When we started SweetCharity on August 31, 2009, it was the brainchild of Wick Allison. He reasoned that if there was ever a time when nonprofits needed a little help, it was then. Originally, SweetCharity was just supposed to be a simple little blog. But then it grew with photos and event coverage.

As it grew, so did the demand. The SweetCharity email at times looked like Santa’s mailbox in December.

We were gratified to report goals being met, incredible amounts of money raised, and success story after success story. Guests put up with our photo-stalking. PR people patiently worked with us. Commenters kept us on our toes. You have all been generous with your support and advice.

In return, we hope we provided a “friendly but honest” blog.

Now, seven months later, SweetCharity is closing down its blog neighborhood. It’s not that we don’t love you. And, no one thinks the nonprofits are rolling in money and volunteers. The fact of the matter is that SweetCharity itself was a victim of the economy and failed to locate an angel for its continuation.

But, please don’t stop sending the invitations. Your humble photo-scribe will continue to cover events for D Magazine‘s “D Scene” and FrontBurner, as well as the Park Cities/Preston Hollow People newspapers.

Thank you for helping SweetCharity have a great run. It was our pleasure to have chatted with you. See you later.

The invitation set up the scene with a killer line — “Anything But Black Tie.” No doubt gentlemen guests breathed a heavy sigh of relief that their tuxedos would have the night off, but then the problem of what to wear to a gala forced men to debate the answer in their closets. Evening honoree Ted Enloe (pictured), Justin Blumoff, Wyly Theatre namesake Charles Wyly, Chad Vose (pictured), Don Carty, Ken Menges, DTC angel Hal Brierley, and others opted for the “if-I-don’t-have-to-wear-a-tie, I’m-not-gonna” look.

The ladies, on the other hand, had no problem in their selection. From tight, short cigarette skirt with killer heels to one-shoulder, to-the-floor gowns, the gals like Allison Laros (pictured) had their way.

For those in lightweight silks, they did have a bit of a challenge upon arrival as Mother Nature and her buddy Mariah literally blew into town. The twosome must have been upset that they hadn’t been invited. As guests arrived, gauzy skirts looked like tethered kites. Even the sturdiest hairsprays were challenged, but after a quick powder room visit, every hair was back in place. Gals like Lisa Runyon (pictured) looked just picture perfect despite the blustery breezes.

Due to the breeze, plans for using the esplanade for the cocktail hour were readjusted for the reception to take place in the lobby. Yes, it was a bit crowded, but, shoot,

this is a crowd of friends and soon-to-be-friends that doesn’t mind getting cozy.

It was at this point where Event Co-chair Pilar Henry‘s Spanish roots became apparent with the “Hot & Spicy  Spanish cocktails” and Conte de Loyo Flamenco Theatre dancers (pictured). Like Pilar, the drinks and dancers graciously set the tone for fun, energy, and an air of sophistication.

By the way, typical of the Henry clan, Pilar’s in-laws, Ann and John Henry (pictured right with Pilar on the left) are always on top of things. Instead of waiting til afterwards, they held a thank you party the previous Thursday at their marvelous, one-of-a-kind home to thank the 2010 underwriters of the gala. When it came time for announcements, folks were braced for the usual 15-minute comments. Instead, Pilar summed her thanks up in a two-minute “Thank you, everyone” speech. Smart gal. Smart Dallas Theater Center because it was announced at the Saturday night gala that Pilar had just been named to the DTC board.

Ah, but back to the Wyly. Just as the flamenco dancers exited the lobby via the stairs to the Potter Rose Performance Hall, guests wisely followed only to discover a beautifully decorated ballroom. You just gotta love the flexibility of the Wyly. She can remake herself to fit whatever the occasion requires.

Suspended from the ceiling were mammoth chandeliers of green, ivory, blue, yellow, and white paper lanterns (pictured). On the tables were centerpieces varying from low arrangements of white roses to three-foot high glass vases with white tulips. Hmm, the tulips provided a bit of a challenge during the evening. Not only was it difficult to see the folks on the other side of the table, but when the performance started the tulips blocked that view, too. Ah, but not to worry. The staff quickly saw the problem and seamlessly started removing high-rider centerpieces.

