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Back to School

Church of the Incarnation Hosts Last Free Immunization Clinic and Sports Physicals before School Starts

IMMUNIZATIONS BY CARING FOR CHILDREN FOUNDATION CARE VAN™
Saturday, August 14 from 1pm - 3pm

 

Located at 3966 McKinney Avenue, just north of Blackburn Street, Church of the Incarnation Episcopal will host a Free Back to School Immunization Clinic. The event is free to the public and is an easy way to bring your child’s shots up to date. It is sponsored by Church of the Incarnation with immunizations provided by Texas Care Van. Also participating are the Dallas County Medical Society Alliance Foundation, The Dallas Police Central Neighborhood Patrol, Texas A&M College of Dentistry, and North Dallas Shared Ministries.  

FREE Meningitis, HPV and whooping cough vaccines will be included in the vaccines offered. Free student sports physicals will also be given. 

First come, first served. Participants need to bring their immunization records.

  • Free Immunizations, including meningitis vaccines
    • Free Participation/Sports Physicals by Dallas County Physicians
  • Free Dental Screenings

 

Immunizations are important, Safe, and Effective Vaccines are free to: Children and students 2 months old to 18 years of age, Medicaid eligible, Uninsured: a child with no health insurance coverage, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Underinsured (a child whose health coverage does not include vaccines).

 

VACINATE BEFORE YOU GRADUATE - free meningitis vaccines

 The clinic will feature free immunizations, free sports physicals and dental screenings.

 

Sabrina Steward, Mission & Outreach Administrator, 214-521-5101, Ext. 2067, about the Health Fair for vaccine information.

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Regina Bruce, Chair.

Rainbow Days’ 30th Annual Back-to-School Celebration To Provide New Backpacks and Uniforms for 1,100 Dallas-Area Homeless and At-Risk Children/Youth

CAPTRUST, Title Sponsor | MoneyGram Foundation, Presenting Sponsor

 

Rainbow Days will host its 30th annual Back-to-School Celebration on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. 

Chaired by Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo and in partnership with CAPTRUST, Title Sponsor and MoneyGram Foundation, Presenting Sponsor and numerous individual and corporate donors, Rainbow Days’ Back-to-School Celebration will provide new backpacks, school supplies and uniforms to over 1,100 homeless and at-risk children living in poverty in the Dallas community. Children and youth who will benefit from the supplies attend one of Rainbow Days’ partnering schools in Dallas ISD and/or reside in one of 30 different local motels, transitional living sites, and homeless and domestic violence shelters.

 

Each August, Rainbow Days hosts a private event for homeless and at-risk children and youth at the Dallas Market Center so they can celebrate going back to school with bounce houses, carnival games and delicious refreshments. In addition to meeting homeless children’s tangible needs, the Back-to-School Celebration evokes excitement and builds confidence as each child will leave the event with a new backpack filled with school supplies, a new uniform and a new after-school outfit. Although this celebration is closed to the public, the community can help with donations by visiting this page* on Amazon.com.

 

“Children and youth who are youth experiencing housing insecurity, poverty or homelessness face tremendous adversity and a host of challenges which affects their academic success,” shares Rainbow Days’ CEO, Tiffany Beaudine. “Rainbow Days meets the needs of these vulnerable children by providing year-round social emotional support group services and tangible items. By providing each child with the supplies they need for the new school year through this event, we are not just meeting a basic need, but we are sending them a positive message. The message that education is important, someone cares about you, and we believe that you can succeed in school.” 

 

"At CAPTRUST, we understand that education opens doors, broadens horizons and sets kids up for success.  That is why we are partnering with Rainbow Days as its Title Sponsor to help make sure that children in our community walk into their classrooms with the school supplies they need to feel prepared and confident,” said John Pickett, Senior Vice President, CAPTRUST. 

 

Since 1992, the Dallas Market Center has partnered with Rainbow Days to host this celebratory event by donating space and services each year. Additionally, each child attending this year’s event will get to “shop” for a fashionable new outfit generously provided through Rainbow Days’ partnership with KIDBOX/Delivering Good.

