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Kathy Beazley
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Photo courtesy of Dallas Pride

Get ready to celebrate! Dallas Pride, the non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening, supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community returns to Fair Park June 1-2, 2024, with an expanded festival and a spectacular parade with the theme of “Unity in the Community.”

“This year’s events are a celebration of the work that is done year-round to uplift the LGBTQ+ community,” said Sherrell Cross, executive director of Dallas Pride. “This year, we expanded our celebration to include even more people who have found the love, support and information we are able to offer as a non-profit whose mission is to lift others. It’s time to party.”

New for this year: By popular demand, the festival at Dallas Pride in Fair Park is now a two-day event, Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, 2024. Bring the whole family to Fair Park for these all-ages events, which make for a weekend of fun honoring the LGBTQ+ community, its allies, sponsors and supporters. 

The Dallas Pride Music Festival on Saturday will feature a variety of musical and dance performances on multiple indoor and outdoor stages. More than 200 vendors will have booths to see and shop at the festival. Family Pride Zone, an area designed for families, will feature several bounce houses, face painting, entertainment for the kids and the Pride Train ride in the Automobile Building at Fair Park. The festival also includes Teen Pride, which fosters a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 19 and their friends to enjoy live entertainment from artists and DJs, and other age-appropriate activities. Local animal rescue groups will also be on-site for guests to meet a possible new furry family member. 

The Dallas Pride Music Festival is Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10; admission for children 12 and under is complimentary. Tickets go on sale in April at dallaspride.org. Watch Dallas Pride’s social media for daily updates on ticket sales and other event news. Vendor registration is open now, with more details available at dallaspride.org.

Then, on Sunday, Dallas Pride kicks off at 10 a.m. with a pre-parade festival and activities. Vendors will have refreshments, DJs will spin, and attendees can engage in Teen Pride and the Family Pride Zone, in addition to enjoying shopping and other fun. 

The Dallas Pride Parade winds its way through Fair Park on Sunday, June 2, starting at 2 p.m. Free to attend, the parade is a rainbow feast for the eyes, with outrageous costumes, inventive floats, bands, groups and more marching in support of the LGBTQ+ community in a mile-long event featuring more than 150 parade entries. 

Admission for Dallas Pride’s festival and parade on Sunday is free. Paid parking is available at Fair Park, or attendees may take the DART Green Line directly to Fair Park. Parade entry registration is open now (please note that the order of parade line-up is based on the order of completed applications and payments received).

Individuals, companies and organizations that would like to participate in a festival at Dallas Pride on June 1-2 or the Dallas Pride Parade on June 2 can find vendor, sponsor and parade participant registration links at dallaspride.org/registration/.

About Dallas Pride

The mission of Dallas Pride is to strengthen, support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. By prioritizing inclusiveness, Dallas Pride fosters a feeling of belonging for everyone from youth to seniors by creating events, initiatives and programs that foster connections between members of the community, its allies and its supporters.

Follow @DallasPride on Facebook, @DallasPrideOfficial on Instagram, @DallasPrideOrg on Twitter, or via the organization’s website, www.DallasPride.org, for all the tea.

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The artwork is being auctioned off through Give Butter at the U&I website, uandispreadthelight.com/auction.

14 Pieces of Artwork from Dallas Artists Were Donated with the Mission of Reshaping Perception and Fostering Inclusivity for People with Disabilities

  

Artwork from The 30th Annual U&I Dash that was revealed at the nonprofit’s event in Klyde Warren Park Saturday, March 23 is now up for auction. There are 14 pieces of artwork available to the highest bidder that were featured in two distinct areas of the event - the Redefining Disabilities Experience, an immersive art experience, and the Rise Up Live Art Show featuring local muralists who created their pieces onsite. Proceeds from the sale of the artwork benefits U&I’s mission, meeting the needs of disabled individuals in our community. 

