The Tseelana Market- Oct. 8th

On October 8th, The Wilson Foundation's Program for children in South Africa will be hosting The Tseelana Market, featuring art, accessories, jewelry, and gifts. The Wilson Foundation began with the intent to raise money to provide educational opportunities for financially disadvantaged children, and has since expanded its scope to address the needs of the whole child, including providing health services, mentoring and arts & cultural enrichment.

With it's South Africa Program, the Wilson Foundation has built and expanded schools, constructed assembly halls, cafeterias, and residences. It has also provided scholarships to high school students to help give them the opportunity to further their educational studies. Help The Wilson Foundation spread hope to the disadvantaged children in South Africa by contributing to events like The Tseelana Market, a few moments of your time can mean a lifetime of promise for another.

What: The Wilson Foundation's Tseelana Market
When: October 8th, 5:30-7:30pm
Where: 2715 Fairmount Street, Dallas, TX 75219
Contact: Tori Mannes- 214-523-7577

Winter Hugs & Warm Soles Luncheon- 10/14

On Wednesday, October 14th, the Hearts & Hands Alliance will host their Winter Hugs & Warm Soles Luncheon. The luncheon will be held at the Northwood Club in Dallas and begins at 10:30am. The event benefits Wednesday's Child Benefit Corporation which helps bring hope and healing to foster children so they can overcome pasts of abuse and neglect and claim futures as confident, independent members of the community. As the number of foster children continues to increase, so does the need for additional awareness of their needs throughout the community.

The speaker on the 14th, is Chris Gardner, author of novel turned Blockbuster hit, "The Pursuit of Happyness."

What: Hearts & Hands Alliance: Winter Hugs & Warm Soles Luncheon
Where: Northwood Club, 6524 Alpha Rd, Dallas, TX 75240-3599
When: Wednesday, October 14, 10:30AM
RSVP: Contact Cheryl Brown: CherylBrown@sbcglobal.net

Marit Peterson Golf Tournament

Tee off on Tuesday, October 20 from Richardson’s Canyon Creek Country Club and swing research dollars towards the Marit Peterson Fund for Melanoma Research at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

At 10:00am., hit the driving range, putt around the silent auction and schedule your melanoma screening. Tee off is a shotgun start at 1:00pm And afterwards, mix and mingle at the Keynote Speaker Dinner and place your final bids at the auction.

This joyful and bubbly five-year old was diagnosed with melanoma when she was just 18 months old. Marit successfully completed a year’s worth of three times a week Interferon injections to head off the chance of a recurrence. Her prognosis is good and she continues to return to M. D. Anderson every six months to monitor her progress. Other than that, Marit is a cheerful child who brings much joy to her family.

The Marit Peterson Golf Tournament was established by her parents, Candy and Jeff Peterson and maternal grandparents, Patty and Chris Crosby to raise money for this Fund. 100% of the proceeds go toward this Fund as all the Tournament costs are absorbed by this amazing family. Over the last two years, $440,000 has been raised.

The Golf Tournament was highlighted at the Conversations with a Living Legend Award Luncheon on Friday, September 18. And to top it off, Marit was honored by presenting Mrs. Laura Bush the Living Legend Award.

The Marit Peterson Fund for Melanoma Research supports research under the direction of Marit’s oncologist, Dr. Jeffrey E. Lee, professor of surgical oncology in the Melanoma and Skin Center at M. D. Anderson. Dr. Lee and his research team are investigating the inherited genome that causes melanoma.

Sponsorship levels are $10,000 to $1,000. Individual player $250 and Keynote Speaker Dinner $100. To participate, please go to www.maritmelanomafund.com.

Nature Fest 2009

The Trinity River Audubon Center's 2009 Inaugural Nature Fest will be held this year on Saturday & Sunday, October 10th and 11th. Come out and "get your green on" to attend workshops on composting, recycling, water conservation and energy conservation. Both children and adults can learn about native plants and wildscaping while exploring the Center's sustainable features like backyard poultry and urban bee keeping.

