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2026 Crystal Charity Ball 10 Best Dressed Announcement Event Had An Overflow Crowd
What happens when a closed event ends up with friends of friends showing up and the gatekeepers have to drop the gate? That’s what happened for the 2026 Crystal Charity Ball Best Dressed Fashion Show reveal on the morning of Wednesday, April 22, on the top level of Neiman Marcus NorthPark.
While the ladies to be presented had managed to arrive minutes after the rooster’s cry announcing sunrise, they, along with 2026 Crystal Charity Ball Chair Jennifer Dix and 2026 10 Best Dressed Fashion Show Chair Kim Quinn, were led down to NM’s ground level for a group photo. Despite the best efforts of the NM staff, one nasty all too-bright overhead light delayed the plan. It had created all types of shadows showering the group.
But not to worry. Plans had been made long enough in advance not to throw the morning’s program.
Heading up the escalator to the third level, the BD-ers, the HoF and Honorary Chair settled into dressing rooms until the program got underway.
Unbeknownst to some organizers, the event that had usually been limited to CCB committee members like Heather Furniss, Tiffany Divis, Wasan Alfalahi and Annika Cail, former chairs like Michael Powell and family members Gene Jones, Charlotte Jones, Gideon Powell, Jamie Powell and Sheri Krause, had been opened up to longtime supporters of the annual fashion show and luncheon like Lee Bailey and Cindy Feld.
Almost immediately the rows of chairs set up for more than 65 were filled with the SRO crowd spilling out into the surrounding area four deep. Luckily, the program got underway with a healthy PA so no one missed the announcements starting off with Saks Global President/Chief Commercial Officer Darcy Penick, who welcomed the guests and introduced Jennifer, who revealed that Nancy Nasher would be the fashion show’s honorary chair. Said Jennifer, “We have only named an honorary chair six times before today, reserving this recognition for women whose lives and leadership have made an extraordinary impact on our city. It is an exceptionally distinguished group: Ruth Altshuler, Annette Simmons, Nancy Dedman, Margaret Hunt Hill, Gene Jones, Norma Hunt and Francie Moody Dahlberg. Today with great joy we add another remarkable name, Nancy Nasher, whose influence on Dallas is both profound and enduring. Through her leadership of NorthPark Center, she has helped create not just a premier destination but a place where art, culture and community come together in a way that is distinctly Dallas.”
As Nancy and Jennifer took their places on the front row, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus Chief Stores Officer Mary McGreevy took her place at the podium, reporting that the Carolina Herrera collection would be featured at the fashion show.
Following Mary was Kim, who revealed details of the event taking place on Thursday, September 17, at Neiman Marcus Downtown. Patrons would be able to attend both a seated dinner at the downtown store on Wednesday, September 9, as well as a cocktail party the night before the fashion show. She added that Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon would be attending both the cocktail party and the fashion show. However, Kim advised guests that contracts for the festivities would not be mailed until Monday, May 11, with a swift sell-out expected.
It was now time for Kim to introduce CCB Hall Of Famer Elaine Agather, who would be the day’s emcee in revealing the 10 BD-ers list of volunteering and non-profit leadership roles along with pithy remarks on each one:
- Haley Anderson (First-time honoree) — “Haley was the young girl who released a single white dove at the end of Creed’s performance on Thanksgiving Day 2001 that drew a standing ovation. She especially enjoyed the ‘Landman’ series because her grandfather [Jerry Jones] had a cameo appearance in season one, but then Haley had a cameo in season two.”
- Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson (Second-time honoree) — “Jacquelyn’s favorite vacation destinations are very diverse. In the banking world, we call this like diversifying your portfolio – Tanzania and New York. Jacquelin fell in love with her husband, William, at first sight when she was 16 years old. They had to take a minute to get back together.”
- Julie Bagley (Second-time honoree) — “Julie’s not into binge watching but she does love podcasts and is currently listening to America 250 because that is going to be our birthday. She loves oil painting and has created many paintings in her home. You, George Bush and Winston Churchill.”
- Shelby Goff (Second-time honoree) — “Shelby recently co-chaired Kappa Tablescapes and the Conversation With A Living Legend Dinner with Taylor Sheridan. I was there and both were sold-out, record-setting events. She has many fond memories of Neiman Marcus especially lunches at the Zodiac Room downtown with family members, and her mother [Sheri Krause] is here today.”
