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Robbie Briggs, Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty, Presenting Sponsor; Gail Turner, Dr. Gerald Turner, featured speaker

            The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society (PCHPS) Distinguished Speaker luncheon themed A Century of Classics featured Dr. R. Gerald Turner, President of Southern Methodist University as the keynote speaker, speaking on “SMU and the Park Cities: One Hundred Years of Developing Together.”

          Chaired by Lucinda Buford, the luncheon began with emcee Scott Murray welcoming the crowd and Robbie Briggs, Presenting Sponsor, leading the invocation. After lunch, Joan Clark, President, PCHPS expressed heartfelt thanks to Honorary Chairs Marla and Mike Boone, Presenting Sponsor Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, Preservation Sponsor Highland Park Village and media sponsors D Home and The Park Cities News. She also thanked Kendall Jennings, Home Tour Chair, for her leadership in chairing the tour and reminded everyone to pick up their tickets for the tour on Saturday.

          Robbie introduced Dr. Turner, saying SMU reached the centennial of its founding in 2011 and in 2015, reached the centennial of its opening.

          Dr. Turner began his presentation announcing that from the beginning, when SMU started purchasing land, they received help from the Caruth, Armstrong and Daniels families. His slideshow had many graphics and renderings, showing the original layout of the properties, the acquisitions and future plans. He emphasized the feeling is that everyone is a neighbor, all using the same land and that Highland Park, University Park and the City of Dallas join together as a community at SMU.

          Joan thanked Dr. Turner for his presented Dr. Turner with a copy of Virginia McAlester’s “Great American Suburbs,” autographed by the author.

          Proceeds from the luncheon will fund scholarships at Highland Park High School for graduating seniors who plan to study architecture, history, preservation, or another major related to the preservation of our heritage.  The purpose of the scholarships is to promote interest in education in fields of study related to historical preservation of the Park Cities Communities. A portion of the proceeds of the 2015 Home Tour Weekend will be used to help preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, which was the second home built in Highland Park. It also funds the Society’s landmarking ceremonies.

          The home tour and luncheon celebrate historic preservation and are 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.

The mission of the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society is to reserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. The vision is to inspire passionate community support for the preservation of historic homes, buildings, parks, landmarks and traditions of the Park Cities.

           
Membership in PCHPS is open to the public. For further information, visit the website at www.pchps.org or contact info@pchps.org or call (214) 528-0021.

 

 (Photos by Rob Wythe/Gittings and Chuck Clark.)

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Janet and Tony Dorsett

Champions for Hope is the annual dinner and golf tournament benefiting Hope’s Door, a comprehensive domestic violence agency in Collin County, serving all of North Texas.
         
The dinner is slated for Sunday, May 31st at III Forks restaurant on Dallas Parkway with Janet and Tony Dorsett serving as honorary chairs. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., it is an intimate evening featuring cocktails, silent auction and dinner. Individual tickets are $150 and couples are $250.
         
Cary Clayborn is chairing the golf tournament on Monday, June 1st takes place at the fabulous Las Colinas Country Club in Irving. There is still room for teams of four at $2,000 for each team. Individual players are $500 each.  It’s a scramble format with a shotgun start. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. Tee time is 11:00 a.m.
         
Sponsors include: Guardian Sponsor: Consolidated Communications. Defender Sponsors: Mercury One, Rent-A-Center, CMGRx.
Advocate Sponsor:Emerson.
         
Host committee: Diana and Rich Cesario, Nancy and Mark Champion, Cherryl and Cary Clayborn, Suzanne and Michael Grishman, Cortland and Mathew Grynwald, Anita Hawkins, Mercury One, Bronwyn and Dan Levitan, Charles Kallassy, Misty and Phillip Koch, Stephanie and Chris Milligan, Jennifer and David Panter, Bill Wallace.
         
Hope’s Door’s mission is to offer intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence and to provide educational programs that enhance the community’s capacity to respond.
         