 

 It takes a village to host this event each year. Rainbow Days would like to recognize the generosity of our financial and in-kind donors as well as over 400 volunteers who will help make this event and entire project possible. Special thanks to Event Chairs: Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, Dallas Market Center, CAPTRUST, MoneyGram Foundation, Carol and Curt Welwood, KIDBOX/Delivering Good, New Hope Compassion, Bank of America, BDO USA, LLC, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Dallas Police Association, Holy Smokers Men’s Group, DFW Collective of Black Employee Resource Groups (The BERGs), Young Men’s Service League, National Charity League and more! Special thanks also go to Dallas Market Center’s Dimiti Collins (Operations Manager) and Gary Gabriel (Director of Sales and Operations), both of whom are critical to the event’s success each August.

 

ABOUT RAINBOW DAYS: The Back-to-School Celebration is a program of Rainbow Days Inc, a 501(c)(3) Dallas-based nonprofit organization. Founded in 1982, Rainbow Days has a mission to help children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures. Through social-emotional learning (SEL) support groups, presentations, camps, mentored events and tangible items, Rainbow Days serves more than 9,000 at-risk children and youth in the Dallas area annually. For more information about the Back-to-School Celebration or Rainbow Days, please visit www.RainbowDays.org or call (214) 887-0726.

 

* Link to “this page” on Amazon.com:  https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/1BG3Q1XQ81TAD/ref=smi_ext_lnk_lcl_cl         

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Polly McKeithen, 2020-2021 PCHPS co-president; Bob Clark, Architect; Jana W. Paul, 2020-2021 PCHPS co-president.

The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society and Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones were presented with a Spirit of Preservation Award by Preservation Dallas for the saving of the Elbert Williams Residence at 3805 McFarlin Boulevard in University Park.  The Spirit of Preservation Award is given to an individual or organization who brings forth the Spirit of Preservation to inspire and lead others in our community to preserve historic places.

           
This house built in 1932 for the University Park Mayor Elbert Williams is one of the most significant historic houses in Texas. It was designed by architect David R. Williams who is considered the father of the Texas Regionalism style with the Williams house considered the first and premiere example of the style. The home was Williams’ last residential project and contains all of his hallmarks including impressive hand carved interior woodwork by Lynn Ford (O’Neil Ford’s brother), a mural painted by Jerry Bywaters which was later removed, abundant lone star ornamentation, and passive cooling features such as one room deep rooms for better air flow, covered overhangs to reduce sun and more.

           
The 6,000 square foot house occupies 1.15 acres of prime property in University Park. Having only two owners in its lifetime, the house’s exterior and interiors are remarkably intact with original details and layout. The Williams Residence appears almost exactly as it did when built, rare for a historic house these days. The particular plat of land it sits on is exceptionally valuable because it runs along the Turtle Creek shoreline and abuts the Dallas County Club. When the previous owner of the house passed away the house went to family members who put the property up for sale. In 2016, Preservation Dallas added the housed to its Most Endangered Historic Places list due to the threat of it being sold to someone who would demolish the house as there is not a way to protect historic houses in University Park.

           
Noting the importance of the house to University Park and to Texas, the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society worked diligently to save the house. PCHPS funded the publication of a book on the Williams House called A House for Texas in an effort to bring attention to the importance of this masterpiece of Texas Modern Regional architecture. The book was authored by local architect Larry Good with photographs by Charles Davis Smith. It fully documents the home and tells the story of its remarkable design. The book and subsequent lectures featuring the book and house helped to raise awareness about its importance.

           
Allie Beth Allman was brought in by the Locke family, who owned the house since 1955, to try and find a suitable buyer who would respect and cherish the house.  In December of 2020 that happened with the sale of the Elbert Williams Residence to Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones. The Rees-Jones family had recently completed their new home on the property immediately south across Turtle Creek from the Locke house, and shared a passion for the preservation of the historic home and appreciated the beauty of the creek and views running between. The Rees-Jones’ have made a commitment to preserve the house keeping it safe from demolition and the Locke family has expressed how pleased and grateful they are for this wonderful act of stewardship.

           
From Preservation Dallas: The Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society believes this may be the first time that an endangered historic residential landmark has been saved from the wrecking ball in the Park Cities. Their hard work and determination to save the house and Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones’ willingness to purchase the house to preserve it makes them both worthy of the Spirit of Preservation Award and Preservation Dallas applauds their efforts to save this pioneering and authentic Texas style house.

