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Nexus Families

Sponsor a Family or Purchase a Holiday Ornament to Benefit the Women and Children of Nexus Recovery Center

Throughout this holiday season, Nexus Recovery Center, a Dallas-based nonprofit organization specializing in substance use disorder treatments for adult women (including mothers and women with children), will serve hundreds of women and their accompanying children who are seeking sobriety on the path to recovery. 
        
Since many of the families who enter the nonprofit are starting from scratch, their mission is to ensure they are supported with the essential items they need, like a warm place to sleep, meals to eat, and clothing to wear as they embark on their recovery journey.  Supporting Nexus’ life-saving services helps the women and children receiving care have a safe and special holiday. Opportunities are now available to sponsor a Nexus family or client today.
        
In addition to supporting a Nexus family or client directly is to purchase a Nexus Holiday Ornament. But time is running by quickly, so act now.  The ornaments are a meaningful gift and special way to spread joy this holiday season. Support Nexus’ work and spread the mission one ornament at a time. Click this link to purchase ornaments in one of three sizes.
* $25 Ornament provides 1 week of diapers for 1 infant accompanying their mother into treatment.
* $50 Ornament provides therapy workbooks and curriculum supplies for 3 women in treatment.
* $75 ornament provides 1 month of hygiene products for 5 women in residential care.
        
Ornaments can be picked up from Nexus campus on Friday, December 17, 2021 between the following times: 9-10 AM, 12-1 PM, 5-6 PM. Please contact us for more information at development@nexusrecovery.org or click here to purchase.
        
Check the website for more information about Nexus Recovery Center and how you can support Holidays at Nexus at www.nexusrecovery.org.    

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 create a safe space for its clients and serve as a link to sobriety, independence, and dignity for women and their families. Nexus inspires hope, offers respect, and honors the unique differences of women 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.

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Vicki Howland, Ray Washburne, Margot Washburne, Heather Washburne, S. M. Wright II, Dulaney Howland.

Support the S. M. Wright Foundation with your contribution today!

The Announcement Party for the S.M. Wright Foundation’s 23rd Annual Christmas in the Park was hosted by Heather and Ray Washburne in the Mockingbird Room in Highland Park Village.

Joining the Washburnes was their daughter, Margot, and Vicki and Dulany Howland. Volunteering with Christmas in the Park has been a longtime family tradition for their family. Each year, they help hand out Christmas gifts and many other items to families in need at the Christmas in the Park celebration at the Automobile Building in Fair Park.

Also joining in the Announcement were Host Team members and SM’s family, his brother Calvin Wright and his mother, Debra Wright and many more. Cullum Clark is board chair.

Christmas in the Park has grown from serving fewer than 200 underprivileged children in 1998 to assisting more than 25,000 less fortunate Dallas residents in 2020. Given the current economic climate, continually rising inflation, and increasing income inequality, even more families will line up this year in hopes of receiving services from the S.M. Wright Foundation.

 As Dallas’ largest holiday charity event, Christmas in the Park can meet great needs in our city — but not without corporate and individual sponsors. Together, we can raise enough funds through this year’s event to ensure that sufficient food, clothing, toys, household items and furniture are available to those who need them most. This special event plays host to nearly 1,800 volunteers who share the holiday season with their community.

The event on Saturday, December 18, 2021 is not a gala-type of event where the community can purchase tickets to attend. This event distributes the items above to families in need who have pre-registered and is made possible by donors who fund Christmas for thousands of families in our metro area. The community can help with donations to the S.M. Wright Foundation that go directly towards Christmas in the Park.  Find out more at www.smwrightfoundation.org   or  www.christmasatfairpark.com

Host Team: S.M. Wright ll, Co-Founder; Debra Wright, Co-Founder; Calvin Wright, Co-Founder; Heather and Ray Washburne, Honorary Event Chairs; Nita and Cullum Clark, Foundation Board Chair.
        