There will be: yoga, tai chi, kayaking, and encounters with some of our local Texas Wildlife including birds, fish, and turtles! The Trinity River Audubon center offers an educational haven on nature and sustainable living for people of all ages and is supported in part by the City of Dallas. See a full schedule of this year's events here.

2009 - NATURE FEST
When: October 10th and 11th
Saturday: 10am- 4pm
Sunday: 12pm- 5pm
RSVP: Admission is free for the fest, just $5 to park!
Where: The Trinity River Audubon Center, 6500 South Loop 12, Dallas, TX 75217

NACE Tabletop Industry Competition and Fundraiser

We start off October Breast Cancer month with a fantastic fundraiser for Susan G. Komen for the Cure at the Infomart on Thursday, October 1st. The tables will be designed by companies in the catering/food industry. NACE is the National Association of Catering Executives and they have a very active chapter in the DFW area.
Each table will be judged by attendees as well as the celebrity judges.....
Steve Kemble (America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru) The Wedding Guys (Bruce Vasser and Matthew Trettel)Susan Carter Johns (VP and Chief of Staff of Susan G. Komen International)Spencer Mullee (VP of INFOMART).
For tickets or donations to the silent auction please contact Wendy B. Timson at wendy.timson@wolfgangpuck.com

Council for Life Luncheon- Nov 3rd!

Save the Date!!

2009 Celebrating Life Luncheon- Council for Life
Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 11:30 am
Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas, Texas
Special Guest Speaker:Jim Cymbala, Pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church and best-selling author. Men, Women, Pastors, and Friends are all invited! Watch for your invitation to arrive in the mail the first week of October! Tickets for the luncheon are $150 and are available by contacting: Kathy Smith at 214-369-4707 or ksmith3408@mac.com. Click here to find out about the 2009 luncheon beneficiaries!

Zoo To Do - Gone Wild

No time to go on a genuine African Safari? No worries – because on Saturday, October 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., you can go into the “Wilds of Africa” at the Dallas Zoo for the wildest Zoo To Do ever!!

Dress in your African safari or animal print chic attire and enjoy the Monorail Safari tour while sipping a cocktail alongside Honorary Chairs Mayor Tom and Laura Leppert and Event Chairmen Patty and Dennis Stone. Afterwards, visit the various tents in the “Wilds of Africa” and nibble on treats provided by more than 25 of Dallas’ top chefs and restaurants. Chef Chair Jim “Sevy” Severson has assembled talented chefs and owners such as Kent Rathbun and Rick Griggs from Abacus, Dan Landsberg from Tillman’s Roadhouse, David Holben from Del Friscos Double Eagle Steak House, Sara Johannes from Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, Richard Chamberlain of Chamberlain’s Steak & Chop House and Fish Market Grill, Jim Severson from Sevy’s Grill and T.J. Lengnick, Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing from Shinsei to participate.

Throughout the evening, hunt for treasures in the fabulous silent auction. And capture even bigger treasures in one of the evening’s highlights, the spectacular live auction. Then cap off the night with high-energy music, entertainment and dancing under the stars.

Can’t be there? Then visit the online auction at http://www.dallaszootodo.com/ going on now through midnight Wednesday, September 30.

In 2010, the Dallas Zoo will introduce a major new addition, the Giants of the Savanna which will house the elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, warthogs, hoof stock and painted dogs. This new habitat will showcase one of the most forward-thinking and innovative African wildlife exhibits in the country while replacing some of the oldest exhibits at the Zoo. Zoo To Do supports these initiatives to grow and improve the Dallas Zoo.

Sponsorships are available from $50,000 to $1,500. Tables are $2,500 and individual tickets are $250. For more information, contact Suzanne Gerard at 214-943-2771 X320 or sgerard@dallaszoo.org.