For foodies, a delightful dinner by Wolfgang Puck’s catering group included a chopped farmers market vegetable salad with shaved Parmesan and balsamic vinaigrette followed by slow braised short ribs with sautéed Swiss chard, baby white carrots, sweet potato puree, pan jus and flat breads and crostini.  Platters of miniature desserts were then placed on the table. Due to the lack of dessert plates, you had to pop them in your mouth or hold the second bite.

But not to worry. Everyone was having too much fun to quibble about plate ware. For instance, DTC Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty (pictured) is a true master of physical expression. Even if you couldn’t hear one word he said, you got the message just watching him. . . Speaking of being expressive, Bracewell Giuliani attorney Lauren West and Delos Investment head trader Ted Hoffman seemed to be enjoying the magic of the evening just waiting in line for refreshments. . . Yvonne Crum and Jill Rowlett (pictured) were still celebrating their chairing the “Fresh Faces of Fashion 2010″ the night before. . . Katy Menges was oh-so grateful that she brought along her shawl with the room temperature being a tad bit chilly. Ladies, remember this is Texas and a pashmina can be a lifesaver year round. Some gals were actually seen walking around in their gentleman’s jacket. Love chivalrous men in jackets.

Following dinner, former Exxon Mobil VP Frank Risch took up the mike and told the group that at Exxon when they spotted someone within the ranks that had “high potential,” they referred to them as “hy-pos.” And that’s what he called Pilar and event underwriting co-chair Barbara Page (pictured) He then went on to describe the evening’s honorees, Bess and Ted Enloe.

• “If Ted ever calls you, don’t answer.”
• “Bess (pictured) has been on the board since 1979. She and Deedie (Rose) and others have a big influence on what this group produces.”

Then it was $$ time. DTC Managing Director Mark Hadley got things going to raise funds for the various projects including the program for the Booker T. Washington students to attend performances. In no time at all, the goal was met and the DTC development staff was high-fiving each other.

After all that eating and fund raising, it was time to settle back for some entertainment that suited the occasion. It couldn’t be stuffy. It had to be clever. It had to be unique. It had to be “Whose Live Anyway.”

What? You haven’t heard of “Whose Line Is It Anyway“? Have you been watching QVC 24/7? “Whose Live Anyway” is an improv comedy ensemble like the TV show featuring Chip Esten, Ryan Stiles, Jeff B. Davis, and Greg Proops (pictured from the left) who manage to think on their feet no matter what is thrown at them. Didn’t you see them on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”  The boys actually seemed to love the challenge of being stumped by the audience’s participation. In fact there were times during their program that they seemed to be having as much fun as the audience. Even the bartenders and serving staff took a break just to watch the foursome in action.

Running jokes of the night were about “my little SL500″ and  Napoleon. We won’t go into detail here, so you’ll just have to ask one of the 350+ guests to explain. BTW, tell Chip that it sounded as if the crowd didn’t quite get who Billy Mays was.

During these times when fund raising has been challenged, it was a nice break to laugh.

Just as the applause ended the performance, the massive curtains covering the glass walls of the hall rose revealing a beautiful evening and a perfect backdrop for dancing to “MOTION.”

Outside the Wyly, Mariah was still throwing a fit. She really wanted to join the party and she let the guests know it as they headed home.

Sports fans throughout the DFW gathered Saturday night at their favorite watering hole to celebrate the Dallas Stars’ and the Mavs’ wins on the road.

Photo provided by Jaimie Marie Siegle

Still, the weekend’s sweetest sports victory went down just across the pond in Frisco, where more than 400 football fans witnessed the Dallas Defenders’ 30-0 sweep against the Houston Gunners.

Muchos kudos to those who already knew Dallas had its own semi-pro football team made up of policemen, firefighters and EMT personnel from all over the Metroplex; for those who weren’t already aware, the Dallas Defenders are civil servants by day and philanthropic athletes by night. The football club raises money to fund community outreach programs and support families whose loved ones have died in the line of duty through the Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas.