Eight distinguished Dallas artists paired up with eight U&I clients - youth and adults with disabilities as well as disabled veterans - to create artwork that redefines what it means to create and collaborate. The artwork is being auctioned off through Give Butter at the U&I website uandispreadthelight.com/auction. The auction will close at 1 pm CST on Wednesday April 3. All sales are final. To learn more about the story of why the artists partnered with U&I, visit U&I’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com/@ui4715

The Redefining Disabilities Experience featured the following artists with U&I clients:

“We brought these eight prominent Dallas artists together with eight of our clients,” said Bobby Cerda, U&I Creative Director. “They got to know each other, and each artist created an original piece of artwork that was featured at The U&I Dash in Klyde Warren Park. The goal was to tell the clients’ story and help put the viewer in their shoes… to feel what it’s like to be an underdog.”

This year’s event theme, Underdogs Run Faster, honored each person's innate creative potential. Each piece of art conveys a message about resiliency, self-expression, and the strength of human connection via vivid colors, complex textures, and distinctive forms.

“We aren’t as different from each other as we might think,” said Dallas artist Kyle Steed, a U.S. Air Force veteran who was paired up with Army veteran Ellington Rucker. “My goal is to interpret El’s life and the embodiment of who he is. Working with a fellow Veteran was a draw. Giving back to the undervalued and helping give a voice to those with disabilities made me want to participate.”

The Rise Up Live Art Show, curated by Ray Butler and powered by The Box Co, featured local muralists Daniel Yanez, JD Moore, Patricia Rodriguez, Hatziel Flores, and Eliana Miranda who created murals inspired by U&I clients and their daily challenges. Artists Raul Rodriguez and Christopher Machorro, known as Bestu Friendo, teamed up for a joint collaboration and invited the community to participate in the creation of their live mural on the day of the event. 

"Art reflects a world that we don't understand, so to be given this opportunity to collaborate with someone that cannot typically express their creativity has been truly amazing,” said Dora Reynosa, one of the featured artists. “These pieces show how being different can be great and how art forces you to examine things differently.” 

Each artist has given freely of their time, skills, and creations. All of the auction's proceeds—100% go straight to U&I—supporting the organization’s purpose of empowering people with disabilities, encouraging inclusivity in our community, and advancing the idea of redefining disabilities.

In 1951, Jean Walker Bentley overcame cultural barriers and spoke out for disabled children and their families. She started the Children’s Development Center to meet the scholastic and socialization needs of children with special needs. In 1981, the federal government mandated that public schools had the responsibility to educate children with disabilities. The organization evolved to help veterans find employment and provide vocational training for special education students preparing to transition out of high school.

Today, as one of the largest workforce development centers in DFW, U&I continues to meet the needs of disabled individuals by providing vocational training, job readiness training, paid work opportunities and community placement to more than 1000 youth and adults with severe intellectual, physical and/or mental health disabilities. More information is available at uandispreadthelight.com.

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As Easter approaches, Fairmont Dallas’ Pyramid Restaurant and Bar invites guests to an exquisite a la carte brunch on Sunday, March 31 from 11 am to 2 pm. Guests will enjoy the spirit of the season with live music and Easter-themed décor featuring blooming florals, charming bunnies, and Easter eggs.
 
Guests can enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny, face painting, balloon art, Easter cooking decorating, and a make-your-own mimosa bar.
 
Guests can enjoy a variety of springtime dishes including:
  • Buttermilk Pancakes with Vanilla Spiced Ricotta and Coulis $18
  • Eggs Benedict with Gougeres, Texas Crawfish, and Hollandaise $24
  • Red Velvet Waffles with Pickle Brined Fried Chicken $26
  • Lobster Roll with Kewpie, Shallot, Celery, and Tarragon $24
  • Banh Mi with Braised Pork Belly, Mortadella, Escabeche, Basil Aioli, Basil, Mint, and Cilantro $22
For festive sips, guests will enjoy cocktails from a live bar station including:
  • Easter Spritz with St-Germain, Mint, Prosecco, Chilled Soda Water, garnished with mint and lemon
  • Lemon Meringue with Egg White, Fresh Lemon Juice, Vanilla Syrup, Agave, Vodka, garnished with a Sugar Rim
  • Dark and Stormy Easter Elixir
  • Lavender Margarita
  • Italian Chocolate Martini
Reservations are available on OpenTable. Fairmont Dallas is located at 1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX.
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Photos by Arun Sharma Your Lensman Photography

