Sponsored by the Lone Star Monarchs Who Donated $5,000 Towards Funding Summer Camp for Children with Special Needs    

Regina Bruce and Carla Russo, founders, Lone Star Monarchs, chose Bryan’s House as a Charity to Love, where they sponsored a Valentine’s Day Party for Bryan’s House students, teachers and staff, delightfully decorating the venue with colorful Valentine’s hearts. Sixty-three children with special needs (birth to age five)  were treated to gift baskets full of coloring books, crayons, arts and crafts supplies, and children’s books, along with cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats. All teachers and staff were served lunch from Eatzi’s and Whole Foods, as well as receiving other holiday sweet treats. They were all surprised with Target gift cards in appreciation for their love and care for these beautiful children.
        
Abigail Erickson-Torres, CEO of Bryan’s House, said, “We are so grateful to Regina, Carla and the Lone Star Monarchs for their dedication and passion for the children and families we serve. Children with special needs are often overlooked and it is so uplifting to see such compassion for this special group of children.”
        
“We were delighted to sponsor such a fun event for everyone at Bryan’s House,” Regina said. “It warmed our hearts to see how happy it made everyone to be celebrated on this Valentine’s Day. Carla and I, along with our wonderful friends and supporters, appreciate all of them and were also honored to present a check to Bryan’s House for $5,000 to benefit this meaningful nonprofit and to spend the day volunteering in their classrooms, where we read books and did arts and craft projects with the children."
        
Joining in the fun, as donors and volunteers, were Emily Hocking, Jeanne Lewis, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Diane Moten, Rhonda Pickrell, Elizabeth Smith and Cindi Tesseneer.  Friends Rick Adams and Glenn Morrill, from UPS on Lemmon, along with Anna Berman and Steve Hoyl, were unable to attend in person, but they gave major support to contribute to the party’s overall success."
        
To find out more about the work of these two charitable organizations, visit Bryan’s House at www.BryansHouse.org  and Lone Star Monarchs at www.LoneStarMonarchs.org

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 Danny Campbell

The event benefitted Wesley-Rankin Community Center and was presented by Texas Capital Bank

The 5^th Annual A Taste of West Dallas celebrated 120 VIBRANT years of Wesley-Rankin Community Center’s providing vital services to the residents of West Dallas at the Empire Room, chaired by Katrina and Houston Bolin and Katie Beth and Josh Ongena and presented by Texas Capital Bank.
        
It was a festive mood with just the right touch of cool breeze as supporters gathered for this indoor/outdoor event. Nine of Dallas’ top local restaurants and two beverage sponsors served up specialties as the sun set and the string lights draped from the rooftops lit the area. Inside, the silent auction welcomed guests as they entered the room, which also featured restaurant tasting stations, a bar, walls up-lit with decorative lighting and tables topped with vibrant centerpieces, echoing the VIBRANT theme. The stage was set with a wonderful balloon arch and decorated with show-stopping Hollywood-style letters spelling out A Taste of West Dallas, setting the scene for the upcoming program.
        
The chairs welcomed everyone at the outside party space and after the reception, encouraged everyone to join inside for the presentations. Taking the stage, the chairs said it was their honor to have chaired this event for the second year and thanked Presenting Sponsor Texas Capital Bank; Diamond Sponsors: Sterling Family Partners, Steven Ross and SYR Consulting; Platinum Sponsors: Katrina and Houston Bolin, Kay and Duncan Fulton, Dana and Jackson Harkey, Erin and Billy Young and more. They also thanked and recognized A Taste of West Dallas founding chairs Mari and Don Epperson and Kay and Duncan Fulton.
        
Gathering on stage, the Girls of Hope/Girls of Honor shared personal stories of their experiences with Wesley-Rankin Community Center and encouraged everyone to contribute to their upcoming trip to New York. One of many programs at Wesley-Rankin, the GOh/GOh program holistically aids in the development of young girls by providing a safe place to discuss female related issues while also equipping girls with experiences such as self-defense, budgeting, and the importance of the arts. A very special moment included a video of one of the students at Wesley-Rankin who participated in the Scholars program, which in partnership with the June Shelton School, provides tutoring for students with learning differences. Using Sequential English Education (SEE) curriculum, students learn reading and writing using tools that align with how they best learn.
        
Announcing next year’s co-chairs, Amanda and Robert Kalescky, the chairs introduced Shellie Ross, Executive Director, Wesley-Rankin Community Center. Shellie talked about the organization’s involvement with United Way, the Scholars program with St. Mary’s and made a call for donations.  After a lively and spirited raffle winners drawing, with much happy applause, the crowd filtered out with a united feeling of celebration for Wesley-Rankin Community Center’s many years of success and looking to the future.
        
Participating restaurants included: Cake Bar, Estrella Y Familia Bakery, Frida’s Tacolandia, Frida’s Tacos, Gil’s Elegant Catering, La Moderna Mexican Market, Locura, Odom’s BBQ, Saint Rocco’s New York Italian and beverages provided by Community BeerCompany, Tepetan, Luckenbach Road Whiskey and assorted wines.
        
