Oh So Charitable: 2d Annual Leadership Foundation Gala

Cynthia Smoot & Matt Nordgren
photo: John "Doc" Strange, Selig Images

The Leadership Foundation held their second annual awards gala on December 7, 2012 at The Room on Main benefiting The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and just keep livin' foundation.

In May 2010, the Rangers Foundation launched a partnership with the just keep livin foundation (founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey) and implemented the after-school program in three high schools in North Texas: Sam Houston High School in Arlington; Pinkston High School in Dallas; and Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School in Fort Worth. The program takes place twice a week, two hours a week after school, and provides fitness, nutrition, and self-awareness activities. Students also participate in a variety of community service activities.

Founded in 2011 by CEO of Nordco Consulting, Matt Nordgren, The Leadership Foundation is committed to giving back to non-profits whose purpose is to empower youth through sports and education. I know Nordgren from his time on Bravo's Most Eligible Dallas. You might know his from his time as Quarterback for the University of Texas. The spotlight fades quickly once the cameras stop rolling and it's nice to see that Nordgren has shrewdly married his sports and entertainment worlds to create something bigger than himself.

One Arts Plaza's Fall Block Party Goes to the Dogs

One Arts Plaza hosted its third annual Fall Block Party on Sunday, October 14 from noon-4 pm as part of the Dallas Arts District’s Art in October Celebration. The Plaza was closed off for pedestrian-only traffic and guests enjoyed food demonstrations from foodie favorites Tei-An, Fedora and Jorge’s along with newcomers The Greek and Café Des Artistes.

Bravo TV Loves Dallas and Courtney Kerr

Courtney rocks a POC
That's pop of color. Le duh!

Bravo TV announced today that Most Eligible Dallas star Courtney Kerr, is getting her own show called Courtney Loves Dallas.

The press release states, "Breakout star Courtney Kerr of “Most Eligible Dallas” navigates the lively Dallas social scene with her group of sassy, dynamic friends in this docu-series. Juggling her search for the perfect southern gentleman while trying to make a name for herself in the fashion industry with the growing popularity of her fashion blog, Courtney proves that having it all isn't easy."

Courtney told me that the show will follow her journey as she quits her long-time job at Sunglass Hut as a Regional Manager, moves into a new apartment, seeks to launch a career as a fashion blogger and - oh yes - looks for love in Big D.

Helping her navigate her way through life in Dallas will be besties Tori Gonzales and Daylon Pereira. And don't be surprised if yours truly makes an appearance. You know I am really good at weaseling my way into a scene!

Courtney Kerr

Courtney told me exclusively, "I am so humbled that Bravo would choose to develop a show around me. It's thrilling, but frightening at the same time. In an ensemble cast, if something isn't working you can say 'Oh, maybe they didn't like the chemistry between this person and that person. Or maybe a certain storyline wasn't working'. But for my new show, there is nowhere to hide. It's all eyes on me and that is extremely intimidating!"

Courtney also told me that this show was initially slated to be called Courtney Does Dallas, but Courtney's Mother (affectionately known as Mama Kerr) didn't like the connotation that the name gave and thus it was ultimately reworked into a more suitable version.  

We all know if Mama ain't happy - ain't nobody happy!

I'm just gonna pat myself on the back for a minute and say that I so called this show with Courtney ages ago.  Courtney will tell you herself that almost every time I see her I would jokingly ask, "So, when are you getting a spin off?" Anyone who watched MED is familiar with her witty quips and lists of what to do and not do in any given situation. She's quick on her feet and easy on the eye. A natural for TV. Personally, I adore Courtney and am thrilled for her success.

There have been rumors and rumblings over the last few months about whether or not Bravo TV would be renewing Most Eligible Dallas.  The ratings were good, but not great for the debut of this new franchise that aired in Fall 2011.  It's been widely reported that Bravo has stated there will be no more Real Housewives franchises, and rumor mill had it that they were putting their eggs in the Most Eligible basket. The plan was to do a Most Eligible in NYC, Chicago and beyond...

I hope Courtney stays on the right side of the tracks...

And it did look that way.  They had production companies working on casting additional shows for NYC and Chicago and they have been in and out of Dallas for the past 6 months casting for new faces for a Season Two here in Dallas. But it looks like they just couldn't come up with a cast or a formula that Bravo was happy with and they decided to scrap the whole concept.  Alas, all indications are that not only is Dallas not being renewed but the entire MED franchise is dead.

Courtney Kerr and me at a recent party for Family Place. We have bonded over our love of fashion and food.  Mainly food.

You can follow Courtney's fashion musings at What Courtney Wore.
Become a Fan on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and pin her styles on Pinterest.

To read more about Courtney Kerr and Courtney Loves Dallas, click here for exclusive interviews and all kinds of insider info!

