It's about time for a good laugh!  Get your tickets now for headliner Mark Lundholm and opener Ty Cardaci benefiting Simply Grace

Join in the fun and celebrate Recovery Month at the Simply Hilarious Comedy Show on Friday, September 23^rd  beginning at 7:00 p.m. benefiting Simply Grace, a Dallas-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides a safe, structured environment to assist women recovering from substance abuse, help to rebuild their lives and achieve long term recovery.        

Happening at Gilley’s Dallas – South Side Music Hall, the show features two top entertainers and motivational comedic speakers: Headliner Mark Lundholm and opener Ty Cardaci.         

Laughter is the best medicine! It decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemical, and can even reduce pain.        

Mark Lundholm is a hilarious and heartwarming comedian as well as a powerful inspirational speaker. He has performed in all 50 states and 10 foreign countries. From world-renowned musicians, heads of state, fortune 500 companies to rehabilitation centers and convicted felons, Mark has truly entertained on the world's stage.  He's appeared on Comedy Central, Showtime, A&E, CBS, and NBC. Mark wrote and performed his own one-man show off-Broadway in New York City reaching critical acclaim, and in his spare time created the now staple DVD series “Humor in Treatment” and the Recovery Board Game.   https://www.marklundholm.com/about         

Ty Cardaci is ready to bring his experience, strength and jokes for a fun filled night! He is an award-winning speaker, comedian and storyteller. He shares his experience, strength and hope with humor to audiences across the country. Speech topics of expertise include “The Healing Power of Laughter,” “Mindfulness Meditation,” and “Addiction-Recovery.”  https://speakerhub.com/speaker/ty-cardaci   This event will be simply hilarious!      

Must register ahead of time at the link below. There will also be a silent auction and refreshments available. 

Tickets:  $25 each. VIP table is $500.  To register and purchase tickets or a VIP table, go to http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=7aka5dtab&oeidk=a07ej4gzwhm219eb624

Contact:     Jennifer DaSilva, Executive Director: Direct: 214-622-1537
e: jennifer@simplygracehouse.com 

About Simply Grace, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit: Simply Grace exists to provide a safe, structured environment to assist women recovering from substance abuse, help to rebuild their lives and achieve long term recovery. Empowering women to fulfill their purpose. Putting the pieces back together.

Spiritual: Our program’s foundation is based on the 12 Steps.
Mental: Gaining and retaining hope by developing an understanding of one’s abilities and acquiring a positive sense of self and social identity.
Emotional: In recovery, we start to feel feelings again. It’s important to have the tools to deal with our feelings and emotions.
Physical: A healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being as well as relieving stress, increasing self-esteem and reducing cravings.

Visit the website to learn more at www.simplygracehouse.com

A Noble Celebration Reveal at the Angelika Included Surprise Announcements and a Private Screening of Downtown Abbey: A New Era Sponsored by Women’s Council President Sarah Jo Hardin

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The Right Honorable Countess of Carnarvon to Speak About Her Newest Book Seasons at Highclere at A Writer’s Garden Celebrating A Woman’s Garden’s 25^th Anniversary

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The Ruby Red Gala Celebrates the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s 40^th Anniversary

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, will be the featured speaker, appearing in person, at A Writer’s Garden on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 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 happens as 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.  A Writer’s Garden will include a VIP reception with photo opportunities with Lady Carnarvon, book signing, presentation and luncheon.
        
The big reveal was made at the Angelika theater as host committee members and Women’s Council supporters gathered for the surprise announcements and a private screening of Downtown Abbey: A New Era, sponsored by Women’s Council president, Sarah Jo Hardin, who also treated each guest to a smartly decorated box full of gourmet goodies to enjoy during the film. Right after the announcements, 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.
        
The next big announcement was all about the Ruby Red Gala, chaired by Sharon Ballew with Dr. Linda Burk and Dr. John R. Gilmore as honorary chairs, which celebrates the Women’s Council’s 40^th Anniversary on Friday, October 21, 2022 at the Dallas Arboretum with a VIP event, champagne reception, seated dinner with wine pairings and dancing to the absolutely energetic Limelight presented by Emerald City.
        
