The Women’s Council of Realtors Dallas Chapter held its 20th Annual High Tea & Fashion Show today at Brookhaven Country Club. And in celebration of its 20th Anniversary, Ebby’s 100th birthday year, and the fact that it was Ebby who founded the Dallas Chapter of WCR, this year’s event was aptly dubbed “Hats Off to Ebby – The Foundation of Our Future.”
As usual, the guests were decked out in all sorts of hats, from the small but impactful “fascinator” style (worn by Ebby herself) to the over-the-top and amazing.
And in addition to the usual program, guests enjoyed a historical video showcasing how the fashion industry brought Ebby to Dallas in 1938. The video also included interviews of various real estate professionals talking about an array of topics including their favorite Ebby looks over the years (her cream colored birthday dress for the 100th birthday gala was the hands down favorite), the Ebby Dress Code then and now (no pants for women in the early days!), and the importance of dressing for success, no matter your profession.
Ebby isn’t the only one celebrating a centennial birthday this year. Dallas’ White Rock Lake is also turning the big 1-0-0 in 2011 and the 100 days of celebration kicked off last night at the Dallas Arboretum with An Intimate Evening with Ebby.
The event served as a celebration of the birthdays of both Dallas icons and Ebby also happens to be serving as Honorary Chairwoman of the White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration. The Celebration is hosted by organizations, including Ebby Halliday, Realtors, all committed to the preservation and improvement of this signature park. Proceeds from the 100 days of events will help fund 10 capital improvements projects at the lake.
Ebby’s 100th birthday party at the Meyerson Symphony Center continues to make news. You’ve probably already seen party pics in several newspapers and magazines and you’re likely to see many more in the coming weeks. For those of you who did not attend (and even for those of you who did), one of the best recaps of the entire night comes from the lady in town who never misses a party. In fact, she’s been known to cover 5-6 different events in one night. To read the literal play-by-play of Ebby 100 from the eyes of Jeanne Prejean, check out her Sweet Charity Blog.
And below in two parts is the video introduction that aired that night, right before Mario Frangoulis and Andriana Chuchman took to the stage. Enjoy.
The buzz continues over last week’s circus-themed Ebby 100 Gala at the Meyerson Symphony Center. For those of you who were unable to attend, we would like to share some incredible photography documenting the events, courtesy of Dana Driensky and Daniel Driensky. From the patron party the night before at the home of Jeff Rich and Jan Miller to the gala itself, complete with cotton candy, popcorn and bubble gum martinis, it was truly a memorable night. Enjoy the photos at the Ebby Halliday Facebook Page.
While the talk about last night’s extravaganza is likely to go on for a while, perhaps the best summary of the evening is the video below produced by The Dallas Morning News. More to come on the big event, but until then, enjoy the video and photos at the link below.
This week’s birthday girl, Ebby Halliday, sat down with local news legend, Bobbie Wygant, recently to discuss the last 100 years and Ebby’s upcoming centennial celebration. The interview, which aired on NBC5 Saturday morning, marked the first time the two had met. It was a special moment for the local trailblazers who share many commonalities. Bobbie (born Roberta Frances Connolly) began her career at KXAS-TV (NBC) when it was created in 1948, just three years after Ebby (born Vera Lucille Koch) began her now legendary real estate career. While Ebby is known for her tenacity in real estate over the years, Bobbie is recognized for conducting hundreds of celebrity interviews, including Harrison Ford, Dolly Parton, Tom Hanks, Shirley MacLaine and James Cameron among many others.
This time, Ebby was the celebrity and the two Dallas personalities were thrilled to meet. Read about the special meeting here and watch the full interview here. And see behind the scenes at the video below.
Clarice Tinsley of Fox 4 News named Ebby a Hometown Hero in a video segment that aired today at 5:30 pm. It will rerun tomorrow, Tuesday, March 8 at 12 noon.
If you missed Ebby’s appearance on Good Morning Texas this morning, you can see the full interview below.
She was in studio talking about her upcoming 100th birthday and the Ebby 100 Gala on Wednesday night at the Meyerson. Proceeds will benefit the Ebby Halliday Scholarship Fund through the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.
To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit Ebby100.com.
Be sure to catch our favorite birthday girl’s first TV interview tonight on KERA’s Think at 7pm with Krys Boyd. Here’s how the show is described:
With more than 60 years in the real estate business, Ebby Halliday shows no signs of slowing down and continues to go into the office every day. We’ll talk with the Dallas business icon about humble beginnings, big ambitions, and the secrets of success as she celebrates her 100th birthday this week.
Ebby Halliday on Think – KERA 13 – PBS
Friday, March 4 | 7 pm
If you miss tonight, the show will rerun on Sunday, March 6 at 11:30 am, Monday, March 7 at 10:30 pm, and Wednesday, March 9 at 1:30 am.