KVIL Hosts Aurora Fundraiser and Dallas Delivers

(left) Ryan and Dawn Neufeld  (right) Jane McGarry and Steve Kemble
Holly Forsythe, LeeAnne Locken, Bill Griffin, Parris Rigby and Gina Noble

I got a call from Gene Gates last Tuesday. He is one half of the adorable The Gene & Julie Show on KVIL 103.7 Lite FM every weekday morning.  Gene & Julie had connected with Megan Saunders, one of the survivors from the Aurora movie massacre.  Megan shared her story on Gene & Julie's radio show via telephone from Colorado.  They were so moved by her struggle and her need to help her community that Gene's call to me went a little something like, "We want to do a fundraiser for those affected by the shootings in Aurora last week. Are you in?" And so began a three day whirlwind off phone calls, emails and postings on social media channels to pull together a benefit.

(left) Gene gates, Matt Nordgren and Julie Gates  (right) Melissa Poe

The first thought was to host a buffet style dinner and charge $50 a ticket. I wasn't so keen on that idea. It was fellow hostesses LeeAnne Locken and Parris Rigby who called Holly Forsythe, owner of Sambuca. Forsythe not only donated her venue in Uptown but offered up hors' de ouvres for guests at no charge.  This is really when things started picking up speed.  David Kiger of Worldwide Express and Bill Griffin of Bill Griffin Real Estate wrote checks to underwrite funds so that all of the proceeds could go to benefit the victims and survivors.  Carter Malouf donated a beautiful pearl necklace for us to raffle off. The whole project just came together seamlessly, with so many offering their resources to help.

Last Thursday, local media like Jane McGarry, Giselle Phelps from CW33, Teresa Frosini from CBS 11 and Danielle Vollmer from CW33's EyeOpener joined us at Sambuca to support and even broadcasted live on site. Bravo TV's Most Eligible stud Matt Nordgren was such a good sport and allowed us to auction off a date with him (raising $500!). And other Dallas starts like former NFL player Ryan Neufeld and his VH1 Football Wives spouse Dawn Neufeld, Steve Kemble and Melissa Poe from Big Rich Texas all showed up to support this cause and helped us promote the event through their social media channels.

Aurora, CO survivor Megan Saunders shows that Dallas helped raise over $12,000

Gene & Julie's goal was to raise $10,000. In the end, we raised over $12,000 that will go to aid the victims and survivors of this terrible tragedy. They say everything is bigger and better in Texas - clearly, that includes our hearts and our willingness to help our fellow man.

photos: Bob Manzano

Dallas Reality TV Blogger Gets Press Herself

Write enough about famous people, and you start to become "famous" yourself just for knowing them. Look at Perez Hilton. Today, my love of reality TV landed me in NeighborsGo, the community paper for the Dallas Morning News. I guess I can knock another minute off my 15 minutes of fame. Awesome.

They decided to theme this week's issue, calling it the "Stars Next Door" and sought to interview all the famous reality TV folks that live among us. A reporter first reached out to me for a quote on a story she was working on about Bravo TV's Courtney Kerr from Most Eligible Dallas.  It must have been a slow news week, because a couple of days later another reporter reached out to do a story on me and my love of reality TV.

I guess if you can't get to the actual stars... I'm the next best thing. 
Read all about it at http://neighborsgo.com/blogs/1/85145.

Top Hats & Tails 2012

(top left)  Monica Greene and Cynthia Smoot  (top right)  Tara Harper and John Brodrick 
(bottom) Father and his kiddos enjoy the event

Host Preston Pearson and Master of Ceremonies Scott Murray were back again to help Paws In The City raise funds to rescue dogs and cats set to be euthanized at the city shelters in last Saturday's 5th annual Top Hat & Tails Gala.

The event featured a silent auction and seated dinner but the real entertainment was a dance competition that paired local celebrities with Arthur Murray dance instructors ala ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. Each couple performed one dance routine. Steve Kemble, Drew Pearson and Claudia Marshall from Arthur Murray Studios comprised a celebrity panel of judges awarded scores based on style and performance. Guests could also vote for their favorites.  The female contestants wore dazzling costumes actually worn on the ABC hit show.

Ron Corning, Melissa Newton, Monica Greene and Shelly Slater

(top left)  Linda Armstrong and partner  (top right)  Steve Noviello and partner  (bottom)  Rodney Anderson and partner

This year's celebrity dancers were:

1. Rodney Anderson, Executive Director of Supreme Lending
2. Ron Corning, host of WFAA's Daybreak
3. Lynae Fearing, co-owner of Shinsei restaurant
4. Monica Greene, owner of Monica's Nueva Cocina and Mi Lounge
5. Linda Armstrong, Mother of Lance Armstrong and motivational speaker
6. Melissa Newton, CBS 11 reporter
7. Steve Noviello, Fox 4 consumer reporter
8. Shelly Slater, WFAA anchor/reporter

Congrats to WFAA's SHELLY SLATER who took home the "Lucy Trophy" this year with fantastic performance!!