Picture taken by Jason Wynn of Jason Wynn Photography

Literary Luncheon Series at the Dallas Arboretum

The Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum is about to kick-off with the first of this year's literary luncheon series on Thursday, October 8th. The group will be reviewing "Landscapes of the Heart" and "The Light in the Piazza" both by author Elizabeth Spencer. "Landscapes of the Heart" has been deemed a southern contemporary masterpiece and "The Light in the Piazza" was transformed into the Tony-awarded Broadway musical. The Reviewer that day, Nancy L. Ashley, will bring Spencer's spirited storytelling to life.

The Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a Texas-based non-profit organization that supports and promotes the garden's continuance and growth through financial support and membership.

When: Thursday, October 8th, 11:00pm- 1:00pm
Where: Rosine Hall at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8617 Garland Rd., Dallas, TX 75218
RSVP: Purchase tickets here, by mail.

Against the Grain Productions- Cocktails for a Cause

Hurry and purchase your tickets to the Dallas premiere of Operation Babylift with film Asiafest Friday, September 25th at 7:00pm at the Dallas Museum of Art. Then, join Against the Grain afterwards from 9:30-11:30pm at the Dallas Center for Architecture for Cocktails for a Cause to help raise money for the organization. Against the Grain works to provide future educational, cultural, and artistic opportunities for Asians and Asian Americans and movies by Against the Grain Productions work to promote social awareness and unity of the Asian American culture and identity.

The film premiering on the evening of the 25th is titled: "Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam". The film is about the $2 million dollar US initiative that airlifted over 2,500 Vietnamese orphans out of a war-torn country to protect them from the impending threat of the Communist Regime. The documentary chronicles the lives of some of these adoptees thirty-five years later through interviews and stories.

RSVP HERE:
- Film Premiere: September 25th, 7:30pm at the Dallas Museum of Art Tickets HERE
-Cocktails for a Cause: September 25th, 9:30-11:30pm at the Dallas Center for Architecture, purchase Tickets HERE.

Horsin' Around - 2009 Equest Auxiliary Luncheon

Pony up to Brook Hollow Golf Club on Tuesday, October 6 at 11:00am for the 2009 Equest Auxiliary Luncheon, "Horsin’ Around"!! Chairman, Lynn McBee and Producer, Rhonda Sargent Chambers have assembled a high-energy, fun and fabulous fashion show with community models such as Nancy C. Rogers, Amy Turner, Tanya Foster, Jamie O’Banion, Nancy Carlson, Allan McBee and Holly and Stubbs Davis strutting down the runway in clothes from Highland Park Village retailers. See the latest Fall fashions from Tory Burch, Anne Fontaine, Beretta and the newest store, Vince (just to name a few). Models will sparkle in jewels from William Noble and Judith Ripka. Children of community leaders will also trot down the runway outfitted in clothes by Scoop and St. Michaels Women's Exchange.

Prior to the show, be there to support Dee Wyly and daughter, Emily Wyly as they are presented the 2009 Equest Award for Community Service. Both ladies do so much for the Dallas Community and are well-deserving of this award.

Equest is an internationally recognized 25 year old non-profit agency that provides therapy using horses for children and adults with all types of disabilities and learning differences.

Sponsorships for the Luncheon are available from $25,000 to $2,500. Patron tickets are $250; regular tickets are $150. Please contact Lynn McBee at 214-707-7065 or dlynns@aol.com.

FUR BALL @ Lilly Pulitzer - SPCA of Texas

Fur one and fur all next Wednesday at the SPCA of Texas "Fur Ball" event at the Lilly Pulitzer Northpark Center store. No one loves animals more than Lilly, you, and the SPCA! Join the delightful duo in helping to raise money for all of our furriest of friends!

The kick0ff party is from 6-8pm and will feature cocktails and shopping! With a purchase of $250 or more, receive a free Lilly Pulitzer printed dog collar for your approving pup! 10% of the evening's sales will be donated back to the SPCA of Texas which "is the leading animal welfare agency in North Texas with two shelters and two spay/neuter clinics located in Dallas and McKinney, and serves as an active resource center providing an array of programs and services that bring people and animals together." Now that's something to shop for!