Hope’s Door is a shelter and counseling center in Collin County that offers comprehensive programs and services designed to help break the cycle of domestic violence to families in Collin County, Dallas County and surrounding areas.  Since its inception in 1986, Hope’s Door has provided emergency shelter for over 6,000 women and their children, answered more than 30,000 crisis line calls and provides counseling hours to community members affected by domestic violence.
         
Hope’s Door is a non-profit 501c-3 organization. Visit the website at HopesDoorInc.org
         
For tickets, details for both events, contact Suzanne Bock Grishman, Chief Development Officer, at Suzanne.Bock@hopesdoorinc.org , (972)-422-2911.

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3607 Amherst. Photo by Danny Piassick.

         Tickets on Sale now! Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society 2015 Historic Home Tour - A Century of Classics

Saturday, April 11th

Tour the oldest home in Highland Park, the oldest home in University Park, a 1951 Culture Gulch home which has been architecturally acclaimed and published in many magazines and a 1929 Cape Cod classic

Presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty along with Preservation Partner Highland Park Village with media sponsors D HOME and The Park Cities News

The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society (PCHPS) Historic Home Tour, themed A Century of Classics, features four exciting Park Cities homes, including the oldest home in Highland Park and the oldest home in University Park, along with a1951 Culture Gulch home which has received architectural honors and a 1929 Cape Cod classic, owned by only one family. These architecturally and historically significant homes have been restored, remodeled and updated to serve the lifestyle needs of families today .

3607 Amherst: Culture Gulch: Completed in 1951, the home was immediately honored for its unique design by the Dallas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and featured  in magazine and news articles.

3432 University Boulevard: Built in 1929 high above the street is an unpretentious Cape Cod home oriented to a massive side yard to the east. The memories that reside within these walls are innumerable since only one family has owned it.

3444 University Boulevard: Neoclassical. The oldest remaining home in University Park. The family also has a very interesting history with SMU.

3505 Lexington: Oldest extant home in Highland Park and located on the first developed street.

            The home tour 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. 


          Kendall Jennings is chairing the 2015 Historic Home Tour along with Lucinda Buford, who chaired the Distinguished Speaker luncheon last week. PCHPS is proud to have Marla and Mike Boone as honorary chairs for both events.

          The society’s mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. A portion of the proceeds of the 2015 Home Tour will be used to help preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, which was the second home built in Highland Park. It also funds the Society’s land marking ceremonies. The proceeds from both the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon Series and the tour will go toward the PCHPS scholarship program for Highland Park High School graduating seniors who plan to study architecture, history, preservation, or another major related to the preservation of the community’s heritage.

          Home Tour tickets are available at these Tom Thumb stores:  Snider Plaza (at Lovers Lane and Hillcrest); Preston Center, (eastern sector at  Northwest Highway and Preston Road); Greenville Avenue at Lovers Lane in Old Town; Inwood Road at University Boulevard; and Lincoln Center (Northwest Highway, across from NorthPark)  for $20. Tickets purchased the day of the tour will be $25. Additionally, you may purchase advance tickets online through Tuesday, April 7th  at the PCHPS website www.pchps.org, contact info@pchps.org or call (214) 528-0021.

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Jeannette Walls is the featured speaker

 New York Times best-selling author Jeannette Walls will be the featured speaker at the 18th Annual Pot of Gold luncheon benefiting Rainbow Days, Inc. to be held in the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas on Friday, April 24th.

 Co-chaired by Karen Currie and Brooke Andrews, the luncheon also features a silent auction chaired by Nicole Williams and festive entertainment by Eddie Coker and the children of Rainbow Days, Inc.

 Jeannette Walls is a journalist and author of the memoir, The Glass Castle, which has been on the New York Times Best-Sellers list for more than six years. The book has sold four-and-a-half million copies in the U.S., been translated into 30 languages, and was named one of the “Top 10 Books of the Decade” by Amazon.com. Her story gives hope to those facing challenges and makes them realize anything is possible. Her follow-up books, Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel and The Silver Star, were both New York Times Best-Sellers as well. As a journalist, her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Esquire, USA Today, and on MSNBC. The Glass Castle is being made into a movie starring Jennifer Lawrence. A release date has not been announced.