Defenders Football Club players, coaches and supporters commemorated their season’s first victory at TopGolf Dallas for a Guns & Hoses fundraising event on March 27, but all you gotta do to help out the team is attend the Dallas Stars hockey game on April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at American Airlines Center. For more information about ordering tickets, call Chad Pennington at (214)387–5583.

Catch the fourth and final game against the Charlotte Cobras on May 15 at Frisco Memorial Stadium. E-mail the club’s president here if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, trying out for the football team or auditioning to be a Spirit Girl. We’re so not here to judge.

Hey, Jaimie, we didn’t change one word. Blog well done.

Did you know that there are 10,000 puppy mills in this country selling between two and four million puppies yearly?

To combat the problem, three main programs were initially undertaken by the group. First, protests outside local pet stores selling puppies from such mills. Second, investigating and notifying authorities of such operations and closing them down. Third, educating the public on the right way to get a puppy.

They have since added state legislation to their “must-do” list.

Photo credit: Lara Bierner

To salute the efforts of the local group, The Humane Society of the U.S. presented Spotlight Humane benefiting the Stop Puppy Mills Campaign at Union Station Friday night. To do the honors of welcoming the 400 guests, Humane Society of the United States President/CEO Wayne Pacelle (pictured with from the left Kristina Bowman, Catharine Flagg and Holly Forsythe)) was on hand, as were guest speakers Puppy Mills Campaign Senior Director Stephanie Shain and Arthur E. Benjamin, founder and president of American Dog Rescue and vice chairman/CEO of ATI Career Training.

The event itself was a bow-wow feat when you realize event chairs Kristina Bowman, Catharine Flagg, and Holly Forsythe had just five months to pull the whole thing off. BTW, at one point it appeared to be a bit of a pep rally for Lady Photographer Bowman. Any time her name was mentioned on the screen or from the podium, a wave of cheering took place in the Grand Hall.

But prior to all the hoopla in the Grand Hall, a VIP reception was held in the Texas & Pacific Room while the silent auction was being held in the Frisco Room. Interesting. This practice has been seen at other events and one can’t help but wonder if the high rollers might have goosed up the silent auction bidding had they had some time to browse around the hundreds of silent auction items.

Instead this group was having just too much fun chatting it up. (Too bad because the silent auction items looked very tempting.) Jocelyn White (pictured) was receiving best wishes about her engagement to Republic Title Vice Chair Kim Seal. Asked when the big date was, she just smiled that Jocey smile and said sometime in the future.

Having just gotten back from Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, where she enjoyed the red carpet action with Reba McEntire and Muhammad Ali, Nancy Lieberman (pictured) took a night off from putting the finishing touches on her Playbook for Success, which is due to the publishers on April 1. She told a group including Leslie Ann Crozier and Monica Greene (pictured) that the book deals with how women can use sports metaphors to succeed in business and life.

Both Nancy (lizard broach), Monica (earrings), and Jocey (necklace) were wearing jewelry by that animal-loving jeweler Cheryl Wyly (pictured). You couldn’t have had better billboards.

Honorary Co-chair Peggy Sewell was having to do double duty, since her co-chair/daughter Jacquelin was home sick. But Peggy is a pro and had no problemo in the charm department.

Then it was off to the Grand Hall for dinner presented by Wolfgang Puck catering. The good news was that it met the challenge of providing vittles that were animal-lover friendly with nary a piece of beef, chicken, or fish in the mix.

The bad news was that the chair-ladies remembered the final menu from the tasting a bit differently than what appeared tableside. MIA were vegetables in the pasta, which arrived only coated in Wolfie’s marinara sauce. Dessert was excellent if you were on a diet. Instead of a “full bowl of champagne sorbet with strawberries Romanoff and big wafer with dark chocolate drizzle and a chocolate covered strawberries on the side,” it was a “a tablespoon of some fruit medley and then a marble-sized portion of sorbet!” Luckily, no animals were harmed in the fixings.

