This year is like no other in the history of the Crystal Charity Ball (CCB), Dallas’ largest fundraiser for children’s charities—because of one daunting challenge after another. But more of that later.  First, a look at the woman at the helm, Ball Chair Tucker Enthoven—today’s stalwart leader who is meeting every issue at hand.

Perhaps her formation for challenges began in high school.  “At Hockaday, I was a tri-season athlete,” says Tucker.  A what?  “I was on an athletic team during fall, winter, spring.” Which undoubtedly instilled focus, determination, and perseverance.  She must have been born with a joyful ebullience, however, because that infuses everything about her.  

“Philanthropy filled a need for me,” she says when asked about her path to Crystal Charity. “There is so much that you can do strategically that has a visible effect.”

Her first foray into non-profit volunteer work was through her Stanford Business School alumni association.  “Four of us in Dallas formed a pro-bono consulting group, and we helped Young Audiences, which then became Big Thought,” said Tucker, who loved the organization’s creative learning systems that make such a difference to Dallas children.

Her subsequent volunteer work has mostly been child-related:  St. Philip’s School, Hockaday, Baylor, The Senior Source and Crystal Charity, where she has been an active member since 2009.  “CCB attracted me because you are able to help under-served children on a larger scale,” said Tucker, who, with her husband, Rich, has four grown children.

“Most people think Crystal Charity is just about planning a party,” said Tucker.  “The party is really a thank-you to those who have made their donations.”  Actually, she says, Crystal Charity is all about the beneficiaries, which make her excited to go to work every day.

“The agencies do the hard work.  This year because of COVID-19, I have had the privilege of working more closely with the beneficiaries,” said Tucker.  These organizations all benefit children, and now schools have closed, and access is difficult.  “How they are pivoting is amazing,” she said.  “Their creativity in continuing to serve during a pandemic is the most inspirational thing I have ever seen in my life.”  

She gives as only one example among many the North Texas Food Bank, who called in the National Guard to hand out food to families at Fair Park.

A tremendous effort by CCB members also goes into each year’s work of fund-raising. “Our value addition is going on right now – the charity selection process.”  

She lays out the year’s work. “In September, we have a meeting to inform potential beneficiaries about the process.  Because of Covid, we did this remotely.”  She said that they reach out to all well-known non-profits, but they also look for new organizations for whom CCB could have a transformational impact.

“Applications are received from non-profits and reviewed,” said Tucker.  “They must follow our rules: non-profits serving children in Dallas County for the last three years.” Deloitte pro bono reviews the financials and gives their professional stamp of approval, and the application list is kept a secret.

“In January, the selection committee (40 members) goes out and interviews applicants and presents their research to the selection committee.  Two days later they vote—Round One—and 30 applicants are reduced to 23. During Round Two, the agencies make their presentation to the selection committee.  The committee then votes, and finalists are determined. 

The first Thursday in February, the finalists present to all 100 members (and former Ball Chairs) of CCB.  There is no discussion, and it’s a secret ballot.  Each member asks herself, can you see yourself raising money for this project?    The agencies with the most votes win.

“Each agency is funded for the specific project they presented to the committee, and the total dollar amount of all these projects is our annual fundraising goal.” Also, all active members take a bus tour and see every organization, and the entire process equips them to give muscle to their next step: underwriting.  This kicks off in early March with letters in the mail.  Spring is the biggest fundraising season, and this spring, Covid hit. 

“Even with Covid, our donors have been incredible,” said Tucker. “It’s an extremely loyal group, which has become more like a family.”  Fundraising usually winds down in October, but not this year, because they haven’t yet met their commitment.  Also, they decided in October that because of Covid, they would cancel the Ball. 

“We made the largest commitment this year ever in our 68-year history—$7.8 million,” said Tucker.  “I am confident that we will meet that figure, because I am that determined.  The needs of these agencies have only become greater during Covid—and in 68 years, we have always met our commitment.”

This year will be no exception with Tucker in charge—an extraordinary woman called upon during an extraordinary time.   (Don’t mess with a tri-season athlete.)

Linda Faulkner Johnston – Tradition Senior Living

For more information, see www.crystalcharityball.org

SEE BELOW INFORMATION ABOUT THE LUXURY SILENT AUCTION AND DRAWING!

This year is like no other in the history of the Crystal Charity Ball (CCB), Dallas’ largest fundraiser for children’s charities—because of one daunting challenge after another. But more of that later.  First, a look at the woman at the helm, Ball Chair Tucker Enthoven—today’s stalwart leader who is meeting every issue at hand.

Perhaps her formation for challenges began in high school.  “At Hockaday, I was a tri-season athlete,” says Tucker.  A what?  “I was on an athletic team during fall, winter, spring.” Which undoubtedly instilled focus, determination, and perseverance.  She must have been born with a joyful ebullience, however, because that infuses everything about her.  