           
Membership in the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society is open to the public. 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.

PCHPS membership benefits and activities include:

           
Three educational meetings during the year, landmarking events honoring significant homes for architectural, historical or restoration merit, PCHPS Annual Spring Historic Home Tour, Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Annual Classic & Antique Car Show, July 4th Parade and booth.

The fundraising events that allow PCHPS to give back to the community are the Distinguished Speaker Luncheon, Home Tour, and the Classic & Antique Car Show. Funds raised help preserve and maintain The Park Cities House at Dallas Heritage Village, support the new PCHPS archives at the University Park Library, fund the Society’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.

Visit the website to join and for more information at www.pchps.org

*Rees-Jones/Williams House photo by Charles Davis Smith.

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Dr. Carla Russo, Announcement Party Chair; Jackie Thornton, Gala Chair; Cindy Brinker Simmons, Founder WOKC; Regina Bruce, Announcement Party Chair; Jenice Dunayer, Gala Chair

Wipe Out Kid's Cancer 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala

Jersey Mike's Subs, Title Sponsor | BDO USA, LLP and CAPTRUST, Presenting Sponsors

 

It was a beautiful evening at Museum Tower's terrace garden recently as Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, chairs of the Announcement Party for Wipe Out Kids' Cancer's (WOKC) 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala, welcomed friends and supporters to hear the big news about the upcoming event.

Gala Chairs Jenice Dunayer and Jackie Thornton, along with WOKC Founder Cindy Brinker Simmons, WOKC CEO Aashik Khakoo, and Board Chair John Dankovchik chatted up the chic crowd as everyone enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, a lavish charcuterie spread, sweets, and beverages featuring two signature cocktails, MagMan and Lady Magnolia, in a salute to the evening's Underwriter, the Dallas Magnolias.

After Aashik thanked the gala chairs for hosting the location, Jackie and Jenice echoed deep appreciation to all, introducing Regina and Carla for their very special announcement.

"We are delighted and honored to announce BDO USA, LLP and CAPTRUST as Gala Presenting Sponsors at the $25,000 level. We are grateful that these two highly respected organizations have chosen to step up and help fund pediatric cancer research as they encourage and inspire others to do so as well by their actions," Carla said. "Regina and I are passionate about Wipe Out Kids' Cancer's mission and excited to celebrate its successes on this 40th anniversary.  Despite the significant progress being made in the fight against pediatric cancer, we know there is much work left to be done.  We also recognize that by joining together with friends and family in this fight, we are providing hope, funding cutting-edge research, and championing a wonderful organization whose future successes can significantly impact and effectively change the odds and save the lives of many more precious children."

Jackie and Jenice revealed details for the Saturday, October 16,gala at the Belo Mansion. A highlight of the evening will be a silent auction of personalized Warrior Baskets filled with specific items chosen for each of WOKC's 26 Warriors (children with cancer). Guests will bid on these 26 baskets and present them later to the Warriors at a separate private event.  Lynn McDonough is Warrior Basket Chair. There will also be a live auction, chaired by Karee Sampson, featuring spectacular one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Other surprises that evening honoring Warriors will include the beautiful Warrior Tribute Walkway designed by international designer Jo Tiller, representing WOKC's courageous Warriors over the past 40 years.

Dalton Stewart, Jersey Mike's Subs North Texas Area Director and franchisee, shared the personal story of his vision of initiating Jersey Mike's "Day of Giving" 12 years ago. This past March, Jersey Mike's donated $745,000 to WOKC from the 2021 "Day of Giving" campaign, followed by rounds of applause. His next announcement brought more rounds of applause and cheers: Jersey Mike's is donating $100,000 as Title Sponsor of the 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala and the Founder and CEO, Peter Cancro, and his wife, Tatiana, are serving as Honorary Chairs.

Closing the program, Aashik said, "I hope the stirring tribute we have heard this evening from Dalton Stewart and the genuine support from Regina and Carla, along with BDO USA, LLP and CAPTRUST, has inspired everyone to learn more about Wipe Out Kids' Cancer, and to support our Warriors and our mission to work relentlessly for the day when cancer is no longer a threat to ANY child." 

