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Madeline Kiseling; Jim Trester, Holly Trester, Honorary Chairs; Ginny Kiseling

Presenting Sponsor Ryan | Honorary Chairs Holly and Jim Trester

The 2023 Folds of Honor North Texas Annual Gala presented by Ryan welcomed over 1,700 supporters as they filled the playing field of the AT&T Stadium. It was an evening of patriotic inspiration fueled by personal testimonies and stirring presentations from veterans, scholarship recipients and singing of the Folds of Honor Anthem.  
        

The annual gala brings together military families, veterans, scholarship recipients and members of the North Texas community in an event of celebration which includes dinner, a live auction, raffle, live entertainment, fellowship and a custom cowboy hat steaming station in partnership with American Hat Company for donors who funded a full Folds of Honor Scholarship ($5,000). The scholarship donors had the choice of choosing a custom hat by American Hat Company or a pair of cowboy boots in partnership with Petite Paloma.
        

The money raised provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces and now, the Folds of Honor mission has expanded to incorporate America’s first responders, including police, fire-fighters, EMTs and paramedics.
        

Entering the playing field, guests walked through the Folds of Honor Memorial sponsored by Higginbotham, which was flanked with flags above and 13 footprints and plaques representing 13 servicemembers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and their families are now benefitting from a scholarship through the Folds of Honor.
        

VIPs were feted in an early reception in their honor at the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders locker room, while Honorary Chairs Holly and Jim Trester and their family greeted guests, sponsors, underwriters and supporters as they browsed the silent auction, bought tickets in support of the raffle and enjoyed cocktails.
        

Just before dinner, the crowd stood for the singing of the National Anthem by Kia Dawn of Party Machine. Meredith Land, Master of Ceremonies, explained the meaning of the POW/MIA Table, which was a place setting for one so that tonight, as everyone celebrated and honored our nation’s heroes, guests were asked to take the time to reflect on why that small, lone table is there and raise a glass for the ones that have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.
        

She recognized scholarship recipients as they stood, as well as veterans and those now serving in active duty as the crowd applauded in collective gratitude for their service. She also thanked sponsors, including Ryan as Commander in Chief sponsor; Trudy and Robert Wright, General Sponsors; The Stephenson Foundation, Patriot Mobile as Colonel Sponsors, and Major Sponsors Lydia and Bill Addy on behalf of the Addy Foundation, Aero, Aethon Energy, The Buster Family and Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services. 
        

Taking the stage, Sarah Duncan, Folds of Honor Senior Director of Impact and also the daughter of a fallen hero and a scholarship recipient, along with Meredith Connally, Folds of Honor Regional Impact Officer; Mary Scott, Folds of Honor Regional Impact Officer and Mike Beltz, North Texas Board Chair, invited the honorary chairs to the stage and presented them with World War II handmade bomber jackets, expressing heartfelt thanks for their hard work and support of Folds of Honor and this very special event.
        

Folds of Honor founder, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and F-16 fighter pilot in the Air Force Reserves, who has served three tours of duty in Iraq, revealed his inspiring story: As he was returning home from his second tour of duty on a domestic flight, he became painfully aware as the passengers deplaned of the reality families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled. The airline pilot announced they were carrying the remains of a fallen soldier, asking passengers to respectfully remain seated while the casket deboarded. He watched as the family of the deceased walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket. Among them was the young son of the fallen Corporal. Seeing the other side of the war through the eyes of this fallen soldier’s child was life-altering. He decided he had to do something to pay tribute to American service members and their families. He founded Folds of Honor in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States armed forces and now, have expanded to incorporate America’s first responders, including police, fire-fighters, EMTs and paramedics. The motto says it best: Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy. This year because of the support of generous patriots and Folds of Honor supporters, the organization was able to expand its mission to honor the sacrifices of families of first responders, as well.
        

Since that time Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 51,000 educational scholarships totaling roughly $240 million in financial assistance. For the 2023-2024 school year, Folds of Honor has awarded 1,131 scholarships in the state of Texas alone, totaling more than $5,282,825 in financial assistance for our deserving recipient families. The Gala Host Committee are Cindy and Fred Balda, LeeAnn and Josh Campbell, Kristen and Nick Cassavechia, Krystle and Chad Craycraft, Annie and Travis Jones, Richelle and Justin Kerber, Meredith and Daniel Rath, Karen and Rick Schornack, Brittany and Aaron Sizemore and Ashley and Lance Whitworth.
        

A real treat was when acclaimed country singer James Colton sang the Folds of Honor Anthem, produced by Toby Keith. A spirited live auction followed which featured items including a stay in beautiful mountain homes, a once-in-a-lifetime elk hunt, a Montana excursion, Operation Overlord with Lt. Col. Dan Rooney honoring the 80th Anniversary of the allied invasion of Normandy and more.
        

