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Chairs Dr. Michael Lee and Michael and Stephanie Byrd; Babe Laufenberg featured speaker.

The gala featured a stirring story from Babe Laufenberg and a compelling mission video

LEAP Global Missions 2025 Gala Miracles in Motion, chaired by Stephanie and Michael Byrd along with Dr. Michael Lee, celebrated LEAP celebrated LEAP and their mission inspired by the love of Christ to bring specialized surgical services to underserved populations around the world. Since 1991, LEAP Global Missions has been called to serve others by sending surgical teams to treat children without access to appropriate medical care, bringing hope and healing in an effort to make the world a better place.
        
A most compelling statement and in reality, the nonprofit truly changes lives for the better for not only the patients, but their families, as well.
        
Guests mixed and mingled at the reception while enjoying wines, cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres before entering the ballroom, which was set to capacity.
        
J.D. Miles, emcee and an award-winning reporter for CBS Texas, welcomed the crowd, and Michael Byrd gave the invocation. As everyone began their three-course meal, Dr. Lee introduced a video showcasing LEAP’s work around the world, saying they show love through service in places such as Mexico, Ukraine, Belize and Zimbabwe.
        
Babe Laufenberg, the featured speaker and a longtime friend and supporter of LEAP, took the stage, saying he was honored to join everyone this evening and shared the story of his late son’s life’s journey, cancer diagnosis and passing. He said that he understands how the parents of LEAP’s patients feel, watching their children suffer and thinking there is nothing someone can do, nothing can change it. But with LEAP, miracles do happen, and LEAP’S surgeons and doctors do change lives through their surgical services.
        
Dr. Alejandra Garcia de Mitchell, LEAP’s Medical Director, introduced a video, the story of a child named Dominic in Belize who is so brave, even though he has suffered so much pain from his condition and many surgeries. He and his family said they are overwhelmed with gratitude and that truly, LEAP performs Miracles in Motion.
          
A most entertaining portion of the evening was the spirited live auction conducted by J.D. and Babe, which raised even more funds with the paddle raise.
        
After a few updates and news of past and ongoing missions, Stephanie closed the evening saying next year is LEAP’s 35th Anniversary celebration, thanked the staff, host committee and board.
        
This event is LEAP’s only major annual fundraiser. It raises funds to support the organization and help continue providing free specialized surgical and medical care to those in need around the world.
        
Host committee are Kamela and Kenneth Aboussie, Dina and Jason Arnott, Amy and Dr. Evan Beale, Debbie and Justin Bono, Lindsey and Ben Brewer, Darla Cherry, Mary Kat and Dr. Jeffrey Cone, Brooke and Blake Davenport, Alexis and Dr. Richard Derksen, Mimi and Dr. Grant Gilliland, Linda Hardison, Brooke Hollis Hortenstine, Emily Huskinson, Natalie and Mike McGuire, Caroline and Brian Mitchell, Linsey and Ryan Nixon, Michelle and Dr. Thornwell Parker, Abby and Peter Ruth, Bunny and Michael Tibbals, Adair and Clark Webb, Missy and Chris Wyszynski.
        
To know more about LEAP Global Missions, inside scoop with photos and more about their specialized surgical services and how to support them, visit the website at www.leapmissions.org

About LEAP:        LEAP Global Missions is dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ. Founded over 33 years ago by Dr. Craig Hobar, LEAP volunteers have performed over 10,800 surgeries and procedures on patients (mostly children) from 24 countries at no cost to the patients and their families.
        
LEAP Global Missions sends teams of highly skilled medical professionals to other countries to provide medical and surgical care and clinical education. Our current outreach includes Belize, Mexico, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. While our primary focus is on craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip and cleft palate, LEAP also provides oculoplastic and ophthalmological, orthodontic and dental, Mohs skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, hand, and ENT surgical care based on the needs of our host countries. We also bring patients with complex surgical needs to the US from other countries for surgical care when needed.
        
LEAP is committed to developing long-term relationships with our patients, their communities, and other partners involved in our missions. By returning to the same countries, we are able to build trust, offer ongoing education, and continue caring for those who need long-term medical services.
        
Learn more by visiting the website at www.leapmissions.org 

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

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Porter Fuqua, Luncheon Co-Chair; Jan and Bruce Harbour, Honorary Chairs; Lauren Cooper, Luncheon Co-Chair; Jason Morski, President, PPC.

