Frisco Savvy was at the Silver Dollar Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society, on Saturday, May 1, and we had a time!

Navigating Edgefest traffic as we headed northwest was a burr in the saddle, but just in time we arrived at the XO Ranch in Aubrey to enjoy a scenic tree-lined drive in, with the mounted US Marshal Posse providing traffic direction. At the main gate, we were efficiently sorted by Janice Berg (in a gorgeous aqua fringe jacket) and her team of registration volunteers, then whisked away to the VIP Party in Range Rovers.

We arrived at the VIP Party and were greeted by ESPN commentator and NFL alum Trevor Matich, along with the dazzling Shawna Hildebrand. Through a canopy of old oak trees adorned with crystals, we descended on the fête just in time to see Mark Chesnutt posing for photos with guests.

Also spotted were Honorary Chair Dan Campbell and his lovely wife Holly… plus Carrie and Daniel Himel, and the glamorous Apryl Iley. 2008-2009 Ball Chair Sherri Vrla was making the rounds and greeting guests in a stunning fringe skirt that had to be seen to be believed!

Delish passed hors d’oeuvres from VIP Party sponsor III Forks included a lobster bisque shooter, a seared tuna with fresh pico on a crispy chip, and even lamp chop lollipops. The cold beer was good but the prickly pear margaritas were better! Huge kudos to 2010 Food & Beverage Chair Wenter Blair. This was divine wining and dining in every sense of the word.

Shelley Laine and her band provided some great tunes as we noshed and mingled, but the real star of the VIP show was the Ah-May-Zing home of Chip and Mardi Ferrier, owners of the XO Ranch and hosts of the Silver Dollar Ball. From the gorgeous ranch home on the hill, to the pool and fountains, to the longhorn cattle bathed in evening light… it was a totally picturesque and enchanting setting, and it’s a good thing we only had one(ish) of those margaritas or else we might have just camped out there forever.

Suddenly, it was time to head to the Ball, and Justine Sweeney deftly herded us all back into our Range Rover coaches. The big white tents rose up on the horizon and then it was time for a wingding!

2010 Silver Dollar Ball Chair Amy Wagner and her team were greeting guests at the entrance, where it was easy to congratulate them on a job already well done. The smell of Eddie Deen’s barbecue was in the air, but we first had to check out the midway with darts, shuffleboard, billiards and dress-up photo booth, and the Silent Auction chock-full of great items like a weekend stay with golf at the Westin Stonebriar, custom-made piece from Lombardo Custom Apparel, and a year of meals for two at Maguire’s.

After shopping and playing, we headed into the main tent, where tables were adorned with glittery black boots and white satin, emphasizing the theme of “Rhinestone Cowboy, Lassoin’ a Cure”. Table gifts like straw hats and light-up boot-shaped mugs just added to the Western party vibe.

Read on to Page 2 of our Savvy Silver Dollar review…