 “Jeannette’s nomadic childhood of living out of the family car or in rundown houses with her siblings, alcoholic father and mentally unstable mother, as captured in her memoir, is similar to the situations of many of the children we serve,” said Cathey Brown, Founder and CEO, Rainbow Days, Inc. “We are excited to bring this well-known author and speaker to Dallas, to share her story which we believe will not only be captivating, but inspiring.”

 Mrs. Nancy Ann Hunt, 2012 Luncheon Honoree said, “I continue to support Rainbow Days because they are an organization that is dedicated to their mission of helping thousands of children and youth in need in our community.”

Underwriting and sponsorships are available. Individual tickets are $150. Contact Emily Candee at 214-217-3833, via email at emilyc@rainbowdays.org or visit the website for more information at www.RainbowDays.org 

 

 

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On March 12, the official World Kidney Day, buildings around the city will recognize the day by “painting” their buildings in orange, including the Omni Hotel Downtown. 

March 12: Open to the Public: There  will be a free kidney health check from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Dallas County Health and Human Services, 2377 N. Stemmons Frwy, Suite 627, Dallas, TX . 

In recognition of World Kidney Day (March 12), Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, along with Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Zach Thompson presented a Proclamation to the National Kidney Foundation for its efforts to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of kidney disease. 

“Kidney disease often develops slowly with few symptoms, and many people don’t realize they have it until the disease is advanced,” said Zach Thompson, Director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department. “Awareness of kidney disease, especially for those at risk, is the first step to preventing, or slowing the progression of kidney disease,” said Mr. Thompson.

 Pictured (from L to R) Darrell Webb, Carmen Webb, Cora McClendon (part of National Kidney Foundation patient services committee), Commissioner John Wiley Price, Rachelle Caruthers; Mark Edwards, Regional Program Manager, National Kidney Foundation, Serving North Texas; Dallas County Health and Human Services Director Zach Thompson.

Courtesy photo from the National Kidney Foundation - Serving North Texas. Visit the website at nkft.org

March 12: Today is World Kidney Day and the National Kidney Foundation is asking Americans to drink a glass of water to celebrate their kidneys. 

Consuming plenty of fluid helps the kidneys clear wastes and toxins from the body. Studies have also shown that increasing your fluid intake is one of the best ways to prevent the formation of painful kidney stones. 

The right level of fluid intake for any individual depends on many factors including gender, exercise, climate, health conditions, pregnancy and breast feeding. In addition, those with advanced kidney disease or kidney failure often have to restrict their fluid intake. As a general rule, drinking 1.5 to 2 liters (3 to 4 pints) of water per day is considered a healthy amount. 

“Drinking a glass of water is a symbolic gesture to remember that kidneys are vital organs that should be celebrated,” said Joseph Vassalotti, MD, National Kidney Foundation Chief Medical Officer. “It’s also a way to raise awareness about the risks, dangers and burden of kidney disease in the United States, which is estimated to affect more than 26 million American adults.”

Join others around the world and celebrate kidney awareness on World Kidney Day by taking a healthy selfie. Be a #WaterModel on #WorldKidneyDay and take a photo of yourself drinking water and share it with your friends. Those photos tagged with #ISupportWKD will appear in the international World Kidney Day photo newsfeed. 

Staying well hydrated with water can protect your kidneys, but it won’t cure kidney disease. For those at risk of kidney disease, the National Kidney Foundation is offering free kidney health screenings across the country. NKF strongly encourages anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney failure and anyone over the age of 60, to attend. Find a KEEP Healthy screening by visiting kidney.org, or ask your doctor for an ACR or GFR test if you are at risk for kidney disease. 