Presented by Highland Park Village

The Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Speaker Luncheon presented by Highland Park Village featured Brent Hull, an award-winning builder and expert in historically accurate architectural millwork and moldings, as the keynote speaker on the topic “Texas Preservation.”
         
Chaired by Lauren Cooper and Porter Fuqua with Jan and Bruce Harbour as honorary chairs and Jason Morski as president, the reception began with guests enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres and wine, along with a VIP reception and book signing.

        
Jason began by welcoming everyone saying that Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.  He also shared insight into his own experience owning and carefully renovating an historic home, his was built in the 1800s, saying “Old is gold!” to a rousing round of applause. He gave insight into upcoming events, including the Historic Home Tour in May 2026 and the Park Cities Car Show in April 2026.
        
After the chairs thanked sponsors, including D Home as magazine sponsor, Brent presented a very interesting slideshow and spoke about how to build better and more beautifully. From the history of housing from post-war in 1946 when the focus was on supplies to the cookie-cutter homes of the 1950s, then through the housing crisis, modern houses and how construction has changed through the years. Focusing on historic buildings, he said that’s what ties the community together, the history of our homes, saying that when we save these buildings, we save who we are.
        
To learn more about Preservation Park Cities or to join, visit the website at www.preservationparkcities.org.   

Brent Hullis an award-winning master builder and expert in historically accurate architectural millwork and moldings. For over thirty years his craftsmanship has enhanced nationally registered properties and homes across the country. Hull honed his expertise at Boston’s North Bennet Street School where he trained in the art of traditional building and historic preservation prior to founding Hull Millwork & Hull Homes in Fort Worth, Texas. When Brent is not working with his teams, speaking or consulting about how to build better and more beautifully, he enjoys reading and writing about historic architecture. He has authored five books on historic millwork; his most recent book released this spring, Millwork: The Design and Manufacturing of Historic Millwork from 1740-1950.

 

Overview:

  • The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.
  • The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.
  • The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.
  • Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

 

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to fund:

  • Property Landmarking
  • Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library
  • HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award
  • The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS
  • The “Save the Top 100” campaign and the new book: The Houses of the Park Cities: An Architectural Guide to the Historic Houses of Highland Park and University Park Texas

 

Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org


Social Media: Facebook @preservationparkcities     Instagram @preservationparkcities/                                                            

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

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Porter Fuqua, Luncheon Co-Chair; Jan and Bruce Harbour, Honorary Chairs; Lauren Cooper, Luncheon Co-Chair; Jason Morski, President, PPC.

Presented by Highland Park Village

The Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Speaker Luncheon presented by Highland Park Village featured Brent Hull, an award-winning builder and expert in historically accurate architectural millwork and moldings, as the keynote speaker on the topic “Texas Preservation.”
         
Chaired by Lauren Cooper and Porter Fuqua with Jan and Bruce Harbour as honorary chairs and Jason Morski as president, the reception began with guests enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres and wine, along with a VIP reception and book signing.

        
Jason began by welcoming everyone saying that Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.  He also shared insight into his own experience owning and carefully renovating an historic home, his was built in the 1800s, saying “Old is gold!” to a rousing round of applause. He gave insight into upcoming events, including the Historic Home Tour in May 2026 and the Park Cities Car Show.
        
After the chairs thanked sponsors, including D Home as magazine sponsor, Brent presented a very interesting slideshow and spoke about how to build better and more beautifully. From the history of housing from post-war in 1946 when the focus was on supplies to the cookie-cutter homes of the 1950s, then through the housing crisis, modern houses and how construction has changed through the years. Focusing on historic buildings, he said that’s what ties the community together, the history of our homes, saying that when we save these buildings, we save who we are.
        
To learn more about Preservation Park Cities or to join, visit the website at www.preservationparkcities.org.   

Brent Hull is an award-winning master builder and expert in historically accurate architectural millwork and moldings. For over thirty years his craftsmanship has enhanced nationally registered properties and homes across the country. Hull honed his expertise at Boston’s North Bennet Street School where he trained in the art of traditional building and historic preservation prior to founding Hull Millwork & Hull Homes in Fort Worth, Texas. When Brent is not working with his teams, speaking or consulting about how to build better and more beautifully, he enjoys reading and writing about historic architecture. He has authored five books on historic millwork; his most recent book released this spring, Millwork: The Design and Manufacturing of Historic Millwork from 1740-1950.