Everyone is encouraged to get their tickets and sign up for those sponsorships now, as there are some very special categories with limited one-of-a-kind benefits, including a “Garden Muse” category which includes admission to the VIP reception at each event, name recognition and an inspirational quote on a garden bed plaque in the Poetry Garden within A Woman’s Garden, a private dinner, special gift brought by Lady Carnarvon from Highclere Castle, and more. Sponsors and underwriters at certain levels will also be invited to A Noble Celebration Exclusive: A Writer’s Garden "Meet the Author" Reception and Ruby Red Gala Patron Party.        
        
For each event, tickets start at $500 and progress to $50,000 for the Presenting Sponsor.  Additional sponsor opportunities range from $5,000 to $25,000.  These include branding opportunities in addition to the benefits of event tickets and special recognitionpreceding and during the event.   Tickets 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 unless otherwise noted.

* Photo of Lady Carnarvon by Patsy Arnett published with her permission. 

Celebrating its 34^th Year benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Dallas welcomed 530 guests, more guests than ever before in its 34-year history and earned a record net of just under $270,000, with more donations coming in every day.
       

Claire Catrino, Mad Hatter’s Tea chair and Lisa Loy Laughlin, president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden were joined by honorary chair Laurie Sands Harrison, dedicated volunteers, supporters, sponsors and underwriters on a lovely, breezy spring day at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
         
People from all over the southwest make plans to attend Mad Hatter’s Tea every year and jump on those reservations the minute the opportunity goes online.  It’s the perfect time for friends to have a fun day together surrounded by the beautiful and glorious blooms at the nationally renowned Dallas Arboretum and the event’s beneficiary, A Woman’s Garden.         

Always a fun and entertaining event, the variety of hats and stylish fashions, sophisticated, crazy and just fun were everywhere.

Calvert Collins, emcee, welcomed everyone and introduced Laurie, who said she was honored to have been honorary chair this year and reminded everyone that her mother, the late Caroline Rose Hunt, one of Dallas’ icons, loved the Dallas Arboretum. Her hat showed a very touching tribute.

Claire took the stage and as she so gracefully held onto her hat in the breezes, thanked major sponsors, including Dr. Linda Burk, Robin Carreker, Cortez Resources, D&M Leasing, Laurie Sands Harrison, Penny Reid and The Rosewood Corporation.
        
Claire also announced something entirely new for this year, the Inaugural Innovators in Design Awards recognizing new and established female artists in the Dallas community: Cindy Avroch, Diana Brosseau, Lori Cusick, Barbara Durham, Kallie Hauschild, Sharon Lee and Addison Sloane, whose fabulous artworks, created just for this event, were open for bidding in the silent auction.
        
Calvert invited each hat judge to join her on stage and announced the winners:

1. Best Use of Botanical Components: "Bluebonnets."  Judge: Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum CEO. Winners: It’s a Tie: Marena Gault and Elizabeth Smith.

2. Most True to Theme: "Flying Horse." Judge: Kim Noltemy, Ross Perot President and CEO, Dallas Symphony Association. She had to leave early, so emcee, Calvert Collins, presented that award. Winner: Prashe Shah

 3. Best Big Over the Top Texas Hat: "Everything is Bigger in Texas!" Judge: Barbara Bigham, Philanthropist. Winner: Dr. Linda Burk

 4. Best Fascinator: "Uptown Girl." Judge: Vanessa Logan, Executive Director, Texas Ballet Theater. Winner: Venise Stuart

 5. Best Group Hats: "Dallas Dynasty." Judge: Amy Hofland, Executive Director, Crow Museum of Asian Art. Winner: “Debbie at Table 50” which is Debbie McKeever and her group.

 6. People’s Choice Award: "Deep in the Hat of Texas." Judge: Chosen by the people. Awarded by Lisa Loy Laughlin, President, Women’s Council, and Claire Catrino, Chair, Mad Hatter’s Tea. Winner: Robert Wilson

7. Best in Show: "Don’t Mess with Dallas." Judge: Tanya Taylor, Featured Celebrity Designer. Winners: It’s a Tie: Sharla Bush and Terry Irby.