Gala chairs Jackie and Jenice added, "We are deeply moved and offer our profound and heartfelt thanks to our new Title Sponsor and Presenting Sponsors for their most generous support. Their underwriting will have a real impact on many lives, and we are very thankful. We invite you to join them in celebrating our 40th Anniversary Gala with your sponsorships and underwriting."

The gala evening will begin with a champagne cocktail reception and includes a seated dinner.  Attire is black-tie optional.  Sponsorships and Underwriting Opportunities begin at $3,000 up to $25,000. Benefits at different levels include publication in digital, print, and press materials, priority seating, signage, and more. Purchase via the website at  www.wokc.org/gala or for more information, contact Ann Whaley, awhaley@wokc.org or call 214-987-4662.

Additional sponsors of the evening's announcement were BDO USA, LLP; CAPTRUST, 3 Badge Enology, Greenbar Distillery, Brinker International and Maggiano's Little Italy at NorthPark Center.

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.

 The mission of WOKC is to work relentlessly for 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 for its novel research projects, which have yielded $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.: and 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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Mary Brinegar, President and CEO, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Kay Weeks, 2020-2021president of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, could not have asked for a more perfect day as she presided over the Women’s Council’s last general membership meeting and luncheon of the 2020-2021 year themed A Royal Finale honoring Mary Brinegar, President and CEO of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society (DABS), with the 2021 Founders Award and featuring the most entertaining former Royal Chef, Darren McGrady.
        
“Our Annual Meeting was at capacity in A Tasteful Place at the Dallas Arboretum as we honored Mary Brinegar with the Founders Award,” Kay said. “She has brought world acclaim to the Arboretum and has served as such a positive role model for us all. Sarah Jo Hardin received the Leadership Award and Sharon Ballew was the recipient of the Service Award. Our thanks to Sarah Jo Hardin for securing our dynamic speaker and to Mari Epperson and Marcy Jones for creating such a beautiful luncheon!”
          
The chic crowd gathered early in anticipation of the announcements and applauded the chairs, honorees and award recipients throughout the presentations. This supportive close-knit group has known Mary Brinegar throughout her years of support of the Women’s Council as a loyal supporter and cheerleader for the Women’s Council since 1996 when she first joined the Dallas Arboretum. Since then, she, together with the board and Arboretum staff, has raised over $100 million for capital improvements, including new buildings, gardens and the renovation of the DeGolyer and Camp homes on the property. The Arboretum currently has over 400,000 members and is expected to draw over one million visitors this year alone.

McGrady, former chef for Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II and five U.S. Presidents, charmed everyone with his reflections of past escapades with Prince William and Prince Harry as young children, as well as his personal and heartfelt respect for Princess Diana. Currently, he is the owner of Eating Royally in Dallas and is the author of two cookbooks. He has recently launched a Signature Seasonings line and has become a prominent YouTube influencer.
        
Membership in the Women’s Council is open to the public and includes many benefits such as invitations to events in private homes, special events at the Arboretum with private access, general membership meetings and more. Everyone is encouraged to join! Learn more at the Women’s Council website at www.wcdabg.org

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

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Barbara Glass, AWARE 2020-2021 President; Mary Brinegar, President and CEO, DABS

Mary Brinegar Spoke About the Memory Garden Supported by a Grant from AWARE

Membership is open now! Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease Since 1989     

        
Barbara Glass, 2020-2021 president of AWARE, hosted the last meeting of her tenure at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden featuring Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Society president and CEO, Mary Brinegar, speaking about the Memory Garden, an AWARE Grant Recipient program.  The grant provides support for expansion of the Memory Garden nature program that incorporates horticulture, conversations, and crafts to enrich the life of those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It is a series of four classes for those in the early to middle stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s and their caregivers and includes planting, painting, fellowship and more.
        
“AWARE is honored to support essential programs like this one that enrich not only the lives of those living with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but those who care for them,” Barbara said. “It gives everyone a chance to get away, get outside, enjoy nature and have fun at the same time.”
        
The 2021-2022 Grant Recipients will be announced very soon, along with the 2021-2022 Board of Directors headed by incoming president, Karisti Julia.
        
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.
        