 

Overview:

  • The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.
  • The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.
  • The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.
  • Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

 

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to fund:

  • Property Landmarking
  • Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library
  • HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award
  • The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS
  • The “Save the Top 100” campaign and the new book: The Houses of the Park Cities: An Architectural Guide to the Historic Houses of Highland Park and University Park Texas

 

Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org


Social Media: Facebook @preservationparkcities     Instagram @preservationparkcities/                                                            

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

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2024 Event Chairs Jennifer and Andy Scripps and Family

 Join us for a very merry afternoon of photos with Santa, cookie decorating, holiday themed crafts for the young and young at heart! Enjoy delicious food, spirits and libations crafted and sponsored by Wendy Krispin Caterer.  

This event is absolutely purely fun for the kids, lots of fun activities and photos with Santa. It’s a lovely event at the home of Helen and John Carona in a huge covered outdoor area which is tented – so join in rain or shine! – and full of surprises and delicious treats for both adults and the children.  It all benefits the Dallas Historical Society.

Happening on Sunday, December 7th from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Exact address will be sent with event confirmation. 

$125 Family of Four, includes 4 photos with Santa. Options include additional photos with Santa, extra adult family members can attend.  Sponsorships are $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 with varying benefits. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here:
https://www.dallashistory.org/event/cocoa-with-santa-2025/?instance_id=767

Contact:  Office Assistant at Dallas Historical Society: assistant@dallashistory.org or call 214-421-7500.

About Dallas Historical Society

Established in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society is the preeminent organization of its kind in Dallas, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the heritage of Dallas and Texas to educate and inspire future generations. Housed at the Hall of State in Fair Park since 1938, the Society presents these collections through education programs, exhibitions, tours, access to research materials and workshops. Each year, the Dallas Historical Society is visited by more than 160,000 people and serves more than 20,000 students through guided tours and educational programming at the Hall of State, as well as outreach programs at school locations. More information is available at https://www.dallashistory.org/.

About Hall of State

Built by the State of Texas for the 1936 Centennial Exposition in Fair Park, the Hall of State has hosted events honoring presidents, royalty, heads of state, and other dignitaries for over eighty years. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas, the Hall of State can be rented for private functions ranging from corporate dinners or meetings to weddings or gala social events. Rental fees support the operations of the Dallas Historical Society, which calls the Hall of State “home.” IG: @dallashistory  FB: @DallasHistoricalSociety   

Photos by Thomas Garza.

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Polly and Dan McKeithen, Callie Windle, Car Show C Polly and Dan McKeithen, Callie Windle, Car Show Chairs

 

2025 Park Cities Car Show Presented by Preservation Park Cities
Sponsored by URBAN/Allie Beth Allman & Associates A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate

The Annual Park Cities Car Show presented by Preservation Park Cities is sponsored by URBAN/Allie Beth Allman & Associates a Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate happens on Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.  (Rain Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025)

Where:       Burleson Park
3000 University Boulevard
Dallas, TX  75205

To Show:   Registration is accepted through the website and will close midnight, Wednesday, October 15.
Unfortunately, we will not be accepting day-of registrations. Please visit www.Preservationparkcities.org  and the registration form will be on the Events Tab under the Park Cities Car Show. Registration fees are $35 for cars and $30 for motorcycles.

What:         Preservation Park Cities is proud to host the Park Cities Car Show where hundreds of classics and hot rods will be on display. Many of these garage queens make a rare appearance at this show. Join us for this fun event!

                   Admission to the show is free and open to the public. If you like cars (or just like getting outside), the Park Cities Car Show is the event for you! We are always impressed with the entries each year and this party just continues to grow.

Additional Sponsors:   Sewell, Hilltop Securities, Earth MotorCars and more TBA  

Community Partners: City of University Park, Texas A&M Forest Service, University Park Library and more TBA

Register: www.PreservationParkCities.org/CarShow or email carshow@preservationparkcities.org

Contact and More information:  Visit the website at www.PreservationParkCities.org or email carshow@preservationparkcities.org or call 214.528.0021.
There is also a fun video from previous car shows on the Car Show page.

                   Instagram: @parkcitiescarshow  FB: @PCHPSCarShow

 

Overview:

 

•  The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.

•  The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.

 

•  The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.

