Leigh Rinearson, Gowri Sharma and D’Andra Simmons.


Photo: U.S. Fund for UNICEF Co-Chair/Southwest Regional Board Vice Chair Joyce Goss, UNICEF Co-Chair Jessica Nowitzki, UNICEF Ambassador and recipient of the 'Spirit of Compassion' award Alyssa Milano and U.S. Fund for UNICEF Southwest Regional Board Chair Selwyn Rayzor at the Children First. An Evening With UNICEF on April 15, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for U.S. Fund for UNICEF)

Photos: #RHOD Dallas Watch Party With LeeAnne Locken and Tiffany Hendra

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


KVIL hosted a Dallas watch party for the debut episode of the Real Housewives of Dallas on Monday, April 11, 2016 at their CBS Studios. ‪#‎RHOD‬ stars LeeAnne Locken and Tiffany Hendra posed for photos with fans and gave commentary during the commercial breaks. Among those in attendance were Ken Weber, Allison Mitchell, Jeremy Locke, D'Andra Simmons, Heidi Dillon and Dawn Mellon. Tune in to Bravo every Monday night at 9:00PM CST to watch the RHOD and join me on twitter at www.twitter.com/ohsocynthia as I live tweet every episode. It will be meme-tastic! To read more inside scoop on the cast from the Dallas blogger who knows them best, click HERE.

Dallas Opera Kicks Off Its 2015-16 Season With First Sight

Touch your mouse to the screen below to flip through scenes from this event:
Certain photos c/o Kristina Bowman for the Dallas Opera


I was thrilled to attend the First Sight Fashion Show and Luncheon last Friday, chaired by Ellen and Don Winspear with Honorary chairs Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings. The C. Vincent Prothro Lobby in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House was transformed into a fashion venue complete with runway and Dallas’ most glamorous models donning designs. Fashions from British luxury brand Mulberry, which opened this year at NorthPark Center, were shown and I especially loved the big chunky shoes that came clomping down the runway. Hoorah for comfortable footwear! In what has become a tradition at FIRST SIGHT, five custom pieces—each a representation of an opera produced this season and created by five internationally renowned Dallas-based designers—kicked off the show.  The designers who took on this creative challenge were: Geoffrey Henning (Great Scott); Khanh Nguyen for Nha Khan (Tosca); Edo Popken (Becoming Santa Claus); Elizabeth Anyaa (Manon); and Michael Faircloth (Show Boat). Each drew inspiration from the opera for which they were selected, from The Dallas Opera’s incredible 2015-2016 Season, to craft a custom piece, donating their time and materials for FIRST SIGHT. I have been a fan of opera and classical music for as long as I can remember. The love affair started early listening to Mozart and Beethoven as background music for my favorite Bugs Bunny cartoons and I delighted as Alfalfa crooned to his beloved Darla the arias from Figaro in The Little Rascals. The first opera I ever saw was Pirates of Penzance when I was 10 or 11 years old at the Music Hall at Fair Park and I was hooked. The pageantry and extravagance combined with the theatrics and beautiful music was not lost on me and opera has held a special place in my heart ever since that outing. I hope that you will consider taking in a performance this season and experiencing the magic that is the Dallas Opera!

Oh So Charitable: UNICEF Children's First 2015

Co-Chairs: Selwyn Rayzor & D'Andra Simmons Lock
Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images

I was unable to attend last Friday's first ever Children First gala benefitting UNICEF at Sixty Five Hundred but based on the glowing posts and candid Photobooth pics I saw on Facebook, it was a rousing success.

The event honored American Airlines with the inaugural UNICEF Children First Award for more than a 20 year commitment to raising awareness and funds for children worldwide through UNICEF’s Change for Good® Program. In a press release I received, I was informed that American Airlines’ Vice President of Flight Service, Hector Adler accepted the award on behalf of American Airlines.

More than 300 guests attended and $600,000 was raised for UNICEF’s lifesaving programs that put children first. Dallas notables in attendance included Rich Moses and Selwyn Rayzor, Jeremy Lock D’Andra Simmons Lock, Serena Simmons Connelly, Kimberly Chandler, Jessica Nowitzki, Susan Posnick, Joyce Goss, Barbara Buzzell and Moll Anderson.

Guests enjoyed dinner, a live auction by Auctioneer Louis Murad, as well as a performance by violinist Bobby Yang. Auction packages included a Tyson Chandler and Dallas Mavericks Experience in which the lucky winner won a home game jersey signed by UNICEF Ambassador Tyson Chandler, two tickets to a 2015-16 Dallas Mavericks Road Game and transportation on the Mavericks’ private jet. Additional auction packages included a UNICEF Field Visit to see one of UNICEF’s programs around the world, a trip for two to New York Fashion Week in September 2015, a National Geographic Expedition and a private dinner at Chef Stephan Pyles Restaurant.

(left) Susan Posnick, Shona Gilbert  (right) Joyce Goss, Jessica Nowitzki, Leigh Rinearson, Barbara Buzzell

photos via Instagram

The Verdict on Cattle Baron's Ball 2014

Kenny Chesney was the featured performer for CBB 2014

For the past several decades Cattle Baron's Ball had socialites tromping the fields of Southfork Ranch in support of the American Cancer Society. Earlier this year, 2014 Co-Chairs Cindy Stager and Jill Tananbaum shocked the social scene with their announcement that one of our city's most iconic fundraisers would be moving to Gilley's. This bold move had tongues wagging, wondering how the change of venue will affect the vibe of the event.

My guess, is that after several consecutive years of torrential rain the night of this annual outdoor shindig, people were tiring of spending boatloads of money only to have their hair frizz, boots muddied and VIP seating disappear as organizers scrambled at the last minute to shove the event under a tent and throw hay on the ground (which FYI, does not help much). Some called it social career suicide, but Jill and Cindy held firm in there belief that a change was needed.

Their gamble paid off in spades.

House of DIFFA 2014 Masquerade (in pictures)

It's hard to put into words the fabulosity that is DIFFA. The mission of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is to raise funds and grant those funds to organizations which fight HIV/AIDS by providing preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, treatment and direct care services for people living with/impacted by HIV/AIDS and that support public policy initiatives which add resources to private sector funds. Known for it's over-the-top fun and fund-raising abilities, their annual black-tie gala makes this event one of THE hottest tickets in town every year. DIFFA chairman of the board Brittanie Buchanan Oleniczak, event chair Jim DiMarino and honorary chair Simona Beal led this year's efforts and instigated a couple of BIG changes. First off was a venue move from the Hilton Anatole to the Omni. The second was to give the gala a theme of "Masquerade" which inspired guests to add venetian masks to their already glittering ensemble. Instead of me describing the eye candy, I thought I'd just let you see it for yourself... Enjoy the show!

Steve Kemble and Christopher Wright
photo: Thomas Garza