Event Co-Chairs: Allie Beth and Pierce Allman; Julie and Darren Blanton; Deni and Kevin Bryant; Jacki and Doug Deason; Ola and Randall Fojtasek; Suzanne and Michael Grishman; Tavia and Clark Hunt; Brooke and Jeff Jackson; Natalie and Mike McGuire; Brenda and Larry North; Chris and Joe Popolo; Michael Watson; Jimmy Westcott; John Willding.

Foundation Board of Directors: Debra Wright, Founder and Chairwoman Emeritus; Cullum Clark, Board Chairman; S.M. Wright II, Co-Founder, President and CEO; Pierce Allman, Vice Chairman; Chris Lalonde, Secretary; Darren Blanton; Ernest Beecherl; Larry North; Calvin Wright; Michael Watson and John Collins, General Counsel.


About The S.M. Wright Foundation:

Mission: The S.M. Wright Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides support and stability to inner-city, underprivileged children and less fortunate families through hunger relief, educational support, health promotion, social service assistance and economic empowerment. Our goals are to move families from dependency to self-sufficiency and to restore stability to families and the community.

 About: The S.M. Wright Foundation was founded in 1998 by S.M. Wright II and this year is celebrating its 23rd year. As a visionary, CEO Wright, his family, and trusted friends established the S.M. Wright Foundation as a nonprofit organization with a mission of providing support and stability to inner city, underprivileged children and less fortunate families through hunger relief, educational support, health and social service assistance and economic empowerment. The mission of the S.M. Wright Foundation is to move these families from a position of dependency to self-sufficiency and to restore stability to families and the community.

With an organization once established to serve primarily the South Dallas Community, the S.M. Wright Foundation has seen exponential growth and has seen its clientele begin to come from all areas of the Dallas metropolis. By providing a supporting role of guidance to our clients in areas for race relations, hunger relief, community involvement and events, economic development, social assistance programs benefiting the low-social economic families, and the implementation of several new educational programs the S.M. Wright Foundation is helping build a solid foundation and a sense of pride that allows our clients to successfully transition to that position of self-sufficiency. As a result, five essential programs were developed as pillars of success to facilitate the great transition of our clients.  

The S. M. Wright Foundation helps many families in need, through its community program centers, the South Dallas Community Food Center, its South Dallas Community Resource Center, the Community Furniture Bank, the Dallas Financial Literacy and Tutoring Center, its Beds for Kids Center and the Annual Christmas at Fair Park event.  www.smwrightfoundation.org     and http://www.christmasatfairpark.com/

 

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

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Patricia Cowlishaw, Barbara Glass, Nancy Sanders, Executive Director of Belmont Village Senior Living

Buy Your Holiday Poinsettias to benefit AWARE | Dedicated to Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease Since 1989
        

AWARE president Karisti Julia announces a very special opportunity for the community to support AWARE in its fight against Alzheimer’s disease by purchasing holiday poinsettias to benefit AWARE.
        
These high-quality poinsettias may be ordered in pink, red or white. There are two options for purchase: Priced at $25.00 each for the 6” pots and $35.00 each for 10” pots, protected with plastic sleeves. 100% of the proceeds benefit AWARE. Order online now through December 3rd at https://awareevent.kimbia.com/poinsettias  or contact Karen Koop at kckoop@swbell.net
        
AWARE is working in partnership with Belmont Village Senior Living, which is the pick-up point, located at 3535 N. Hall Street, Dallas, 75219. Pick up times are on Thursday, December 9th from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Friday, December 10th from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. If you can’t pick up your order, let AWARE know and delivery can be arranged.

        

What is AWARE? 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. In other words, the funds raised by AWARE stay in our local community. To learn more about AWARE, membership benefits, special events, educational programs and more, visit the website at www.AWAREDallas.org  Instagram:@awaredallas. Facebook: @awaredallas The Dallas Foundation, a 501(c)(3) publicly supported charity, is the fiscal sponsor of AWARE.