Now is the time to join AWARE! Membership is open to both men and women and includes benefits such as:
 · Network – Members participate in a network of individuals, many of whom have a personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease through a family member, friend, medical or other professionals in the field.

· Education – Members learn the latest information about the causes, treatment, and research on Alzheimer’s disease through meetings, field trips, and speakers.

· Resources – Members work collaboratively sharing information and best practices in the compassionate care of loved ones with Alzheimer’s.

· Donations – Members know that grant recipients of the AWARE fund have been professionally vetted by The Dallas Foundation to ensure that money invested in our local community is leveraged for the best possible results in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease.
        
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

 

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Josh Shipp, Keynote Speaker

Rainbow Days is excited to announce the availability of a virtual livestream ticket option for its 24th annual Pot of Gold Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Josh Shipp. 

The 2021 Pot of Gold Luncheon will be held at the Omni Dallas Hotel on Friday, June 25, 2021. Rainbow Days will be implementing a series of health and safety precautions for this in-person fundraising event. However, for guests and supporters who are unable to attend in person, tickets to access a virtual livestream of the event are now available for purchase for $100 each at www.RainbowDays.org/POG2021/purchases. The luncheon livestream will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. June 25. 

Rainbow Days is thrilled to have best-selling author Josh Shipp serve as the 2021 Pot of Gold Luncheon Keynote Speaker. Statistically, Josh should be dead, in jail or homeless. However, his success as a preeminent author, speaker and global youth empowerment expert is living proof of the power of one caring adult. A former at-risk foster kid turned youth advocate, Josh is renowned for the documentary TV series on A&E that followed his groundbreaking work with youth and families. He has written two national bestsellers to date and is regularly called on by OPRAH, CNN, FOX, The New York Times, 20/20, Good Morning America and others to provide commentary on common challenges faced by parents and teachers.

Rainbow Days is honored to have Kyle Coots and Ross DeRogatis as the 2021 Pot of Gold Luncheon Chairs. In addition to serving as a member of Rainbow Days’ Executive Board of Directors, Kyle is the co-founder and managing director of Miramar Equity Partners. Ross is the president and owner of Matrix Orthopedics and lives in Southlake with his family. 

This year’s event leadership also includes 2021 Pot of Gold Auction Chairs Melissa Griffith and Talene Kozanian. Both Melissa and Talene are residents of Dallas and have previously been involved with Rainbow Days as volunteers.

For those who would like to attend the live event, here are the details:

The 2021 Pot of Gold Luncheon festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with silent auction bidding, and the luncheon program will begin promptly at noon. This year’s goal is to raise $275,000 for Rainbow Days to continue providing critical services benefiting thousands of at-risk and homeless children and youth across the Dallas area each year. Table sponsorships start at $2,000 and individual tickets for the luncheon are $200 per person, both of which are available to purchase online at www.RainbowDays.org/POG2021 or by phone at (214) 217-3833.

The Pot of Gold Luncheon benefits Rainbow Days through sponsorships, individual ticket sales, auction bidding and donations. The annual luncheon is a cheerful and celebratory event that features an inspiring keynote speaker, special performances from the Rainbow Days children and moving program testimonials. The Pot of Gold festivities also include a silent auction, which is open now! This year’s goal is to raise $275,000 for Rainbow Days to continue providing critical services benefiting thousands of at-risk and homeless children and youth across the Dallas area each year.

Last June, the 2020 Pot of Gold Virtual Event, which featured keynote speaker Darren Woodson and was celebrated online in lieu of an in-person event, helped raise more than $223,000 for Rainbow Days.

ABOUT RAINBOW DAYS: The 24th annual Pot of Gold Luncheon will benefit Rainbow Days, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded in 1982, Rainbow Days has a mission to help children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures. Through support groups, life enrichment programs and critical needs services, Rainbow Days makes meaningful connections with at-risk and homeless children and youth and has positively impacted more than 234,000 kids in the Dallas area to date. For more information, please visit www.RainbowDays.org or call (214) 887-0726.