Those who want to learn how they can reduce their personal risk of developing kidney disease can visit www.kidney.org for more information.

Top 10 Things Your Kidneys Do:

  • Filter 200 liters of blood a day, removing two liters of toxins, wastes and water
  • Regulate the body’s hydration and water balance
  • Regulate blood pressure by controlling fluid levels and making the hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict
  • Support healthy bones and tissues by producing the active form of Vitamin D
  • Produce the hormone that stimulates bone marrow to manufacture red blood cells
  • Keep blood minerals in balance
  • Keep electrolytes in balance
  • Regulate blood acid levels
  • Remove certain drugs from the blood
  • Eliminate excess water-soluble vitamins

 

The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families, and tens of millions of Americans at risk. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.

 

 

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The DSM Academy of Performing Arts is pleased to announce auditions for an opportunity to be selected for the Academy Industry Showcase.

As the Academy expands its relationship with the premiere Industry professionals in the Metroplex, we will find the most “industry ready” actors to present their finest skills to top agents, casting directors, and other professionals.

Auditions will be held Saturday, March 14th from 8:30 a.m.to Noon and 1:00 p.m.to  6:00 p.m. for the first 75 people, ages 10 or older, to sign up. Younger students may be invited. An additional audition day on Tuesday, March 17th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. will be added, if needed. Audition appointments are five minutes in length and will be held at:

Central Christian Church

4711 Westside Dr., Dallas, TX 75209

 

ATTENTION: You must prepare a one minute monologue from a play. You may be asked to sing and dance as well. The showcase is limited to 24 participants. 

Those selected will become part of a 10 week intensive that will meet at the Central Christian Church on Saturday, March 21st through May 30th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will culminate in a performance on Wednesday evening June 3rd at 7:30 p.m. following a 5:00 p.m. performance for Family and Friends at:

International Conservatory of Performing Arts

3321 Premier Drive, Plano, TX 75023

There is no charge to register for the audition. Student must be 10 years of age or older unless invited by the Academy. If selected, the program cost is $249 for 10 weeks.

The class will be led by DSM Academy Instructor and Director Steven Kavner (award-winning actor, former member of the legendary Los Angeles improvisation company The Groundings, and Peabody Award-winning Producer). Mr. Kavner will be supported by DSM Academy’s musical, dance and production staff.

 

Class: Industry Showcase

Showcase Auditions: Ages 10 and up, Saturday March 14, 9:00 a.m.–Noon and  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Class & Audition Location: Central Christian Church, 4711 Westside Dr., Dallas, TX 75209
Class Dates & Times:
 Saturdays, March 21-May 30, 2015, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Class Limit: 24 students

Performance:  Wednesday June 3, 2015, 5:00 p.m. for family and friends, 7:30 p.m. for industry professionals

Performance Location: International Music Conservatory, 3221 Premier Dr., Plano, TX
Program Cost: $249 - There is no cost to audition.

Link to the Registration Form: http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/rxy8RjbqconiaOCEVs9Jd3B8d

Details on our website at: http://www.academyatdsm.org/

          Call for more information: 214-969-7469

About DSM Academy Of Performing Arts:  The DSM Academy of Performing Arts was founded in 1999 and operates as an affiliate of Dallas Summer Musicals in several locations in the Dallas area. Dallas Summer Musicals is a company that produces and presents Broadway, off-Broadway, West End and touring theatrical productions. The DSM Academy is comprised of 75% teens and 25% adults ranging in age from 7 to adult. The Academy is proud of its diverse and ethnic student population. The DSM Academy has granted over 250 need-based scholarships. The Academy helps to prepare the amateur and the professional for involvement in the performing arts. The purpose of this page is to connect people who have a common interest in the performing arts of any type.