Learn more about Wesley-Ranking Community Center at https://wesleyrankin.org/         

About Wesley-Rankin Community Center: In collaboration with our West Dallas neighbors, Wesley-Rankin Community Center identifies and bridges gaps in education, health and skills development by providing multigenerational programs that empower families to access their full potential.

(Photos by Thomas Garza.)

Wipe Out Kids' Cancer hosted their annual Guild Kickoff Party at the home of Pat and Pete Schenkel. The Guild provides financial and volunteer support to Wipe Out Kids' Cancer and its mission to bring comfort, hope, and support to kids with cancer and their families, while relentlessly pursuing a cure through research funding.
        
The party began with an inspirational address from WOKC founder Cindy Brinker Simmons, comments by WOKC CEO Kris Cumnock, and an overview of planned events by Guild co-chairs Connie Yates and Lori Waggoner.
        
"It is our privilege to work with such a passionately committed group of women to actively support our heroic children and families,” said Yates. The Guild will be instrumental in spreading the word about Jersey Mike's Subs "Day of Giving" in March. On Wednesday, March 29th, Jersey Mike's locations in DFW will donate 100% of sales to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. 

After a resounding round of applause, guests were also reminded that membership in the Guild is open to the community and encouraged those who were not already members to join now and bring in their friends to be a part of this dynamic group. The future is certainly bright!
         
To learn more about Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer and how you can become involved, visit the website at www.wokc.org. Facebook  @WipeOutKidsCancer  and Instagram @wokc

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NEWS FLASH!  Remember to visit your local DFW Jersey Mike's Subs location on Wednesday, March 29 when 100% of sales benefit WOKC. 

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer sponsors these programs:

         * The Buddy Bag Program: Every 30-minutes a parent is told, "Your child has cancer." Those are devastating words to hear and at that moment, the entire family's world is turned upside down. Typically, as soon as the diagnosis is given, the parent(s) and child are sent directly to the hospital in order to begin treatment. There is no time to return home to pack a bag, so there you are - in a hospital room with a pediatric cancer diagnosis, and not much else. That changes the moment a Child Life Specialist rolls a WOKC Buddy Bag into the room. The canvas, rolling duffle bag is strategically filled with hygienic, comfort, and entertainment items designed to ease the transition from home to hospital. 

         * The Warrior Family Program involves numerous fun events throughout each year, including professional and semi-professional sporting events, picnics, fishing tournaments, holiday parties, a summer camp in Maine, and more. Because a pediatric cancer diagnosis affects the entire family, WOKC invites the entire family to take part in each activity. Possibly the most impactful aspect of the Warrior events is the ability for parents whose children are undergoing a similar battle to share information and emotional support.

         * The Research Grants Program: Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer focuses on funding novel pediatric cancer innovations that may represent advancements in treatment outcomes, which includes: 

>Earlier detection 

>Prevention of harmful side effects 

>Greater diagnostic accuracy 

>Less invasive treatments 

Our renowned Science and Medical Research committee carefully select innovative research studies that might not initially receive traditional funding, but these innovations are critical and keeping scientists working toward advancements in medicine and treatments is essential to the mission we serve. WOKC has significantly impacted the pediatric cancer space by funding over $8 million in research. This seed money has yielded more than $22 million in additional grant money for further research and discoveries. Since we began in 1980, WOKC has funded a wide range of national cancer research projects in almost every pediatric cancer category, as well as critical programs in support of cancer care for children.       

About Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC):

Wipe Out Kids' Cancer (WOKC) is a Dallas-based nonprofit organization founded in 1980 by Cindy Brinker Simmons in memory of her mother, the late tennis champion Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker, who died of cancer at age 34. WOKC recognizes the suffering associated with any childhood disease and our focus is on the one that claims more children's lives than any other...cancer.

Our three primary initiatives focus on making the pediatric cancer journey better for the entire family, while constantly searching for improved treatments, positive outcomes, and one day, that elusive cure.

The mission of Wipe Out Kids' Cancer is to bring comfort, hope, and support to kids with cancer and their families, while relentlessly pursuing a cure through research funding. 

Additionally, WOKC has provided hope to children diagnosed with cancer and their families through multiple social engagement programs ..."medicine for the soul" as parents have described. WOKC has funded $7 million in seed money for its novel research projects, which have received $22 million in additional grant money over these past 40
years.

CHILDHOOD CANCER REALITIES: Reported by the National Institutes of Health

* Cancer is the #1 disease killer of children in the US

*45 children are diagnosed each day with cancer (1 every 30 minutes) in the U.S. 1 out of 8 children will not survive

* Nearly 60% of those who survive will have long-lasting chronic health conditions as adults

* More children die from cancer than AIDS, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and asthma combined.  

* Less than 4% of the federal cancer research budget is dedicated to childhood cancer.

