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

The Announcement Party for the S.M. Wright Foundation’s 23^rd 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 23^rd 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

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.

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. 

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.

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