The 34th Annual Jim Bradshaw Memorial Stars in Recovery event with featured speaker Jason Starkey took place on Thursday, April 21st at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, with more than 150 live and virtual attendees. Growing up in West Virginia, Starkey was the captain of an undefeated, Division 1 football team and received a scholarship as a walk-on at the University of Marshall where he played alongside Chad Pennington. Starkey went on to play for the Arizona Cardinals for 4 years. He bravely shared the journey of his spiral into addiction and how his wife's love, family support, and a “Thundering Herd” brotherhood helped Jason win his battle against addiction. With more than 15 years of sobriety, Starkey now travels to colleges and treatment programs sharing his story of recovery, inspiring hope, and insights on how to conquer addiction.

Once inside the reception hall Event Chair Shauna Jenkins and NBC Texas Today co-host, Kristin Dickerson welcomed attendees and brought Recovery Resource Council CEO, Eric Niedermayer to the stage to share new findings about how alcoholism and drug addiction are impacting our North Texas community. Niedermayer talked about the many ways the Council is supporting those seeking recovery and the tools the Council makes available to those seeking a life in recovery the tools to do so. Niedermayer then introduced Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, who served as Honorary Chair for this year’s Stars in Recovery event. “It's really awesome when you get to be Mayor and you get to use your bully pulpit for good,” smiled Parker. “Believe me, there are no shortage of nonprofit events I get invited to go to, but I can promise you there is not one organization in this city that means more to me than Recovery Resource Council and I can say that from the bottom of my heart.”

Since its inception, the annual Stars in Recovery Luncheon has featured local citizens and well-known celebrities alike speaking publicly about their struggles and triumphs over alcohol, and substance misuse and mental health issues. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Recovery Resource Council, North Texas’ largest non-residential non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery of thousands of individuals and families struggling with alcohol, substance misuse and trauma. To learn more visit https://recoverycouncil.org/ 

On April 14, Dallas 24 Hour Club hosted donors and supporters in celebration of the one-year anniversary of Tillman House, an 18-unit apartment complex that provides affordable housing for up to 41 residents. The building is named Tillman House, after Dallas 24 Hour Club’s Founder Lee Tillman, and was created to positively impact The 24’s ability to provide safe, sober transitional living for homeless men and women seeking a brand new life away from drugs and alcohol. Successful graduates of The 24’s program are eligible for this affordable, sober living opportunity that allows them to practice critical life skills and establish an even stronger foundation of recovery. Tillman House has allowed for a 53% increase in The 24's maximum capacity which has shrunk The 24's Wait List, since they can offer the option to discharge to a solid, safe, local apartment. This opens up beds more quickly for those who are in need of immediate access to crisis help and stabilization and takes away the stress of moving far away from their "sober family" members and home-like, family environment. The expectation is that the recidivism rate will be reduced by a significant percent. 

On Tuesday, March 15, Irving-based Shoebacca delivered a donation of 500 pairs of shoes ($40,000 retail value) to residents of Dallas 24 Hour Club (The 24). March 15 was selected as the day for donation because it was National Shoe The World Day, which was created to shed light on the importance of footwear and the need for quality footwear for millions of people worldwide who can't afford or don't have access to it.

“Shoe the World Day is something we celebrate every day here at Shoebacca, so it’s an honor to be able to share this with such a meritable and worthy organization such as the 24-Hour Club. Addiction is a powerful disease that effects the lives of so many, especially given the current climate, so giving back to our community has been a priority for us and will continue to be for years to come. We wish nothing but the best for the residents of The 24 and are grateful to those who strive to help them recover.” said Ryan Schlachter, President, Shoebacca.

Since 1969, Dallas 24 Hour Club has provided transitional living, support services and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts, so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become contributing and self-supporting members of the community. With over 140 residents between their facility on Ross Avenue and their sober living community, Tillman House, The 24 is always in desperate need of shoes and apparel for their newcomers, many who come to the facility directly off the streets.