Click here to see a gallery of photos from this event on Facebook.

photos courtesy of Peter Wynne aka "Plano Pete"

Dress for Success: Light the Runway 2012

Dress for Success launched Light the Runway, their first annual Father/Daughter runway show at Tootsies last Thursday.  Good Morning Texas host Amy Vanderoef introduced the show along with Dress for Success' local celebrity Ambassador, Courtney Kerr of Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas.

The celebrities that lent their talents on the runway included Gary Jackson & Alexia Figgous, Ricardo & Alissa Ortiz, Mike Degani & Sharon Blumberg, Leonard & Alsion Volk, Benny & Brianna Black, Rick & Rachel Fresquez, Vaughn, Gigi & Jade Miller, Brian & Bryn Neufeld, Freddy, Sofia & McKenzie Vaca, Daniel, Candice, Caydence & Caylee Hernandez, Mike Leatherwood & Jamie Lain Siegel, John Conte & Brianna Beasley, Stephen & Kelly Giles, James, Katy & Sara Ryan, Joe, Sara & Katherine Ho, Dean & Kennedy Ann Niewouny, Elgrie & Klarc, Joy Vida Hurd, Mitch Carr & Rose, Willow Skidmore, and Gene & Abi Ferrin.

Katy Messersmith, Kristen Fagelman and Courtney Kerr

Rick Fresquez, Rich Emberlin, guest, Amy Vanderoef and Alison Volk

Samantha Crum givers her Mama, Bri, some love

My favorite runway participants were the Daddy's with their little girls. 
Pictured here are Daniel Hernandez, FC Dallas Soccer Captain, with his two girls and former Dallas Cowboy, Ryan Neufeld with his daughter, Bryn.

Kristen Fagelman models a maxi dress from Katydid Collection | Rich Emberlin and LeeAnne Locken

Dress for Success beneficiaries, staff and supporters!

Dress for Success Dallas is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Dallas provides each woman in their program with one suit when she has a job interview.  When she successfully lands a job, she returns to Dress for Success Dallas for a second suit and up to a week’s worth of business appropriate separates. She also receives an invitation to join the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), our employment retention service. To learn more about this organization, or how to donate, visit their website.

Photos courtesy of Shana Anderson. Click here to see a gallery of photographs from this event.

Under the Big Top: Children's Cancer Fund Luncheon & Fashion Show 2012

The 24th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting Children’s Cancer Fund was held at the Hilton Anatole on May 2, 2012.  "Cancer.  It is a word that can change your life in an instant," said Co-Chair Keyea Webster.  Many in the audience could relate to that statement.   Webster, along with fellow Co-Chair Lori Buschel, introduced the day's event and rallied the troops to "dig deep" for the cause.

The fashion show, produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers, featured children undergoing treatment for cancer at Children’s Medical Center Dallas escorted down the runway by sponsors and celebrity guests such as Demarcus Ware, Mike Modano, the Dallas SWAT Team, Pat Smith, Scott Murray, Rudy Gatlin, Olympic medalist Mitch Gaylord and many more. The show was packed with energy and smiles, and these children really captured your heart.

Troy Aikman, Cynthia Smoot and Roger Staubach. Photo courtesy of Elite Appliance.

Honorary Co-Chairs, Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, were gracious hosts, posing for photos and signing endless sports memorabilia. I was kicking myself that it hadn't occurred to me to bring something to get signed for my son. Oh well, there's always next year!  Dr. Steven Skapek spoke on behalf of the doctors, nurses and other providers who treat cancer at Children's Medical Center and said their dedication, along with the support of the Children's Cancer Fund, has helped cure more than two-thirds of children with cancer today. However, the work is far from complete, he said.  Clarice Tinsley and Steve Eagar from Fox 4 News did a fantastic job of emceeing the event.  The grand celebrity finale walk was Tony Romo and Jason Whitten who were met with cheers from the audience.

(top left) Mike Modano and Matt Nordgren  (top right) Clarice Tinsley, Steve Eager and children
(bottom left) Country music legend Rudy Gatlin with patient (bottom right) Shirin Askari with Megan Saustad

Founded 30 years ago by a group of local parents whose children were being treated for cancer at Children's Medical Center, Children's Cancer Fund has become one of the nation's leading fundraising groups in support of local research for the treatment and prevention of childhood cancers. Among the programs supported by the fund are the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at Children's Medical Center and the Children's Cancer Fund Comprehensive Center for Research in Pediatric Oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, which is gaining a national reputation for its work in eradicating childhood cancers. In 2002, the fund initiated funding for a full-time Child Life Assistant at Children's Medical Center's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders to help better serve its outpatient clients.

Accessible Luxury 2012

Park Place Motors provided the hottest destination stop last Saturday night, hosting the 3d annual Accessible Luxury event benefiting Scottish Rite Hospital.  DJ Lucy Wrubel provided the soundtrack for the evening while guests enjoyed everything from fashion to cuisine featuring food from Kent Rathbun, The Grape, La Duni, to jewels courtesy of Eiseman Jewels.  Courtney Kerr from Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas emceed a spectacular fashion show featuring designs from Oscar de la Renta.  There was even a "Man Cave" geared towards the men at the event offering cigars, the Green House food truck, guns and fashion from Beretta.