Kick off spring with a colorful celebration of spirituality and Indian culture at the fifth annual Festival of Joy. The festival willtake place at Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., Dallas) on Saturday April 27, beginning at 11 a.m. and culminating with a live headline stage performance from 7 p.m. on. Presented by acclaimed East Dallas restaurant Kalachandji’s,the Festival of Joy brings togetherthousands of families, young adults and dignitaries for a fun-filled day of bright colors, beautiful flowers and a free vegetarian feast, along with riveting music, dance, and interactive holistic living and cultural exhibits. A variety of ethnic vegetarian foods will also be available for purchase.

New this year is an evening stage performance by popular Indian artist Gaura Vani, an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist fluent in music, film and the visual arts. Vani performs a genre of traditional Indian kirtan music with Western elements such as 12-string guitar, gospel choruses and hip-hop rhythms.

“Dallas is a diverse, forward-thinking city, and the Festival of Joy has become a much-anticipated tradition that brings thousands of people together every year,” said Dallas City Council Member Jesse Moreno, who represents the district where Kalachandji’s and the Radha Kalachandji Temple are located. “The festival is a great way to fully immerse yourself in a holistic experience focusing on mindfulness, fun and harmony.”

The Festival of Joy, also celebrated as Ratha Yatra or Festival of Chariots, has its roots in the ancient Indian bhakti tradition. It has been observed annually for more than 3,000 years in the holy city of Jagannatha Puri in the South Indian state of Orissa, making it the world’s longest-running street festival. It is now held in major city centers worldwide, including New York City’s Fifth Avenue and London’s Piccadilly Circus.

“The energy and joy felt by the thousands who attend reminds us that hope and faith can conquer all. Our lives can be filled with anxiety and fear, or with love and wholesomeness. We strive to build the consciousness of love and oneness with the universe. The Festival of Joy spreads this inner consciousness to inspire others, and we hope more people will come and experience this special celebration of spiritual culture,” said Nityananda Das Adhikari of the Radha Kalachandji Temple.

The festival will start at 11 a.m. with a welcome ceremony at Klyde Warren Park, followed by a parade at 11:30 a.m. through the Dallas Arts District and back to the park at 1:30 p.m. Hundreds of festivalgoers, pilgrims and faith leaders will pull the colorful chariot carrying the sacred deities of Jagannatha, Subhadra and Balarama along the route. Hundreds more will dance, sing sacred mantras and play traditional musical instruments. Devotees believe that if they get the opportunity to pull the ropes of the giant chariot carrying Lord Krishna, known as Jagannatha or the Lord of the Universe, they can obtain eternal service to the Lord in the spiritual world.

After the procession returns to Klyde Warren Park, families and guests can enjoy a free vegetarian feast and live stage entertainment, sample regional Indian street food favorites, visit an ethnic clothing bazaar, and explore holistic living exhibits revealing the spiritual heart of India, featuring Ayurveda, yoga, traditional crafts, mehndi, try-a-sari, ask-a-monk, vegetarian cooking and more.

At 7 p.m., Vani will be featured in a concert performance on the main stage with kirtan (musical mantra meditation) and bharat-natyam (classical Indian dance).

“The Festival of Joy has been a wonderful addition to Dallas’ spring traditions, showcasing our growing diversity and the cultural enrichment that the Indian community brings to the city and our community,” said Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, VISIT DALLAS’ director of cultural tourism.

Note: Although the free feast and some activities will close at 5 p.m., the Indian street food concessions will remain open during the evening concert.

Festivalgoers who would like to experience more can get info on the Kalachandji Konnect program of daily philosophy classes and kirtan, and continuing education programs in meditation, yoga, Ayurveda and vegetarian cooking.

Go to festivalofjoydallas.com for updates on entertainment and activities.