When: Wednesday, September 23 from 6-8pm
Where: Lilly Pulitzer at Northpark Center, Dallas
RSVP: No RSVP required, but please print out this card and bring to the event.

Unique Holiday Party and Charitable Giving all in one!!

The board and fundraising committees of the Dallas Hearing Foundation's Sounds of the Season Gala, are offering a solution to corporations and small business' to help give to a charity as well as have your holiday party without having to do the planning!! Companies can buy tickets or tables to attend the Sounds of the Season Gala and market it internally to their clients and employees as their holiday party, and for the company, it is a tax-free deduction!!
The Sounds of the Season Gala will be emceed by recently retired chief meterologist Troy Dungan and tickets are avaliable to the public for the purchase price of $150/ticket, which includes an evening of dinner, dancing and holiday cheer!
For more information please contact Kristen Dickson @ Kristen@kristendicksonpr.com and visit www.dallashearingfoundation.org

UT Center for BrainHealth - TAG Launch Party

One of the most exciting things about Dallas is the UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth. Researchers from all over the country want to work at the UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth because they know it is a national leader in brain research.

And now the younger set is forming a group – TAG (Think Ahead Group). Join the Executive Committee of Sarah Monning, Maggie Flagg, Molly Soper, Ginna McLanahan, Steve Owen and Sam Owen for their Launch Party on Thursday, October 1 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. The event starts with a fun cocktail reception followed by a not-to-be-missed speaker!! And I mean a truly fabulous speaker!!!!!

The mission of TAG is to provide a new generation the opportunity to participate in and influence the greatest scientific initiative of the 21st century: unlocking the mysteries of the human brain. So many are impacted by loved ones who have some sort of brain disease, and TAG is devoted to engaging a new generation in helping support research that could help lead to cures in the future.

If you are interested in attending, please call Maggie Flagg at 972-883-3225 or Maggie.flagg@utdallas.edu for more information. Reservations are required.

Kisses to Kim- this Friday!

Please join Women That Soar this Friday for the Kisses to Kim , part of the organization's "Brilliantly You" two day celebration. Kisses To Kim is special tribute to Kim Dawson. Enjoy cocktails, hors d' ouvres and fashion exhibit with Kim Dawson models. This fantastic event is hosted by Jan Strimple and Debbie Denmon and will be held at Marc Events.

When: Friday, September 18th, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Marc Events, 1130 Dragon Street, Ste 120 Dallas, Texas 75207
Tickets: $65
RSVP: e-mail Gina@womenthatsoar.com

Come meet Jay Strongwater!

The Collin County Children's Advocacy Center and Neiman Marcus, Willow Bend are having a reception to meet the fabulous designer Jay Strongwater and view his fall collection. Please mark you calendars for Tuesday, September 15th from 6 to 8 pm on Level Three at the Gift Galleries. Besides the fall collection the Christmas ornaments will also be displayed.

Dallas Contemporary Legends 2009

Dallas Contemporary Legends 2009- For 17 years, Legends has awarded the people in our midst who have made significant impact on the arts community in Texas. Texas is home to more working artists than any other state besides New York and California. Legends this fall, opens with a cocktail party and an inspirational exhibition ceremony featuring the likes of: Vernon Fisher, Nash Flores, Arlene & John Dayton, individuals who have all had an incredible impact on the arts. Join us next Thursday in your chic black cocktail attire!

Where: Dallas Contemporary, 2801 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, TX
When: Thursday, September 16th from 6:30-9pm
Tickets: $125 Member/ $150 Non-member
$600 Entourage of 6 guests
$1,000 Friend of Legends (with Entourage of 4 guests)
$2,000 Special Friend of Legends (with Entourage of 8 guests)
Tickets and further information available here.