Honorary speakers Colleen Katzenberger and her son, Everett Katzenberger spoke and shared their heartfelt and moving story beginning with Colleen meeting her late husband, Army Staff Sergeant Jeremy Katzenberger and married when she was only 19. After she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, they expanded their family. Even though SSG Katzenberger was deployed in October 2010, the Army allowed him to return home for the birth of their son, Everett. Only a few months later in 2011, Colleen and Everett lost Jeremy.  In 2016 both Colleen and Everett became Folds of Honor Scholarship Recipients. She graduated with a Master of Education degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri and currently works as a high school teacher. Everett continues to excel in many areas and enjoys science, Boy Scouts and golf. She expressed how grateful she is for the support of Folds of Honor and the blessings that have happened in their lives, much due to the involvement of Folds of Honor.
        

A call for donations in the Give from the Heart segment raised just over $1,236,131.00, bringing the total amount raised from the gala to $3,192,201.  Then the crowd danced the night away to the tunes of Party Machine, celebrating a truly fabulous gala.
        

Donation dollars: 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly back to programs. Folds of Honor has a four-star rating on Charity Navigator and a platinum level rating on Guidestar, the highest possible ratings for both organizations.
        

For more information visit the website at www.northtexas.foldsofhonor.org or  contact Sarah Duncan, Folds of Honor Senior Director of Impact, at sduncan@foldsofhonor.org; Meredith Connally, Folds of Honor Regional Impact Officer at mconnally@foldsofhonor.org or Mary Scott, Folds of Honor Regional Impact Officer at mscott@foldsofhonor.org

Photos by Thomas Garza, Lisa Means and Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

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Karisti Julia, event chair; Dr. Paul. K. Chafetz, featured speaker; Karen Koop, president, AWARE

Karen Koop, president of AWARE, welcomed members and their guests to the Membership Meeting at Salum restaurant which featured Paul K. Chafetz, Ph.D. speaking on Handling Difficult Relationships.
       

Karen called the meeting to order and recognized the board and committee members. Organizational updates were announced, including Carol Stabler, who gave an update on the directory; Emily Collins, Treasurer; Ann McKinley, Membership; Dr. Cindy Marshall, Medical Minute; and Marilyn Morgan and Debbie Rampey, Friday Friends. Stacey Angel gave a heartfelt and moving tribute to the late Kay Hammond, who joined AWARE in 1990, and in passing years, served as luncheon chair and president. She was an integral part of AWARE and will be truly missed.
       

After the meal’s blessing by Rev. Nicole Bates and a most delicious luncheon, meeting chair Karisti Julia introduced Dr. Chafetz. He gave insight and sometimes humorous anecdotes about dealing with difficult relationships, including older parents who may be going through stages of dementia or anyone who is choosing to be difficult. He encouraged everyone by saying life is stages of transitions and choices. Focus on what is truly necessary. He said boundaries are very important and to avoid confrontation with unreasonable people. He stayed to sign copies of his book, Loving Hard To Love Parents.
       

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.
       

Together with compassion and dedication we can make a difference. Join AWARE now and join the fight against Alzheimer’s.  www.AWAREDallas.org 

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.

AWARE is a component fund of The Dallas Foundation, a 501(c)3 publicly supported charity.

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

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

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Christina Dandar, Lindsey Doramus, hostess; Amy Beale, President, Preservation Park Cities

Preservation Park Cities (PPC) New Member Soirée was generously hosted by Lindsey and Ben Doramus in their lovely home. New members over the past couple of years were invited to bring a guest and learn more about Preservation Park Cities, its mission and upcoming events.
        

Amy Beale, president of Preservation Park Cities, welcomed guests and thanked the Doramuses for opening their home and welcomed Lindsey as a new member of the board.
        

She gave an overview of events, including the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon chaired by Cory Bowen and Krista Porteous with Allie Beth Allman as honorary chair, Holiday Party at Park House in December, Spring 2024 Home Tour chaired by Meredith Ferrell and Courtney Petit, Car Show chaired by Jason Morski, PPC’s participation in the 2024 University Park Centennial April 6 through 13, 2024 with Alisa Sell as the Preservation Park Cities Centennial Representative heading up the Landmarking Committee that will gift plaques to University Park in honor of the Centennial, and educational meetings.
        

Reminding everyone about Al McClendon’s efforts gathering video histories and interviews about the Park Cities, Amy said they are available on the YouTube channel @PreservationParkCities including Ray Washburne, president and managing director of Highland Park Village; Larry Good, author of A House for Texas; Gerald Turner, president of Southern Methodist University and more.
        

Landmarking will be happening as PPC focuses on the Top 100 Homes with write-ups by Joan Clark, which will be part of a coffee table book soon. Larry Good and Craig Melde are the chairs of the Save the Top 100 committee and are instrumental in the research and writing of the fourth book. Amy reminded everyone about the PPC archives in the University Park Library and happening in May 2024, a special event celebration National Historic Preservation month.
        