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Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) has just completed their “When I Grow Up” Warrior Portrait Exhibit at NorthPark Center which can be viewed through Sunday, November 21, 2022, on Level One between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom stores.
        
Chaired by Karee Sampson, WOKC board member and co-chaired by Cindy Brinker Simmons, WOKC founder, the exhibit is a curated collection of portraits and stories of brave young pediatric cancer patients (called Warriors) dressed as what they dream of being when they grow up.
        
Karee said, “The genesis of this project was to encourage the hopes and dreams of these courageous young cancer patients by seeing themselves as they want to be when they grow up.  Curating their costumes and seeing the hope and joy in their innocent faces as they dressed for their future and posed for the camera has been a privilege.  This exhibit symbolizes the hope Wipe Out Kids' Cancer has provided to these inspiring Warriors and their families for over 40 years. We are especially grateful to the team at NorthPark Center for their support and generosity helping us raise awareness about children with cancer and their hope for the future.  NorthPark Center's ongoing dedication and unwavering support of so many worthy charitable endeavors all year in an effort to highlight the philanthropic needs in our community is unrivaled.  We are also thankful to Marc Robins for his donation of photography services.  Each child will have their portrait to hang on their bedroom wall to continually inspire their dreams."         
        
WOKC CEO, Aashik Khakoo said, “WOKC realizes that cancer affects more than just the child who received a cancer diagnosis and provides various programs to support the entire family unit. At Wipe Out Kids' Cancer, we are dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families in three ways: our core Buddy Bag and Warrior Family Programs and critical novel research."
        
Every year hundreds of families in the DFW area receive the devastating words, "Your child has cancer." Spanning four decades, WOKC has significantly impacted innovative, cutting-edge novel pediatric cancer research and has achieved excellent outcomes battling pediatric cancer and increasing survival rates.
        
Cindy said, “It has been a joy and privilege for Wipe Out Kids' cancer to serve brave and resilient young heroes and their families over the past four decades. WOKC has achieved excellent results in battling pediatric cancer and increasing survival rates. But there is still more pressing work and critical research needed for discoveries. We thank the community for their support as we boldly continue to conquer this dreadful disease. Onward we go!"

Wipe Out Kids' Cancer's mission is to work relentlessly for a day when cancer is no longer a threat to any child.  Visit the website at www.wokc.org to learn more about how the community can become involved and for more information about the nonprofit.  

Photos by Marc Robins.

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BL_Danny Campbell Photography_Dallas Historic Soci Veletta Lill, Dallas Historical Society, former city council member and executive director of the Dallas Arts District; Karl Chiao, executive director, Dallas Historical Society.

Dallas Historical Society Patron Party Honors the 39th Awards for Excellence Luncheon - Dallas History Makers

Make reservations now for the luncheon on Thursday, November 18, 2021

The Dallas Historical Society hosted a Patron Party honoring the 39th Awards for Excellence Luncheon - Dallas History Makers at the newly renovated Hall of State at Fair Park on October 27th.
        

The luncheon is slated for Thursday, November 18th at the Fairmont Dallas and is a celebration of history makers of today who are making significant contributions to Dallas’ quality of life, providing innovation, guidance and support in categories such as Arts Leadership, Education, Health/Sciences, History, Humanities, Philanthropy and more.
        

The categories and honorees are Arts Leadership/Gayle Halperin; Creative Arts/Jonathan Norton; Education/Catherine LeBlanc; Health Sciences/Agape Clinic; History/Nancy McCoy; Humanities/Alessandra Comini; Philanthropy/Diane Bumpas; Volunteer Leadership/Rene Martinez; The Jubilee History Maker Award/Cece Cox.
        