“Shoebacca has been a great resource partner of Dallas 24 Hour Club and her residents who desperately need shoes for everyday wear, but also to enable them to secure a job which leads to an improvement in their self-esteem. Supplying 500 pairs of brand new shoes gives 500 of our residents who have sought safe shelter and recovery from substance abuse at The 24, a wonderful start on a brand new life! We are so appreciative of this gift!” said Marsha Williamson, CEO, Dallas 24 Hour Club.

"We thank Shoebacca for their ongoing support of our residents from the bottom of our hearts.  Men and women need quality shoes when they come off the street, and by donating 500 pairs of shoes, Shoebacca will fill that need for many months to come.  I can't wait to see the faces of the recipients of this generous gift when they try on a fresh, new pair of shoes!" – Tim Grigsby, COO, Dallas 24 Hour Club.

Each year, The 24 helps over 500 people get off the streets, find employment and embrace recovery. 63% of those individuals arrive without funds and are extended credit upon intake. The 6 month program at the facility on Ross Avenue aids residents in locating employment and beginning their journey of sobriety. After 6 months at The 24, Successful Graduates can move into Tillman House, which is a year long program that offers “real life” opportunities for the residents to learn how to live independently by practicing their life skills such as credit restoration, budgeting, meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, etc. in a safe, structured environment, which promotes long-term recovery. To learn how you can support this mission, visit https://www.dallas24hourclub.org/  

Trinity Falls in McKinney, Texas is home to over 1,700 families and growing! Find out why so many families call this community home and get in the holiday spirit this year by attending the opening of their newest phase, Heritage Crest, while exploring beautiful model homes accented with holiday-themed Christmas trees to celebrate the season.

From Sunday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, December 19, 2021 twenty model homes will be available for touring inside the Trinity Falls development and ten select homes will feature stunning holiday trees to provide holiday inspiration for guests. Whether you enjoy stunning home decor, or are looking for holiday inspiration for your home, this event fulfils both needs! 

Antoinette Boston with A.B.’s Holiday Décor is the mastermind of this year’s Tour of Trees in collaboration with Premier Christmas. Her holiday wizardry has graced the homes of Grammy award winner Kirk Franklin, former Dallas Cowboys and Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, former Dallas Maverick and NBA champion Jason Terry, NFL champion Aqib Talib, and celebrity stylist J. Bolin.

Attendees to this year’s tour can expect to see a variety of themes including rustic glam, woodland creatures, Santa, the Grinch, Dallas Cowboys, polar bears, nutcrackers, snowmen, elves and more. Attendees will be provided with a map highlighting the homes and where Christmas trees are located and can enjoy the tour at your own pace. Maps are available inside all model homes.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trinity-falls-tour-of-trees-2021-tickets-205798206977. This tour is open weekdays and Saturdays from 10am to 6pm and Sundays noon to 6pm. 

Four fiery ladies will be featured in a unique competition at the World Food Championships’ event in Dallas this November, but they will not be whipping up your stereotypical granny cooking. Instead, they will be sharpening their knives for the 3rd Annual Granny Grilling Challenge. As a part of the world’s largest Food Sport competition, WFC annually showcases culinary talents of all backgrounds and ages, which is why the event organizers are proud to bring back its crowd-pleasing, sometimes comical granny-only grilling games. For this year’s challenge, the talented grannies will go head-to-head in a “mystery box” themed competition. With no prior knowledge of what products they will have access to, the grannies will have to follow their culinary instincts and — if history is an indicator — even some of their yoga skills!  The competition will be hosted by fellow WFC grannies, Chef Nancy Manlove (The Nana Chef) and Mary Edwards (a veteran Food Champ). Food fans can catch these grilling grannies in action on Saturday, November 6th from 3 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at WFC’s event site, Centennial Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas. 

Get to know the competing grannies:

KATHI HEMMER | “GRAMMA”
Number of Grandchildren: 2 (and one on the way!)
From This “Gramma”: I love to cook, I love to bake, I love to compete. I have been competing in the World Food Championships since 2013. I have made it to the Top Ten Round in Dessert (2013, 2014) and Chili. I am currently registered to battle it out in WFC’s first ever Soup Category. 

