The piano music tinkled in the background, art encircled the room and a buffet table took center stage at last week’s Colleyville Center reception honoring the 2009 Shining Stars honorees.

The 29 “Shining Stars,” outstanding volunteers recognized by various organizations, were invited to preview the art which will be sold at the Oct. 23 Shining Stars Luncheon. The event to be held at the Marriott Las Colinas will, as always, be hosted by The Arts League and will benefit ARTSNET.

So it was honorees, Arts League members and some lucky husbands who gathered last week at the Colleyville Center for this pre-fundraiser soiree. Among those there were Sally Nees, just back from visiting her daughter in Europe; emcee Andrew Wayne; Bonnie Kurtz, dripping in pearls; and Arts League president Evelyn Englert.

Tickets, priced at $60 per person, are on sale now for the October luncheon, which is being chaired by Sharon Mayes. Special guest that day will be Bob Schieffer…you might have heard of him…he moderates CBS’ Face the Nation and serves as CBS’ chief Washington correspondent. RSVPs are due by Oct. 16 to Winnie Wayne at 817-788-5175.

For the past 12 years, The Arts League, the fundraising arm of ARTSNET, has honored outstanding women at their annual Shining Stars Luncheon.  These women are chosen by the organizations in which they serve because they truly epitomize what it means to give of oneself without expecting anything in return. 

This year at the 13^th Annual Shining Stars Gala, to be held Oct. 23^rd at the Marriott Las Colinas, joining these remarkable nominees will be an amazing Master of Ceremony…Mr. Bob Schieffer, Moderator of CBS Face the Nation and the CBS Chief Washington Correspondent.  And listen up readers… I have just heard that Mr. Shieffer is donating a most incredible opportunity that will be auctioned off live that day.  The winning bidder of this item and a friend will fly to Washington, D.C. courtesy of American Airlines for a fabulous Capitol City experience. And on a Sunday, the lucky winners will actually sit in on the taping of Face The Nation (as Mr. Shieffer’s guests in the press box, thank you very much).  Plus …if you are extra nice and use your good manners at the taping, I understand that meeting that day’s guest is a very real possibility.  Remember this show only hosts the major political players so this experience is sure to be one of a lifetime!  Oh, and after you have hung out with the power elite, you will then break bread with Mr. Schieffer at lunch in one of his favorite D.C. hotspots!  Accommodations for the weekend are included in this package so bid early and bid often. This auction item is truly a unique and one of a kind experience, so bring your credit card! 

Of course, aside from the wonderful auction items and the fabulous meal, this event is about honoring those who have truly given of themselves to make the lives of the less fortunate a bit better.  So…drum roll please….I am now pleased to announce the 2009 Shining Stars Honorees and the Organizations in which they serve:

CONGRATULATIONS, ladies! We at ESocialWorld offer to you our heartfelt appreciation for all that you do to serve our community.  You are truly an inspiration!