There is an exciting raffle which includes three items. 1: An overnight stay at the Lodge or Safari Camp at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, up to four guests. Includes dinner at Riverhouse Grill and a private behind the scenes tour of Fossil Rim. (2 Packages Available). 2: A ride in a historic open-cockpit World War II airplane. 3: A full day rental of the newly renovated Hall of State (excluding Saturdays) with a $500 gift certificate from Wendy Krispin Catering (depending on availability). Entries are $20 each or six entries for $100. Information about the honorees, underwriting, tickets and sponsorships are available via the website at www.dallashistory.org
        

At the Patron Party, executive director Karl Chiao, welcomed the crowd saying that the Dallas Historical Society was formed in 1922 and they look forward to celebrating their centennial year in 2022. Their collection consists of over three million items.  The Hall of State was built in 1936 and has been home to DHS since 1938. It has undergone a $14.4 million bond renovation and is ready for rental.
        

Karl thanked Pegasus Bank, luncheon title sponsor for the past three years, Phoenix One for sponsoring the Patron Party and the Awards for Excellence committee, Mary Suhm and Shannon Callewart. He introduced Veletta Lill, DHS board chair, former city council member and executive director of the Dallas Arts District and Roy Washburn, incoming board chair and retired as president of Park Cities Dental Group and on the boards of Dallas Can Academy, Park Cities Rotary Club, YMCA and Vestry for St. Michaels All Angels Episcopal Church.  Veletta and Roy took turns introducing the Awards for Excellence honorees, presenting each one with a copy of the book titled A Texas Journey, The Centennial Photographs of Polly Smith.  
        

As a very special treat, Karl announced the Texas Liberty Forever! Battle of the Alamo diorama which is the largest depiction of its kind and serves as the centerpiece of the upcoming Texas Independence Exhibit at the Hall of State. He invited everyone for a sneak preview of the exhibit which opens in Spring 2022.
        

The Dallas Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Dallas and Texas history. Offering education programming, lectures, historic city tours, museum exhibitions, and other special events, this organization strives to be the preeminent resource for exploring, and instilling appreciation for the diverse history of Dallas and Texas. We endeavor to encourage historical inquiry and maintain the importance and relevance of history today. Our collection of archival material- including historic photographs, diaries, journals, papers, periodicals, maps, and books- is available to researchers. Formed in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society is the oldest organization in Dallas County committed to preserving the history of the region and presenting it to the public in innovative and informative ways.  Learn more at the website www.dallashistory.org

About Texas Liberty Forever! Battle of the Alamo Diorama - Created by Pennsylvania-based artist Thomas Feely, Jr. over 18 years and stretching across more than 336 square feet in size, the Texas Liberty Forever! Battle of the Alamo diorama is the largest depiction of its kind and serves as the centerpiece of the Texas Independence Exhibit at the Hall of State.

The re-creation of the besieged Alamo compound features over 2,000 hand-painted figures poised in battle, just as the combatants were on the morning of March 6, 1836. Painstakingly researched and exquisitely detailed, the diorama showcases every aspect of the legendary battle—from artillery pieces and wagons, to cattle, horses, fortresses, and topography, all represented in 1/54 scale.

The permanent exhibit, which opens in the South Texas room at the Hall of State in Spring 2022, offers a bird’s eye view of history as it was unfolding—Colonel Romero’s charge on the cattle corral, troops spilling over the northeast wall into the courtyard, defenders perched atop the Alamo Chapel, and many more action scenes that bring the battle to life.

Feely, who crafted and painted each figure separately, designed the Texas Liberty Forever! diorama in four pieces which were acquired, crated, and shipped to the Hall of State, through the extensive efforts of the Dallas Historical Society and its many supporters. The exhibit will be part of a larger installation that will offer an interactive, technology-enhanced experience for visitors.

Photos by Danny Campbell

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Marla Boone, Chair; Christine Allison, speaker; Tom Boone

Preservation Sponsor Highland Park Village | Presenting Magazine Sponsor D Home

Preservation Park Cities (PPC) Distinguished Speaker Luncheon was a sold out affair!  The Dallas Country Club was at capacity for this wonderful event featuring Christine Allison, Editor-in-Chief and CEO of D magazine speaking on “Our Forever Home - How We Fell In Love With The Park Cities.”       