* Childhood cancer research has led, and continues to lead, to successful treatments for adults

 Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

Eat A Sub:  Help Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer

Jersey Mike’s Celebrates 13^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 13^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 29, 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 twelve years, Jersey Mike’s owners and operators throughout the country have raised over $67 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 29, 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 recognizes the suffering associated with any childhood disease. Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children in the U.S. with 45 American kids diagnosed daily.  WOKC’s mission is to bring comfort, hope, and support to kids with cancer and their families while relentlessly pursuing a cure through research funding. For more information, please 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).

The Right Honorable Countess of Carnarvon Spoke About Her Newest Book Seasons at Highclere at A Writer’s Garden Celebrating A Woman’s Garden’s 25^th Anniversary as part of the A Noble Celebration Week of Events

The Right Honorable Countess of Carnarvon, author of many books including her latest Seasons at Highclere, otherwise known as the site of the filming of the hit television series Downtown Abbey, was the featured speaker at A Writer’s Garden Literary Symposium and Luncheon benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden.
        
Chaired by Dyann Skelton and Therese Rourk with Donna and Herb Weitzman as honorary chairs, the event was part of A Noble Celebration, a week of happenings celebrating the 25^th Anniversary of A Woman’s Garden and the 40^th Anniversary of the Women’s Council.  The day began with a VIP reception at A Tasteful Place at the Dallas Arboretum, which included a photo opportunity with Lady Carnarvon, sponsored by Gittings Photography. Guests were treated to mimosas, small bites and a coffee bar sponsored by Patti Mitchell and Kay Weeks, and then strolled the path to Rosine Hall, where the presentation, luncheon and book signing took place.
        
At the Reveal party at the Angelika months ago, sponsored by Sarah Jo Hardin, Women’s Council president, everyone was delighted to watch a very special pre-recorded video featuring Lady Carnarvon at Highclere Castle saying how truly excited she is to come to Dallas to celebrate this year’s theme, “Growing Friendships for 40 Years” and “... walk the paths of your beautiful garden,” referring to A Woman’s Garden. Her live presentation did not disappoint.
        
Sarah began by thanking the chairs, honorary chairs and especially Lady Carnarvon for traveling to Dallas. Lady Carnarvon said it was her first time in Dallas and she was delighted to be a part of the Women’s Council’s ongoing symposium and luncheon.  She said she was going to take us to a different world via her presentation to experience the four seasons of Highclere with slides and highlights of her new book, Seasons at Highclere.  
        
She began by giving a history of Highclere from its earliest records in 1216 through the changes brought over the years, saying that in 1908, there were 100 gardeners and today there are four. She and her husband are often outside planting. The images were beautiful, reflecting their plantings with the seasons in mind. Spring bulbs blooming. Fields of new grass. Rolling hills. Summer wildflowers. Acres and acres of vistas of leaves changing in the fall. Wintery snow on the trees. Everywhere one will see beautiful views with paths made on purpose not only for humans to enjoy, but the wildlife, as well. Trees are placed to encourage wandering. Flowers planted to encourage insect and bee habitats. She and her husband have seven dogs and enjoy walking them and love to “Beat the Bounds,” which means walk the boundaries.
        
Their life at Highclere also includes a menagerie of animals, including Lady Mary, the pig and others. Animals are named after characters in Downtown Abbey: horses, sheep, lambs. Chickens have the names of characters from Jane Austen books.
        
Lady Carnarvon’s vision for the grounds, gardens, and Highclere itself includes expanding endeavors to include Highclere Castle Gin, which has won 74 gold and platinum awards, developing Chateau Highclere vineyards and a pink sparkling wine. One of the newest additions is the group Friends of Highclere, where members can explore wearing 3D goggles, which makes them feel like they are really there. This year they launched the Lady Carnarvon Rose and Highclere Castle Rose. Much more to come with another new book, The Earl and the Pharoah.  She encouraged everyone to visit her blog at www.ladycarnarvon.com. After her absolutely enchanting presentation, she stayed to sign books personally.
        
After Lady Carnarvon’s presentation, Therese and Dyann thanked donors and sponsors, especially hosts of the Patron Party the evening before, Holly and Philip Huffines, which was chaired by Renee Farren and Bettina Hennessy. They also thanked Nikki Beneke, Auction chair and Dorothea Meltzer, Book Sales Chair.
        
Auctioneer Samantha Sisler from Heritage Auctions hosted a lively and spirited auction, which was followed by the luncheon. A very special treat was the appetizer, Chilled Parsnip and Apple Soup, which was Lady Carnarvon’s recipe, followed by an entrée of Chicken Crepes with Creamy Mushroom Sauce, Parsley Wild Rice Mix, Texas Baby Greens and dessert of Molten Chocolate Lava Cake.
        
Find out more about the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum, events and exclusive membership opportunities. Details are available at www.wcdabg.org

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ABOUT THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL: Celebrating its 40^th Anniversary.
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 500 members of the Women’s Council makes 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 25^th Anniversary.
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 sits majestically as 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.      
   

*Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio