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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. 

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Robin Bagwell, Taylor Stensrud, Jan Osborn

Former NBA player shares his journey from addiction to a joyful life in recovery...

 

On Tuesday, September 28, GFO Home presented the Power of Prevention featuring former NBA star Chris Herren, benefiting Recovery Resource Council.  Honorary Chair Taylor Stensrud, and Event Chairs Robin Bagwell and Jan Osborn welcomed approximately 230 enthusiastic supporters who gathered at the Preston Hollow home of Sandra Estess to hear Herren share his experiences as a young player under pressure to perform in the NBA, his struggles with drugs and alcoholism, and his recovery journey to today’s 13-years of sobriety. This annual event raised over $115,000 for low- and no-income North Texans to have access to free and accessible mental health care and addiction treatment. Guests were greeted by Ruthie’s Food Truck upon arrival and noshed on their delicious grilled sandwiches as attendees mixed and mingled and purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win a freshwater baroque pearl choker by Petra Jewelry valued at $2000, a Hydra Facial donated by Bella MD, or a $100 gift card donated by MaryBeth Boutique. Eric Niedermayer, CEO, Recovery Resource Council welcomed guests saying, “For 75 years Recovery Resource Council has been providing services to North Texas. The Council has new programs for Veterans and homeless in Dallas that will allow us to reach people needing mental health and addiction treatment by meeting some of their basic needs first. We now have the biggest prevention program in the state (serving 20 Counties throughout North Texas) and we are here to be the front door to treatment for the overlooked in our community.” Chris Herren recounted his recovery journey for the crowd, which has been documented in the bestselling memoir, Basketball Junkie, the Emmy-nominated ESPN Films documentary, 30 For 30: Unguarded, and in stories by The New York Times, The Boston Globe and Sports Illustrated, among others. Through Herren Talks, Chris has spoken to over 1 million students and community members, sparking honest discussions about substance use disorder and wellness. 

 

Funds continue to be needed as the region sees an uptick in child abuse and domestic violence, and alcohol sales increase. The money raised through sponsorships, ticket sales and the silent auction at The Power of Prevention event supports a portion of The Council's operating budget. Funds raised will free up program dollars to provide more direct services including screenings, assessments, and outpatient services for addiction and substance use disorder, counseling for veterans and their families, and prevention education for at-risk children and youth. Special thanks to event sponsors: GFO Home, K&L Gates, Van Amburgh Family Foundation, Kim and Evan Wyly, Ryan Foundation, Robin and Norm Bagwell, Erin and Mike Barone, Jennifer and Jimmy Chiles, Lauren Gillette, Hartline LLP, Kathy and Larry Helm, Nancy and Jack Zogg. The evening’s virtual event sponsors included Lindsay Billingsley, Caroline Gehan, Vicki and Eric Niedermayer, and Vicki and Bruce Stensrud. Dallas Doing Good was the media partner for this event.

 

The Council is celebrating 75 years of service to North Texas in 2021 as the gateway to health and wellness for individuals and families seeking help with substance use disorders and mental health issues. Started in 1946 by members of Alcoholics Anonymous in Tarrant County to provide a link to State-funded treatment services for youth and adults, the Council’s footprint has grown to 20 North Texas counties. As a licensed Texas Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Site and Joint Commission Accredited agency, they embrace a continuum of care that includes prevention, education, counseling, treatment, and support services rooted in the principles of trauma-informed care and designed to identify and build upon the strengths and resilience of each individual. To learn more visit https://recoverycouncil.org/

 

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Former Grilling Granny, Nancy Manlove

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.

––

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!

––

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. 

––

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.

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Coming to Fair Park this November 5-7, 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 addition to becoming the Official Higher Education Partner, Dallas College is also being named as the official host and sponsor of WFC's Inaugural “Last Chance Qualifier” Chef Challenge, which is scheduled for October 10, 2021
 
WFC will use the Last Chance Qualifier as a way to fill its remaining competitive spots in its 10 category championships: Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Recipe, Sandwich, Seafood, Soup and Steak. “We expect to see about ten of the best Dallas chefs competing in our tournament through this opportunity.” said Mike McCloud, CEO, World Food Championships. “With the help of Dallas College’s culinary program, we are excited to provide this opportunity for local chefs to earn their way into our event.” 
 
Last Chance Qualifier participants will be challenged to create their “Signature Dish” in a timed, live-cooking competition hosted at the Dallas College Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality Center. The throwdown will be judged using WFC’s E.A.T.TM methodology by a panel composed of WFC and Dallas College Officials as well as leading Dallas chefs. Applications for participation in the Last Chance Qualifier are currently being accepted (here) and up to 30 spots are available. 

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.

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David Gets Keys.jpeg
Written by
Robin LeoGrande, CPSH President
 
 
For about 40 years the most common housing option available to people with intellectual developmental disabilities have been homes operated by state governments.  These homes are segregated—managed by service providers with only people with disabilities living in them. Research confirms that, in general, adults with disabilities living in their own homes, with appropriate supports, are less lonely, healthier, financially better off, and more satisfied with their lives, than continuing to live dependent on family, or in State-operated institutions or group homes. COMMUNITY FOR PERMANENT SUPPORTED HOUSING (CPSH) is a Texas charity with a unique focus on independent, affordable housing for adults with disabilities. In 2011 CPSH encouraged adults with disabilities and their families to consider community-based housing options in their local communities as an alternative to segregated housing.  In 2015 they began working with local housing authorities to access HUD Vouchers specifically for people with disabilities.
 
As the years have passed, affordable housing isn't readily available in North Texas for all who need it..  For example, there are at least 102,000 citizens in the DFW area receiving Supplemental Security Income ($794 per month). Many others have low and very low income and need affordable housing.  Not only do we need workforce housing, we also need affordable, mixed-income housing in North Texas. The economic climate is ripe for investing in affordable and workforce residential options.  Socially responsible housing, supported by investments from public-private partnerships, can meet societal and business goals, providing ROI. 
 
If you are a developer or investor in housing, we encourage you to consider building social value into real estate investments so they are equitable for citizens including those below 50% of the AMI. More affordable housing options are needed so they can reach their highest abilities, and in return prosperity and peace will be abundant.
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Tracy Chafouleas with his cat

COMMUNITY FOR PERMANENT SUPPORTED HOUSING (CPSH) is dedicated to finding supportive community-based housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas. CPSH works in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties. As we approach North Texas Giving Day on September 23, CPSH asked Jocelyn Chafouleas, to share her story in the hopes that you will connect to their cause and find a reason to support them.

 

CPSH: A Small But Mighty Charity Tackles Homelessness

by Jocelyn Chafouleas

 

The thought of my adult son being homeless terrifies me!  Thanks to modern medicine, people with Down Syndrome, Autism and other intellectual and developmental difficulties are living longer. It’s very likely that my son with disabilities will outlive me, or my ability to run interference for him with life. Then what happens to him? Living in a State institution? Or joining the ranks of the homeless? I have to have a plan. I can’t leave him unprepared and vulnerable.

 

Enter COMMUNITY FOR PERMANENT SUPPORTED HOUSING (CPSH). For over ten years, CPSH has thought about my son’s future and that of over 250,000 other North Texans with at least one health barrier to living independently. Educating parents to the possibility of their adult child’s independent living is the first step in developing a survival plan for when the adult wants or needs to move away from their parents. CPSH provides workshops for individual, family, and service provider groups at no, or little, cost to the participants. CPSH uniquely offers training on developing social and independent living skills for adults with disabilities, with topics that cover planning for affordable, safe housing; financial resources, affordable budgets; and services to ensure quality of life. CPSH advocates with state and local leaders to ensure community-based housing options are available and is the first to announce availability of housing vouchers. They are striving to influence developers to include affordable options for all North Texans, not just those with disabilities. CPSH guides each person in designing their personal living plan, honoring their right to make decisions and have choices about how they live their life. CPSH will support families with referrals for legal and guardianship support, finding service providers, identifying resources for affordable housing, such as vouchers. In partnership with Texas Workforce Commission, CPSH offers education about achieving housing security, preparing for employment, and identifying social service needs. 