Chaired by Marla Boone, the luncheon’s Honorary Chairs were The Honorable Joel and Susan Williams. Season Events Honorary Chairs were Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, Preservation Sponsor Highland Park Village and D Home was Presenting Magazine Sponsor.      

Preservation Park Cities president, Tish Key, welcomed everyone and introduced Brad Cheves, Vice President for Development and External Affairs (DEA) at SMU who gave the invocation.  Scott Murray, of Murray Media and emcee, thanked the sell-out crowd for their support and said the Park Cities is a very special community. He reminded everyone of the organization’s recent name change from the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society to Preservation Park Cities and said the mission remains the same: To preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. 

University Park architect and PPC board member Bob Clark gave insight into the history of the Elbert Williams/Rees-Jones House which is featured in the book A House for Texas, authored by Larry Good, published by Preservation Park Cities. Dubbed the most important house in Texas and a masterpiece of Texas modern regional architecture, it was saved from demolition by the Rees-Joneses, who purchased it from the original owner’s family and are also neighbors and believe in its preservation.

As luncheon was served, Christine took the stage with Peter Simek, Arts Editor, D magazine for her presentation. Christine shared the story of her husband, the late Wick Allison, founder of D magazine, who grew up in the Park Cities. They began their family in Dallas, moved to New York and then returned to Dallas and made the Park Cities their forever home. She talked about the importance of the continuity of generations in the community and said preservation is not only about the houses, it is also the people who keep it beautiful. She encouraged everyone to reflect on the history of the Park Cities and become engaged in its future. 

Traditionally, Preservation Park Cities (PPC) features a Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Historic Home Tour and Classic and Antique Car Show each spring. Due to COVID-19, the scheduling was revised. The annual Historic Home Tour happened in April 2021 and was totally virtual. It will be available to view on the website soon. The Classic and Antique Car Show will happen at a date to be determined.        

The Historic Home Tour and Distinguished Speaker Luncheon are PPC’s only fundraisers each year. The proceeds are allocated to help further PPC’s mission to promote, protect and preserve the historic, architectural, cultural and aesthetic legacy of the Park Cities.               

Membership in Preservation Park Cities is open to the community. Community support is vital to preserving community awareness regarding the importance of protecting and promoting visual history along with architectural and cultural legacies of the Park Cities. Find out more by visiting the website at www.preservationparkcities.org      

PPC membership benefits and activities include: Three educational meetings during the year, landmarking events honoring significant homes for architectural, historical or restoration merit, PPC Annual Spring Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Annual Classic & Antique Car Show, July 4th Parade and booth.  Funds raised help preserve and maintain The Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PPC archives at the University Park Library, fund PPC’s landmarking initiatives, award scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history and fund the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School.  For more information, visit www.preservationparkcities.org  , email info@preservationparkcities.org  or call the PPC office (214) 528-0021.              

About Christine Allison:

Christine Allison first worked as D Magazine’s promotion manager in 1976, after a foiled attempt to start a newspaper for the Park Cities. After six years, she left D to create a boutique advertising agency, which served national and local clients. She sold it when she decided to move to New York with Wick Allison, with whom she now has four (remarkable) daughters. 

Christine has written thirteen books. Her range is wide, from John Paul II: A Tribute in Words and Pictures to 365 Days of Gardening, and Tell Me a Story, I’ll Sing You a Song. In addition, she was a contributor to Reader’s Digest for ten years.

The Allisons moved back to Dallas in 1995 to assume ownership of D Magazine, and a few years later decided to acquire Park Cities People. Full circle, if you will.  In 2000, she created D Home, and shepherded the creation of D Weddings and D’s award-winning website, Dmagazine.com. 

