AWARE: Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease Since 1989

Angie Carpenter, Kamilia Smith, MD and Lacey Young, chairs of AWARE Affair 2024: Boots, Buckles and Brain Health – a Night Fighting Alzheimer’s – invite everyone to join us on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Gilley’s Dallas for a night of fun, delicious buffet, a live band, lots of fun brain health activities, silent and live auction, and a meaningful evening with friends and family while raising money for AWARE.
        
Karen Koop, president of AWARE and the chairs welcome honorary chairs emeritus Sally and Forrest Hoglund, Lee Roy and Biddie Jordan, Kim and David McDavid, Jr., Venise and Larry Stuart, Ellen Terry with her daughter, Amy Terry Kriegel and son, Todd Terry.
        
Sharon Walker will receive the Founder’s Spirit Award and Barbara Mathes will receive the Amy Osler Spirit of Education Leadership Award.
        
Sharon became familiar with AWARE when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. An avid supporter, she has served on the Fundraising Committee for years, as well as the Grant Review committee, and is a past president. She is involved in many nonprofits and an active community volunteer, having served on many boards and nominating committees. She said, “I am humbled to receive this award and very proud of the accomplishments of the AWARE group, which is dedicated to keeping the funds raised in our community and continues to achieve their goals in the fight against Alzheimer’s and in support of those suffering from this horrible disease and their families, caregivers, research and Grant Recipients.” 
        
Barbara’s involvement in AWARE started 11-12 years ago after the death of a dear friend who suffered from advanced dementia. She started out volunteering on an ad hoc basis; whatever needed to be done she was up for the task.  Barbara has served on the AWARE board for several years as Directory/Yearbook and Name Tag Chair as well as proofreader. She also supported past presidents and program chairs in the set-up, production and mailing of member meeting and other event announcements. Barbara also volunteered at Casa De Vida, one of AWARE’s grant recipients, as a one-on-one companion for individuals with Alzheimer’s to help give relief to full-time care givers. She feels honored and grateful to receive this award. It has been her privilege to be a contributing part of AWARE’s dedication to fighting the relentless Alzheimer’s disease.
        
Individual tickets are $375. Premium ticket levels are available starting at $1,200 and go up to $2,500 with various benefits. A limited number of tables are available at $3,500 until March 15, 2024. Exclusive Naming Opportunities start at $5,000 up to $50,000. Sponsorships start at $5,000 up to $25,000 and have different benefits at the various levels. AWARE Affair 2024 Website Link: https://www.awaredallas.org/aware-affair/        
        
Event Contact for More Information: AWAREAffair@HASEvents.com or call 214-454-5683.
        
For over thirty years, AWARE has given hope and help to those in Dallas and the greater North Texas area affected by Alzheimer's disease.  AWARE undertakes thoughtful research and conduct site visits to identify non-profit organizations that actively help all those affected by Alzheimer's in the north Texas community and award grants to assist them in their work. To date, AWARE has awarded nearly $14.5 million to worthy programs and research.  Learn more at the website www.awaredallas.org

AWARE Mission: AWARE is dedicated to fighting Alzheimer's disease by providing funding and support to programs, projects, and research provided by nonprofit organizations that actively help individuals affected by Alzheimer's in Dallas and the greater North Texas area.

AWARE is a component fund of The Dallas Foundation, a 501(c)3 publicly supported charity.  In partnership with the Foundation, AWARE conducts an annual grant review process by which grant applicants are carefully and thoughtfully vetted to ensure that grant dollars are awarded to organizations that provide outstanding services to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, and to those research institutions that are at the forefront of medical research in the treatment, prevention, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Together with compassion and dedication we can make a difference. Join AWARE now and join the fight.  www.AWAREDallas.org   Instagram: @awaredallas

Facebook: @awaredallas

AWARE Dallas 2023-2024 Grant Recipients

Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation:  Salary support for the Baylor AT&T Memory Center to provide a trained care-navigation specialist on site at the Center.  At the point of care, patients and families are provided with disease education, caregiver training and support groups, elder law and financial planning, and a 24/7 helpline.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center:  Support for a program offering senior/elder adults customized theatre workshops and performances to enhance their social, emotional, and physical memory abilities.

Center For BrainHealth at The University Of Texas At Dallas:  Support for the creation of a BrainHealth Help Line to offer guidance to caregivers and those with Alzheimer's who are seeking information and tools to help them move out of a place of distress.

For Love And Art:  Support to increase staff needed to coordinate volunteers, and assist with growth for a program bringing an interactive art experience to people with cognitive impairment and limited mobility living in long-term care facilities.

