Two hundred forty members of the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas opened the show, entering the Meyerson performance hall from every doorway. According to Mr. Granberry, the children “were selected from a combination of four Children’s Chorus choirs” representing grades 4 through 8. He wrote in his blog that their “angelic voices” were the “most moving aspect” of the evening performance.

The evening was not only moving and entertaining but also incredibly important to the Vogel Alcove’s financial stability, thanks to the outstanding leadership of event co-chairs Cynthia and Forrest Miller and Erin and Mike McKool, who exceeded this year’s goal despite an extremely difficult economy. Mr. Miller serves as Group President-Corporate Strategy & Development of AT&T Inc., a Paramount Sponsor of the 2010 event.

The centerpieces, gift cards and paintings were auctioned at the event’s first-ever silent auction. Ms. Fearing and Ms. Rathbun also obtained hundreds of delectable desserts for the reception following the performance, many of which were donated by their restaurant, Shinsei, and by Fearing’s and Kent Rathbun Concepts.

Event attendees received the beautiful commemorative program created by the Fossil Design Studio as a pro bono project for the ninth year in a row. Becky Winslow brought her artistic ability and skill to the book’s professional design and layout. Blaine Leist again expertly managed the production process. Don Clampitt and Clampitt Paper and David Besgrove and Ussery Printing helped reduce the cost of the program with their inkind donations toward the paper and printing.

The ads in the commemorative program provided critical event revenue, thanks to the Ad Solicitation Committee chaired by Lisa Cregan with special recognition to vice chair Gerald Barnes and his colleagues at Neiman Marcus, who again secured many important advertisers.

Fred Ashman and Mark Maisonneuve of Maxcel Multi Image produced and directed an enlightening and engaging video about the Alcove with the guidance of vice chairs Lael and Peter Brodsky. It is the company’s fourth pro bono video for the Alcove. Following the video, Board president Alan Perkins reported on the Board’s new long-range plan, paid tribute to honorees Jeneane and Aaron Pearlman and Tina Wasserman for their past service as event volunteers, and recognized the co-chairs’ tireless efforts, presenting them with Steuben hearts as tokens of the Alcove’s appreciation.

Mr. Miller and Mr. McKool praised the generosity of the event sponsors and advertisers and the dedication of volunteers. Gail Cooksey and Molli Samuels of Cooksey Communications generated outstanding publicity to promote this year’s event, donating their public relations expertise for the ninth consecutive year.