She now has assumed the mantle of Editor-in-Chief and CEO of D Magazine Partners, and is responsible for all editorial and operations, as well as D Custom, a nationally-recognized content marketing agency.

Preservation Park Cities Overview: PPC’s mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities. Proceeds of the Luncheon and Home Tour will be used to help preserve and maintain the Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PPC archives at the University Park Library, fund PPC’s landmarking initiatives, award scholarships to Highland Park High School graduating seniors planning to study architecture or history and fund the Distinguished Chair for History at Highland Park High School. Membership in PPC is open to the public. For more information visit www.preservationparkcities.org  

* Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio and Danny Campbell. 

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Rush and Angie Waghorne, Chairs, Disco and Dessert

Nexus Recovery Center Celebrates 50 Years With Inaugural Event

The First-Ever Disco & Dessert Celebrates Impact Nexus Has Made over Half a Century

 Nexus Recovery Center, a Dallas-based nonprofit agency specializing in substance use disorder treatments for adult women (including mothers and women with children) hosts an inaugural event, Disco & Dessert, inspired by the decade in which it was founded (1971).    
        
Slated for Friday, November 12, 2021 at The Joule, the evening begins with an invitation only Honorary Reception celebrating the 50th Anniversary 50 For 50 donors and sponsors in a private gathering chaired by Jan Madigan and Carolyn Waghorne at 7:00 p.m. Then at 8:00 p.m., the fabulous and fun Disco & Dessert begins, chaired by longtime supporters Angie and Rush Waghorne, raising funds and awareness while celebrating the milestone. Guests can expect surprises and delights throughout the entire evening, including dancing, delectable desserts, as well as cocktail and mocktail libations. Boogie attire is encouraged for an evening full of funky town tunes and disco fever. 
        
“We are excited to safely host an event at such an iconic Dallas spot and celebrate the impact we’ve made this year, as well as the past 50 years,” said Cameron Hernholm, Nexus Recovery Center Chief Philanthropy Officer. “We’ve never hosted an event like this, so I’m excited to see how our supporters enjoy something light-hearted and fun, while raising funds for our very critical mission.” 
        
The renowned Emerald City Band will keep the energy up the entire night with live music and the electric energy always associated with its performances.      
        
 “We are thrilled to be chairing this exciting new event,” Angie said. “We’ve supported Nexus Recovery Center for years. The mission is important to us, and we want to spread the word in any capacity we can.  All of the staff and volunteers embody the mission in every aspect, and we’re delighted to help in every way possible.”
        
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.
        
Sponsorships for Disco & Dessert begin at $1,000 up to $25,000. Individual tickets are $100 each. For more information about Nexus Recovery Center and the Disco & Desert event, or to sponsor the event and purchase tickets, please visit www.nexusrecovery.org.    

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 create a safe space for its clients and serve as a link to sobriety, independence, and dignity for women and their families. Nexus inspires hope, offers respect, and honors the unique differences of women 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.

* Photo by Dana Driensky

 

 

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Jeanne Lewis, Honorary Chair; Cynde Seskes, The Preston of the Park Cities; Jo Alch, Executive Director, Pajamas for Seniors; Dr. Carla Russo and Regina Bruce, Gala Chairs.

Pajamas for Seniors Inaugural Gala A Night of Hope Announcement Party Hosted by The Preston of the Park Cities

Jeanne and George Lewis, Honorary Chairs | Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, Gala Chairs 

The Pajamas for Seniors Inaugural Gala A Night of Hope Announcement Party was generously hosted by The Preston of the Park Cities and sponsored by BDO USA, LLC/Joe Russo and CAPTRUST/John Pickett. It was a lovely reception featuring light bites, champagne, wines, refreshments, and exciting news was revealed!
        