- Shannon Graham (Second-time honoree) — “Shannon recently read ‘The Meaning Of Your Life’ by Arthur Brooks. Would you recommend that to all of us? Do you know ‘the meaning of life’ now? Getting there? Okay…. She said the most-used app on her phone was Apple Maps, which is why she never gets lost anymore, and she’s always on time.” That is my favorite app because I never know where I am.”
- Tracey Kozmetsky (Third-time honoree) — “Tracey is currently binge watching ‘Shrinking’ and Hacks.’ What you might not know, she’s a Horned Frog. She was a champion sprinter at TCU, like running… She says that volunteering for other people is extremely fulfilling but volunteering with someone you love is very special.”
- Tracy Lange (Third-time honoree) — “Tracy is binge watching ‘House Of David.’ Her passion is for helping children who are underserved. What you might not now about Tracy… she has her own mahjong room at home, so it’s no surprise that she beats everybody.”
- Erin Mathews (First-time honoree) — “If she has not sold you a home, she has tried. Erin is currently binge watching ‘The Pit.’ She also is a woman who does not cook. I guess Al Biernet’s is her personal kitchen since she has consumed over 400 meals there and counting.”
- Felicia Powell (First-time honoree) — “In full disclosure, Felicia use to work for me at JP Morgan. I remember back in 2002, I was a little taller and faster and stronger, and I challenged all my analysts at the bank at our corporate challenge that I was going to beat them all. Felicia beat me. She’s the only one who defeated me, and she is a fabulous person.”
- Katherine Wyker (Third-time honoree) — “Katherine read ‘The Daughters Of Yalta’ and is currently watching ‘Your Friends And Neighbors.’ An animal lover, Katherine has been known to stop traffic along Turtle Creek to make certain that the mama and baby ducks make it safely across the road.”
In finishing up the announcement, Elaine revealed that the Hall Of Fame honoree would be Tavia Hunt, who has been “a civic leader, a philanthropist, an advocate whose work spans sports, fashion and community service. I can’t think of three better thing right there.” In addition to listing her numerous roles in the non-profits, Elaine described Tavia’s recent chairing the 2026 Sweetheart Ball as, “It was absolutely beautiful, and it was different. I’ve never seen.. I didn’t know what the trophy looked like for the hockey.. what’s it called? For a lot of us it was like really fun and different, and I want to compliment you on that idea. And it was Dallas. Dallas has so many trophies, we are a city of trophies.”
Elaine added a sidenote that when Tavia was presented on the Best Dressed list in 2005, “she walked the runway with her daughter Ava but nobody knew it because they were expecting Ava shortly thereafter. So, maybe Ava feels like she’s already been vested.”
Funds raised through the Fashion Show will support the 2026 goal of $7,875,664 for the CCB beneficiaries (Baylor Scott & White Foundation, Catch Up & Read, Dallas LIFE, Equest, Jubilee Park & Community Center, Mercy Street, St. Philip and St. Augustine Catholic Academy and To Be Like Me).
For more looks of the day’s announcement, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.
MySweetCharity Photo Gallery Alert: 2026 Crystal Charity Ball 10 Best Dressed Reveal Event
In the wake of last week’s Sold Out Alert about Crystal Charity Ball‘s 2026 Best Dressed Fashion Show, folks need to know why the clamor for the table sales flooded in.
With the announcement taking place at Neiman Marcus NorthPark on Wednesday, April 22, the news of the day focused on women who have supported area non-profits and a longtime philanthropy and members of the family that planted the very roots of NorthPark Center more than 61 years ago.
As the overflow crowd of committee members (2026 CCB Chair Jennifer Dix, 2026 Fashion Show Chair Kim Quinn and Tiffany Divis), 10 BD families (Gene Jones, Charlotte Jones, Lori Jones and Tori Anderson) and friends (Meredith Land, Kim Schlegel Whitman, Katie Lynam and Priscilla Stephens) and Saks Global executives (Saks Global President/Chief Commercial Officer Darcy Penick, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus Chief Stores Officer Mary McGreevy, Saks Global Marketing and Digital Officer Cheryl Han and NM VP/NorthPark General Manager Scott Mitchell) filled the upper level of the store, the 2026 Honorary Chair Nancy Nasher, the 2026 10 Best Dressed (Haley Anderson, Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson, Julie Bagley, Shelby Goff, Shannon Graham, Tracey Kozmetsky, Tracy Lange, Erin Mathews, Felicia Powell and Katherine Wyker) and 2026 Hall of Famer Tavia Hunt were revealed with emcee Elaine Agather adding personal comments about each of the 10 plus Tavia.