I am a home cook, Mom to 2 boys (OK … they are now men), Gramma to my 7 year old Sous Chef Reagan, 9 year Maddox (he is only interested in eating what Reagan and I make) and a soon to be new baby girl coming in December.

I believe that good food can foster the perfect environment for memories and special times with family and friends. Like most, life can be defined by moments, memories, scrap books, lyrics, and chats with friends about old times … but also, our life is defined by food. Food is such a huge part of our everyday life that it’s no wonder that certain foods can bring up certain memories or hold a special place in our hearts.

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TINA CRUTCHFIELD | “GRANNA”
Number of Grandchildren: 1
From This “Granna”: I am a mostly self-taught home cook who has been competing for the past fifteen years. I love to be adventurous in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors from all around the world as well as polishing old family favorites.

I have had the pleasure to compete in the World Food Championships for eight years and have finished Top Ten in my category five of those years, with the help of my very talented sous chef, my husband Rocky.

I have only been a Granny for eighteen months, but it is the best position I have ever held!

Recipe development is my passion and I cannot wait to spend time in the kitchen with my beautiful granddaughter, sharing cherished family recipes as well as making new ones! 

I am so excited to join this elite group of champion Grannies. Let the games begin!

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LIDIA HADDADIAN | “GRAMMA”
Number of Grandchildren: 3
About This “Gramma”: Lidia Haddadian is a self-taught home cook whose love for cooking has turned into an exciting culinary adventure. Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, her passion for cooking began at an early age as she watched her two grandmas' cooking and baking around-the-clock. Lidia’s multi-ethnic upbringing has shaped her worldview and cooking style. Married for thirty-four years to the love of her life and sous chef, they have raised four children and are currently enjoying three beautiful grandchildren.

Lidia refers to her cooking style as ‘ethnic comfort food with a twist'. Within the last five years, her passion for food competition has gained momentum. Her journey as a self-taught home cook has been filled with exciting culinary adventures. With over 45 contest wins, she currently holds the title of World Food Champion. Lidia believes that hard work, persistence and faith have brought her to where she is now and is hopeful to achieve higher ground. 

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LISA GWATNEY | “LEAZIE”
Number of Grandchildren: 5
About “Leazie”: Lisa Gwatney of Memphis, Tennessee, is a self-taught home cook, Mother of 4 wonderful “grown” children and 5 grandchildren. Lisa’s hobby of cooking took an exciting turn when she was named the 6th Annual World Food Champion (2018). 

Winning the ultimate food fight for this Memphis mom wasn’t about the $100,000 mega prize, but the platform the competition gave her to communicate the strong connection between family, friends and food. “When I compete I always cook like I’m cooking for my family. I want to share the importance of sitting down and having a delicious, homemade meal with the ones you love.”

Natural, locally sourced products that are healthy and flavorful is more Lisa’s style of cooking. Nothing fussy or perfect, just super yummy meals with the people she loves the most. Lisa says, “This is what life is all about.”

Purchase your General Admission ticket to the ultimate foodie experience and see which lady takes home the granny grilling trophy by clicking here. Stay up-to-date on all things Food Sport, follow the World Food Championships on Twitter (@WorldFoodChamp), Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships).

About World Food Championships: The World Food Championships (WFC) is the highest stakes food competition in the world. This multi-day, live event culinary competition showcases some of the world's best cooks who compete for food, fame and fortune in 10 categories (Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Recipe, Sandwich, Seafood, Soup and Steak). In 2019, more than 450 culinary teams from 11 countries and 42 American states competed in WFC’s Main Event. In August, the 10 Category Champs went head-to-head for a $100,000 bonus that determined a new World Food Champion in a TV special called The Final Table: Indianapolis. While contestants have to earn their way into WFC by winning a Golden Ticket at a previous competition, potential judges are welcome to take WFC’s online certification course that explains the E.A.T. methodology. Certified judges then request and receive available seats at the next scheduled WFC event. Click here to learn more about getting certified.