 

•  Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to fund:

  • Property Landmarking
  • Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library
  • HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award
  • The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS
  • The “Save the Top 100” campaign and the new book: The Houses of the Park Cities: An Architectural Guide to the Historic Houses of Highland Park and University Park Texas
  •  Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org             

 

Social Media: Facebook @preservationparkcities     Instagram @preservationparkcities/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_swSPVCjY5RaWXbpHTXxTMUqLtKcY8sl
                                                           

Photo of chairs by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio                                          

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Jason Morski, President, PPC; Lauren Cooper and Porter Fuqua, Luncheon Chairs

Themed: Texas Preservation the Luncheon is presented by Highland Park Village


The Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Speaker Luncheon presented by Highland Park Village happens on Monday, October 27th at a local private club and features Brent Hull, an award-winning builder, as the featured speaker.  Honorary Chairs are Jan and Bruce Harbor. Lauren Cooper and Porter Fuqua are chairs. Jason Morski, President, PPC.

Brent Hull is an award-winning master builder and expert in historically accurate architectural millwork and moldings. For over thirty years his craftsmanship has enhanced nationally registered properties and homes across the country. Hull honed his expertise at Boston’s North Bennet Street School where he trained in the art of traditional building and historic preservation prior to founding Hull Millwork & Hull Homes in Fort Worth, Texas. When Brent is not working with his teams, speaking or consulting about how to build better and more beautifully, he enjoys reading and writing about historic architecture. He has authored five books on historic millwork; his most recent book released this spring, Millwork: The Design and Manufacturing of Historic Millwork from 1740-1950.

The morning begins with a reception and passed hors d’oeuvres followed by the luncheon and presentation from the featured speaker. The event also includes important updates from a Preservation Park Cities representative. The Distinguished Speaker Luncheon celebrates historic preservation and is designed to generate awareness of the role history and preservation play in enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the Park Cities communities. D Home is media sponsor.

Individual tickets start at $300 each. Table Sponsorships start at $3,000 up to $10,000 with varying benefits. Marketing Sponsorships start at $5,000 up to $7,500. All are available here: https://www.preservationparkcities.org/luncheon

Contact for more information: Office manager. Phone: 214-528-0021. Email:  info@preservationparkcities.org

Overview:

  • The Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon and the Park Cities Car Show are the organization’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further our mission to celebrate and promote the preservation of Park Cities architecture, history, aesthetics, and cultural traditions.
  • The purpose of the annual Historic Home Tour is to showcase architecturally and historically significant homes of the Park Cities and illustrate how these homes have been restored or remodeled to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.
  • The organization landmarks architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities, some of which are on the Historic Home Tour.
  • Members of the organization enjoy historic and preservation oriented educational programs.

Preservation Park Cities Mission:
Preservation Park Cities mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to fund:

  • Property Landmarking
  • Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library
  • HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award
  • The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS
  • The “Save the Top 100” campaign and the new book: The Houses of the Park Cities: An Architectural Guide to the Historic Houses of Highland Park and University Park Texas

Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org

Social Media: Facebook @preservationparkcities     Instagram @preservationparkcities/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_swSPVCjY5RaWXbpHTXxTMUqLtKcY8sl
                                                            

Photo of PPC VIPs by Rob Wythe, Wythe Portrait Studio

Other photos courtesy PPC

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CarlaRusso_ReginaBruce_byGoldenlight Creative_crop Dr. Carla Russo and Regina Bruce, Chairs

Empowered Women Empowering Young Girls Presented by Westwood Wealth Management

Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 13, 2025

Lynn McBee, CEO of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, announces a new fundraiser for the organization, The EmpowerHER Dinner, Empowered Women Empowering Young Girls presented by Westwood Wealth Management.      

Chaired by Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, the theme includes this inspirational tagline, “Like a monarch transforming from a caterpillar to a butterfly – Empowering young girls to soar on their journey into adulthood.”         

Signing on as honorary chairs are the women of the Lacerte family: Joyce Lacerte, Quincy Lacerte, Madison Lacerte, Monroe Lacerte, Megan Barrie-Schwarz and Harriet Lacerte.     

Slated for Thursday, November 13, 2025 and happening in a private home in the Park Cities for up to 125 attendees, this exclusive dinner will feature a top team of acclaimed and accomplished female chefs from local Dallas restaurants. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception including passed hors d’oeuvres, auction of some one-of-a-kind items, entertainment, announcements, and a few surprises followed by a multi-course seated gourmet dinner. Each chef will create her own featured item.       