In addition to announcing that the Carolina Herrera collection would be on the runway on Thursday, September 17, it was revealed that the fundraiser would take place at Neiman Marcus Downtown. It became especially poignant when days later it was revealed that the legendary NM flagship, which had been the site of the CCB 10 Best Dressed Fashion Show for decades, would be closing for good on Wednesday, September 30.
As the post is being finished up, check out the well-known and should-be-known people at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.
SOLD-OUT ALERT: 10 Best Dressed Fashion Show Bows A Last Time At NM Downtown
With news of the absolute ending of Neiman Marcus Downtown taking place on Wednesday, September 30, it will also be the close of the tradition of its hosting the Crystal Charity Ball 10 Best Dressed Fashion Show fundraiser.
Scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 17, the final CCB event at the downtown store will feature the Carolina Herrera collection with Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon on hand.
Alas, anyone who had put off signing up for the Dallas County children’s non-profits fundraiser is officially out of luck and time.
According to 2026 CCB Chair Jennifer Dix and Fashion Show Chair Kim Quinn, “The response was simply gratifying and amazing. But it will be a special occasion with Herrera fashions on the runway during the store’s final days.”
Is there a waiting list for naughty procrastinators? Hmm, possibly — but do not waste time.
This finale doesn’t mean the end of the more-than-five-decade partnership between CCB and NM, though. Time will tell what the future holds.
JUST IN: Bryan’s House’s Next Chapter Is An Ongoing Gift For Metrocare’s Services
Think back 40 years ago, when the country was recovering from a recession and Ronald Reagan was starring for real as President of the United States. Thanks to jet travel, one could breakfast in the Big Apple, lunch in Dallas and dine in L.A. But the good times were soon going to learn that a stealth pair of killers was also making the rounds.
The first reported case of HIV/AIDS came on June 5, 1981. Unfortunately, due to limited technology and equally limited collaboration of the health institutes, the virus had been rumored to have been making the rounds under the radar during the 70’s.
Researchers found that it was spread through the exchange of body fluids from people living with HIV that included unprotected sex, shared needles and transfusions. While the spotlight laser-beamed on the homosexual community, it surprised many to learn that mothers could give it to their infants.
Unlike the recent pandemic that saw the world coming together for a solution, HIV/AIDS became a witch hunt in some areas of society.
It was in the late 1980’s that Stefanie Held learned of Lydia Allen’s son Bryan being diagnosed with HIV and took the mother and son to live in her home. It seems that Lydia had contracted the disease from a blood transfusion.
Stefanie became aware that there was such a social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS victims that she and Lydia created Bryan’s House to help families going through the ordeal. Despite the deaths of Bryan, Lydia and Bryan’s older brother Matthew, Bryan’s House continued to be a refuge for the youngest victims of AIDS.
Over the years, there were rough times but still fundraising for the House flourished, providing greater resources and facilities.
But thanks to dedicated developments and treatments, the plague’s numbers of victims decreased. This result impacted the core mission of Bryan’s House, with less of a need to care for children with the disease.
As a result, the decision was made to adjust its mission to help children with medical or developmental needs and their families.
Like other area non-profits, the pandemic created critical funding issues, resulting in Bryan’s House at 3610 Pipestone Road closing “temporarily” last year before recently making “the difficult decision to ceases operations.”
With the opening of Metrocare’s new state-of-the-art Hillside campus just down the road from Bryan’s House, an agreement was made that Bryan’s House would be gifted to Metrocare.
On hand for the announcement were Bryan’s House Board Chair Allison Shelton and Board Member Steven Upchurch, Metrocare’s Interim CEO Tate Ringer and Chief Engagement Officer Tameka Y. Cass, Rees-Jones Foundation Program Officer C.J. Stevenson and Solender/Hall President Eliza Solender, who represented Metrocare in the transaction.
According to Allison, “Bryan’s House has been a place of care, compassion and inclusion for thousands of families in Dallas. While this chapter is ending, we are deeply grateful that the facility will continue to serve children through Metrocare’s programs. In many ways, Bryan’s House lives on through the next chapter.”
In partnership with The Rees-Jones Foundation, Bryan’s House and Metrocare succeeded in the property transfer.
As Rees-Jones Foundation President Terese Stevenson said, “In conversations with Metrocare and Bryan’s House, it was clear to us that Metrocare wanted to preserve the services that were so vital to families of children with disabilities. We believed that it was essential for a solution to be created so that families would have expanded access to therapeutic services. It is fitting for the Bryan’s House legacy to live on through the impactful work of Metrocare.”
