By Mary Thacker
Special to the Herald-Banner
As relaxing music provided by pianist Asa Welles played in the background, fashionably-dressed guests made their way into the ballroom of the Hilton Bella Harbor for the annual Rockwall County Alliance for the Arts fundraising gala.
The evening opened with a welcome by Alliance President Kathleen Morrow and Vice-President Dan Crawford, followed by a formation dance routine by the “A Dance to Remember” team to the song “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” which tied into the event’s theme.
The tables were decorated in classic black-and- white with calla lily floral arrangements.
Channel 11’s Teresa Frosini served as the emcee for this year’s event. Since the goal of the Rockwall County Alliance for the Arts is to support the arts in Rockwall, the evening featured performances by the Rockwall Community Playhouse’s Camp Broadway and music from Rockwall Strings, an ensemble of students from six different RISD schools. Rockwall Independent School District showed a strong presence during the night with local students’ art displays and dancing by Superintendent Dr. Gene Burton. Dr. Burton and his wife Julie competed with a Tennessee Waltz. The couple claimed top honors during the “Dancing with the Stars” competition which raised $2,550. Other couples included local pediatrician and owner of TrainUp, Dr. Kurt Pflieger and his wife Julie, Dallas Morning News columnist Marcia Burzair with her husband Ed, and former Heath mayor Chris Cuny dancing with professional dance instructor Margaret Kochan, who choreographed and taught all the dance routines.
Judges included: ArtVentures owner Joetta Currie, Ambassador for the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce Jon Bailey, and AMICA Publicity Chair Dedra Goodson.
Patt Jordan and Kathleen Morrow received certificates of recognition from Gov. Rick Perry for their dedication to the promotion of the arts in Rockwall County. Following a three-course meal, artwork by prominent civic leaders was sold in an auction conducted by Gary Freedman.
David Bush, director of the Lakeside Civic Chorus, Channel 4 News anchor Heather Hays, RISD Trustee Russ Childers, SeaWolf owner Scott Self, and RISD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Joan Terry all created original artwork for the sale.
They were assisted by professional artists Joetta Currie, Laura Thrash, David Smithers and Kathleen Finan. Donations by artists Carmen Wilkins, Tyce McLarty, Charlie Freeman, Gary McCoy, Jack Palmer, John Nieto, Gary McCoy, Jayne McFaddin, Lisa Willis, Dieter Esch, Pat Haverfield, and Victoria Clary and a performance by the RHS Jazz Band were also included in the auction.
In addition, Cullen Lassiter of Van Daniel Graphic Arts drew a large crowd of spectators as he painted the sun setting over Lake Ray Hubbard. He then donated his creation to the auction.
A special presentation was made to RHHS freshman Dalia Rodriguez who was the first recipient of the Mary Elaine House Scholarship. House was an avid supporter of the arts in Rockwall. During her 25-year career in music, she produced or directed more than 50 operas, worked as a music professor, music critic, and stage manager. She married acclaimed cellist Robert House in 1979. Both died within weeks of each other in 2007. Their daughter Kathy was present to congratulate Rodriguez, who is excited to fulfill her dream of taking private voice lessons.
To end the evening, the dance floor was opened up to everyone as the 15-piece band, Nobles of Note, led by director Gary Zerfas, played Big Band music.
The Alliance supports the band whose members donate their time and talents to benefit the Shriners Burn Hospital of Galveston.
The Rockwall Alliance for the Arts is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, support, educate and create awareness of the arts in the community. The annual gala is to raise money for the arts organizations it supports. Rockwall Community Playhouse, Rockwall Children’s Chorus, Lakeside Civic Chorus, Rockwall Historical Foundation, MusicFest and the Hubbard Chamber Music Series all profit from the Alliance.
In addition, students in the Rockwall Independent School District receive scholarships through the Alliance’s Youth ArtReach Grants that provide money for music, dance and art lessons to underprivileged children. More information about RCAA is available at www.rockwallarts.org.
Features
Related Photos
-
Above, Gene and Julie Burton acknowledge the audience at the end of their performance. The Burtons won the Alliance “Dancing with the Stars” competition with their rendition of the classic Waltz. Gene is the superintendent of schools for the Rockwall Independent School District.
Discussion
Alliance for the Arts holds gala, dance competition
- Features
-
-
Local man selected for Night of Superstars recognition
Brandon Maya will be greeted by hundreds of people when his limo arrives at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas Saturday night.
-
Tuesday was a ‘Romans 8:28 kind of day’
Cameron Knight called Tuesday a “Romans 8:28 kind of day.”
That’s the day a tornado ripped a path through part of Rockwall County, -
Veggie delight
Rockwall is full of places to get a nice size slice of beef, a half-pound pork chop, or three pieces of chicken slathered in barbeque sauce. Veggie House is not among them.
-
Specialized Sounds
Music is a language that crosses all boundaries. No matter where a person is born, or raised he or she will have some involvement with tunes, tones and sound. Adding more instruments to the symphony of life is Peghead Guitars owner Raymond Jowers.
-
Patriot Paws fund raiser called success
“Capp is absolutely amazing to me!” Mike McHale said to a packed house Sunday. “He knows over 250 commands and words. He goes everywhere I go. If I’m in the shower, he is right there. If I am at work, he is there, too. He can open the refrigerator or ice chest and bring me water, a coke, or beer.” Several times in the conversation, Mike repeated,” He’ll bring me beer!”, as he laughed along with a more than cheerful audience.
-
Square features new kitchen store
A new kitchen-themed-shop called Enjoy will be tempting Rockwall residents to think outside of the box but inside the square.
-
Scented greatness
Scent is commonly the forgotten sense. We as a people are always using our eyes, ears, mouth and hands to experience the world. Scent is just a second nature by product of being completely healthy and alive. Despite a typical lack of appreciation for scent Candles by Carol owner Carol Leal has found on a way to profit on pleasant smells.
-
Kensley Jones celebrates first birthday in hospital
Little Kensley Jones’ first birthday on Feb. 15 was marked with a party that featured cake, balloons and gifts.
-
Hunting for homes
The world of habitation is changing. It used to be people moved into an apartment in their 20s and would go out into the world for entertainment. This trend has changed and complexes like The Rockwall Commons are offering residents entertainment with their leases, allowing them to spend less money on a night on the town.
-
Taking stress levels down on Valentines
Every year men and women are forced to come up with new and exciting ways to please their significant others on Valentine’s Day. It is downright stressful. Given that this holiday is supposed to be about loving the one you’re with and not stressing over those irritating questions, where do I get flowers and a gift? Where should we go to dinner? These two questions plague most on this day; so here is some humble information that may help in creating that perfect evening.
Sabrina’s Flower and Gift Shop owner Kay Uhlig said life is very hectic over the next week, but that’s OK because it gives her a chance to do something truly special.
- More Features Headlines
-
Raw Video: Deadly Bombing at Yemen Parade Preps
Professor: Chinese Activist's 'Spirit Is Good'
Ring of Fire Eclipse Seen in U.S., Asia
Golden Gate Bridge Celebrates 75 Years
G-8 Seeks Unity on Euro-debt Crisis, Iran
Prosecutors: Trio Planned to Attack Obama's HQ
Obama: G8 Unified in Stance on Iran, Syria