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Auxiliary Members: Victoria Scoggins, Bernadette Rodriguez, Lynn Joliet, Lauren Gillette, President; Kimberly Gilbert, Ann Alford

Pop-Up Flower Shop Spread Mother’s Day Cheer and Raised Funds for Life-Saving Mission

 To honor all the mothers at Nexus Recovery Center, the Auxiliary of Nexus established a Pop-Up Flower Shop with a giveback element. Dedicated Auxiliary advocates worked with Nexus clients to curate bountiful, colorful blooms which were sold for Mother’s Day. All of proceeds of the bouquets went straight back to the empowering mission of Nexus.

        
The weather was perfect as Auxiliary members and Nexus clients gathered outdoors amongst tables bursting with thousands of flowers of all varieties and handcrafted each bouquet. In addition to bouquets purchased, supporters could also sponsor a gift basket for a mother currently on campus in the Nexus recovery program, and/or donate to the organization in their mother’s honor.

        
Prior to the pandemic, the Auxiliary hosted an annual spring luncheon to generate funds and awareness around the mission that offers specialized substance use disorder treatment services to adult women in Dallas. The organization also specializes in the recovery of mothers. Nexus provides treatment living space for moms with up to three children accompanying them on campus: a unique attribute of Nexus’ program and a vital distinction that is instrumental in recovery.  But with precautions still in place, the Auxiliary hosted the socially distanced Pop-Up Flower Shop event, where North Texans purchased arrangements online.

        
“It was truly heartwarming as we were joined by clients and mothers at Nexus and some even brought in their mothers in support of this first-time pop-up shop,” said Lauren Gillette, Nexus Auxiliary Advisory Board President. “It was a wonderful opportunity for our Auxiliary to work together as we handpicked our favorite flowers and created beautiful bouquets that would be a wonderful surprise on Mother’s Day morning.”

        
The nonprofit celebrates 50 years of helping women pursue their recovery journey this year; a milestone anniversary comes at a time when recovery efforts and treatment services are especially critical due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

        
“What we do every day at Nexus is life-changing and life-saving work,” said Heather Ormand, CEO of Nexus Recovery Center. “This is a beautiful way for the women at Nexus to be celebrated, as well as spend time with the amazing members of our Auxiliary engaged in a fun activity. We’ve served nearly 2,000 women since the pandemic began over a year ago. Every single woman that walks through our doors is someone’s daughter or mother – we are here to help them on their recovery journey and provide their families hope for celebrating Mother’s Days to come together.”

        
Membership in the Auxiliary is open to the public and the public is encouraged to learn more about the Auxiliary and Nexus Recovery Center by visiting the website at www.nexusrecoverycenter.org

 

ABOUT  NEXUS RECOVERY CENTER

Based in Dallas, Texas, Nexus Recovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that offers specialized substance use disorder treatment services for adult women, as well as therapeutic treatment and care for their accompanying children in order to break the cycle of addiction. Founded in 1971, the mission of Nexus is to serve as a link to sobriety, independence, and dignity for women and their families affected by addition. Nexus inspires hope, offers respect, and honors the unique differences of female addicts. Nexus has been accredited by the Joint Commission since 2006 and is the only treatment center in North Texas that accepts women in the late stages of pregnancy and allows children to accompany their mothers into treatment. We are able to provide all these services with the help of a dedicated board, volunteers, staff, partners and donors. Together we break the cycle of addiction, changing families’ lives, whatever their income, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity. Visit the website at www.nexusrecoverycenter.org

 Photos by Sharon Adams/ACPR.

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Danny Campbell Photography_DM_Pajamas For Srs-25a. Cynthia Seskes, The Preston of the Park Cities; Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Carla Russo and Regina Bruce, Dallas Magnolias; Jo Alch, Founder of Pajamas for Seniors; Beau Polley Director, Visiting Angels

Pajamas for Seniors Mother’s Day Tea and Drive-Thru at The Preston of the Park Cities was the most successful event ever, bringing in a record 623 pairs of PJs and nightgowns for low-income seniors in area nursing homes.         

Supporters were invited to enjoy tea, scones and flowers and entered a drawing for a floral arrangement and 1 year membership to the Dallas Arboretum.         

Regina Bruce, a founding member of the Dallas Magnolias, one of the sponsors, said, “When we heard about this wonderful nonprofit and its grass roots mission to help low-income seniors, our hearts were won from the start. We were delighted to be involved with the event and help spread the word. We’re thrilled to have been a part of the team bringing in a record amount of PJs!”       