           
After announcements, there was an elegant and lovely luncheon and a European-style fashion show highlighting styles of the spring season featuring designs by Tanya Taylor, renowned fashion designer who jetted-in especially for this event and more, presented by TOOTSIES and produced by Jan Strimple Productions.
          
Mad Hatter’s Tea benefits the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden, which is the only garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. The Women’s Council’s 40^th Anniversary will be celebrated in the Fall of 2022.   
        
Media sponsors are PaperCity, People Newspapers, My Sweet Charity.
        
Check the website at www.wcdabg.org for details, photos and news about the Women’s Council.

 (Photos by Danny Campbell, Thomas Garza, Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio)

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL:  Since 1986 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 in Fall of 2022: 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. 

ENDOWMENT TRUST HISTORY: In May 1995 the Women’s Council broke ground on Phase I of A Woman’s Garden. On October 4, 1997, Phase I of A Woman’s Garden opened to the public. Just three years later in 2000, the Women’s Council met its obligation to fund the $1.5 million endowment trust to support the ongoing maintenance of Phase I. In August 2021 the Women’s Council met its obligation four years ahead of schedule to complete the funding of the $1.6 million endowment trust to support the ongoing maintenance of A Woman's Garden.

Celebrating its 23^rd Year!

KidneyTexas, Inc. Spring Tea Reveals Honorary Chairs, Theme and More About The Runway Report 2022 Luncheon and Fashion Show On Wings of Hope and Transformation

 Donna Arp Weitzman, president of KidneyTexas, Inc. and Membership Tea chair, Allison Brodnax, hosted the KidneyTexas, Inc. Spring Tea at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, which was full of surprise announcements.
        

Surrounded by views through the tall glass of the Meyerson's lobby, the vista of downtown Dallas and the beautiful spring weather combined into a delightful vision as members and supporters joined in the lovely setting. Guests were greeted with passed hors d’oeuvres especially curated for an afternoon tea, along with delicious sweets, which graced a presentation full of delicacies.
        

Donna began announcements by welcoming members and supporters, encouraging everyone to bring friends in to join this dynamic group, including gentlemen! Men may join The Men of KidneyTexas, Inc. via the website at www.kidneytexas.org
        

Dr. Carla Russo, Luncheon and Fashion Show chair with Regina Bruce, congratulated the organization on having raised over $4.3 million since its inception 23 years ago and said she wanted to ramp up participation even more by bringing in new members via the committee and friends.
        

Literally raising the curtain, she revealed the Luncheon and Fashion Show logo, a beautiful butterfly with wings filled with a colorful collage of design inspired by different fabrics, in salute to the fashion show element of the event. The butterfly’s center is a light green ribbon, which is the color in support of kidney disease research, transplants, treatments and those who suffer from kidney disease.  The theme is On Wings of Hope and Transformation, which is illustrated in the logo by butterflies soaring off into the sky.
        

After a rousing round of applause, Dr. Carla introduced her dear friend Jeanne Lewis, as honorary chair with her husband, George. She also introduced committee chairs who were in attendance today: Underwriting In-Kind Donations Chair, Carol Welwood. Live and Silent Auction Co-Chair, Elizabeth Smith.  
        

Slated for Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, the event will feature a formal floor level fashion presentation, with fashions from long term partner TOOTSIES, joined this year by Betty Reiter, Nardos Design, and others to be announced, produced by Jan Strimple Productions, and is always a fabulous event that includes delightful and fun surprises. The event also includes live and silent auctions and is topped off with a delicious luncheon. Scott Murray is returning as emcee.
        

Beneficiaries are Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation, Camp Reynal, Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Southwest Transplant Alliance, Texas Health Resources Foundation. Check the website for updates, tickets, underwriting and sponsorships at www.kidneytexas.org

Membership in KidneyTexas, Inc. is available through the website and has many benefits including exclusive events at private homes, membership teas, participation in holiday events for children affected by kidney disease and more.
        