“Philanthropy filled a need for me,” she says when asked about her path to Crystal Charity. “There is so much that you can do strategically that has a visible effect.”

Her first foray into non-profit volunteer work was through her Stanford Business School alumni association.  “Four of us in Dallas formed a pro-bono consulting group, and we helped Young Audiences, which then became Big Thought,” said Tucker, who loved the organization’s creative learning systems that make such a difference to Dallas children.

Her subsequent volunteer work has mostly been child-related:  St. Philip’s School, Hockaday, Baylor, The Senior Source and Crystal Charity, where she has been an active member since 2009.  “CCB attracted me because you are able to help under-served children on a larger scale,” said Tucker, who, with her husband, Rich, has four grown children.

“Most people think Crystal Charity is just about planning a party,” said Tucker.  “The party is really a thank-you to those who have made their donations.”  Actually, she says, Crystal Charity is all about the beneficiaries, which make her excited to go to work every day.

“The agencies do the hard work.  This year because of COVID-19, I have had the privilege of working more closely with the beneficiaries,” said Tucker.  These organizations all benefit children, and now schools have closed, and access is difficult.  “How they are pivoting is amazing,” she said.  “Their creativity in continuing to serve during a pandemic is the most inspirational thing I have ever seen in my life.”  

She gives as only one example among many the North Texas Food Bank, who called in the National Guard to hand out food to families at Fair Park.

A tremendous effort by CCB members also goes into each year’s work of fund-raising. “Our value addition is going on right now – the charity selection process.”  

She lays out the year’s work. “In September, we have a meeting to inform potential beneficiaries about the process.  Because of Covid, we did this remotely.”  She said that they reach out to all well-known non-profits, but they also look for new organizations for whom CCB could have a transformational impact.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE AND HAVE FUN AT THE SAME TIME:

Luxury Silent Auction

December 2 – 6, 2020

Register for a bidder number and browse the exciting options at ccb2020.ggo.bid. 

Drawing

December 5, 2020

Purchase Contribution Tickets for four fabulous prizes: (1) 2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible – only 400 tickets will be sold, (2) $25,000 pre-paid Visa card, (3) $20,000 Gift Certificate from Stanley Korshak and (4) $11,000 Vintage Estate Collection Suite of Black Onyx Diamond and 18K Gold from Eiseman Jewels NorthPark Center. Plus, CCB offers a $100 Gold Contribution Ticket for which purchasers are eligible to win unique items and packages, including luxury home goods, gift certificates for fine dining in Dallas, spa services, fashion items and much more!

To purchase Contribution Tickets, call Jen Hinze at Crystal Charity at 214-526-5868 ext. 12.

“Applications are received from non-profits and reviewed,” said Tucker.  “They must follow our rules: non-profits serving children in Dallas County for the last three years.” Deloitte pro bono reviews the financials and gives their professional stamp of approval, and the application list is kept a secret.

“In January, the selection committee (40 members) goes out and interviews applicants and presents their research to the selection committee.  Two days later they vote—Round One—and 30 applicants are reduced to 23. During Round Two, the agencies make their presentation to the selection committee.  The committee then votes, and finalists are determined. 

The first Thursday in February, the finalists present to all 100 members (and former Ball Chairs) of CCB.  There is no discussion, and it’s a secret ballot.  Each member asks herself, can you see yourself raising money for this project?    The agencies with the most votes win.

“Each agency is funded for the specific project they presented to the committee, and the total dollar amount of all these projects is our annual fundraising goal.” Also, all active members take a bus tour and see every organization, and the entire process equips them to give muscle to their next step: underwriting.  This kicks off in early March with letters in the mail.  Spring is the biggest fundraising season, and this spring, Covid hit. 

“Even with Covid, our donors have been incredible,” said Tucker. “It’s an extremely loyal group, which has become more like a family.”  Fundraising usually winds down in October, but not this year, because they haven’t yet met their commitment.  Also, they decided in October that because of Covid, they would cancel the Ball.  

“We made the largest commitment this year ever in our 68-year history—$7.8 million,” said Tucker.  “I am confident that we will meet that figure, because I am that determined.  The needs of these agencies have only become greater during Covid—and in 68 years, we have always met our commitment.”

This year will be no exception with Tucker in charge—an extraordinary woman called upon during an extraordinary time.   (Don’t mess with a tri-season athlete.)

Linda Faulkner Johnston – Tradition Senior Living

For more information, see www.crystalcharityball.org

SEE BELOW INFORMATION ABOUT THE LUXURY SILENT AUCTION AND DRAWING!