Encouraging membership and everyone to bring in more friends to join, Amy invited everyone to become a part of this vital organization. Membership and more details can be found at www.preservationparkcities.org
        

Over the past several years, PPC has expanded its commitment to education in the Park Cities. In 2011, the organization's board voted to allocate funds from the Historic Home Tour, the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, and the Classic & Antique Car Show to create an endowment with the Highland Park Education Foundation. PPC and its supporters have built the endowment in excess of $250,000. It provides the annual underwriting for the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School and scholarships for deserving HPHS graduating seniors interested in architecture or history, reflecting the organization’s passion for the significance of historic preservation.          

The mission of Preservation Park Cities 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 are used to fund:

•        Property Landmarking

•        Stewardship of the PPC archives at the UP Library

•        HPISD Architecture/History Student Scholarship Award

•        The Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village

•        The Distinguished Chair for History at HPHS

•        The “Save the Top 100” campaign and publication of a new book

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 preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics, and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.

•  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.                                              
                                                       

Photos by Thomas Garza.

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The six QuestBridge Match Scholars are: Marissa Arana, Sarahi Zuniga, Viviana Mares Solano, Dalia Segura, Lina Canales, and Sandy Arenas Romero

Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN) is thrilled to announce that six students from Dallas’ Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School have been named QuestBridge Match Scholars. 

YWPN’s 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. YWPN formed the first public/private partnership with the Dallas Independent School District in August 2004, opening the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, the first all-girls public school in Texas.

From YWPN College Success Advisor, Erika Gonzales: 

"Six QuestBridge matches is a phenomenal accomplishment for our school. There are entire districts in our area that received four or five matches, and we have SIX matches at Rangel. This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication of our students, the quality of our academic programs, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have equal access to higher education."  Some of our students' College matches this year include Brown University, Emory University, University of Chicago, and Boston College. 

QuestBridge is a prestigious program that connects high-achieving, low-income students with full scholarships to the nation's best colleges. These colleges recognize the academic talent and potential of QuestBridge Match Scholars and commit to fully funding their four-year education, removing financial barriers and opening doors to top-tier institutions.

QuestBridge: Out of over 20,800 applicants, QuestBridge selected 6,683 finalists to be considered for the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship (Match Scholarship). This year, QuestBridge’s 50 college partners matched with 2,242 Finalists, who are recognized as Match Scholarship Recipients. The Match Scholarship is made up of a generous financial aid package provided by the college that covers the total cost of attendance, including tuition, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses.

Read the press release here: https://www.questbridge.org/news-and-media/press-release-12-1-2023

Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School (Rangel)

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School stands as Texas's first all-girls public school, a beacon of educational excellence and empowerment.

Located in South Dallas at Fair Park, Rangel is a testament to YWPN's commitment to empowering young women through education. Our school has consistently ranked among the top in the nation, nurturing bright and resilient young women from diverse backgrounds. US News and World Report ranks the school as the 2nd Best High School in Texas and the 18th Best in the Nation.

Rangel's students are determined young women facing unique challenges yet harboring immense potential. Predominantly students of color, including Hispanic/Latinx and Black students, and the majority hailing from economically disadvantaged homes, our girls demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and resilience. They are pioneers, breaking barriers as first-generation college attendees; many are also first-generation high school graduates with aspirations reaching far beyond societal norms. 

Key demographics for the 2022-2023 school year at Rangel include:

  • 94% students of color (83% Hispanic/Latinx, 7% Black, 2% Asian, 2% Multi-racial)
  • At least 71% from economically disadvantaged homes
  • 74% of Class of 2023 graduates were first-generation high school graduates
  • 82% of Class of 2023 graduates are first-generation college attendees

Notably, our impact is visible in our graduates' success, with results showcasing:

  • 100% high school graduation rate (2009-2023)
  • 100% college acceptance rate (2009-2023)
  • 59% of the Rangel Class of 2023 planned to pursue STEM degrees, surpassing national averages.
  • Over $16.2 million in academic/merit scholarships awarded to the Class of 2023
  • 94% of the Rangel Class of 2023 enrolled in college the semester after high school graduation

About Young Women’s Preparatory Network:
Located in One Arts Plaza, YWPN’s 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.

Founded in 2002, the Young Women’s Preparatory Network is a nonprofit agency that partners with public school districts across Texas to operate the largest network of 6th – 12th grade all-girls, public, college preparatory schools nationwide. Our schools are located in struggling urban neighborhoods and have proven to be very successful. The schools have won multiple academic achievement awards, including being recognized among the top public schools in Texas and the nation.

YWPN formed the first public/private partnership with the Dallas Independent School District in August 2004, opening the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, the first all-girls public school in Texas. Because of the success of the first school in Dallas, YWPN’’s educational model is being replicated throughout the state as a catalyst for positive educational change.

Today, YWPN has a Network of schools in Austin, Fort Worth, Houston (Houston ISD and Aldine ISD), Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, and El Paso (Ysleta ISD), serving more than 4,300 young women this year.