Since 1999, the dedicated volunteers of KidneyTexas, Inc. have worked in tandem with generous underwriters to raise over $4.3 million for local efforts to improve the ability to diagnose and manage kidney disease. 

Each fall KidneyTexas, Inc. hosts its Luncheon and Fashion Show in an effort to raise money for local designated beneficiaries and awareness for a disease that affects millions of people each year. The success of this event depends heavily upon the contributions and dedication of our Dallas business and community leaders. The community’s support is crucial to the success of our mission. Learn more at www.kidneytexas.org

Mission Statement: The purpose of KidneyTexas, Inc. is to provide funding to improve the methods of treatment, the search for a cure and prevention of kidney disease and other kindred or contributory diseases; and to develop more adequate provision for the care of persons suffering from such diseases.

 *Photos by Dana Driensky

Celebrating 51 Years of Changing Lives

Lauren Gillette, president of the Auxiliary of Nexus, is delighted to announce Louise Hallam Collins as chair of the Mother’s May Brunch 2022 and Laura Jeffers and her mother, Harriet Jeffers, as honorary chairs.
        

Happening on Saturday, May 21^st at the Dallas Country Club, this delightful brunch celebrates mothers, grandmothers and all the women in our lives. Proceeds will support the mission of Nexus Recovery Center and ensure that mothers with substance use disorder can receive needed services to rebuild their lives and heal alongside their families.
           

Last year, the Auxiliary sponsored a Mother’s Day Pop-Up Flower Shop at Nexus Recovery Center, which was a wonderful success. This is the first Auxiliary brunch since 2019. In 2020 and 2021, COVID mandated the cancellation of their annual luncheon.
        

This year’s event will feature a live and silent auction and featured speakers, Nexus client Jade Rose and her eight-year-old son.  For 32-year-old Jade Rose, a mother of three, the decision to regain her sanity after a lifetime of losing it due to substance abuse disorder, is an exercise in forgiveness, gratitude, healing, dogged determination, and flat-out intestinal fortitude. She’s on the mountaintop now, but admits the climb was brutal because of her IV meth-plagued journey. Her son said, “"I love Nexus. This place made me feel better. I was bad when I got here, and I didn't like my mommy because she was on drugs but now my mommy is happy and loves us so much and she works so hard for us. You can get your kids back too you just have to do good like my mommy." Their compelling story will warm the hearts of everyone attending. The Nexus campus children will be highlighted in a musical performance accompanied with music by a student string quartet.
        

“Nexus Recovery Center is incredibly thankful to our powerful and impactful Auxiliary as they continue to advocate for our clients as they pursue their recovery journey,” said Heather Ormand, CEO of Nexus Recovery Center. “An essential part of the recovery journey is feeling supported and championed by those around you. The Auxiliary plays this key role in the support of so many courageous women in our community.”
          

Since 1971, Nexus Recovery Center has walked alongside thousands of women and their children on the path to recovery from substance use disorders. Nexus’ mission is to serve as a community of hope and sobriety for all women and their families who strive to live healthy, resilient lives. Nexus treats the whole woman by offering an array of comprehensive services, including specialized substance use disorder treatment services, as well as therapeutic treatment and care for their accompanying children in order to restore health and encourage resilience, regardless of a woman’s ability to pay.  Accredited by the Joint Commission since 2006, it is the only treatment center in North Texas that accepts women in the late stages of pregnancy and also allows children to accompany their mothers into treatment. This year, the Dallas-based nonprofit celebrates 51 years of changing lives.
        

The community is invited to join in this new signature event for the Auxiliary in support of Nexus’ mission. Tickets are $200 each. Sponsorship levels begin at $2,500 up to $25,000 and are available via the website at https://nexusrecovery.org/mothers-may-brunch/. Email Development@nexusrecovery.org or call 214-321-0156 x 2146 for more information.