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Puttshack, the mini golf destination that's taken North Texas by storm, is leading the charge with its high-tech luxury mini golf experience. Their latest venture, a new educational video series, dives deep into the state-of-the-art technology that sets Puttshack apart from the rest and makes them technically, the best.

Puttshack’s cloud-based technology infrastructure offers an entirely new way to experience the fun and nostalgia of mini golf. Featuring their patented Trackaball™ Technology, Puttshack offers a mini golf experience like no other. Each golf ball is embedded with a microprocessor, connecting players to a hands-free scoring system that enhances the competitive and exciting gameplay. The courses themselves are packed with interactive elements and dynamic obstacles, making every round a thrilling adventure. Puttshack Addison now offers two unique experiences: the 9-Hole mini golf courses and the competitive Challenge Hole. The Challenge Hole features custom games and full-service dining in a dedicated suite, providing guests with an immersive mini-golf experience.

“While plenty of people are familiar with the traditional game of mini golf, our tech-infused version of the classic offers a whole new experience for our guests,” said Susan Walmesley, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Puttshack. “We are excited to highlight the best parts of our brand, from the incredibly innovative technology behind the gameplay – such as our one-of-a-kind ball that enables pencil-free scoring on the course – to the elevated dishes and inspired drinks on our curated, chef-led menu.”

Designed to be part educational, part entertainment, “Technically, The Best” is a short-form video series, featuring six episodes that star the brand’s quirky fictional host, Ace Puttman. Each episode, just 30 seconds long, showcases different aspects of the Puttshack experience, from the technology to the food and beverage menu.

And for those looking to win big, the Supertube Sweepstakes will be held from March 18 to April 14. Open to Puttshack Perks members, the sweepstakes offers a chance to win a free round of gameplay or even a Puttshack party for 12. Members can enter simply by playing the game and sinking a Supertube. Supertubes are a course element that gives players a chance to score bonus points and increase the odds of getting a hole-in-one. Those who sink a Supertube during the sweepstakes period will win one free round of gameplay to redeem on their next visit. Guests who score two or more Supertubes will also automatically be entered to win the grand prize, a Puttshack party for 12, inclusive of food and drinks. You can learn more about the Supertube Sweepstakes at puttshack.com/TheBest.

With its family-friendly hours and 21+ atmosphere after 8 p.m., Puttshack Addison is the perfect destination for fun-seekers of all ages. Head over to puttshack.com/Addison to make your reservation and experience the future of mini golf today.

Highland Park Education Foundation
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Paul and Ellen Lee with Jaemie and John Steinmetz

The Highland Park Education Foundation (HPEF) celebrated successfully raising $1.7M
through its annual Mad for Plaid campaign. This amount was pledged by HPEF to the District going
into the 2023-24 school year, upon a request from HPISD to help fund 1% of a 5% raise for teacher
and staff salaries. To celebrate a successful campaign and thank patron donors who made this
possible, the Foundation hosted an evening of gratitude on Wednesday, February 28, at the home of
Joanna and David Iliff on Beverly Drive, with Vista Bank as the event sponsor.

During the reception, guests mixed and mingled while enjoying drinks and appetizers catered by Nick
and Sam’s. Attendees included Bryce Benson, Maryjane and Chris Bonfield, Liza and Jae Ellis, Ellen
and Paul Lee, Kelly and John Diehl, Frances Mitchell, Laurie and Mark Aldredge, Judy and Jim Gibbs,
Catherine Seals, Beth and Nick Peters, Christopher McGuire, Vista Bank President and CEO John
Steinmetz and Sr. Vice President Adam Hefton, HPISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Rockwood and wife
Jené, and HPEF’s Board President Bill Ogle and wife Lisa.

HPEF Executive Director Meg Boyd provided opening remarks and thanked everyone for their
generosity, and then introduced the guest speaker for the evening, HPISD Superintendent Dr. Mike
Rockwood, who joined the District in April 2023. “The Mad for Plaid campaign epitomizes the
incredible community support we have for Highland Park schools,” said Dr. Rockwood. “This
initiative is not only appreciated, but it is vital to ensure our teachers and staff are more
competitively compensated. A sincere thank you to each and every individual who contributed to this
worthy cause.”