Announcement party and gala chairs Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo welcomed guests and thanked Cynde Seskes, representing The Preston of the Park Cities, for hosting this wonderful event. They recognized Jo Alch, R.N., executive director of Pajamas for Seniors and their many friends who have signed on to support the cause, including Jeanne and George Lewis, who are serving as honorary chairs and have very generously agreed to sponsor the gala at the Diamond Level.
        

Jo spoke about raising awareness regarding the needs of seniors one pajama at a time. She said the senior population is growing and experiencing more loneliness and isolation than ever before. Sixty percent of nursing home residents have no living relatives. They have few if any visitors. As staffing demands increase, one-on-one time is difficult. With roughly $2 a day allocated for basic necessities, new pajamas are often a luxury. Pajamas for Seniors has made it their mission to bring this most basic comfort and support to those seniors within their reach. The money raised at the gala will go towards purchasing those much-needed pajamas which will be presented to seniors during the holidays.
        

Slated for Friday, November 12, 2021 at the Park City Club, the Pajamas for Seniors Inaugural Gala A Night of Hope is presented by Ardent Healthcare and will feature a silent auction, cocktail reception, seated dinner and live music. Keynote speaker is Stephen L. Mansfield, Ph.D., FACHE, immediate past president & CEO of Methodist Health System in Dallas. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 each. Reserved table of 10 is $1,125. Sponsorships are available.  Visit the website for details  https://pajamasforseniors.org/gala Contact office manager at 214-415-3779 or email info@pajamasforseniors.org for more information.
        

Pajamas For Seniors is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission: Provide new pairs of pajamas to low-income seniors in area nursing and assisted living homes. http://pajamasforseniors.org/ and on Facebook

Photos by Danny Campbell.

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Cindy Brinker Simmons, Founder, WOKC; Aashik Khakoo, CEO, WOKC; Regina Bruce.

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) founder Cindy Brinker Simmons hosted a tea in her lovely North Dallas home honoring the WOKC Guild and gave insight into her founding WOKC, the future of the Guild and the opportunity to help with Warrior Baskets (Warriors are children with cancer) as gifts to these very special children.  
        

“We are delighted to have so many Guild supporters join us today,” Cindy said as she briefly described how WOKC first began. “The life-changing experience of living alongside my mother, the great world tennis champion Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly, as she bravely struggled through cancer and watching it take her life at only 34 years old, truly did have a great impact on everything in my life.”  Cindy’s mother passed when she was a child of only 12 years old.
        

Then 40 years ago in 1981, Cindy chose pediatric cancer to be the recipient of WOKC’s funds because she cherishes the joy of children and recognized the devastation of a parent hearing the four haunting words, “Your child has cancer.”  Cindy and all those associated with WOKC are relentless in their pursuit to eradicate this disease and to provide hope for mighty young heroes with cancer and their families.
        

Aashik Khakoo, CEO, WOKC, talked about the fundraising efforts happening today on behalf of Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, especially emphasizing the virtual Warrior Basket Auction.
        

“We asked each Warrior what they would like to have in their basket of wishes, and with the help of their parents, they selected items that would bring them joy and comfort. We now offer you all an opportunity to select a Warrior’s wish list to fulfill,” Aashik said. “The items will be placed into beautifully decorated baskets featuring each Warrior's portrait and brief bio. Our donors will bid for the chance to win and then present these young heroes with their basket of wishes.”  The group quickly signed up to sponsor or underwrite many of the baskets, and support WOKC as the Dr. Delphinium Charity of the Month for September.
        

It was a heartwarming moment as Cindy then announced her dear friend, Connie Yates, as chair of the 2022 WOKC Guild. 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!
        

Learn more about the Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer Guild on their website at www.wokc.org

 

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 great tennis champion Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker, who died of cancer at age 34. For four decades, WOKC has been dedicated to eradicating childhood cancer by funding innovative research, education, and treatment. Find out more by siting the website at www.wokc.org

The mission of WOKC is to work relentlessly to see the day when cancer is no longer a threat to ANY child.