Couture and the Cure at the Arboretum

"A new dress doesn't get you anywhere; it's the life you're living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later." - Diana Vreeland

Couture and the Cure is a fashion show and clothing line benefiting Dallas County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Each garment is designed for the fashion show and inspired by the fight against breast cancer, offering a hint of pink with each new peak! All garments seen in the show will be auctioned online at a later date. The show will be both inspirational and entertaining.


This year's collection was completed by fashion designer Tameca L. Hodges. Hodges has dedicated this entire collection to raising money towards finding a cure for a disease that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with this year.

When: September 13, 2009
3:00 - 4:30 pm Pink Carpet
5:00 pm - Runway Show starts
Where: Dallas Arboretum in Rosen Hall
8525 Garland Road, Dallas TX
Tickets: $24
Purchase here.

Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House & Insectarium- Grand Opening!

This Saturday, September 12th, marks the grand opening of the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House & Insectarium at the Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park. To honor their grand opening, the Butterfly House & Insectarium is offering half priced admission on September 12th and 13th! Walk down the lovely walkway to the ground floor of the gardens to be immersed in beautiful and colorful butterflies with each step of your journey.

A ribbon cutting Saturday at 9:45 am by WFAA’s Gloria Campos will kick off the weekend and admission to the Butterfly House will open to the public soon after. Children’s crafts by the Junior League of Dallas will entertain children both days. Join this new "organic urban oasis" which its ten different themed areas including: a buttefly habitat, native wildlife pond, scent garden, shade garden, and heirloom garden. Don't let this inspirational opportunity fly by!

Regular Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 3 to 11.
More information here.

Race for the Cure- October 17th

It's that time of year again, to start thinking pink. The Dallas County Race Susan G. Komen 2009 Race for the Cure will be held Saturday, October 17th at Northpark Shopping Center. The race is an annual co-ed 1K and 5K fundraising run/walk event that can be fun for the entire family! Whether you enter as a team or an individual, it is an exciting way to raise money for a great cause!
In it's 27th year, the Race is the largest fundraising event for local breast cancer screening, treatment, research, and education in Dallas County. Last year alone, our community was allotted $1.8 million for local treatment and research. So, as October will be here before we can tie those running shoes, please start gathering your teams and clearing your calendars for this exciting event!

When: Saturday, October 17th- 8AM
For more information visit: Susan G. Komen Dallas County
For Race information and/or to start a team or to enter individually visit: Race for the Cure Dallas County

Life Lesson Luncheon benefitting The Elisa Project

Mark your calendar for the Fifth Annual Life Lessons Luncheon scheduled for Friday, October 23 at the Hilton Anatole. Chair, Anne Besser is so passionate about the Luncheon and the beneficiary, The Elisa Project she is chairing it for the second consecutive year!!

Tennis Legend and author, Monica Seles will be the keynote speaker. Winning the French Open at 16, she spent three years at the top of her game. After an injury from a crazed fan and a few years off the court, she suffered from depression. Trying to make a come-back she engaged in grueling workouts followed by nightly binge eating. In her memoirs, Getting a Grip: On My Mind, My Body, My Self, she shares her journey and determination to gaining control of her life.

Her book will be available for purchase at the Luncheon for $20. And afterwards, she will be signing them.

Founded in 1997, the Elisa Project was created to bring awareness to the signs of eating disorders and to educate the community about healthy nutrition and body image acceptance.

Sponsorships for the Life Lessons Luncheon range from $1,500 to $15,000. Tickets are $150 or $500. For tickets, please contact The Elisa Project at 214-369-5222 or LLL@theelisaproject.com.