 

My son and I are making progress. He lives independently, sharing an apartment with his cat. He is nearby, allowing family support when needed and inclusion in all the family festivities. His independent living skills are improving, and supported employment is on the near horizon. We aren’t there yet, but seeing my son thriving on his own provides peace of mind for now. He is enjoying his personal freedom and feels proud that he is less dependent on me. The best solution for homelessness is prevention, and the best home is the home a person selects for themselves.

 

CPSH received $14,000 in small donations from caring donors on North Texas Giving Day in 2020. To a large charity that might not be significant, but CPSH turned those dollars into life enhancing impact for fourteen families looking for direct, one-on-one services in finding housing and independent living supports for a loved one. CPSH appreciates the North Texas Giving Day community of donors who allow us to make this happen, one family, one individual at a time. To donate to COMMUNITY FOR PERMANENT SUPPORTED HOUSING on September 23rd, please click here.  To find out more about NTX Giving Day, please visit www.NorthTexasGivingDay.org.

 

About the author: Jocelyn Chafouleas is the parent of an adult son on the Autism Spectrum. She is retired from UT Southwestern Medical Center and serves as a volunteer Board Member of COMMUNITY FOR PERMANENT SUPPORTED HOUSING.

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For the month of September, Truluck's will offer patrons a unique opportunity to enjoy Ora King TYEE Salmon. This King Salmon’s flavor is full, rich and pronounced with a buttery, almost silky texture and large, soft flakes. Truluck's will serve a 10 oz. portion served pan-seared, brushed with lemon garlic butter and finished with Maldon sea salt for $­­99. Truluck’s is the only place in the country to find Ora King TYEE Salmon - so it's a real treat for foodies always on the hunt for that next interesting dish! 

Ora King TYEE Salmon facts:

  1. King Salmon represents less than 0.5% of the world’s Salmon population
  2. TYEE are extraordinarily large salmon that continue to grow beyond the normal life-cycle of other salmon. This phenomenon occurs naturally in the wild, and in our aquaculture environment in New Zealand
  3. Tyee Salmon are only harvested every 3 months  


"Ora King is a big deal now, as they should be. Aside from the fact that King salmon is ridiculously awesome and represents only a small fraction of salmon available, they are huge compared to other salmon. These fish are chock full of Omega-3s and marbling. Think of King salmon the way that you think about prime beef. Now think of Ora King as prime beef compared to A5 Wagyu. It really is the best salmon that money can buy." said Brian Wubbena, Truluck's Director of Culinary.

LOCATIONS:
Uptown: 2401 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, 214-220-2401
Southlake: 1420 Plaza Place, Southlake, TX 76092, 817-912-0500
https://trulucks.com

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Chef Christina Fitzgerald at 2019 World Food Championships

As if creating over 8,000 dishes within five days isn’t enough to whet your appetite, the World Food Championships (WFC) recently announced that some of America’s most successful female pitmasters will be stoking the fires on Sunday, November 7, 4-6 PM, as the 2nd Annual Fire Woman Challenge will take the stage. The highly anticipated ancillary event is set to be held at WFC’s host location, Fair Park, in Dallas, Texas, where lady pitmasters will go head-to-head in a 90-minute, no-electricity, no-menu-limit barbecue battle. Featured in the smokin’ line-up are notable pitmasters Chef Christina Fitzgerald and reigning Fire Woman Champion Jackie Milligan. Along with three other fiery pitmasters, the ladies will be challenged to craft their best barbecue dish infusing the Official Sauce of the Firewoman Challenge –– Sienna Sauce, a Texas-based barbecue sauce that has recently been setting retail shelves everywhere on fire. Pitmasters Christina and Jackie are no strangers to the Food Sport arena. At WFC’s 8th Annual Event, Christina –– who was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri –– placed 10th in its Open Chili Championship division. Jackie –– a Texas-based pitmaster –– landed an 8th place in its World Barbecue Championship. 

“This is definitely one of the most anticipated ancillary events we have at WFC,” commented Mike McCloud, president and CEO of WFC. “These ladies mean ‘sear’-ious business and don’t hold back. At our last Fire Woman Challenge, there was an actual fire wall where giant Wagyu Tomahawks were hung and then seared. I’m personally excited to see what these ladies bring to the table this year.”

