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BLAME IT ON THE BOSSA NOVA BY BILLY FONG. PHOTOGRAPHY DANA DRIENSKY AND HAYNSWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY. T he Crystal Charity Ball is the glittering grande dame of the Dallas social season. Some of its 60-plus years have been dusted with snow, which makes a good excuse to whip out a full-length sable to wrap around a sparkling gown. Yes, this is the night for that dress. Voluminous. Extravagant. Even operatic. At CCB, it's go big or go home (to your Highland Park Tudor), as some might say. This year's invitation proclaimed a South American Mosaic theme, and the temperate climate that December evening played along. The event honored the 1,500 donors who helped the committee raise a record $6.8 million for 10 benefi ciaries including Child & Family Guidance Center, Community Partners of Dallas, For the Nations: Refugee Outreach, and Readers 2 Leaders. Jan Strimple was the mastermind behind dancers dressed as leopards, butterfl ies, and birds of the Amazon, all prancing on podiums at the entrance to the Hilton Anatole. Strimple is careful to spend very little on decor, to keep the majority of funds for the grant recipients. For the preponderance of feathers (who knew plumage was expensive?), she and frequent collaborator Rob Bradford repurposed some bargain Vegas headdresses to glorious effect. Among the best-dressed guests was one of my favorite fashion personalities, Shelle Sills, who wore a gold Safi yaa column resembling a chic Oscar statuette. Also floating about were Melinda Knowles in a Lela Rose gown with a plunging neckline paired with Lele Sadoughi earrings; Lisa Cooley in a radiant blue Patti Flowers gown with shoulders detailed in gold; Bela Cooley in a gorgeous yellow Marchesa; Annika Cail in a fl uid Carolina Herrera frock; and Ashley Hunt in a green-and-white fl oral print that she said "reminds me of South America" as she sambaed by. Tango-ready guests: Travis Christian, Lynn McBee, Annette Simmons and Jerry Fronterhouse, Lisa and Kenny Troutt, Tavia and Clark Hunt, Diane and Hal Brierley, Melinda and Steve Winn, Ken Schnitzer, and Kelli and Jerry Ford. A SOUTH AMERICAN NIGHT AT THE CRYSTAL CHARITY BALL The evening for Crystal Charity Ball begins at the door with fanciful dancers. Kevin Dahlberg & Francie Moody-Dahlberg Richard & Jennifer Dix Charles & Pat McEvoy Morgan Malone, Marianne & Kory Lynn Crystal Charity Ball goes South American Carrie & Craig Levering Anne & Jeremy Besser Kenny & Lisa Troutt Laura & Jason Downing Lisa Cooley, Patti Flowers Tucker & Rich Enthoven Michael & Shelle Sills 36