I sweet-talked Park Place CEO Ken Schnitzer into unlocking a $400,000 McClaren for me to sit in. There's just something about sitting in a car worth as much as a house that make you feel goooood!  I also spied Barney's fashion guru Jack Son, Robin McMonigle, Ashley Oliver, artist Seth Simmons and Texas Monthly's LeighAnne Bakunas mixing and mingling.

Last year's event raised over $50K for the cause. Event Co-chairs Heather and Robert Murphy did an outstanding job overseeing this year's swanky soiree giving me every reason to believe that this year's tally will be more. Fingers crossed!

Click here to view more photos from this event on Facebook.

(top left)  Hilary Walker and friend  (top right) Courtney Kerr
(bottom left)  Jack Son with Harriet Kelly  (bottom right)  LeeAnne Locken and Ken Schnitzer

Special thanks to piermarini boutique for styling me for this event.  D Magazine just named them one of "Dallas' top shops". Visit their Uptown boutique to see why! piermarini boutique is located at 2701 Hibernia Street  Dallas, TX 75204, (214) 303-1261. 

Brad Goreski Breezes Through Dallas to Promote "Born to be Brad"

Brad Goreski first hit the national scene as Rachel Zoe's madcap assistant in The Rachel Zoe Show. Flash forward a couple of years and he's spun off from Zoe, created his own styling company, landed his own show with Bravo called It's a Brad Brad World, launched a partnership with Kate Spade and published a book.  Brad's been busy.

photo courtesy of Thomas Garza Photography

He bounced through Dallas this week on a 7-city tour in partnership with Brooks Brothers to promote his new book called Born to be Brad, My Life and Style. So Far.  His new memoir (part self-help/part biography) recounts how a pudgy boy from a tiny Canadian town became a fashion guru working alongside stylist-to-the-stars Rachel Zoe. However, the road to fashion fame has had its ups and downs. Along the way, Goreski battled a drug addiction, interned at Vogue and found personal happiness with his partner of ten years, Gary Janetti.

Click to view a photo gallery from this event on Facebook

It's a Brad Brad World has not yet been renewed for a second season, but Brad didn't seem to concerned. "I hope it gets picked up again," he mused, "but if it doesn't, then we'll move to Plan B - which is Plan Brad."  Goreski said the show has been great for his personal life and that his partner Gary Janetti, loved the experience. "It really brought him - well, both of us - out of our privacy bubble and opened up a whole other world for him. It's been a great experience!"

Admittedly, Goreski is at the beginning phases of what will hopefully be a long career in fashion. I asked him why he chose to write a book at the beginning of his journey. What did he feel he had to say when he was so new to his path? "I feel like I've had so many people over the last few years ask me how I got started in fashion, what is was like to be a stylist, how I came out of the closet and about my sobriety. I just wanted to put it all onto the page and literally close that chapter of my life. I'm ready to move on and I think I've learned some valuable lessons along the way that I can share with people."

Brad told me this was his first trip to Dallas but he was instantly taken with our "big hair".  He said, "It seems like it's all about hair and make-up here. Flawless."  He attempted to have lunch at Neiman Marcus Downtown, but the restaurant was closed for a private event so he ended up at Dallas Chop House (he had chicken).

Fellow Bravo TV star, Courtney Kerr of Most Eligible Dallas had texted me earlier in the day to gloat that she was taking Brad out to Smoke for dinner. When I asked to join them she was all like, "Back off, bitch. He's my man!" And then I was like, "Oh, no you did'unt!" and we had a big cat fight via text. Just kidding. But she did tell me I couldn't come. She wanted him all to herself. Well, herself and two other gay men. (sigh) I understood.  She'll need a favor from me one day and then you just wait. I will say, "Remember when..." :)

Courtney Kerr and Brad Goreski at Smoke

You can follow Brad on Twitter and become a Fan on Facebook.
Born to be Brad, My Life and Style. So Far. is available on Amazon or wherever book are sold!

Dress 4 Yellow 2012

Cynthia with Lance Armstrong

I followed a yellow brick road carpet into the beautiful historic Adolphus Hotel on Thursday, April 5, 2012 for the highly anticipated Dress 4 Yellow event held to raise funds for LIVESTRONG and Cook Children’s Cancer Center through a high-profile fashion show, luncheon and silent auction.

"Dress 4 Yellow is designed to inspire and empower those affected by cancer,” Lance Armstrong said. “Through dollars raised, we will increase awareness, provide critical navigation services, fund research and survivorship programs and work to end the stigma of cancer around the globe.”

