Mark Lanier's 2010 Desperate Christmas Party Performer: Sting

• To know the Laniers, is to love them. This party is a PR party, however, it is also a charity event that raises money for children to have school supplies, and other needs met. I would rather attend this event than any Gala or Super Bowl - there is no liquor and the performers are all about keeping it kid-friendly. The Laniers have 20+ acres and have made it into a place where the surrounding community can utilize it for special events at no charge. They are some of the most incredible people I have ever known and yet are the most down-to-earth family. They have reached out to so many and have literally changed the lives of many from their donations to Texas Tech (nearly doubling the size of the law buildings), their donations of both time and finances to their church and to their community. I usually don't respond to bashers, but the person that bashed the Laniers below can not possibly know them and is ignorant of all they have done. For me not to respond would be to say his words are ok to say. Mark and Becky are two of the best people I know.

• Im so glad i went to mr. lanier party had so much fun never been to any thing like this in y whole life thank you so much for inviting im so glad i met the Parker family god bless ya

• The way I see this article... you're simply just jealous because you were not invited! Frankly, who would invite someone to any event that would write this type of article?!?

• I am too ticked off with this no-nonsense article. The Laniers has a few adorable girls that admired Miley Cirus. Of course, they could also had Miley Cirus all to themselves but no, they shared it with some other 7,000 fans. The Laniers are certainly not all about "me". I'm one of their neighbor and once we had a man hit the ditch in front of our homes, he came out to check the driver to see if he was alright and tried to helped out. Would someone all about "me" do that?!? Another way of knowing whether the host and hostess are curteous or not. They accomodated all wheelchairs and made it accessible throughout their property, yes, including the restrooms. Did I mentioned that it is their property and it is their personal party? Do they really have to go out of their way and make their property accessible for ALL their guests? The Laniers are classy people and I don't mean in $$$-wise.

• Connelly, have you ever done any real research, or spoken with him? Obviously not or you would have a totally different view. I don't understand why people who have no facts make statements that they know nothing about. Maybe you could find out what you are talking about before you put something in print, instead of just putting him down because he has more money than you do. He and his wife are by far two of the most generous people that I know. I have been to the last 3 of his Christmas parties and have witnessed his generosity for several other things not connected with his party.

• Wow, it's very apparent that you have never met the Laniers. I agree with most every comment posted here. You've completely glossed over the intention of the Christmas party and made him out to be a monster. I fully support Mark and his efforts to help Gautemala, and I will be in attendance to the party again this year. It's a fun time and for a great cause.

• Connelly...what a jerky article you wrote! Where did you get your facts?! The proceeds of the party goes to charity and most of the guest are underprivileged children, etc. Why don't you get your facts straight before you write something so nasty!!! Lanier is doing a great thing every year.

• Have you ever attended the Lanier Christmas Party, Mr. Connelly?? Sure doesn't sound like it, because what you describe is NOTHING like the Christmas parties I have attended at the Laniers' home, and I've attended them all but 2....the Laniers are 2 of the most gracious, well-intentioned, generous Christian people I know and undeserving of your snarky comments....I normally let these things pass, but I just couldn't after knowing personally how wrong you are on every level with your comments....

• popcrunch.com says Miley played for $200k. Other sites say between two and five. Can't trust the internet, of course, and either way it's a damn lot of money, for sure. One could cut out the middleman and donate directly, of course. Charity "events" are fairly common, though, because they raise awareness and generate donations from others and it's just generally fun to have a shindig. I'm sure Lanier name recognition does play a part in the motivation (as it would for any savvy businessman), but I don't think it's any more of a "Look-at-me" event than The Night of Too Many Stars.

• eudemonist... you are correct, for sure. Mark does give to charity. But, to be fair, Miley Cyrus' fee for that performance was rumoured to be upwards of a million dollars. Why not cut out the middle man if it was not a "look at me" event."

• Hi eudemonist, May I please go with you?

• "...there's nothing better to do with money than throw an opulent look-at-me event that doesn't even serve liquor..." Make sure you don't make any mention that the proceeds of these parties go to charity--like a quarter of a million dollars to Guatemala SANA in 2008, when washed-up has-been Miley Cyrus played there--it might mess up your evil-rich-guy narrative.

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