"We had an amazing event at The Preston at Park Cities with a record number of new pairs of pajamas and nightgowns donated to needy female seniors," said Jo Alch, R.N., and Executive Director, Pajamas for Seniors. "Most people don't realize that 60% of the residents of nursing homes and assisted livings have no relatives. A gift of pajamas lets them know that someone still cares. It's a simple gesture that makes a huge difference in someone's life. The Dallas Magnolias made it happen. We are so grateful to this wonderful group of powerful women." 
         
Many thanks to sponsors: Dallas Magnolias, Cedar Creek Country Club staff and members, Ruby Care, The Preston of the Park Cities, Visiting Angels, and Visiting Nurse Association. 

Details: http://www.magnolias.org/pjs and the main website at  http://pajamasforseniors.org/

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

Dallas Magnolias Mission:
To provide an active way of helping disadvantaged and underserved youth, the military, veterans, and first responders and their families, victims of domestic violence, and women being treated for breast cancer and/or heart disease in North Texas. Visit the website at https://www.magnolias.org  and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.     
 

Photos by Danny Campbell                                                            

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Bring the family and join in the fun at this three-day festival benefiting veterans:

* Friday, May 28, 2021: 4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Grudge Match Drag Races: This is very competitive. People show up and challenge each other to race.

* Saturday, May 29, 2021: 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. followed by Michael Shane Band.  BBQ Competition sanctioned by the Lone Star BBQ Society. Just received certification from Texas State Senator Bob Hall. Now classified as a State Championship BBQ Competition. Public can buy a $20 wristband, taste all competitors’ food and vote for the People’s Choice Award. BBQ competitors registration available via the website. $50 Veteran-Owned Vendor. Must provide VA ID or DD-214 at event or vendor will be charged the extra $100 donation. $175 Competitor Entry. More details on the website.

Live Bands from 10:00 a.m. until midnight/12:00 a.m. includes Michael Castleberry, Jr., Ben Theiring, Brandon Albert, Zadie Sandoval, Dusty, 3 Blocks Away, Hat Trick Texas Band, Down & Out w/Will Kincaid. Michael Shane Band headliner band goes on right after the fireworks show.

* Sunday, May 30, 2021: 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show. Pre-Registration is $20. Day of Show: $25.00. Full Class Show. 1st and 2nd Place in each class. $150.00 Cash Prize for (2) Best of Car, (2) Best of Truck, (1) Best Motorcycle. $200 Cash Prize for (1) Club Award.  Pre-register now via the website.

All three days:
* Family Friendly.
* Food is available for purchase via food trucks, food vendors, concession stands at the racetrack.
* KidZone ($20 per wristband each day), bounce houses, pony rides and more!
* BYOB.
* No overall alcohol for sale. One vendor sells wine.
* Booths of items for sale. Pop-up vendors, jewelry, arts and crafts, charity merchandise, BBQ vendors (spices, sauces, accessories, cutting boards, metal works) and more.

Event Parking:    $25 per carload. I-30 Dragway, 5326 FM 1565, Caddo Mills, TX  75135.

 

Event information:       Check the website at www.ruckupcharities.org, email info@ruckupcharities.org or call 469-632-6993.

Sponsors:  Ruck Up Charities Thrift Store, Joe’s Meat Market in Royce City, Texas BBQ Chapter, Zeus Restoration, JNL Design, Big Phil’s BBQ Pits, Bounce 4 Fun Party Rentals, Pool Stop Pools and Spas in Rockwall, Dream Ponies, Sunbelt Rentals, Unique Karz, Southern Saddles Red River.

Media Sponsor:   iHeartMedia.

Beneficiary:         100% of proceeds from all three days benefits Ruck Up Charities, Inc.   Moving Veterans Forward

About Ruck Up Charities, Inc. Moving Veterans Forward:

“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.”- Eleanor Roosevelt

Our mission is simple. We help veterans in every aspect of life to help them become a contributing member of society. Whether a new veteran returning from war or a veteran that served 40 years ago, each of these heroes fight their own demons in different ways and deserve to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Visit our website at  www.ruckupcharities.org