Mission: Recognizing the positive influence of the arts on the human experience, DSM Academy of Performing Arts strives not only to increase appreciation of the performing arts, but to teach those arts professionally.                                          


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There are those who would claim that “50 Shades of Grey” glamorizes domestic violence, and others would say the movie has nothing to do with it. While we are not in a position to resolve that difference in opinion, we welcome the discussion. We can all agree domestic violence is real. It happens every day to millions of women with or without a book or a movie. “50 Shades of Grey” and its critics have started the conversation. So let’s jump at the chance to turn a national debate into positive action. We want to raise $50,000 to make a difference in the lives of families affected by domestic violence - #50KFOR50SHADES.

Newstarter.com approached Hope’s Door to continue this conversation currently trending with “50 Shades of Grey.”  Each donor pledges $1 and the payment is not processed unless the goal is achieved.  "I am thrilled to kick-off Newstarter’s #50KFOR50SHADES campaign. With Newstarter, everyday people become as powerful as someone like Bill Gates! Newstarter gathers large groups of people who want the same thing, in this case turning a national debate over a movie into positive action by helping support victims of domestic violence through Hope’s Door.” 
- Matthew Berke, Newstarter CEO.

The beneficiary of the crowdfunding is Hope’s Door, a comprehensive domestic violence agency in North Texas.  The potential $50,000 (or more) raised will allow them to serve a greater number of families affected by domestic violence, offering emergency shelter, counseling, case management, legal aid and more.  “We are so excited about this opportunity to use a national conversation to help the organization,” said Suzanne Bock Grishman, Development Director at Hope’s Door.  “The funds will make such a difference to our organization.  Domestic violence has been a hot topic in the media lately.  As a result, we’ve seen an upsurge in public awareness and the calls to our crisis hotline have increased dramatically.  These funds will allow us to provide continued safety and shelter for victims of domestic violence, increase national awareness and the number of clients we serve. The campaign is all or nothing. If we don’t hit the goal in 30 days ... starting today, no money is collected, so please donate!”

You can donate your $1 and join the conversation by going to www.newstarter.com .  Be sure to share on social media to help us reach the #50KFOR50SHADES goal.  To learn more about Hope’s Door, visit www.hopesdoorinc.org or tweet us at @hopesdoorinc and join the #50KFOR50SHADES conversation.             

Here is a direct link to the page: http://bit.ly/50KFor50Shades

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The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society (PCHPS) is thrilled to announce that Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty has come on board as presenting sponsor for the 2015 Annual Historic Home Tour and Distinguished Speaker Luncheon. Additionally, Highland Park Village has joined in support as its Preservation Partner and D HOME as media sponsor.

          All three of these major sponsors are longtime supporters of PCHPS. The first luncheon in 2011 featured a major sponsorship with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty and highlighted Ray Washburne as the speaker, detailing the Village’s renovations with historic photos in a fascinating slide show.  The Washburnes have also served as honorary chairs. Both Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty and Highland Park Village were major supporters in 2013 and 2014. D Home has been the media sponsor for many years, as well as other community businesses.

          Joan Clark, PCHPS president said, “Without the support of local individuals and firms, PCHPS could not achieve its goals of preservation awareness and education.  I am extremely grateful for the ongoing, outstanding commitment of our Presenting Sponsor, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty.  Additionally, it is a thrill to welcome our new Preservation Partner, Highland Park Village.  We are excited about the history that will be on view with the 2015 Home Tour.  It will be an opportunity for ‘Shaping the Future of Our Past.’ ”

          “The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society is committed to preserving the architecture, history and heritage of the Park Cities so it remains a beautiful place to live,” says Robbie Briggs, President and CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. “As a longtime sponsor and supporter, I applaud their efforts toward keeping the community strong and economically sound while looking to the future.”

          Ray Washburne said, ““Our family is deeply committed to the ongoing success and growth of the Park Cities heritage. The mission of the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society is something we are actively involved in and strive to make a difference. Our community is very important to us and we want to ensure our residents are actively involved in supporting these goals as well.”  
    
          Themed A Century of Classics, the home tour and luncheon will celebrate historic preservation and are 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.