Jewish Family Service:   Support for the Older Adults Program staff to provide in-home mental health counseling, care management, and daily living support to older adults with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, allowing them to remain living in their own home.

Juliette Fowler Communities:   Support the organization's campus-wide dementia care initiatives including I'm Still Here, Dementia Friendly Dallas, music therapy, and Caregiver support programs.

Plano Symphony Orchestra:   Support for Healing Notes, a free music therapy-influenced concert designed as an interactive musical experience for seniors. The program focuses on low-income individuals living in memory care facilities and dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 

Stomping Ground Theater And Training Center:   Support for Improv for Caregivers, a fun and interactive program for family and professional caregivers that uses improvisational comedy techniques to teach effective communication skills that are specific to the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Texas Winds Musical Outreach:   Support for the Concerts for Seniors program providing interactive concerts in 86 nursing homes and adult day care facilities bringing joy, relief from isolation, and peace to individuals affected by memory loss, and providing new communication skills to their caregivers.

The Senior Source:   Support for the Senior Companion Program matching trained volunteers with low-income individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families needing in-home assistance with meals, errands, and light housekeeping, providing caregivers with respite and/or time to work outside the home. 

The University Of Texas At Dallas Center For Vital Longevity:   Support for testing the theory that Alzheimer’s disease is caused in part by a severe decline in the brain's energy system by examining neurometabolites using MRI scanning on one of seven such advanced MRI scanners in the country. Study located in the lab of Dr. K. Kennedy.

The University Of Texas At Dallas Center For Vital Longevity:   Support for acquisition of a mobile Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ( fNIRS) system with physiological measures to assess brain-physiology in broad range of adults, and to train scientists in its use and allowing a broader range of access to study participants. . Study located in the lab of Dr. Chandramallika Basak.

Westminster Presbyterian Church:   Support to expand the number of days offered by the Caregivers Day Out program and allow more individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias to participate and provide greater respite for their caregivers.

Wilshire Baptist Church:   Support for the Friday Friends Program providing stimulating activities for participants living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and respite for their caregivers. 

Myrna D. Schlegel Aware Scholarship Fund:   Scholarship support for nursing students at Baylor University, Texas Woman’s University, and Texas Christian University toward studies in gerontology, especially in the field of dementia.

Photo by Thomas Garza.

Eat A Sub:  Help Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer

Jersey Mike’s Celebrates 14^th Annual “Month of Giving”

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer is joining forces with 70 Jersey Mike’s Subs in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex for the 14^th annual March “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign to support local charities. During the month of March, customers can make a donation to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer at participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants. 

The “Month of Giving” campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 27, when DFW Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. “We are profoundly grateful to Jersey Mike’s, their DFW franchisees, and their customers for their kind generosity, treasured partnership, and continued support toward our mission of eradicating pediatric cancer and providing hope for our young children battling this disease,” said WOKC Founder Cindy Brinker Simmons. “Jersey Mike’s has created an astounding culture of giving that has deeply touched the heroic families we serve.”   

For thirteen years, Jersey Mike’s owners and operators throughout the country have raised over $88 million for more than 200 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks, and more. “We are honored to be associated with Jersey Mike’s and admire their philanthropic mindset. Their commitment to helping us positively impact kids with cancer and their families is an absolute blessing,” said WOKC CEO Kris Cumnock. 

“I would like to extend a personal invitation to you and your family to visit Jersey Mike’s Subs throughout the month of March, and especially on the Day of Giving when 100 percent of sales – every penny – goes to help a great local cause,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO, who started the company when he was only 17 years old. 

Join us in March by making donations through Jersey Mike’s mobile app or onsite. On Wednesday, March 27, encourage everyone you know to visit a local Jersey Mike’s to order lunch or dinner or catering and help make a difference for local kids battling cancer. Come eat great food for a great cause! 

About Jersey Mike’s 

Jersey Mike’s Subs, with nearly 2,500 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), and Twitter (twitter.com/jerseymikes.com). 

About Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer

Founded in 1980, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer offers comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs that serve the entire family and funds innovative research that leads to new discoveries in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information, visit www.wokc.org  or follow on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WipeOutKidsCancer/), Instagram(https://www.instagram.com/wokc/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/wipeoutkdscancr).

Bryan’s House Family Holiday Celebration featured take-home three-to-four-foot-tall custom Christmas trees, a Toy Drive, candy canes and toys and stockings filled with goodies for every child.        

Hosted by Ann and Todd Nelson at Venture X – Braniff Centre, Dallas, the event was chaired by Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo and sponsored by the Lone Star Monarchs.        