The Adolphus Hotel provided a baroque and luxurious environment for this lavish event. Gene Jones, Tre Wilcox, Tiffany Derry, New York Times best-selling author Sandra Brown, Amy Vanderoef and her Congressman-hopeful hubby Grant Stinchfield, Pat Smith, Courtney Kerr, Matt Nordgren and Heidi Dillon started the day with a champagne reception in the historic French Room (my favorite spot ever and the best place in Dallas to go for a romantic evening)

(top left) Pat Smith and Tre Wilcox  (top right) Shelley O'Neal, Heidi Dillon and Gina Ginsburg 
(bottom) Judge Diane Haddock, Bobbie Marshall, Nancy Brown and Sandra Brown

We moved down to the Century Room where LIVESTRONG founder and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, along with Co-Chairs Jennifer Applbaum and Lee Nagel,  kicked off the runway show featuring designs by more than 20 of the world’s top designers. Each designer produced a custom-made yellow piece or select a yellow design from archived collections.

 Click here to see many more photos on Facebook

 Dallas fashion designers Shirin Askari, Nha Khanh, Lela Rose, Abi Ferrin and handbag designer Laura Ginsburg were represented. Other designers included Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Thakoon, Christian Siriano, Zang Toi, Cole Haan, Nike, Oakley, Ruffian, Sachin + Babi, Elie Tahari, David Meister, Rachel Roy, Chadwick Bell and more. Runway designs were beautifully styled with Kendra Scott Jewelry.

Dress 4 Yellow designs by Lela Rose, Nha Khanh, Abi Ferrin and Shirin Askari

The show was masterfully produced by Bret McKinney, who has been part of the Stanley Korshak team since 2000, and has been the driving force behind the store’s fantastic visual displays, as well as the producer of Texas Ballet Theater, DIFFA/Dallas and Fresh Faces of Fashion. 

Immediately following the runway spectacular, was a seated luncheon in the Grand Ballroom where four of the runway looks were feted in a live auction, including a pair of Justin Boots embossed with the yellow rose of Texas, and yellow dresses by Carmen Marc Valvo, Abi Ferrin and Tibi.  Cole Hahn provided fabulous wristlet clutches in a rainbow of colors for each guest.

The yellow theme left everyone feeling sunny and optimistic about the fight against cancer. The war might not be over, but this event was a battle won and that's something to celebrate! 

Courtney Kerr Gets the Boot

The 2012 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon Kick-Off Party was held on March 28, 2012 at Winston’s Supper Club in Uptown.  This is my favorite shot from the evening: As this year's celebrity waiters were being introduced, Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas star, Courtney Kerr, pointed out the fact that she was wearing a medical boot. Apparently, she dropped a MacBook on her foot and severed a tendon. Ouch! Pamela Martin Duarte from Big Rich Texas sympathizes at the thought of not being able to wear cute shoes for 2-3 months.

The 2012 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon benefiting Family Gateway will be held Friday, September 7, 2012 at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas and will kick off Family Gateway’s 25th anniversary in style. Last year's luncheon was such a riot, I can't wait for this year's luncheon circus show!

For more information, visit http://www.familygateway.org/events.htm

DIFFA 2012 Was Smoking Haute

On Saturday, March 31, 2012, more than a thousand socialites, drag queens, fashionistas and charitable do-gooders gathered at the Hilton Anatole for Smoking Haute: DIFFA Collection 2012 - a silent auction including smoking jackets, live auction, dinner, an amazing runway show, theater, after party, spectacle and excitement in a way that only DIFFA can deliver. All benefiting North Texas HIV/AIDS charities.

In 1966 Yves Saint Laurent introduced Le Smoking, a tailored fitted tuxedo jacket for women. A revolutionary idea that brought traditional male tailoring to the feminine form.  DIFFA took this as their inspiration for this year's theme and decided to reinvent this fashion classic in 2012, asking top name designers from around the county interpreting the Smoking Jacket with one-of-a kind couture designs for both men and women.  

(top left) Rene Rouleau and Shona Gilbert (top right) Buster and Cathy Williamson
(bottom left) Hillary and Eric Gilbert  (bottom right) Victoria Snee, Amy Vanderoef and Abi Ferrin

I came of age in the 1980's when HIV/AIDS first hit the mainstream as the "gay disease" that resulted in a painful and certain death.  In the next ten years, we discovered that you could also get the disease from sharing needles and that Mothers could pass it to their unborn children in the womb. The scientific community moved swiftly to discover drugs that would cure, prevent or at least treat the disease. 20+ years later, while no cure exists, we have been successful in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. But with these medical advances comes complacency for a new generation no longer faced with the fear my generation had about this disease.

Clint Bradley, DIFFA Chairman says, "HIV/ADIS is now a top-5 killer within mainstream communities worldwide, the US and especially Dallas. I am greatly alarmed with the bullet-proof misconceptions our youth possess towards the AIDS pandemic today.  DIFFA/Dallas has increased our focus on providing funding for preventative education."  With Federal funding diminishing, fundraising events like DIFFA are critical. 