          Kendall Jennings is chairing the 2015 Historic Home Tour along with Lucinda Buford chairing the luncheon. PCHPS is proud to have Marla and Mike Boone as honorary chairs for both events.

          Slated for Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at the Dallas Country Club, the luncheon features Dr. R. Gerald Turner, president of Southern Methodist University, as the keynote speaker. SMU reached the centennial of its founding in 2011 and 2015 marks the centennial of its opening.

          The Historic Home Tour will take place on Saturday, April 11th, featuring architecturally and historically significant homes in the Park Cities that illustrate how they have been restored, remodeled and updated to serve the lifestyle needs of families today.

          The society’s mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. A portion of the proceeds of the 2015 Home Tour will be used to help preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, which was the second home built in Highland Park. It also funds the Society’s land marking ceremonies. The proceeds from both the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon Series and the tour will go toward the PCHPS scholarship program for Highland Park High School graduating seniors who plan to study architecture, history, preservation, or another major related to the preservation of the community’s heritage.

Advance Home Tour Tickets for the Saturday, April 11th Historic Home Tour will be available at Tom Thumb stores in the Park Cities area the third week of March for $20. Tickets purchased the day of the tour will be $25. Additionally, you may purchase advance tickets online at the PCHPS website www.pchps.org or checks can be mailed to 25 Highland Park Village, Suite 100, Box 286, Dallas, TX 75205-2789 before April 4, 2015.  

Tickets for the April 1st Luncheon may be purchased in March 2015 online at www.pchps.org Individual tickets are $125, $250, $500, $1,000 each with different benefits in seating, private reception with the speaker, according to the level of purchase. 
Sponsorships and table underwriting are also available. Check the website for updates: www.pchps.org or email info@pchps.org for sponsorship forms.

For further information, visit the website at www.pchps.org or contact info@pchps.org or call (214) 528-0021.

        

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The Press Club of Dallas presented the 2014 Newsmaker of the Year Award to Michael A. Jenkins celebrating his international reputation as a theatre visionary. The sold-out Tribute gala “Playbills, Popcorn and the Press” was held Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, and featured performances by Broadway stars Cathy Rigby and Rachel York. 

Tony Pederson, immediate past president of the Press Club, presented Jenkins with a plaque, noting, “The Press Club of Dallas is pleased to honor Michael A. Jenkins as Newsmaker of the Year 2014 for his outstanding and lifelong contributions to the performing arts, his leadership of Dallas Summer Musicals, and his award-winning producing ability.  Michael has brought national acclaim through his dedication to philanthropy and education of young people in the arts, and for serving as an exemplary citizen of the City of Dallas.” 

Press Club of Dallas President Niki McCuistion welcomed everyone to the event, and KLUV Radio's Jody Dean emceed with tributes from Baylor College President Judge Kenneth Starr and others.  Honorary Chairs were Chuck and Cindy Gummer, with Pat Porter chairing the event.  

Underwriters for the event were The Ruth C. and Charles S. Sharp Foundation, Inc., Ruth and Ken Altshuler, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, and Cindy and Chuck Gummer, honorary chairs.  

The mission and purpose of the Press Club of Dallas is to initiate, promote, foster and provide for cultural, literary, educational and social activities and undertakings in the field of journalism and related professions. Chartered by the state of Texas in 1951, the Club received its nonprofit 501 (c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service in 2012.

 

Michael’s son, Angus JenkinsMichael’s daughter, Delanie JenkinsBroadway star, Rachel York, a featured performer

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Stephanie Mattison, gala chair; Glenn Beck, an honorary chair and featured speaker; Charles Kallassy, Suzanne Bock Grishman, interim Executive Director and acting Director of Development, Hope’s Door.