Regina and Carla agree: “We are delighted and honored to chair this new fundraiser which will bring together our most compassionate supporters for an unforgettable evening of impact, connection, and community in support of single gender, college-preparatory education for underserved girls in Dallas County.”    

“Westwood Wealth Management, founded by Susan Byrne over 40 years ago, is proud to sponsor The EmpowerHER Dinner,” said Brian Casey, CEO and President of Westwood Wealth Management. He continued, “We are deeply committed to the mission of educating young women, a cause that resonates with our values and history. Inspired by our long-time friends and founders of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, Lee and Sally Posey, we are honored to support this event. We look forward to celebrating with the women of the Lacerte family and enjoying a fabulous menu curated by four talented female chefs. Together, we can empower the next generation of women leaders.”  

“The EmpowerHER Dinner is more than a fundraiser—it’s a powerful investment in the future of our girls. I’m especially grateful to Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo for their leadership, to the Lacerte family for their unwavering support, and to Westwood for making this event possible. Together, we’re opening doors to opportunity,” said Lynn McBee, Chief Executive Officer.     

Limited seating up to 125. Individual tickets start at $500. Patron tickets are $1,000 with different benefits. Sponsorships begin at $5,000 up to $25,000. Visit the website for more information: www.youngwomensprep.org/empowerher-dinner/  or contact Cindy Ryan, Chief Development Officer. Email: cryan@ywprep.org or call (214) 824-1400

About Young Women’s Preparatory Network:
Our mission is to support single-gender, college-preparatory, public education in Texas and beyond, giving young women the academic and leadership skills to achieve success in college and in life. https://youngwomensprep.org/

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Victor Rivas Rivers, featured speaker; Tiffany Beaudine, President and CEO, Rainbow Days, Inc.; Tiffany and Matthew McLeod, Luncheon Chairs.

Bringing Hope to Dallas Youth

 

Rainbow Days marked a triumphant milestone at its 28th Annual Pot of Gold Luncheon, where more than 450 guests gathered at the Westin Galleria Dallas to support children and youth facing adversity. The luncheon exceeded expectations, raising over $272,000 to fund essential programs and services, thanks to generous supporters and community partners in the Dallas area and beyond.

 

The afternoon began with the highly anticipated annual performance by Rainbow Days program participants, where they sang and danced to Reach by S Club 7. Their animated performance captured the hearts of attendees and highlighted the organization’s mission to uplift and empower young lives. The performance set the stage for a celebration of resilience, hope, and community support.


The luncheon was highlighted by a powerful keynote address from actor and author Victor Rivas Rivers, whose riveting personal story underscored the urgent need for collective action. His words were a profound call to build strong, compassionate support systems for the most vulnerable among us—the children and youth who are facing hardship, trauma, and adversity.

 

Victor is a veteran star of more than two dozen films, most known for The Distinguished Gentleman, Mask of Zorro, The Hulk and more. Born in Santi Spiritus, Cuba, Victor immigrated to the United Sates at the age of two. After growing up in an abusive household where he endured years of punishing beatings and torture at the hands of his father, he took legal action against him at age 15 and entered the foster care system. With the help of his community, he turned his life around from hard gang member to earning a senior class football scholarship. Upon graduation he was drafted to play for the Miami Dolphins and then pursued acting.

 

Victor's impactful story of overcoming adversity with the help of his community emphasized the idea that it really does take a village of people coming together to raise even just one child. Rivers’ journey from childhood adversity to personal triumph left a deep, almost palpable impression on the audience, stressing the importance of caring individuals and support systems in changing the course of a young person’s life.

 

Tiffany Beaudine, CEO of Rainbow Days, spoke at the 2025 Pot of Gold Luncheon, sharing powerful insights about the organization’s mission and the urgent challenges facing children in our community.


She energized the crowd with inspiring updates on Rainbow Days’ recent achievements, including the introduction of new initiatives such as the Classroom Connection Curriculum, the Strengthening Families Program, and the Youth Substance Use Prevention Community Coalition. Tiffany also shared a touching story about three sisters who have been supported by Rainbow Days over the past eight years. Their individual journeys of success touched the heart of each audience member and highlighted the profound and lasting impact of the organization’s programs.