(top left) LeeAnne Locken and Danielle Vollmar  (top right) Cynthia with Matt Nordgren
(bottom left) Heidi and Bill Dillon  (bottom right) Justin Bundick and Jose Reyes

Co-Chairs, Matt Wilkerson and Darin Kunz kicked off the event, welcoming attendees and introducing the 2012 Style Council.  Every team needs cheerleaders, and each year DIFFA selects a new group of Ambassadors, which include some of our town's most stylish trendsetters and movers-and-shakers.  But, these individuals aren't just pretty faces rah-rah'ing for the event - they are selected for their valued commitment to raising awareness of the fundraiser and money for North Texas AIDS service organizations who provide direct care to those living with HIV and AIDS.

This year's 2012 Style Council included:  Gillian Breidenbach, Anne Stodgehill, Raymund C. King, Bret McKinney, Hillary Gilbert, Jeri Johnson, Tara Harper, Abi Ferrin, Ken Foret, Chuck Steelman, Laura Ginsburg, Amy Vanderoef, Shay Geyer and Alberto Lombardi. 

photos courtesy of Quoc "QC" Cong of XO Photography

After a bland dinner of a breaded chicken breast, green beans and one baby carrot (seriously, for $300 a ticket they need to kick this up a notch next year) the fashion show began.  Produced by Jan Strimple, it was an over-the-top extravaganza of style and pop performance.  Of course, it's just not a DIFFA show without a drag queen show-stopper - and this year held a FABULOUS performance by some of my favorite girls lip-syncing to the Spice Girls. 

After they got the crowd all pumped up, it was time to boogie into the after-party. The DJ started spinning and everyone took to the dance floor. I immediately commanded my entourage, "Shoes off!" and we made a pile of stilettos in the middle of the dance floor, followed promptly by our clutches and other assorted accessories. We then proceeded to dance with wild abandon around the pile like gypsies around a campfire. It was hilarious fun and I can't wait for next year's event!

My dance posse:  LeeAnne Locken, Cynthia, Rene Rouleau and Dawn Neufeld.

Click here to see many more photos 

from this event on Facebook.

About 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.

About my ensemble:
Special thanks to Watters for my beautiful gown, Kendra Scott for the beautiful jewelry and to Daniel Lewis at Green Peridot Salon for sculpting my tresses into a sophisticated up-do for the evening. I felt like a Princess! 

2012 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon Kick-Off Party Sets the Stage for a Raucous Good Time

The 2012 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon Kick-Off Party was held this past Wednesday night at Winston’s Supper Club in Uptown. Belvedere Vodka provided three signature cocktails while Winston's passed delicious flat breads and bites!

Kick-Off Party Co-Chairs Lindsay Jacaman and Jaime Singer (pictured left with this year's Luncheon Co-Chairs Maggie Kipp and Shay Geyer) did a fabulous job of launching this year's festivities in style! Celebrity Waiter Luncheon host Steve Kemble introduced all celebrity waiters while the crowd cheered on!

The 2012 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon benefiting Family Gateway will be held Friday, September 7, 2012 at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas and will kick off Family Gateway’s 25^th anniversary in style.

Celebrity Waiter Luncheon Group Shot - Celebrities, Chairs and Family Gateway Executives

At this entertaining and lively luncheon, local business, media, political, entertainment and sports personalities will volunteer as celebrity waiters and serve guests for a great cause!  Each table sponsor hosts a table of 10 generous guests who come prepared to tip their waiters with wild abandon and bid for the extraordinary and unique auction items dangled in front of them.

Waiters seek tips in eccentric ways - pocketing your silverware, withholding your meal, singing, performing and dancing; the antics are endless as waiters go to great lengths to raise the most money during 90 action-packed minutes.  An exciting silent and live auction will take place, and all proceeds will benefit Family Gateway.

(left)  Courtney Kerr, Matt Nordgren & Shona Gilbert  (top right) Leslie Boysen and LeeAnne Locken
(bottom left)  Dorris Jacobs and Carmaleta Whiteley

Last year's event had Steve Kemble and LeeAnne Locken leading the crowd in a rambunctious version of the Village People's YMCA,  Pamela Martin-Duarte from Big Rich Texas and Candace Crawford Romo sang "Deep In The Heart of Texas" and Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun did the splits...  There is just no telling what will occur at this year's event.  One's thing for sure. This luncheon is worth the price of admission. It's the best show in town!

It's Official! Most Eligible Dallas is returning for Season Two

I've been calling this one for months, and Bravo has finally proven me right.  On Friday, March 23rd, 2012 Bravo representatives came to the Zenith Media New York office to present the network’s 2012-2013 Upfront programming tagged “Powered by Bravo”.  Bravo presented new and returning shows in the Food, Fashion, Beauty, Design and Pop Culture genres.