An Evening Celebrating Life- Oct. 1st

Join Council for Life on October 1st as they honor their 2009 Beneficiaries and Advisory Board from 7-9pm.  Special Guest Speaker, Dr. John West, the Associate Director for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute will present: "Darwin's Dangerous Idea: The Eugenics Crusade and It's Continuing Legacy Today."  Join the Council for Life at this lecture and be sure to bring a guest or friend!

where: The Home of Lisa and Kenny Troutt, 10595 Strait Lane, Dallas, TX 75229

when: October 1st, 7-9pm

RSVP: Elizabeth Robinson, Pray56@sbcglobal.net

Fellowship of Professional Women- Speaker Sept. 8th!

Of course you've heard of Briggs-Freeman! You've certainly seen that sign around town! Please join the Fellowship of Professional Women next Tuesday, September 8th as Mr. Robbie Briggs speaks at their first fall luncheon.

A preview of the incredible story that you have the opportunity to hear in person:
"In 2006, Robbie Briggs was at the top of his game, a well respected household name in the upscale real estate markets. He and his family shared a gorgeous home and enjoyed entertaining people from all walks of life. Robbie received a calling on his life that required dramatic and massive change. Many people including his own mother felt he was making a mistake but he pressed on to fulfill this mission. He sold his home, pulled his daughters out of school and moved his family to Beijing, China to rescue and minister to children of the streets and also of migrant workers."
Now that's what I call a lunch date!
RSVP: here or call 972-560-4223 or email by Friday before luncheon. Cancellations must be received by noon Friday. No shows will be billed. Sponsors must make reservations.
- where: Park City Club
5956 Sherry Ln (Preston Center area)
- when: Tuesday, Sept. 8th: 11:45-1:15AM
(parking ticket validated)
- cost: $25

The 2009 Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT & T Gala

If you haven't already, today is the day to get your tickets for the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of one of Dallas' landmarks the Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center on Saturday, September 12, 2009. At this celebration Myerson Legends, Margo & Ross Perot, Karla & Liener Temerlin, Margaret McDermott, Morton H. Meyerson & In Memorian Annette Strauss will be honored as they and countless others have made the symphony what it is today.
Concert/Late Night Party tickets start at $150.00. Please call 214-692-0203 or DSO-GALA@DALSYM.COM

Take Steps for Life Countdown Party- Council for Life

Put that fall spring in your step and join the Council for Life at their "Take Steps for Life Countdown Party" on Wednesday, September 23rd to prepare for the upcoming "Take Steps for Life 5K Family Fun Run" on Saturday, October 24th on the Katy Trail.

The Council for Life is a committee which considers the wide range of needs a woman faces with an unplanned pregnancy which include: adoption agencies, post-abortion counseling, maternity homes, STD and medical intervention, residential after-care, media outreach, continuing education and abstinence education as well as the invaluable hands-on mercy ministry extended by the local pregnancy centers. This organization needs your support to spread it's message and extend resources to help women in crisis.

Countdown Party: Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30pmGold's Gym - Preston Center
8335 Westchester Drive, Suite 40
Dallas, TX 75225 US
Contact Lanier Monk at 214.629.0440 or laniermonk@sbcglobal.net

5 K Fun Run on the Katy Trail: Saturday, October, 24th, 2009Register here and visit for more information.

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture

I have the slightest hunch, that you wouldn't want to miss the breakfast bunch, or at least The Breakfast Book Group at The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture that will have its first novel review of the season next Tuesday, September 8th. Established in 1980, The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture is a nonprofit educational organization whose purpose is to enrich and deepen the practical life of the city with the wisdom and imagination of the humanities through educational programs, seminars, conferences, volunteer activities, and critical discussions.

Each spring and fall, two of the many courses The Institute offers are the Breakfast Book Group and the Lunch Book Group. These courses meet once-a-month, reviewing four different literary titles in a classroom like discussion. So, be sure not to miss the first novel, sign-up today, and check out the schedule of other great classes and seminars lined up for fall. Oh, and while you are at it, become a member of this fantastic organization so you don't miss out on a single word!
The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture
2719 Routh Street
Dallas, Texas 75201-1968
p. 214 871-2440