Outspoken Reality TV Star Lives it up in Dallas

What: Chick Lit Luncheon benefitting Community Partners of Dallas

Where: Hilton Anatole

PC Moment: “You already know that girls rule,” said Paige McDaniel, president and CEO of Community Partners of Dallas, before introducing Real Housewives of New York City cast member, Bethenny Frankel. The best-selling author, outspoken reality TV star, and entrepreneur behind the beloved, low-cal Skinnygirl Cocktails brand, was in town to deliver the keynote during the Chick Lit Luncheon. (The event has expanded tremendously in the last two years, having outgrown its longtime Brook Hollow Golf Club venue and moving to the gargantuan Chantilly Ballroom at the Anatole.)

More than 1,100 well-heeled types attended the luncheon — clearly Dallas has quite the fan-base for the Real Housewives franchise — and Frankel didn’t disappoint in entertaining the energetic crowd. Her presentation started with a serious note — Frankel comes from an abusive childhood, so Community Partners’ mission is personal — and quickly transitioned into much lighter, laugh-out-loud banter. Frankel’s wit (“I’m rich,” she deadpanned. “But not Dallas rich!”) had attendees rolling with laughter, and at times clutching their pearls, leaving us with one thought: What happens at Chick Lit… stays at Chick Lit.

Cool Chicks: Chairs Tricia George and Mary Martha Pickens; honorary chair Gail Corder Fischer; and attendees Stephanie Seay, Marybeth Conlon, Angela Choquette, Nancy Rogers, Katy Bock, Lori Anna Dees, Kristi Bare, Lara Tafel, Mary Parker, Nancy Gopez, Tiffany Divis, Anne Stodghill, Cindy Stager, Rachel Michell, Kelly Perkins, Katherine Coker, and D’Andra Simmons.