An Evening of Hope Gala benefiting Hope’s Door, a comprehensive domestic violence agency, raised more money than ever before, earning just over $400,000 to benefit the agency.
          The Gatsby-themed evening began with a VIP reception in the Cypress Room at the Westin Stonebriar. Dressed in a gold Gatsby-style fringe and sequin gown, Stephanie Mattison, gala chair, was joined by her husband, Tanner and her family, along with Suzanne Bock Grishman, interim executive director and acting director of development at Hope’s Door and her husband, Michael. Matthew Grynwald is the president of the board. Many board members and underwriters chatted with honorary chair Glenn Beck, founder and CEO of Mercury Radio Arts and best known as the host of The Blaze television and radio shows. His wife, Tania, also an honorary chair, was unable to attend due to a prior family commitment.
          Guests bid in the fabulous silent auction sponsored by Rent-A-Center, bought out the wine pull, gift card pull, enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres and stepped into an eight-foot tall gold frame, snapping photos as remembrances.
          Entertainment by the band Limelight played as emcee Steve Stoler, formerly of WFAA Channel 8 and now the executive director of media relations for the City of Plano, welcomed guests and recognized veterans in the audience, as it was Veteran’s Day weekend.
          After a three-course gourmet dinner ending with a dessert assortment by Nothing Bundt Cakes, Stephanie thanked everyone for supporting Hope’s Door by attending the gala and encouraged the crowd to participate in the fundraising opportunities soon to come. She recognized presenting sponsors Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers and the Becks as honorary chairs, noting that since Tania could not attend, Glenn was joined by their daughter, Mary Cate.
          LaShon Ross, a member of the board, presented Stephanie with an exquisite strand of pearls donated by jeweler Carter Malouf, who is also a member of the host committee with his wife, Jill. She introduced a moving video highlighting the message of Hope’s Door, emphasizing they are here to help heal families affected by domestic violence. She asked the board to stand, thanking them for their devoted service.
          After a spirited game of heads-and-tails, board Secretary Ann Dunham announced    Jessica Bair and The Mary Kay Foundation as recipients of the Heroes of Hope Award for their generous grant in helping with emergency shelter renovations and ongoing support. Jessica received an exquisite Waterford clock donated by Bachendorf’s.
          Jessica said she was honored to receive the award and emphasized that Hope’s Door is crucial to the victims of domestic violence and helps them become survivors.        Suzanne, who joined Hope’s Door this past summer, said the agency is making a difference in people’s lives through education. With the leadership of Grishman, Hope’s Door is poised for growth and ready for support to move it forward to the next stage. She said the morning after Glenn and Tania toured the safe shelter, Glenn shared his experience with his radio audience and sold over 550 raffle tickets for the beautiful 2014 CLA Class Mercedes-Benz donated by Mercedes-Benz of Plano. Only 1,000 tickets were sold at $100 each, with proceeds benefiting the programs and services of Hope’s Door.
          Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Glenn’s very personal and emotionally charged story touched the hearts of everyone in the ballroom. With many in tears as he ended his presentation, he said Hope’s Door gives hope for a future to so many and encouraged everyone to continue their support because they can truly make a difference in people’s lives. Emotions ran high as another standing ovation rang through the room.
          Following the Fund-A-Cause call for donations, the live auction was a rousing success, including three  tours of Beck’s studio and lunch; a wine lover’s experience visiting Jordan Vineyards, Michel-Schlumberger and Lail Vineyards; a VIP family membership at the Frisco Gun Club; Chef John Coleman, owner of Savor Restaurant offered a private chef experience; Trident Response Group will host an interactive training program and topping it all off, the actor Burton Gilliam, who starred in Blazing Saddles, took the stage and helped move the crowd in bidding on a Blazing Saddles movie script signed by Mel Brooks, including lunch with Burton.
          Limelight took the stage and the crowd filled the dance floor until the lights came on. The gala was a huge success, everyone in smiles, taking home sweets from the candy bar.
          Hope’s Door mission is to offer intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence and to provide education programs that enhance the community's capacity to respond. Learn more by visiting the website at www.hopesdoorinc.org or call 972-422-2911.