The dust has just settled on the Cattle Baron’s Ball and I am going to move on to another great organization that I am involved with – the Crystal Charity Ball.
Being a member of The Crystal Charity Ball is a special privilege. The 100 members are voted in to membership and volunteer to raise the much-needed funds for our Dallas County children. You may think that this group is just all about the fabulous, annual ball in December but it is so much more. Since 1952, the sole purpose of The Crystal Charity Ball has been to aid, support and make contributions to children’s charities in Dallas County. As a nonprofit organization, independent of any national affiliation, members of The Crystal Charity Ball Committee have raised more than $117 million for more than 140 worthy beneficiaries over the past 60 years.
In 2014, the 100 active members of The Crystal Charity Ball Committee committed to raise $5,127,886. These funds will support seven commendable Dallas organizations and give children hope for a healthier more productive future. The generous spirit of Underwriters, Children’s Book participants, Silent Auction and Special Gift donors, and Contribution Ticket patrons will help turn promises into reality for children served by The Crystal Charity Ball.
This years chairman, Robyn Conlon, is doing a remarkable job leading us to our goal. I first met Robyn in 1998 when she was the Underwriting Chairman for the Junior League of Dallas Ball and I was just a regular member serving as an underwriting solicitor. She taught me so much that year. I’ve watched Robyn lead and serve on many committees and she always does it with style and grace. Our committee positions have enter-twinned several times in Crystal Charity Ball and she is such a delight to work with. That’s because Robyn knows that all of us are volunteers doing our best to get to a common goal, while keeping family first. Speaking of family, her husband Don and the rest of her family are completely behind her. And, she and Don are grandparents to two adorable grandchildren.
You don’t want to miss the festivities on Saturday, December 6th. Go to www.crystalcharityball.com to inquire how to be a sponsor. Get to know Robyn a little better by reading through our rapid fire questions and answers below.
I hope to see you at the ball on December 6th! xoxo- Tanya
meet Robyn conlon with 10 rapid fire questions:
1)How long have you been a member of CCB?
I have been a member since 2004.
2) What do you want people to remember about your CCB Ball/year? What will your legacy be?
Of course, it has been a year of laughter and great camaraderie! It would be meaningful to me if the lasting impression of 2014 is that 100 caring and compassionate, active volunteers raised more than $5 million to help children from all walks of life for decades to come. The ball itself will be a beautiful celebration for our donors and I hope the guests enjoy the décor and entertainment!
3) How were this year’s agencies selected? Is is hard to say no to an agency?
The Charity Selection Process is a very thorough, time consuming and rewarding process, that, in the end, allows the membership to decide which beneficiaries are the most deserving. In 2014, we had the largest number of applicants in the history of the organization and we sought to bring diverse groups to the finals. Newer organizations were encouraged to apply and that was a very positive element. Crystal Charity always suggest finalists, who might not be selected, return the next year because it is an excellent exercise in the charity’s fund-raising efforts.
4) Raising all of that money is a lot of work. How do you unwind?
Spending quality time with family is a priority!
5) Favorite vacation spot and must-see destinations?
We love our annual family vacations to the Cayman Islands.
6) Tell me something that most people do not know about you.
I was a lifeguard at the SMU pool in the 1970s.
7) Favorite place to grab a bite in Dallas?
We love Salum-not just for the food, but because Abraham Salum is such a generous man.
8) What makes Dallas so great?
We live in the most generous and charitable city in the world.
9) Text, call or e-mail? Favorite social media?
I prefer the telephone!
10) What will you be wearing on December 6th?
Patti Flowers, who is Decorations Chairman for the Ball and a fabulous couturier, is making my dress. She brings the best of both worlds to the table!
2014 Crystal Charity Ball beneficiaries
Cafe MomentumCulinary Job Training for Juvenile Offenders
Eat. Drink. Change Lives. Dallas CASA
Crystal Charity Ball Voices for Children Wing
Abused children can’t wait. Equest
Texas Horse Park – Children’s Programming
Children. Horses. Hope. Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic
Pediatrics for the New South Oak Cliff Health Center
Meeting the health care needs of impoverished children and families Mercy Street
Mercy Street Mentoring Program
Walking in faith with children on their journey to graduation Vogel Alcove
The Soar Program
Where homeless children get the chance to soar Wesley-Rankin Community Center
Wesley-Rankin Community School – Early Childhood Education Center
Changing the academic path for children THE CRYSTAL CHARITY BALL HORIZON PROJECT
Trinity River Audubon Center
Eco Cruises: Hands-On Science Education Tags: charity, crystal charity ball, Dallas, lucky
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