In that presentation was this blurb:

POP CULTURE

• Returning series include: Most Eligible Dallas, The Real Housewives Franchise (New York City, Atlanta, Orange County, Miami, Beverly Hills and New Jersey), Watch What Happens Live, The Millionaire Matchmaker, Bethenny Ever After, Inside The Actors Studio, Shahs of Sunset, Don’t Be Tardy For The Wedding, The Kandi Factory and The Kathy Griffin Comedy specials

We now have official confirmation from Bravo that the show is returning... but the million dollar question now is, returning with who?  It's a sure fire bet that Matt and Courtney will be coming back. I would be SHOCKED if Glenn and Neill returned. And that leaves wildcard players Drew and Tara.

What I know for sure, is that we will see some new faces. I can't wait to find out who those new faces belong to!!! Who do you want to see return?

To read the entire press release from Bravo about new and returning shows, click here.

Fresh Faces of Fashion features Nha Khanh for 2012

This year's Fresh Faces of Fashion program all began several months ago when Modern Luxury magazine collected nominations for this year's roster. To be selected as a FFF, one has to be not only stylish on the outside, but be able to serve up a dossier of charitable works and contributions to the community at large. The 12 lucky women selected to represent the program serve as stylish ambassadors to raise awareness and much needed funds to benefit the North Texas Suicide and Crisis Center.

These lovely lasses have appeared in the March issue of Modern Luxury and last Friday, they walked in a runway show at the 6th annual Fresh Faces of Fashion Gala held at Stanley Korshak featuring the Fall 2012 Collection from one of Dallas leading fashion designers, Nha Khanh.  Back for another year, co-chairs, Yvonne Crum and Jill Rowlett flitted amongst the crowd, welcoming guests and using their wiles to charm raffle tickets sales from the pocketbooks of all who entered!

These ladies are goooood and party-goers didn't stand a chance.

Cynthia with Matt Nordgren, Lee Bailey and Carmaleta Whiteley
Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Kari Schlegel Kloewer and 2012 FFF, Krystal Schlegel

Among the stylish in attendance were Carmaleta Whiteley, Lee Bailey, Mina Chang, LeeAnne Locken and Renee Rouleau. I caught up with Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas stars Matt Nordgren and Drew Ginsburg over a cocktail and ran into the whole Schelgel clan there to cheer on one of this year's FFF, Krystal Schlegel.

Immediately following the fashion show, attendees were feted at a dinner at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel.  Roy Jackson gave a moving talk about the loss of his son. He had the room both laughing and crying, which is hard to do - especially when you are not a practiced public speaker! He spoke of love and loss, sadness and anger, hope and finding joy again. I salute his courage in telling his story only one day after the 5th anniversary of his son's tragic death.

Fashions from the Fall 2012 Nha Khanh Collection

Fresh Faces of Fashion 2012

• Katy Messersmith, Founder and CEO of Katydid Collections
• Samantha Davies, NBC 5 Meteorologist
• Caroline Cooper, Student at UT Austin and Shop Across Texas student blogger
• Carla Miller, Civic Volunteer
• Kaylyn Montgomery, Client Liaison for Coquerel Family Estate Wines
• Bailey Coon, Sales and Marketing Associate for North American Spine
• Amy Wells Havins, Owner of Dallas Wardrobe
• Grace Victoria Davis, Fashion Blogger and Executive Director for SMU Fashion Week
• Allison Wiley Lent, Owner of TheSocialButterfly.com
• Lauren Parsons, Consultant with Parsons Agency
• Lynsey Wiley Provost, Fine Art Consultant
• Krystal Schlegel, SMU student and Fashion Blogger

Oh, but wait... it's not over yet!

There is a fierce competition to see who can sell the most raffle tickets for a chance to win a new Mercedes from Park Place Motorcars! The winning ticket will be drawn at an event in May at Park Place Motorcars.  To date, the Fresh Faces of Fashion events have raised over a million dollars for the Suicide and Crisis Center in the past six years.  Pretty darn impressive!

Click here to see many more photos from this event on Facebook

Click here for more information on the Fresh Faces of Fashion, and to purchase raffle tickets via SCCenter.org.

Sissy's Southern Kitchen & Bar: Come Sit a Spell

Lisa Garza with Cynthia Smoot

Well, fiddle dee dee! I do declare that I have found a new place to sit a spell and sip a mint julep.

Lisa Garza, a former contestant on The Next Food Network Star and owner of Lisa Garza Taste Studio, opened the doors of Sissy's Southern Kitchen & Bar to the public on Monday, February 27th.

I got a sneak peek/taste last Thursday at this exciting new dining experience that features authentic Southern cuisine, cocktails and décor at a media luncheon hosted by Garza.

“The concept is inspired by my Southern roots. I was born in Memphis and raised by an old-school Southern daddy,” Garza says. “I have worked in and around the fine dining scene for almost 20 years—Sissy’s will be a slight departure. I want to build a fun place that feels like home in the South with great food, awesome drinks and friendly service.”

