Alan Peppard on Highland Park political fundraising, Tim Pawlenty and more

Alan Peppard

News flash: Highland Park is filled with rich Republicans . With election season upon us, the 75205 township is guaranteed to see office-seekers in search of the three essentials: money, money and money.

Last week, Gov. Rick Perry made up with many Kay Bailey Hutchison  supporters who attended a fundraiser for his general election campaign at the HP estate of developer Harlan Crow . Hutchison stalwart Louis Beecherl and state Rep. Dan Branch, thought to be a future gubernatorial contender, were among the GOP thoroughbreds on hand when the governor was introduced by Dick Collins.

Wednesday night, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty was at the home of GOP rainmaker Ray Washburne and his wife, Heather. A possible 2012 GOP presidential nominee, Pawlenty was at the Washburnes' for a fundraiser for his political action committee.

Afterward, Heather and Ray, owners of Highland Park Village, took Pawlenty to dine at its chic Cafe Pacific.

The massive oil painting that was just installed behind the reception desk at Fearing's restaurant comes from an unconventional source: restaurateur Phil Romano.

For years, the creator of Fuddruckers, Macaroni Grill and Eatzi's has painted as a hobby. But he went pro when he opened Samuel Lynne Galleries with artist JD Miller.

Credit Suisse financial adviser Charlie McKinney chose a convenient topic with his first venture into the movie business. He is executive producer of the high school basketball film Breaking the Press, which was screened Tuesday night at the Magnolia.

A contemporary telling of the story of the prodigal son, the film is about two sons of a Texas coach.

Charlie's best-known client is Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban . Together they founded the Heroes Foundation, which provides after-school baseball and basketball programs to schoolkids. Lots of Heroes kids pop up in the game scenes of the movie.

Friday Night Lights regular Drew Waters stars as Coach Joe Conaghey and the arresting Farah White plays his wife. Veterans likeBurton Gilliam and James Hampton fill out a cast that also includes lots of local favorites. Businessman Bennie Bray plays a huffy opposition coach.

Richard Dillard plays retired coach Tex Summer. At the screening, director Andrew Stevens  gave a shout-out to former Mavs assistant coach Del Harris , who had a cameo. "Del is probably the only one old enough to know that the character of Tex Summer was an homage to Hall of Fame basketball coach Tex Winter," Andrew said.