The Fire Woman Challenge will be one of the many free attractions on the main grid during WFC’s event in Dallas held November 5-7, 2021. Anyone who purchases a General Admissions ticket (Sunday’s Daily Ticket or Weekend Pass) will be able to attend and enjoy the activity. For a complete list of foodie attractions that will be featured at WFC, click here. Stay tuned for more competition announcements about the upcoming Ultimate Food Fight. In the meantime, stay up-to-date on all culinary competition news, by following the World Food Championships on Twitter (@WorldFoodChamp), Facebook and Instagram (@WorldFoodChampionships).

 

About World Food Championships

The World Food Championships (WFC) is a multi-day, ten-category cooking competition that brings 1500+ top chefs and home cooks from all over the globe to battle it out for a piece of the event’s $300,000 prize purse. WFC is also the springboard for many up-and-coming culinary stars and home cooks as they seek TV fame through many well-known food shows and acting opportunities. WFC is the largest Food Sport competition, where grand champions of previous events convene for a chance at winning the ultimate food crown and a share of hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money! Chefs participate in ten categories for world domination: Bacon, Barbeque, Burger, Chef, Chili, Dessert, Recipe, Sandwich, Soup, and Steak. Outside of its Kitchen Arena, WFC has 20+ tasting experiences for foodies of all ages, including an opportunity to judge some of the event’s 8,000 competition dishes.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.

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T'Juanna Winters, owner of Lizzie Lu's Luxury Treats. Photo by Kathy Tran

T’Juanna Winters (called Lil’ Lizzie by her family) learned to bake at the feet of grandmother, Elizabeth Jones. She always loved being in the kitchen and bringing joy to others through the foods her family created together but never considered turning her love of culinary arts into a career. At the urging of family and friends, Winters launched Lizzie Lu Luxury Treats in December 2019 to honor her grandmother’s belief that if you do good, you’ll do well. The store was an immediate hit, but T'Juanna was forced to shutter her doors just a few months after the opening due to the pandemic. She has recently reopened her store at 4020 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 120, Irving, TX 75038 (across from the Four Seasons Resort). Using the freshest ingredients and a limitless imagination Winters is creating high-quality candies, cakes and cookies in flavor profiles, both traditional and imaginative, packaged to impress the receiver. Her family recipes used have been passed down over the years and reimagined for new generations of fans to enjoy them.  

 

Lizzie Lu's is not your average candy store or bakery. Her Willy Wonka-like creations include her unique Candy Barks which are created with high-quality chocolate mixed with nuts, dried fruits, candies or even additional pieces of chocolate. Ingredients are mixed together, baked, then broken into shards of various sizes to serve. The name “bark” comes from the resemblance to rough pieces of tree bark. Highlights include Strawberry Cheesecake Bark made with strawberries, mouthwatering cheesecake, chocolate, and crisp graham crackers; Fruity Pebbles Bark made with creamy white chocolate, Fruity Pebbles, and bits of peach, orange, and pineapple; Banana Pudding Bark made with creamy chocolate, dried banana chips, and vanilla wafers; and Cookies and Cream Bark made with Oreos and Cream! Just imagine eating Oreos dipped in milk! Another popular confection is her Butter Cakes, which originated from the British pound cake and is considered one of the quintessential cakes in American baking. If you've never had a butter cake, you've probably had it's cousin the pound cake. The main difference is that a butter cake has more butter than eggs, flour etc. whilst a pound cake has them in equal amounts. After baking, T'Juanna's warm Butter Cakes are soaked in a buttery glaze making the cake even more moist and delicious. This is one of Lizzie Lu's most in-demand treats. Once you taste it, you will see why! Another cult-favorite are her Shookies. She uses a family recipe for Butter Cookies passed down for generations and tops each cookie with a warm butter glaze and various fruit toppings, so it ends up resembling a cobbler. T'Juanna call them Shookies, because you will be shooketh when you taste how incredibly delicious these cookies are. Looking for a fun hostess gift or birthday present? Pick up one of Lizzie Lu's beautifully packaged Candy Apples. Each one starts with whole Granny Smith apples dipped in a rich caramel with a stick inserted as a handle. What makes Lizzie Lu's unique is that they dip the apples, roll them in selected toppings - then dip and roll them again so you get twice the treats. Average weight is 3 lbs. That's a whole lotta love. Lastly, your kids will go crazy for the Lu-Aid Pickles. Sweet, sour and tangy these flavor-soaked pickles are a unique twist on a usually savory condiment. They soak Mama P pickles in a combination of pickle juice, Kool Aid and sugar, then let them brine for about a week. The pickles take on a deep red, purple or blue color depending on the flavor of Kool Aid used to become a wacky and tasty flavored treat.