According to the agreement, Bryan’s House will be identified as Bryan’s House powered by Metrocare, with the Hillside Campus’ playground named “The Bryan’s House All Ability Playground.
In describing the transfer, Eliza said, “The property is ideally located to serve Metrocare’s employees and clients at its Hillside campus. It is a testament to the leadership of Bryan’s House, Metrocare and the Rees-Jones Foundation that they understood a gift of real estate must go through the same process as a real estate transaction. Everyone maintained focus on how the property could continue to serve the needs of children in Dallas County.”
Metrocare will “initially use the site to provide services for children with disabilities, and in the future will offer an inclusive childcare facility serving the Metrocare employees and possibly area partner employees,” as well as expanded services including
- Expanded early childhood intervention service
- Expanded autism therapy programming
- Summer camp for children with disabilities and their siblings
In making the announcement, Tate said, “Metrocare is honored to carry forward the legacy of Bryan’s House. Their work has been a vital part of Dallas’ support system for children with complex needs. This partnership ensures that the spirit of Bryan’s House — inclusive care for children and families — will continue to shape the services offered at this location for years to come.”
* Photo credit: Eli Valenzuela/Metrocare
JUST IN: Patrick M. Walsh, Admiral, US Navy (Ret) To Keynote 2026 Each Moment Matters
It’s hard to imagine that a fellow who had been raised in landlocked North Texas would end up achieving greatness on the seas.
Well, that’s exactly what Patrick M. Walsh did. After graduating from Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, he earned a Bachelor Of Science degree in 1977 from the U.S. Naval Academy.
In the following years, he “completed graduates studies at The Fletcher School Of Law And Diplomacy at Tufts University, earning both a Masters Of Arts In Law and Diplomacy and a Ph.D. He graduated first in his class and was recognized for his academic distinction and leadership throughout his career.”
During his next 34 years in the United States Navy, he “rose to the rank of four-star admiral and held some of the military’s most influential leadership positions. A decorated naval aviator, he flew combat missions in support of Operations Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Southern Watch and Deny Flight. He also served as a pilot with the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, where he flew the prestigious Slot Pilot position.”
His career in the Navy included such outstanding achievements as becoming “the 35th Vice Chief of Naval Operations, the Navy’s second-highest ranking officer. He also chaired the Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law at the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a White House Fellow under President Ronald Reagan. During his career, he became widely recognized for his expertise in strategic leadership, ethics and crisis management.”
In 2011, he “led Operation Tomodachi, the U.S. military’s humanitarian response following the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan.”
Thanks to his leadership, this “international relief effort earned widespread recognition and strengthened the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and Japan.” As a result he was awarded the Grand Cordon Of The Order Of The Rising Sun by the Japanese government, as well as the Eagle on The World Award by the Japanese Chamber Of Commerce, becoming the first uniformed military officer in the award’s 27-year history. He also “received the Republic Of Korea’s Tong-il Medal, the nation’s highest peacetime military honor, along with numerous other distinguished military awards throughout his career.”
Thanks to Each Moment Matters Luncheon Co-Chairs Joan Hill and Vicky Riley, Patrick will be the keynote speaker for the Forefront Living fundraiser on Tuesday, October 13, in the Anatole’s Imperial Ballroom. With “a powerful message about the life-changing impact of service, he will also reflect on how the support and generosity of others made it possible for him to pursue his education and opportunities that led him to serve his nation with distinction,” leading to his recent leadership of Cristo Rey Dallas.
The luncheon supports Forefront Living’s numerous programs that help folks transition through the final stages of life for their families.
BTW, Patrick’s accomplishments and amazing rise to the rank of four-star admiral and holding some of the military’s most influential leadership positions can be found in more detail following the jump. Talk about a local boy doing good! [Read More…]
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Literary Lions Luncheon “Roared” The Importance Of Libraries And Librarians
Friends of the Dallas Public Library's 2026 Literary Lions Luncheon was a real page-turner at the Arts District Mansion on Wednesday, April 22. From acknowledging the librarians tableside to keynote speaker Eric Klinenberg's emphasizing the importance of libraries these days, the event raised funds … Read More...
35th Annual SAWA Fashion Show Rolled Out Awards, New Designers And Loads Of Fashions
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In honoring the legacy of the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Dallas Fashion Show and Luncheon that started back 35 years ago, the mega-fashion extravaganza on Tuesday, April 21, had an interesting twist and nod to the future of talented up-and-comers at the Meyerson Symphony Center. As … Read More...