Regina said, “This was a wonderful opportunity to share laughter and joy with the kids and families served at Bryan’s House this year.  We all helped bring heartfelt holiday cheer to 100 families.”       

Chaired by David Andrews of TerraMai Reclaimed Wood, the Christmas Tree Project featured 110 Christmas trees decorated in colorful and fanciful themes decorated by 51 donors. Each family took home at least one Christmas tree.  See list below. The Toy Drive was chaired by Adam Bernal, Kirby Phelps and Ronni Nicole Pierce.       

Each family had the opportunity to have their photo with Santa, lunch donated by Jeanne Lewis and Jersey Mike’s, dozens of holiday-decorated cookies and milk, along with all of the special treats mentioned above. The children’s smiles abounded as all in all, it was a lovely, fun and joyful day in the spirit of celebrating the holidays.  

The committee included Rick Adams, Sharon Adams, Anna Berman, Scout Dawson, Kristi Eakin Hall, Jeanne Lewis, Bodii Lim, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Glenn Morrill, Diane Moten, John Pickett, Shayema Rahim, Elizabeth Smith and Cindi Tesseneer.       

Bryan’s House representatives included Stefani Held, Founder; Dr. Keith Mankin, Board Chair; Sandra Amaya, Maria Castro, LaQuasha Cook, Dalia Fuetes, Marilyn Quinones, Michelle Ramirez, Debra Rodriguez and Diana Tellez. 

To learn more about Bryan’s House, visit the website for more details at www.BryansHouse.org

Christmas Tree Project Donors:  97W Design, Jennifer Bell, Anna Berman, Debbie Brackenridge, Brookhaven College, Regina Bruce, Coeval Studio, Chad Collum and Steve Kemble, Corgan, Cross Architects, Dallas Eagle, EDG Design, ENTOS Design, Gensler, GFF, Go Studio, GUIDE Architecture, Mark Steven Hayes, HOK, Jacobs, Keaton Interiors, Corey Lark, Lone Star Monarchs, Kunthear Mam-Douglas and Edward Douglas, Melrose Design Haus, Monsieur Holiday and Couture, Diane Moten, Debbie Murray, Lisa Nault, The Nielsen Collection, Perkins and Will, Scott Pharr, Preston Hollow Women’s Club’s Marvelous Mahjong Group, Pretty Lovely Affair, QPC Finish, Shayema Rahim, David Roberts, Cindy Ryan, Elizabeth Smith, Smith Group, Studio 11 Design, Studio B Design Group, TerraMai Reclaimed Wood, Marrisa and Chris Tindell, Brett Turner, US Surfaces, Verona Marble Company, Rachel Williams and Andre Yabin.

About Bryan’s House: The mission of Bryan’s House is to provide children with special needs and their families with trusted case management, educational, therapeutic, and medically-supported care.  www.BryansHouse.org

About Lone Star Monarchs:  To inspire and nurture the human spirit, as together, we build an effective network of individuals and organizations to support a broad spectrum of charitable organizations in Dallas and throughout Texas. Lone Star Monarchs’ (LSM) purpose is exclusively educational and charitable to connect people and enrich lives.

LSM welcomes all people who value our mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities. We promote volunteerism and a spirit of service.

LSM has no paid employees. All contributions and funds raised go to LSM services and grants for our service partners.  www.lonestarmonarchs.org

 Photos by Thomas Garza and Duke Morse

 Rainbow Days hosted its 27^th annual Saturday with Santa Christmas event to spread hope and holiday joy for families experiencing homelessness in the Dallas community. This celebratory event hosted on the Lovers Lane United Methodist Church campus spread holiday magic by giving out over 500 stockings filled with toys, treats and essential tangible items to all family members.

Rainbow Days hosted approximately 300 children and parents?from local homeless shelters, domestic violence centers and extended-stay motels for a day of holiday fun and family bonding. At the 2023 Saturday with Santa event, children and parents enjoyed lunch, carnival games, bouncy houses, arts and crafts, and visits with Santa Claus. 

After the event, Rainbow Days distributed additional stockings and gifts to over 200 more children and parents living at partnering homeless-serving sites. The 2023 Saturday with Santa event benefited over 500 homeless children and parents who reside in local homeless and domestic violence shelters, transitional living sites and extended-stay motels.  