 

The 2025 Pot of Gold Luncheon was made complete with a heartfelt invocation by Father Michael Forge from Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

 

This year’s event was made possible through the hard work, time and resources of the 2025 Pot of Gold Luncheon Committee members. Event leadership included Luncheon Chairs Mathew and Tiffany MacLeod and Silent Auction Co-Chairs Leticia Espinoza and Jill Sabeh.

 

Rainbow Days would also like to recognize the many sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make the 2025 Pot of Gold Luncheon a success. Featured here are sponsor levels “Silver” and above:

 

 

  • Title: Nancy Ann & Ray L. Hunt
  • Platinum Sponsors: Miramar Equity Partners and Darla and Mark Whitaker
  • Gold Sponsors: Citi, B-Still Ministries, Fortium Partners, Francisco Ramos & Irma Hinojosa, Jill & Dale Hurd, Lacy & David Lange, Thompson Coburn LLP and Vaquero Private Wealth.
  • Silver Sponsors: Tiffany & Terry Beaudine, Jennifer & Jody Bishop, Bragalone Olejko Saad PC, The Live Like Knox Foundation, Mary Jo & James McKellar, National Life Group, Sky Island Capital, Telisa Schelin & Rebecca Massiatte, Tiffany & Matthew MacLeod, and Vaquero Private Wealth.
  • Media Sponsor: Good Life Family Magazine

 

The Pot of Gold Luncheon spotlighted the real challenges facing children and youth in the Dallas area while celebrating the strength and impact of a community united in purpose. Rainbow Days invites the public to learn more about its impact through its 2025 Impact video available on its website, www.RainbowDays.org .

 

ABOUT RAINBOW DAYS: Rainbow Days is a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded in 1982, Rainbow Days has a mission to help children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures. Through support groups, substance abuse prevention programs, supportive services and tangible items, Rainbow Days makes a positive impact in the lives of meaningful connections with more than 20,000 at-risk children and youth in the Dallas area annually. Rainbow Days expands its impact through international training services, which trains other nonprofit staff, teachers and counselors in its award-winning CBSG® Program.  Visit the website at www.rainbowdays.org

 

Photos by Thomas Garza and Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

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PL_Students from the MAPS Environmental Architectu HPSP MAPS students

Highland Park High School’s MAPS Class Constructs A Playhouse Highlighting Architecture and Preservation Park Cities In Support of Dallas CASA’s 30th Anniversary Parade of Playhouses Exhibition

The exhibit runs through June 29th at NorthPark Center

 


Named one of the Top 100 Significant Homes in Highland Park and University Park by Preservation Park Cities, the home of Sherry Tucker Cox and her husband, Martin Cox was the model for the design of the playhouse built by Highland Park High School’s MAPS class in support of the Dallas CASA’s 30th Anniversary Parade of Playhouses exhibit now at NorthPark Center through June29th.  MAPS is the Moody Advanced Professional Studies program at Highland Park High School.

        
Polly McKeithen, MAPS Professional Engagement Administrator, Moody Innovation Institute, Highland Park ISD said, “This is the 4th year that HPHS MAPS Environmental Architecture class has built a playhouse for Dallas CASA. We have again partnered with Preservation Park Cities for this project and our builder for the second year in a row is David Espedal of Espedal Design + Construct.
        
“We are proud to support Dallas CASA and its mission and appreciate the learning opportunities this project allows. Students designed the house after the Cox home, a Streamline Moderne home in Highland Park that Preservation Park Cities has named as one of the Top 100 most architecturally significant. The students incorporated design elements in the playhouse to support the 2025 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Heat Action Day, including the awning, the Dutch door and operable windows for air circulation and cooling and the grocery store front that would sell fluids and vitamin-packed foods that would support rehydration.”
        
Sherry and Martin agree saying, “We’re preservationists at heart and are honored to be a part of the HPHS MAPS program and highlight our home’s unique architecture and preservation, along with Preservation Park Ciites.”
        
For more information about Dallas CASA, visit: https://www.dallascasa.org/dallas-casa-events/parade-of-playhouses/

More about American Red Cross’ Heat Action Day:

https://www.redcross.org/red-cross-youth/resources/activity-guides/heat-action-day.html#:~:text=Heat%20Action%20Day%20(HAD)%202025,Red%20Crescent%20Societies%20(IFRC).