 

T'Juanna recently contributed her Butter Cake recipe to Come to the Tablea new fundraising cookbook from Ronald McDonald House of Dallas that features cherished family recipes and deeply personal dishes by top chefs. Giving back has always been an integral part of her family’s philosophy and the spirit of creating human connections remains the driving force that inspires her today. T’Juanna has dedicated herself to bring high-impact awareness to communities in need and is most passionate about providing aid to senior citizens and children, who are typically the underserved in any community - which is why partnering with the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas on this project was such a joy for her.

 

Lizzie Lu Luxury Treats is located at 4020 N MacArthur Blvd Ste 120, Irving, TX 75038. Hours of operation are Sundays 12/noon to 5pm, Tues-Sat, 10:30am-6:30pm. Shop in-person or online at https://lizzieluluxury-treats.com.

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Slated for Saturday, November 6, 2021, and once hosted at the Dallas Zoo, Return To The Wild: Zoo To Do 2021 will see an anticipated 450 guests and patrons will stroll through the award-winning Giants of the Savanna habitat, sample exquisite dishes from more than a dozen of Dallas’s premier chefs and restaurants, and enjoy up-close interactive animal demonstrations and musical entertainment. Following dinner, guests will move to the Wilds of Africa Plaza for a live auction featuring rare Zoo experiences, travel and more! Finally, partygoers will dance the night away to music from Manhattan.

 

On Tuesday, July 20, supporters of the Dallas Zoo gathered at POP! by Snowday inside the Galleria Dallas where the Zoo revealed details for this year’s exciting Zoo To Do fundraising event. Servers wandered through the crowd with bites, while guests enjoyed watching the elephants stroll through the Giants of the Savanna habitat and got up-close and personal with several of the Zoo’s Animal Adventures Outreach ambassador animals including a Eurasian eagle owl, a radiated tortoise, and a friendly pair of flamingos. Lois Finkelman, Board of Directors Chair for the Dallas Zoo welcomed everyone, then announced Robyn and Chris Chauvin as this year’s Event Chairs for the 30th Anniversary  Zoo To Do event. Lois then handed the floor to Rhealyn Carter, Vice President of Advancement at Dallas Zoo who reminded guests that for the past thirty years, Zoo To Do has been the signature fundraiser for Zoo raising over $17 million to support the Zoo’s mission of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife.

 

The Chauvins excitedly revealed the theme of this year’s ZTD event by unveiling signage showcasing the Return To The Wild artwork, then announced their committee chairs and members: Diane Brierley, Mary McDermott Cook, and Ruth O’Donnell Mutch as Honorary Chairs; Cindy Gummer as Big Board Chair; Alex Arellano, Ryan Gummer, and Steven Roth who will serve on the Underwriting committee; Jared Miller, and Aimee and Royce Ramey on the Live Auction committee; Carol and Don Glendenning as Host Committee Chairs; Chef Dan Landsberg will serve as Honorary Chef Chair; Greg Hext, and Michael Meadows will work on the wine committee, and Brett Krafft will serve as Chef Wrangler. 

 

“The Dallas Zoo is such a special place to our family. Not only because it is our boys' favorite place to spend a Saturday, but also because of the vital conservation work they do all around the world.  When we were asked to chair Zoo To Do we were thrilled at the opportunity to work in tandem with the Dallas Zoo team to ensure the great future of those beloved animals.” said Robyn and Chris Chauvin.

 

Proceeds from Zoo To Do help support the Zoo’s dedication to providing the best animal care, delivering unique education offerings, and furthering its wildlife conservation efforts. Sponsorships range from $7,500 to $125,000. Individual tickets are $750 each and a VIP ticket is $1,500. For more information, visit the website at DallasZoo.com/ZooToDo.