The Foundation would like to thank this year’s Mad for Plaid Co-Chairs Kamela and Kenneth Aboussie,
Claire and Andy Baker, Mary Katharine and Martin Gill, and Chris Palmer and Terry Steger. It would
also like to thank our Mad for Plaid Campus Reps, Grandparent Committee, Patron donors ($1,000+)
and MFP Leadership Society donors ($10,000+). We are all “Mad for Plaid!”

2023-2024 Mad for Plaid Leadership Society as of March 6:

Visionary ($50,000+)
Clements Foundation
Judy Jackson Gray, in memory of C.D. Bowlby
La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas
Park Cities Dads Club Teachers Cup

Legacy ($25,000-$49,999)
Kamela & Kenneth Aboussie
Robin & Bernay Box
Simon and Louise Henderson Foundation
Maleiah & Ryan Rogers
The Trinity Family Foundation - Elisa & Stephen Summers

Luminary ($10,000-$24,999)
Anonymous (4)
Lori & Jon Altschuler
Carol & Taylor Armstrong
Heather & Ray Balestri
Stacy & Tyler Burke
MacKenzie & Benjamin Carpenter
Sylvie & Gary Crum
The Dreyfuss Family
The Gwinn Family
Judy & Jim Gibbs
Kim & Chuck Giglio
The Hankins Foundation
The Hegi Family
Jean & Jason Signor
Joanna & David Iliff
Ellen & Clayton Kershaw
Catherine & Chuck Lundberg
Luther King Capital Management
Carolyn & David Miller
Origin Bank
Nancy Poole
Gail & Dan Settle
Catherine & Tom Sharpe
Ann & Jeff Swope
The Trammell Foundation
Vista Bank
The Bill and Katie Weaver Charitable Trust
The Gil and Dody Weaver Foundation
Kathy & John Yeaman

 

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Teddy Cares™, A Nationwide Initiative for Homeless Children, Kicks Off

Homeless organization to give bear and book to young children in shelters across U.S.

DALLAS – March 26, 2024 – Homeless recovery center, Dallas LIFE kicks off an initiative today called Teddy Cares™ with the goal of comforting children in homeless shelters across the United States. The initiative is named for a new book entitled Teddy Cares, which is written from the perspective of a teddy bear at a homeless shelter who has been waiting for a special friend to arrive. The book, authored by Dallas LIFE executive director Bob Sweeney, will be given along with a teddy bear to children ages two-to-eight in homeless shelters, serving as tangible symbols of safety and hope for the child and their family’s future.

“Over the years I have seen homelessness not only have a devastating effect on adults but their children as well,” said Bob Sweeney. “These dear little ones struggle to identify with their surroundings in a  shelter setting.  I found the questions they asked were basic, yet so essential to settle their little minds as well as the worry they carried. They struggle with having to go to a new school, eat different foods, sleep in a different bed, and do all this while living temporarily around strangers. I pictured them having a friend to walk them through the process and how great it would be if that friend were a teddy bear.”

The Teddy Cares initiative is being launched in Dallas with book and bear deliveries to, Dallas LIFE, Family Gateway, Genesis Women's Shelter, Union Gospel Mission Center of Hope homeless shelters. Dallas LIFE will host Teddy Cares events at shelters with the goal of providing a bright spot in the children’s day. During the event, children will visit with the Teddy Cares mascot, receive books and bears, and enjoy bear themed activities and refreshments.

Children in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio shelters will receive books and bears this month as well. Dallas LIFE is planning events and Teddy Cares special deliveries for shelters in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma later this year with other states to follow. The organization has the goal of providing books and bears to children nationwide.

“We’re working to bring this initiative to more than 300 homeless shelters across America with the goal of providing them to 1 million children in homeless shelters,” said Sweeney.

The initiative is being supported by generous donors; over 2,000 kids have been sponsored so far but as one-in-three homeless is a child, that leaves hundreds of thousands to be sponsored. Anyone can donate a book and bear to a child for $50 via www.teddycares.org.

