Dallas, September 26, 2025
News Summary
The recent Platinum Circle Dinner held at The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas showcased the 2025 Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show’s Ten Best Dressed. An evening of socialization featured a cocktail reception and a dinner, highlighting the contributions of honorees and long-time sponsors. Despite some logistical challenges, attendees enjoyed an exquisite meal and a jewelry showcase. The event not only celebrated fashion but also aimed to foster philanthropy within the Dallas community, connecting guests around shared values.
Dallas — The Platinum Circle Dinner occurred on September 4, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, honoring the 2025 Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show Ten Best Dressed. The evening included a cocktail reception at 7 PM followed by dinner at 8 PM and proceeded despite a late-arriving honoree and other logistical challenges.
Key facts and immediate developments
The event included a cocktail reception at 7 PM, followed by dinner at 8 PM. Concerns arose at 6:35 PM regarding a group photo due to the absence of honoree Wendy Messmann. Despite frantic efforts to locate her, Messmann was still missing, prompting organizers to proceed with the photo sans her. Wendy Messmann arrived at 7:25 PM and immediately went to Margot’s pop-up salon. Handwritten apology notes from Wendy Messmann were received by Mary Martha and Amy the following morning.
Attendance and honorees
Key attendees included 2025 CCB Chair Mary Martha Pickens, Fashion Show Chair Amy Hegi, and Hall of Famer Aileen Pratt. Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson, a 10 Best Dressed honoree, could not attend due to illness. Other Best Dressed honorees present were Julie Bagley, Shelby Goff, Shannon Graham, Tracey Kozmetsky, Tracy Lange, Lisa Rocchio, Sunie Solomon, and Katherine Wyker.
Event features and program
Australian jeweler Margot McKinney showcased her jewelry collection prior to the event in a room adjacent to Ballroom Salon A. Guests enjoyed viewing portraits of the Ten BDers and others set up in the reception area. The evening’s program included acknowledgments of long-time sponsors and remarks by event leadership that thanked sponsors and supporters.
Supporting details and context
Notable attendees’ family members included Aaron Kozmetsky (Tracey K.’s husband), Janet Donoho (Tracey K.’s mom), Sheri Krause (Shelley’s mom), and real estate mogul John Goff (principal owner of the Dallas Ritz-Carlton). The event attracted several past attendees, including husbands of previous Best Dressed honorees. Other guests included Erin Mathews, Vicki and Bob Chapman, Michael Faircloth celebrating his 66th birthday, and Mary Martha’s husband John Pickens.
Event organizers featured acknowledgments to long-time sponsors like Comerica Bank and Neiman Marcus. Dinner consisted of baby romaine salad, grilled beef tenderloin, and chocolate almond cake. A lighting adjustment enhanced the ballroom’s atmosphere, showcasing the floral centerpieces beautifully. The dinner faced logistical challenges due to the amount of seating space at the long tables.
The event was influenced by the same night’s NFL game between the Cowboys and the Eagles, which led to updates being shared at tables. The Platinum Circle Dinner connected guests and celebrated philanthropy within the Dallas community.
Background and significance
The Platinum Circle Dinner is a recurring event tied to the Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show’s recognition of community contributors. The dinner functions as both a social gathering and an acknowledgment platform for honorees and sponsors, while also serving as a prelude to broader fundraising and fashion show activities. The presence of long-time sponsors and prominent local figures underscored the event’s role in local philanthropic traditions.
FAQ
When and where did the Platinum Circle Dinner occur?
The Platinum Circle Dinner occurred on September 4, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, honoring the 2025 Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show Ten Best Dressed.
What was the event schedule?
The event included a cocktail reception at 7 PM, followed by dinner at 8 PM.
Was any honoree absent or late?
Concerns arose at 6:35 PM regarding a group photo due to the absence of honoree Wendy Messmann.
When did Wendy Messmann arrive?
Wendy Messmann arrived at 7:25 PM and immediately went to Margot’s pop-up salon.
Who could not attend due to illness?
Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson, a 10 Best Dressed honoree, could not attend due to illness.
Who showcased jewelry at the event?
Australian jeweler Margot McKinney showcased her jewelry collection prior to the event in a room adjacent to Ballroom Salon A.
Were any apology notes exchanged?
Handwritten apology notes from Wendy Messmann were received by Mary Martha and Amy the following morning.
What did dinner consist of?
Dinner consisted of baby romaine salad, grilled beef tenderloin, and chocolate almond cake.
Which sponsors were acknowledged?
Event organizers featured acknowledgments to long-time sponsors like Comerica Bank and Neiman Marcus.
Did the event relate to other local happenings that night?
The event was influenced by the same night’s NFL game between the Cowboys and the Eagles, which led to updates being shared at tables.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | September 4, 2025 |
| Location | The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas |
| Schedule | The event included a cocktail reception at 7 PM, followed by dinner at 8 PM. |
| Honorees present | Other Best Dressed honorees present were Julie Bagley, Shelby Goff, Shannon Graham, Tracey Kozmetsky, Tracy Lange, Lisa Rocchio, Sunie Solomon, and Katherine Wyker. |
| Honoree absent | Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson, a 10 Best Dressed honoree, could not attend due to illness. |
| Photo incident | Concerns arose at 6:35 PM regarding a group photo due to the absence of honoree Wendy Messmann. |
| Late arrival | Wendy Messmann arrived at 7:25 PM and immediately went to Margot’s pop-up salon. |
| Jewelry showcase | Australian jeweler Margot McKinney showcased her jewelry collection prior to the event in a room adjacent to Ballroom Salon A. |
| Menu | Dinner consisted of baby romaine salad, grilled beef tenderloin, and chocolate almond cake. |
| Sponsors | Event organizers featured acknowledgments to long-time sponsors like Comerica Bank and Neiman Marcus. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- My Sweet Charity: 2025 Crystal Charity Ball’s Platinum Dinner
- Wikipedia: Fashion Show
- My Sweet Charity: 2025 Crystal Charity Ball’s 10 Best Dressed Women Fashion Show
- Google Search: Crystal Charity Ball Dallas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charity
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