The hall’s acoustics also provided a bit of a challenge in the tall hall. Guests at some tables found themselves shouting to be heard by the person right next to them as Hunter Sullivan‘s orchestra played. It was a case of too much of a good thing.

Then the speeches took place and once again the acoustics may have explained why the guests at some tables started talking so much that Wayne had to “shhhhh” the crowd into “healing, sitting,” and silencing a couple of times while he made his presentation. Wayne, it wasn’t that you weren’t interesting. It was just hard to hear you with the sound bouncing off the walls and ceiling.

Photo credit: Lara Bierner

But not to worry. The speeches and heartbreaking video of puppy mill rescues got their points across as the live auction got going under the direction of Good Morning Texas‘ Rob McCollum. Jack Knox (pictured) was top dog of the night. Seems Jack not only won the bidding war for the “Luxury Lodge in Tanzania, East Africa, for Four,” he donated it back for a second go around. Rawlins “Word Weaver Extraordinaire” Gilliland was so impressed that he wanted “to floorboard it to his (Jack’s) restaurant (Cafe Pacific) and shout ‘the lobsters are on me.’” We suspect that Rawlins might want to rethink his offer and say “the champagne is on me.” No animals are harmed in the making of the bubbly, you know.

The table discussions were evidently influencing those who had plans for additions to their households. For instance, Eric “Up In The Air” Schake was seriously considering adding a Maine Coon to his household as a reward for his hoped-for completion of the New York Marathon.

German Shepherd loving Joe Pacetti (pictured) was moving unusually slowly. Seems that he took quite a tumble on the first day of his jaunt to Argentina. Here poor Joe was hosting a birthday celebration for a dear friend  and 70 buddies in Buenos Aires and he ends up in the ER. “I was in and out in 40 minutes. That wouldn’t have happened here in the States,” said Joe. But after being back a couple of weeks, he’s still doing rehab to mend his broken parts.

And speaking of mending, gorgeous equestrian Pam Greenberg (pictured) emphasized the relationship that people have with their animals. And she would know. It seems that her chocolate lab is in remission after a major battle with cancer. Pam admitted that the bonding between them through the ordeal was an incredible experience.

It’s interesting to note that when talking with members of the animal-loving world, they whip out their smart phones to show you photos of their pawed pals. Remember the days when it was glossy pictures being pulled out of wallets? Well, those days are pretty much gone and it appears that puppy mills may be headed in the same direction.

But before the reviewing started, Macallan‘s Brand Ambassador Jay Liddell (pictured) with a twinkle in his eye told the group assembled around the newest Porsches on the showroom floor that, “If some of you see me with a glass of whiskey, it’s OK. I’m a professional.”

Then, referring to the week’s topic of interest, Jay said, “In the old days, it was actually safer to drink whiskey than water. So, that’s the health care reform I think we all need.”

Let’s hoist a glass on that one.

Then Pappas Brothers Steakhouse Master Sommelier Barbara Werley (pictured) reviewed the catalog listings for the auction at the Hilton Anatole benefiting the American Heart Association. The items are simply remarkable and set many hearts thumping.

While some were sampling wine and being quite charming, Anita Dickey (pictured) was doing her homework reviewing the catalog and taking notes. This girl is going to be prepared for the auction.

Sponsors for last night’s gathering of wine lovers included Central Market, Macallan, Glazer’s, Park Place Porsche, and Sprinkles.

(WARNING: The luncheon is on the verge of being another sell out. But, of course, when you have former first lady Laura Bush serving as honorary chair, and Dr. Condoleezza Rice as the featured speaker, what else would you expect.)

But we digress. Back to last night’s party.

Looking like a woman who is thriving on success, Genesis Executive Director Jan Langbein, along with  party hostess Erin Mathews (pictured left with Jan Langbein), was at the front door of a Park Cities estate to meet and greet all 300 guests.

Must admit that the real show stopper of the night was the garage with Bentleys, Porsches, Rolls, and other members of the Park Place motor family. The CEO-type guests looked like children on their first visit to a toy store.