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 cause of death by disease in children

* 43 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

 

*Photos by Danny Campbell

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Elaine Chiao/Addison Sloane; Karl Chiao

Husband and wife team Karl Chiao and Elaine Chiao/Addison Sloane launched the Addison Sloane Artworks First Annual Dallas Art Affair with an exhibit featuring six local artists at their gallery.  Addison and Rob Joyner paired up with four fellow artists, Daniela Pasqualini, Jessica Chaix, Julie Dailey, and Lavanya Challa to participate in this first annual event, which shows through Saturday, October 16, 2021. Visit the website to keep updated on more events happening through 2022. www.addisonsloaneart.com        

“This event is a celebration of our Dallas artist community,” Addison said. “These up-and-coming artists are exhibiting three to five pieces each, including a few large photographs by my daughter, Alexandra Sizemore, which results in a very dynamic and active collection.”       

In one exceptionally striking photo which Alexandra took while hiking up Mt. Royal in Frisco, Colorado, the trees are contrasted against a black background which is from the shadow of the mountain blocking the afternoon sun, leaving the onlooker to fantasize about their own dialogue with Mother Nature captured in just that moment.       

The artists’ creations are a suite of colorful engagements of acrylics, oils, watercolors and mixed media, from small (about 5” by 5”) to very large, encouraging reflection and discovery while at the same time, the observer is entertained by the individual expression of each piece.         

One of the artworks was accidentally created when Karl was painting the gallery walls and dropped a mass of white paint on the black floor. It is situated in an obvious spot in the middle of the aisle, where visitors almost can’t help but walk on it.  “I thought about cleaning it up,” Karl said, “but decided to make my own statement, leave it there and sign it instead.”

The gallery hours are by appointment only. Contact AddisonSloaneArtworks@gmail.com or call 214-536-5552. 

About Elaine Chiao/Addison Sloane: Elaine has been a renowned interior designer and remodeler for over 25 years. As of about 6 years ago, her clients started asking for art as part of the design. Not being able to find on the market what her clients wanted because of the bespoke nature of their requests, Elaine decided to create the unique art pieces herself under the name Addison Sloane. Her clients liked them so much that she started doing more, and eventually was picked up by the store Talulah & Hess in Lakewood as a featured artist. In 2020, she decided that she would like to transition into becoming a full-time artist as that's what she enjoyed doing the most - being creative.
More bio here: www.addisonsloaneart.com IG: @addisonsloaneartworks 

About Karl Chiao:  Karl Chiao is the current Executive Director of the Dallas Historical Society at the Hall of State in Fair Park.

Karl received his Bachelors in Political Science from Texas A&M University and his Juris Doctorate from SMU School of Law.  He has lived and worked in the Dallas region for over 30 years and has been actively involved in the community during that time. 

Over the past 30 years, Karl has gained vast experience in the business and non-profit world. His professional experience includes work in banking, collectibles and sales. Prior to joining DHS, Karl led the expansion efforts of Louisiana based Business 1st Bank into the Texas market, to which he is still an advisor. Additionally, Karl has been involved in the Collectibles and Alternative Assets space as the Managing Director of ArtBanc, the Sales Manager of Maserati/Bentley/Rolls Royce of Dallas, and as the head of Trusts & Estates and Corporate & Institutional collections for Heritage Auctions, where he worked with collectors and their representatives nationwide to manage their collections, from Art and Automobilia to Luxury Goods and Wine. Karl worked in the family office space doing real estate development deals before transitioning into the collectibles world.

Karl has been very involved with various non-profits in Dallas, including serving on the Boards of Dallas Summer Musicals, Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation, and Dallas Historical Society. He has also served on the Advisory Councils of Mercury One Foundation, Dallas International Film Festival, UT Dallas Center For Vital Longevity, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Sport Marketing Committee, EarthX Films, and Park Cities Quail Coalition.

 

* Photos by Danny Campbell