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ABOUT DALLAS LIFE

In its 70th year, Dallas LIFE is a homeless recovery center offering services to men, women, families, seniors, and veterans. Dallas Life Executive Director, Bob Sweeney, created the Homeless No More recovery program as a long-term solution to homelessness achieving a nine-in-10 long-term recovery rate, surpassing most national homeless rehabilitation programs. Homeless No More 10-month program curriculum is accountability-based and provides drug and alcohol recovery, classes in anger management; relationship restoration; job readiness; resume preparation and interviewing skills; money management; personal and spiritual growth. The Teddy Cares initiative has the goal of providing every child in a homeless shelter their own teddy bear and Teddy Cares book. The initiative is based on Sweeney’s book entitled Teddy Cares written for children entering a homeless shelter. The book walks children through their new surroundings with the aim of helping them feel more comfortable during their time in a shelter.

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One hundred and ten Shelton students, parents, teachers, coaches and staff worked with the Dallas Sports Commission and CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) to take part in the pregame banner ceremonies at the CONCACAF Nations League Finals on Sunday, March 24, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Shelton was the only school selected to assist on the field during the Final Center Banner Ceremony. Shelton participants were involved in the flag ceremony before the third-place match on Sunday, March 24, at 5:00 p.m. and before the final game at 8:15 p.m.  Thanks to Shelton parent Stacey Segal, Director of Operations for the Dallas Sports Commission, and Shelton Athletics Director Alan Burt for making this opportunity happen for Shelton students, parents and teachers. Leading up to the final ceremony, participants took time to participate in two rehearsals at Shelton. People traveled from all over the world to help run the practices with our Shelton community.  

Cars for Kids
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In a recent episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, hosted by Rich DiPaolo, Colin Weatherwax, the CEO of Cars For Kids, took listeners on a journey through the organization's remarkable evolution. From its humble beginnings to becoming a prominent non-profit entity, Weatherwax shared insights into his motivations and the impactful projects that have shaped Cars For Kids.

During the episode, Weatherwax discussed the avenues available for carwash owners, operators, and customers to actively engage and contribute to the meaningful work of Cars For Kids. His advice shed light on the importance of partnering with reputable non-profits and the value of donating to causes that create positive change in communities.

"We are thrilled to have Colin Weatherwax join us on Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast and share his invaluable insights," said Rich DiPaolo, the host of the podcast. "His dedication to Cars For Kids and his vision for making a difference are truly inspiring."

Listeners can tune in to this enlightening episode to learn more about partnering with and donating to reputable non-profit organizations like Cars For Kids. The episode is available for streaming and download on Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast platform.

For media inquiries or further information, please visit www.carsforkids.org

 

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Hop to Open Palette in Downtown Dallas for Easter Brunch. The Easter Bunny is bringing together a delectable meal to enjoy for the holiday with $1 mimosas on Easter, Sunday, March 31.

Open Palette, inside Sheraton Dallas, is hosting an Easter’s Brunch Buffet from 11am to 2pm. The price is $70 plus tax and gratuity for adults, $29 for kids under 12 years old.  

The buffet features different stations including:

  • Starters including peel ‘n eat shrimp, local cheese table, charcuterie table, and pasta primavera

  • Salads

  • Traditional breakfast items 

  • Made-to-order omelet station

  • Butcher station featuring Mesquite Smoked Prime Rib, Honey Lavender Chicken and Mustard Dill Crusted Salmon

  • Dessert station with carrot cupcakes, milk chocolate cream puffs, blackberry white chocolate tarts, lavender macarons, and pink guava cheesecake

  • Drinks include $1 Mimosas, and $10 Bloody Marys and Peach Bellinis 

Reservations can be made by calling Open Palette at 469-371-1486, or by booking via OpenTable - https://www.opentable.com/r/open-palette-dallas.

Open Palette is located inside Sheraton Dallas in downtown and offers fresh, flavorful American classics inspired by its Dallas roots. 

Sheraton Dallas’ parking garage offers up to four hours of complimentary parking for those dining at the hotel. On-site valet service is also available.