More about the home in D Home magazine’s 2024 article here:
https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-home/2024/fall/designer-avery-cox-gives-her-childhood-home-a-refresh/

Dallas CASA: Dallas CASA celebrates the 30th anniversary of Parade of Playhouses presenting imaginative children’s playhouses to help child victims of abuse or neglect on June 13-29 at NorthPark Center. For this annual, fun-filled community event, generous architects, builders, organizations corporations and individuals design, build and donate extraordinary children’s playhouses to raise funds so that Dallas CASA can provide more volunteer advocates to protect children, restore their childhoods and help them reach their full potential. During the 17-day event, raffle tickets for the opportunity to win a playhouse are sold and all proceeds from underwriting and raffle ticket sales benefit the children served by Dallas CASA. https://www.dallascasa.org


Preservation Park Cities Mission:
PPC mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and the Classic and Antique Car Show will be used to preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PPC archives at the University Park Library, fund landmarking initiatives, award scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history and fund the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School. Membership in PPC is open to the community. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org

 

 

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Nikki Beneke, Dixey Arterburn, Joanie Stephens

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Selected to Receive a League of American Orchestra’s Gold Award of Excellence for the DSOL’s 2024 Savor the Symphony

Dixey Arterburn, 2024-2025 president of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, is honored to announce the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League is selected to receive a League of American Orchestra’s Gold Award of Excellence for the DSOL’s 2024 Savor the Symphony fundraiser, chaired by Nikki Beneke and Joanie Stephens. Nancy Labadie was 2023-2024 president. The Gold Award of Excellence recognizes best-in-class programs or initiatives that have made a significant impact on their orchestras.
        

“We’re honored and thrilled to be named a Gold Award of Excellence recipient,” Dixey said. “Our Savor the Symphony is an important fundraiser that brings together supporters in a lovely setting celebrating everything food and wine, plus offering guests an overview of the League and our commitment to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.”
        

Nikki said, "We are so excited to receive the LAO Gold Award of Excellence. In 2024, we reimagined Savor the Symphony with new branding and a new program and reached a larger corporate and individual donor audience. Updating the event allowed us to incorporate the Magic of Music through our incredible magician and illusionist and performances by alumni involved in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's education and outreach programs. The performances showcased how music changes lives for children in our community. Savor the Symphony is a unique event that focuses on a first-class evening where patrons enjoy gourmet offerings paired with lovely wines, a live and silent auction, and featured performances.”

Proceeds from the event benefit the Dallas Symphony Association and its education and outreach programs including:

• Young Strings, Kim Noltemy Young Musicians and the Cecil and Ida Green Youth Concert Series impact over 20,000 students and are vital as they open doors to a brighter future and more opportunities.

• MyDSO Concerts are specially designed for children and adults on the autism spectrum and with developmental disabilities, and their families, friends and caregivers.         

Dallas Symphony Orchestra League's (DSOL's) mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Community Outreach and Education Programs opening doors to a brighter future for the children in our community. The programs include: Young Strings, Kim Noltemy Young Musicians, Cecil and Ida Green Youth Concert Series, DSO on the Go (Community Concerts and Performances), and My DSO Concerts for children and adults on the autism spectrum. The DSOL has raised over $22 million to support these programs. 
Learn more at www.dallassymphonyleague.com/Savor-the-Symphony.

The League of American Orchestras:
The League of American Orchestras (LAO) champions the vitality of music and the orchestral experience, supports the orchestra community, and leads change boldly. The only national organization dedicated to orchestras and their communities, the League supports the field through advocacy, research, convenings, leadership development, artistic programs, and grants. Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1962, the League includes nearly 25,000 musicians, conductors, orchestra staff, board members, volunteers, and business partners working within our membership of 1,600 world-renowned orchestras, community groups, summer festivals, student and youth ensembles, conservatories and libraries, businesses serving orchestras, and individuals who love symphonic music. 

Gold Award Description:
The Gold Award of Excellence recognizes best-in-class programs or initiatives that have made a significant impact on their orchestras. Each winner receives a crystal award at a special reception and makes a PowerPoint presentation to fellow volunteers during the conference. The LAO 2025 National Conference is June 11-13 in Salt Lake City, Utah and will be hosted by the Utah Symphony & Utah Opera.  https://americanorchestras.org/gold-award-of-excellence/

Photo by Danny Campbell