Main Content
JUST IN: Michael Meadows Named Dallas Children’s Theater Executive Director
For simply ages, Amy and Michael Meadows have been guiding all types of North Texas non-profits. While Amy has most recently been a leading force for Parks for Downtown Dallas, Michael has been part of the leadership of the SPCA of Texas, the Dallas Zoo, the Southwestern Medical Foundation, The University of Texas at Dallas and countless others.
It was in 2023 as the art groups were slowly emerging from the pandemic that Michael, as board chair of TACA, oversaw the departure of Terry Loftis as TACA’s executive director/president and named Maura Sheffler as Loftis’ successor. He also coordinated a strategic plan to move the group forward.
Last summer, Michael took on the role as the Dallas Children’s Theater’s (DCT) interim executive director and undertook a plan to “stabilize DCT’s operations, deepen relationships with the organization’s donor base, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable long-term future.”
As a result, “DCT successfully launched its 42nd season — including a co-commissioned world premiere holiday production. That momentum carried through to DCT’s new annual fundraiser, Enchantment — An Evening with DCT, held May 8, 2026, at the Rosewood Center for Family Arts.”
So impressed were they with Michael’s strategy, dedication and years of leadership that, in their search for a permanent executive director, the DCT board of trustees recognized that they already had the right person to fill the role and signed Michael up for a three-year contract.
According to DCT Board President Leah Mora, “From his very first days at DCT, Michael demonstrated exactly the kind of steady, visionary leadership this organization needed in the Executive Director role. His understanding of Dallas’s philanthropic community, his passion for DCT’s mission, and his ability to expand a sense of community among our board, staff, and stakeholders made this decision an easy one.”
As executive director, Michael has a “clear set of priorities aimed at strengthening DCT’s financial foundation, elevating its community profile, and expanding its reach across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex,” based on the following key strategies:
- Financial Stability & Sustainability: Building a firm financial base through increased earned income, a growing donor base, and disciplined stewardship of DCT’s assets — including its 55,000-square-foot facility, which the organization owns free of debt.
- Expanding the Donor Base: While DCT has been well-supported by a dedicated group of major donors, Meadows is focused on broadening that foundation by growing the base of contributors giving between $500 and $25,000 — creating a more resilient and diversified funding structure for the long term.
- Increasing Awareness & Attendance: Elevating the visibility of DCT’s productions and programs across the DFW community, ensuring that more families, schools, and community members can experience the quality of professional theater DCT offers.
- Boosting Earned Income: Growing revenue through strategic facility rentals and other earned income opportunities, leveraging DCT’s outstanding venue in ways that benefit both the organization and the broader community.”
In accepting his new role, Michael said, “If we want Dallas to continue thriving as a nationally recognized theater city, the best way is to introduce our children to the magic of live theater at a young age and to encourage and support their participation in the artform as they grow. While most of the children who attend our performances go on to careers in other professions, the life skills they develop through our education programs — public speaking, teamwork, discipline, and self-control — and the lasting memories they create with their families watching our productions stay with them forever. For 42 years, Dallas Children’s Theater has been playing this invaluable role, and I am deeply honored to lead this organization that has such a powerful and uplifting impact on the young people in our community.”
The DCT legacy that began in 1984 with Founder Robyn Flatt, daughter of the late Dallas Theater Center Founder Paul Baker, now will enter a new chapter to grow the love of the performing arts led by a member of the philanthropic Meadows family renowned for its talent, generosity and vision.
JUST IN: Dr. Condoleezza Rice To Keynote Inaugural Women In Leadership Luncheon
The fall fundraising season of 2026 is going to kick off with gusto immediately after Labor Day. Leave it to the Circle Ten Council, Scouting America, to get things going with its inaugural Women In Leadership Luncheon on Tuesday, September 8.
Taking place at The Fairmont Dallas, the event will honor Eagle Scouts Lois Alvar and Londyn Franklin, “whose achievements exemplify the character, courage and leadership that Scouting cultivates. Their recognition reflects Circle Ten Council’s commitment to celebrate girls in Scouting and create visible pathways for young women to see themselves as the leaders they are already becoming.”
In fact, the emcee for the fundraiser will be Circle Ten Council Eagle Scout Tejasvi Manoj of Troop 261 in Plano. Tejasvi was “Time Magazine’s” 2025 Kid of the Year.
Another highlight of the day will be a moderated conversation between NBC5’s Laura Harris and 66th U.S. Secretary Of State and former National Security Advisor Dr. Condoleezza Rice.
According to Circle Ten Council, Scouting America Scout Executive/CEO Scotty Landry, “This inaugural luncheon is a celebration of something we believe deeply at Circle Ten Counsil: that girls belong in Scouting, girls thrive in Scouting and when young women are given the opportunity to lead, they do it extraordinarily well. Dr. Rice has spent a lifetime demonstrating what is possible when character meets conviction, and we could not be prouder to welcome her to Dallas. Honoring Lois and Londyn alongside a leader of her stature says everything about where our movement is headed and the future we are building for every girl in our program.”
If Scouting America’s Circle Ten Council is new on your radar, it shouldn’t be. After all, it’s been “shaping the next generation of leaders in 24 counties of North Texas and Southern Oklahoma” for more than a century. Scouting units are chartered to community organizations such as schools and churches.
In addition to corporate sponsorships being available, tickets are on sale here.
* Graphic courtesy of Circle Ten Council, Scouting America
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 … Read More...
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 … Read More...
Dallas’ CAPCO Honored The Frontline Workers For April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month
With April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Dallas County's Child Abuse Prevention Coalition (CAPCO) held a lunch donated by In-N-Out Burger at Dallas CASA on Wednesday, April 22, for child welfare workers, law enforcement and local non-profits like Family Compass' Griselda Gomez. It was an … Read More...
JUST IN: 50 Dallas Art Groups To Share $650K From TACA’s 2026 Catalyst Grants Program
When COVID filled hospitals starting in 2020, it dramatically challenged visual and performing art groups to transition to life without in-person attendance. Despite the disruption, philanthropists and organizations like TACA stepped up to support the struggling organizations. Even with the … Read More...
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
The traditional Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Dallas' Fashion Show and Luncheon had a couple of tweaks for its 35th annual fundraiser at the Meyerson on Tuesday, April 21. Of course, SAWA President Kimber Hartmann and Luncheon Chair Katherine Coker weren't going to change the basics that had made … Read More...