Thank heaven for the Shinsei yummies being passed around. Way too delicious. And thank whoever was smart enough to have follow-up servers with platters for used napkins and naked skewers. So much better than trash cans being placed everywhere.

Among the crowd of guests was longtime supporter Paula Minnis (pictured with husband Todd Minnis), who has just launched Gaia for Women. If you love napkins, you’ll love these vintage cloth napkins created by women in need in the Dallas area. They’re made from vintage, repurposed, or sustainable materials. . . Genesis Alliance President Susan McCutchan (pictured) should just have the word “president” tattooed on her forehead. She’s president-elect of the Junior League.

Recognized for his building the Kimbell’s reputation within the international art arena, he worked with the Meadows Museum of Art following his departure from the Kimbell.

By the way, in the world of animals, one of its rock stars will be handling the welcome duties — The Humane Society of the United States President/CEO Wayne Pacelle. Among his many accomplishments, this Yalie grad was named “Executive of the Year” by The NonProfit Times for the HSUS’s response during the Hurricane Katrina crisis.

Personal note: Having witnessed the animal rescue operation in the New Orleans area during the Katrina aftermath, it was truly amazing, painful, and gratifying to see the work being done.

If you haven’t got tickets for tonight, you can always sit and beg, but word is it’s sold out.

The two-legged critters who are responsible for the event are:

Event Chairs: Kristina Bowman, Catharine Flagg, and Holly Forsythe

Honorary Chairs:  Peggy and Jacquelin Sewell

Host Committee: Gina Betts, Darla and Fred Brodsky, Donna Casey, Natalie Chu, Patricia Deason, Nicole Stewart Ganger and Rob Ganger, Elisabeth Grant, Candice and Robert Haas, Nancy Harte, Sally and Forrest Hoglund, Molly and Charles Kitch, Stacey and Don Kivowitz, Jack Knox, Molly and Mike Mayes, Lynn and Allan McBee, Jan Miller, Niven Morgan, Paige Nash, Joanie Nasher, Joe Pacetti, Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens,Gigi Potter, Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers,Robin Sugg, Anne and Steve Stodghill,Mary and Skip Trimble, Jocelyn White, and Cheryl and Sam Wyly

Executive Committee: Jane Arrington, Sarah Davis, Pam Greenberg, Jeanne Mitchell, Kate Watts, and Brycie Wynne

What’s a scary closet? It’s a closet that you’ve avoided like a bill collector. There are things in that closet that you just don’t to face and admit that you haven’t used in ages or you’ve found a nifty replacement. But we’ve got to gut up and let go of the stuff because someone else can use it.

This year we’re dividing up our closet finds into two categories. One group will destined for the curb and the other will be for the May 1st “Trinkets and Treasures Rummage Sale” organized by the Junior League of Dallas.

They’ll be accepting  donations at Armoires & More on the following dates:

• March 27, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• March 31, 2010 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
• April 3, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• April 7, 2010 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
• April 10, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• April 17, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• April 24, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

What kind of items are they hoping for? How about –

• Clothing, shoes and accessories
• Household Items
• Furniture
• Books, movies and CDs/videos
• Children’s toys
• Luggage
• Electronics
• Musical Instruments
• Appliances
• Lawn Care Equipment
• Athletic Equipment
• Jewelry

This inaugural sale is being coordinated by JLD Provisional Class members Stephanie Braislin, Ashley Carter, Wynne Cunningham, Cachet Eldridge, and Lauren Godfrey. Helping the gals store all the loot are storage containers “graciously donated by Sam Store and Move.”

Well, don’t!

Society Bakery is raising “awareness and encouraging people to NOT give rabbits and chicks this Easter” by asking their customers to add an extra dollar to their purchases now through Easter. The funds raised will be donated to the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary.

Sounds a little strange until you realize that 90% of all rabbits purchased as pets are abandoned at animal shelters or die from improper care.

By the way, if you are feeling a bit generous, why not kick in a little more than a dollar for the cause.

Now, hop to it!