(left) Chef Jeffery Hobbs  (right) Grandma's Layered Salad, Fried Okra and Shrimp & Grits

Garza hand-selected Chef Jeffery Hobbs, her dear friend and partner at Suze for seven years, to execute her culinary vision. If you only order one thing - you MUST get Sissy’s fried chicken: a choice of white or dark meat prepared in a house-blended brine and soaked in buttermilk. It is so damn good that we were literally fighting for pieces at our media luncheon.  And at the grand opening event, Drew Ginsburg ate at least 5 pieces right in front of me and then lamented about how he was going to have to call his trainer first thing the next morning. But, it was so worth it, wasn't it Drew...

Click here to see LOTS more photos on Facebook

At the grand opening on Friday, February 24 I spied Amy Vanderoef and LeeAnne Locken who had skedaddled over from A Night at the Karaoke Lounge benefit for Turtle Creek Recovery Center. DJ Jen Miller and Bri Crum were caught noshing on squash puppies and deviled eggs and Barney's Jackson was cruisin' the crowd working the room is his usual debonair style.  If you wanted to find Lisa Garza... you only had to go as far as the makeshift dance floor where she spent most of the night dancing to the sounds of 70s disco and 80s rock.

(left)  Jen Miller & Drew Ginsburg  (top right)  Rhonda Sargent Chambers & Daniel Winson Lewis
(bottom right) LeeAnne Locken & Rich Emberlin

Expect other Southern staples like corn fritters with whipped honey butter, whole fried okra, chili fried oysters and rémoulade, shrimp and white cheddar-green onion grits, Low Country gumbo, chicken and waffles topped with black strap molasses, and slow-cooked beef short ribs. The desserts were my least favorite part of the menu.  Nothing blew my skirt up.  Keep to the apps and entrees and you will not be disappointed.  The bar program features old-school Southern cocktails and a vodka “tea bar” that consists of crystal urns filled with signature tea-infused punches.

Sissy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar is located at 2929 North Henderson Avenue and will be open for dinner Monday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.  Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 214.827.9900. For more information, please visit www.sissyssouthernkitchen.com.

Dallas Reality TV Score Card. How We Doin'?

It's no secret that Dallas is a hot-bed for reality TV.  In the last 2 years we've been subject to Most Eligible Dallas, The A-List: Dallas, Texas Multi Mamas, Big Rich Texas, and Texas Women.  So, let's take a look at the scorecard to see how Dallas has fared:

• Big Rich Texas just debuted its second season
• Texas Women is currently filming its second season. Look for it in the Fall
• Texas Multi Mama's had decent ratings but the cast has had no "official" word on a second season
• The A-List: Dallas and Most Eligible Dallas has lots of street buzz but are also up in the air for a second season

Who wouldn't pay to look at THIS!?

Texas Multi Mamas was not the PR machine that the other two shows were, so, to me the big question marks are The A-List: Dallas and Most Eligible Dallas.  Here's what I know for sure:

Bravo asked 3 members of the original cast from MED to attend an Upfront in Chicago recently. Two of those members were then asked to attend the same event to be held in Dallas in April.

What's an upfront you ask? It's an event or soiree the network holds to wine and dine and schmooze potential advertisers for the upcoming season. They trot out their stars to razzle dazzle them so while they are drooling over say, Matt Nordgren, the Bravo rep can be picking their pockets clean. Oldest trick in the book..

The other thing I know for sure, is that Pink Sneakers Productions has interviewed every "eligible" person under the age of 40 (and a few that are over) to try and recast the show and make it more, um, let's say - dynamic. They were in town last week to film test pilots to show Bravo some new faces.  Doesn't mean Bravo's green-lighted anything, but it looks promising.

It's not looking so good for The A-List Dallas. I say this based on one lone bit of info. which I gleaned yesterday. Logo issued a press release touting new format changes to the channel saying,

"Logo is evolving its programming focus with new series and development deals that reflect gays and lesbians' increasing integration into mainstream culture today and their desire for shows that appeal to their multiple interests."

Eden Wood & Ashley Kelly

You can read the full press release here, but it's basically stating that gays are into more than just shows about gays. So Logo is expanding its programming to air more lifestyle shows and widen its reach.  They went on to release the names of some new shows they would be debuting - and mentioned some old ones. The A-List: Dallas (and New York) were not mentioned. Hmmm. This doesn't mean it's not coming back, but it means they aren't ready to say.

In a "isn't is a small world" moment, I couldn't help but notice that in Logo's press release they seem very excited about their new show featuring Eden Wood from Toddlers and Tiaras fame.  A-List starlet Ashley Kelly recently photographed Eden for a shoe campaign and that "fabulous New York City publicist" they refer to? That would be Andrew Sullivan who also represents Matt Nordgren and Courtney Kerr from MED.

Yep, it's a small, small world and it just gets smaller by the minute.  Do you have some insider knowledge to add to this dialog? Leave a comment on this post or shoot me an email (if you want to stay "off the record"). I'll keep you posted as news (or rumors) happens.