About the Honorary Chairs: Laura Jeffers and her mother, Harriet Jeffers:
 Laura Jeffers was born in Dallas and graduated from Texas Christian University with a B.S. in Radio, Television, and Film. She is active in the Dallas community devoting her time to support various organizations including The Magdalen House, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Patriot Paws, and Canine Companions. She is also a member of the Dallas Foundation and Women’s Philanthropy Institute and sits on the board of directors at Towns of Highland Park HOA and EBC Farms Rescue. She previously taught second and third grade at White Rock North Private School and served on the board of the Dallas Black Dance Theater. She is an alumna of Leadership Women of Texas.
        

“I am inspired by the amazing people at Nexus and their dedication to women and children who have been the recipients of their generosity,” says Laura. “I am currently in recovery and cannot imagine being a mother with nowhere to go. I also have the great privilege of having a mother who has been unrelenting and unconditional in her love for me. Co-chairing this Mothers May Brunch with my mother – my hero – is as special as it gets.”
        

Harriet Hines Jeffers was born in Dallas and graduated from SMU in 1966 with a degree in Education. She taught in DISD and private schools, including Dean Memorial for 16 years.  She attended Scottish Rite and earned her Certificate in Learning Disabilities.   She also created the Dyslexia Program at Ennis ISD.  Harriet and her husband, Buddy Jeffers, co-created Superior Livestock Auction, a company that forever changed the face of the marketing of cattle in the United States and is now the largest livestock auction in North America. She is presently involved in the Dallas Foundation and Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Harriet’s desire to help children and support programs which do so drew her to Nexus and the core values they represent. Her love for her own daughters (both in recovery) has ignited her passion to be a part of this wonderful nonprofit organization.
 
About the Brunch Chair, Louise Hallam Collins:
 Brunch chair Louise Hallam Collins earned her BA from North Texas University in 2003 in Art, and an Associates Degree from The Dallas Art Institute in 1997.  She started working part-time at Ben E. Keith in the summers of 1991-1994, and full-time June of 1998. Once full-time, she started as a pull up assistant in the Off-Premise market and worked her way up to Sales Position and then, Business Analyst. Later, she moved over to On-Premise and continued the same process to Sales. She then was welcomed to the Marketing Department as the LBGTQIA, and Asian Marketing Manager assisting public relations through community service, sponsorship and public awareness. She worked in that capacity until 2007, when she took time off to raise her son Oliver, 14. Recently returning in a part-time capacity to the Marketing Department, she continues acts of service in the community through sponsorships and board memberships for non-profits. 

COVID-19 Precautions: Nexus is committed to hosting a safe, in-person event and following all CDC guidelines. All guests will be required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccine status, and temperature checks are required before entering the venue. If you are not feeling well, we encourage you to stay home. Please click here to view the current CDC guidelines regarding gatherings.

About the Auxiliary of Nexus Recovery Center:

The Auxiliary of Nexus supports women and their children who are on their recovery journey with Nexus Recovery Center. Our membership is a force for good in our community.

The mission of the Auxiliary of Nexus is to support and promote the interests of Nexus Recovery Center. Members of the Auxiliary make our community a better place by putting in countless volunteer hours each year, planning, and implementing special events to raise money for Nexus. This mission is accomplished using the following methods:

– By building a strong and active membership
– By stimulating public awareness
– By helping in the financial support of Nexus’ services and projects.

Learn more by visiting the website at https://nexusrecovery.org/auxiliary/

About Nexus Recovery Center

Founded in 1971 and based in Dallas, Texas, Nexus Recovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that treats the whole woman by offering an array of comprehensive services, including specialized substance use disorder treatment services, as well as therapeutic treatment and care for their accompanying children in order to restore health and encourage resilience - regardless of a woman’s ability to pay. Accredited by the Joint Commission since 2006, it is the only treatment center in North Texas that accepts women in the late stages of pregnancy and also allows children to accompany their mothers into treatment. Serving solely women on their journey to recovery, Nexus’ mission is to serve as a community of hope and sobriety for all women and their families who strive to live healthy, resilient lives. Nexus achieves its mission through the help of a dedicated board, volunteers, staff, partners, and donors. Together, Nexus Recovery Center changes families’ lives, whatever their income, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. For more information, visit www.nexusrecovery.org 

*Courtesy photos.