Rainbow Days would like to recognize all of the outstanding individuals and groups who made Saturday with Santa a success this holiday season: 

• Bank of America
• Hearts of Servants
• HEB / Central Market
• Holy Smokers
• Lovers Lane United Methodist Church
• National Charity League
• PepsiCo / Frito-Lay
• Prince of Peace Catholic Community
• The Rees-Jones Foundation
• Toys for Texans
• TTG Family Fund
• Young Men's Service League
• Amazon Wish List Donors
• Plus, hundreds of individuals who supported Saturday with Santa through financial gifts, in-kind donations of toys and stockings, and volunteer hours! 

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, life enrichment programs and tangible items, Rainbow Days makes meaningful connections with more than 15,000 at-risk and homeless 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.

Special values for underwriters at certain levels guarantee VIP swag
benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden

Allison Brodnax, chair of the 36^th Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, and Gift Bag chairs Tara Terry and Marija Hoppe, are delighted to announce Eataly as the Official Gift Bag Sponsor, guaranteeing special gifts for everyone who attends.  All luncheon guests will receive a gift bag valued at $50 containing goodies from Eataly. Table hosts and underwriters at the $1,000 level and up will receive gift bags valued at $125.”

“In the three years that Eataly has been here in Dallas at NorthPark Center, we have made sure to give back to the community by participating in some of the most important philanthropic events for the city. We are now thrilled to support the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden with the 2024 Mad Hatter’s Luncheon,” said Robert Domian, Director of Store Operations at Eataly Dallas.

Slated for Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Dallas Arboretum with Barbara Bigham as honorary chair and Karen Sargent as Women’s Council president, this fabulous party has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised assist with the development, growth and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum. 
        
Guests travel from all over the United States, planning their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, taking the theme as inspiration for their sophisticated, glamorous, and delightfully lavish hats, but to view the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.

        
The morning will begin with a Welcome Reception, a stroll in the gardens and a Silent Auction while the discerning hat judges take note of the Grecian-influenced interpretations of this year’s theme Gardens of Greece, including these hat categories: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Olympic Games, Greek Mythology, Greek Life (sorority), Best Botanical Using Fresh Flowers and Greek Goddesses (group of 3 or more).  Inside Rosine Hall, Hat Contest winners will be announced, which will be followed by the fashion show and then a delicious three-course luncheon.
        
Last year, just over 650 people attended the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon in a party spread over Rosine Hall and A Tasteful Place. This year, the cap on attendance is 500, as it will take place only in Rosine Hall. So, do not delay securing tables, underwriting and sponsorships now.
        
Sponsorships begin at $2,500. Patron Tickets start at $500. Visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/tua/  or scan the QR code below to purchase sponsorships or tickets. Individuals who purchase a patron level ticket and up will be invited to a patron party at the Harlan Crow Library. Visit the website for more information www.wcdabg.org    

About the Women’s Council: Celebrating its 42^nd Anniversary in 2024.
Since 1982 the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. The support of over 600 members of the Women’s Council make possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  www.wcdabg.org

About A Woman’s Garden: Celebrating its 27^th Anniversary in 2024.
A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. Ablaze with color in every season, A Woman’s Garden is a living testament to the passion and vision of the Women’s Council founders and the boundless energy and devotion of its members whose commitment to creating a garden dedicated to the universal spirit of women across generations is realized in its inspired design. Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion and unwavering commitment of the women who came before us and those entrusted with its care now, and into the future.     

About Mad Hatter’s: Celebrating its 36^th Anniversary in 2024.
In 1989, Carole Ann Brown chaired the first Mad Hatter's Tea to bring awareness to the Women's Council and the Dallas Arboretum. The tea was held in the Camp House garden for 100 ladies and raised $10,000. Over the years, Mad Hatter’s has been chaired by many notable Dallas ladies such as Linda Ivy, Barbara Bigham, Connie Carreker, Barbara Daseke and Patti Flowers. Honorary Chairs have included some of the most philanthropic names in Dallas history such as Annette Simmons, Gene Jones, Caroline Rose Hunt, Tincy Miller, Sally Hoglund, Dee Wyly, Margaret Crow, Nancy Rogers, Amy Warren, Patty Dedman Nail, Sherwood Wagner, Laurie Sands Harrison and Kim Hext.

Finally, it would not be a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party without the hats. The creativity at Mad Hatter’s over the years has been impressive. Ladies have been inspired to create millinery creations based on Royal Ascot, Run for the Roses, April in Paris, Steel Magnolias, Under the Tuscan Sun and even Garden by the Sea. We have seen the Golden Age of Hollywood, have come Out of Africa into the Garden, enjoyed a Wonderland of Fashion while having Tea with Alice and Majestic Mad Hatter’s –A Celebration of English Elegance.   

Photo by Thomas Garza