"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."
-- Mohandas K. Gandhi
EAR TO THE GROUND
FASHIONISTAS won't want to miss "Fashion's Night Out" tomorrow from 5-9 p.m. on the North Shore at four boutiques: Alice Blue, Frankie & Julian's, K Boutique and Willa Collection.
According to a news release, Fashion's Night Out is a global initiative created in 2009 in a partnership between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the city of New York to celebrate fashion. It now is observed around the world.
The four boutiques participating in the event will host open houses to encourage local shoppers to visit each shop.
Patrons who visit the boutiques may register for a shopping spree which will include gift cards from each shop.
Chato Brasserie, a North Shore business, will host an after party with drink and appetizer specials from 9-10:30 p.m.
On the other side of town, Belk at Hamilton Place will be celebrating Fashion's Night Out tomorrow from 5-8:30 p.m.
Belk's event will include music, champagne, catered hors d'oeuvres and confections from Georgetown Cupcakes, a Southern sweets shop featured on the TLC show, DC Cupcakes.
Arlene Goldstein, Belk vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction, said it will be a festive atmosphere combining shopping and fashion.
"This season we will see three key style statements: Classic Charm, Smart Cuts, and High Country," she said.
Customers purchasing $75 or more in merchandise will receive a personally monogrammed silver compact mirror. Customers are encouraged to stop by the Clarins beauty counter and register to win a trip for two, including airfare and hotel accommodations, to the Clarins Spa in New York City.
For more information about the global event, visit fashionsnightout.com.
TOASTS
Notre Dame High School hosted its annual alumni awards reception, kicking off the school's 135th year, as part of alumni weekend. The event included a golf tournament, an "Every Class Bash," a series of class reunions, a Golden Grads Brunch and an Alumni Mass at the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul.
Honored at this year's awards reception were John Foy and the Jim Eberle family.
Foy is the 2011 recipient of the Notre Dame Distinguished Alumni Award, which is given to a graduate of Notre Dame who displays citizenship and community service in their respective community, exhibits strong leadership skills, has attained notable personal or professional achievement and reflects and supports the mission of Notre Dame High School.
A 1961 Notre Dame graduate, Foy serves as the chief financial officer of CBL Properties, is a member of the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, and as a member of the board of directors of the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga. He played a key role in the development and construction of Notre Dame's Varallo Athletic and Fine Arts Center. Foy also was honored at the Golden Grads Brunch and became a member of the Society of Golden Grads, a group of alums who have reached their 50th reunion year.
The Eberle family was honored with the Jim Phifer Service Award. The award is given to an alumnus/alumna, parent or friend of Notre Dame who seeks to uphold the characteristics of the late James D. "Coach" Phifer, a 1949 Notre Dame High School graduate and its principal from 1974 to 1993.
This year, the award was given to the Jim Eberle family for dedication and service to Notre Dame that spans over four decades.
The late Mr. Eberle and his wife, Pauline, were instrumental in the building of Notre Dame's football stadium. The playing surface there is named Jim Eberle Field. The Eberle siblings, Jim Eberle, Class of '73; Tom Eberle, Class of '75; Rick Eberle, Class of '78; Bill Eberle, Class on '81; and Nancy Eberle Howard, Class of '82, remain active in their family's support of the school. Their children also are Notre Dame students or recent graduates. Jim and Helen Phifer's son, Tommy Phifer, Class of '76, made the award presentation.
Notre Dame High School was named one of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the nation by the Catholic High School Honor Roll.