Fall in love with breakfast again for Valentine’s Day at Overeasy, downtown Dallas’ favorite breakfast destination. The restaurant is offering the opportunity for a sweet celebration including heart-shaped red velvet pancakes with a warm cream cheese anglaise from Saturday, Feb. 10 to Wednesday, Feb. 14 for $14.00.

Diners can enjoy this celebration all day and are invited to complement their meal with Overeasy’s exciting new brunch menu, including an array of melts and handhelds. The Valentine’s Day special can be purchased for dine-in, take-out or delivery. Details and reservations are available at overeasydallas.com.

If you have questions or need hi-res images from the restaurant, please contact Kelly Hunter at khunter@sunwestpr.com.

Overeasy

1914 Commerce St.

Dallas, TX 75201

469.320.8998

overeasydallas.com

Texas Woman’s University has named longtime nonprofit executive and community relations veteran Monica Christopher as the inaugural president of the university’s Dallas campus. She begins her role on Feb. 1.

Christopher, who has held key fundraising and relationship building posts spanning 25 years at Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Morning News/WFAA, will lead the Dallas campus as it works to elevate the impact of the campus in the Dallas community.

“Monica is an exceptional innovator and collaborator with a solid track record of successful fundraising and relationship building in Dallas, which will serve Texas Woman’s well in its quest to grow the Dallas campus,” Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten said.

“Her Dallas roots run deep, and she has an extensive background working with boards, foundations, nonprofits and corporations. With her leadership at Texas Woman’s ? Dallas and her partnership with other university and college leaders, I can see Dallas developing into even more of a destination city for those seeking higher education credentials,” Feyten added. “Monica demonstrates great passion for her work and exudes a polished, energetic professionalism.”

As president, Christopher will provide strategic leadership for the campus, which is located in the Southwestern Medical District. She will work with students, faculty, staff and key stakeholders — including alumni, community members, business and industry leaders, legislators and policymakers — to ensure Texas Woman’s is a key contributor to the higher education landscape in Dallas.

“Texas Woman’s has a distinguished history in Dallas, and I am honored and beyond thrilled to serve as the inaugural president of the Dallas campus,” Christopher said. “I look forward to working with the university’s talented faculty, staff and students to grow the campus, build on its legacy of excellence and bring greater awareness to the outstanding degree programs offered here.” 

The State of Texas established Texas Woman’s University System in 2021 as its seventh university system, pushing its Dallas and Houston campuses to transform, grow and continue serving the state and its communities as the nation’s only system with a woman-focused mission. Among the system’s strategic priorities is installing leadership at both campuses. A search is currently underway for a Houston campus president.

About TWU Dallas

Texas Woman’s first established a presence in Dallas in 1954, when the nursing program was launched at Parkland Hospital. Today, the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences – Dallas Center is a 190,000-square-foot facility that sits in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District. Since then, Texas Woman’s has become a notable contributor to the healthcare workforce, graduating an average of 2,000 nursing and allied health professionals each year.

The Dallas campus also is home to the renowned Stroke Center, which provides more than 5,000 hours of clinical, neuro-rehabilitation services annually at no cost to members of the community. In addition to an MBA and graduate level Healthcare Administration programs, the Dallas campus offers upper-level undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

About Monica Christopher

Christopher is the inaugural president of Texas Woman’s Dallas campus. A seasoned fundraiser and community relations professional, she has served in key positions in both areas for the last 25 years, forging numerous successful private-public sector partnerships and amassing extensive experience in cultivating and stewarding major donors, grant making, program management, and public speaking. During her 15-year tenure at Dallas-based Communities Foundation of Texas, she rose to the level of senior vice president and chief giving and community impact officer, leading several teams in fundraising efforts that set new benchmarks in gifts and funds created. While at The Dallas Morning News/WFAA, she also held several positions over nearly 10 years in community relations aimed at building community engagement, raising brand awareness and coordinating charity events. Additional leadership roles for Christopher include involvement in the Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Summit, Junior League of Dallas, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, and the Women’s Auxiliary at Children’s Medical Center, among other organizations.

Stan’s Blue Note will heat things up with their “Great Bowls of Fire” 12^th annual Chili Cook-off on Sunday, February 18^th. From 2pm-6pm the best self-proclaimed chili chefs from around the area will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights to be crowned the best! What makes this event even better is that we do it for an important cause – this year benefitting Foundation 45 and their efforts to provide mental health services in Dallas/Fort Worth.

How to enter? Register online and your $25 registration fee ($30 day of event) gets you in the competition for cash prizes PLUS domestic draft beer from 3pm-5pm.

Prepare your showstopping chili! With beans or without, spicy or not, vegetarian or venison – it’s up to you and we will try them all! Just make sure you deliver it to Stan’s by 2:30 on February 18 (see rules online) to be included in the judging.

Who will win? Two awards will be given - Judges’ Choice, by our special panel, and a People’s Choice Award.

Want to be in on the judging? Anyone can participate in the People’s Choice voting! Bring $10 and you’ll get a spoon, a ballot, and a beer to wash it all down. If you really love chili buy a couple ballots at $10 each.

How can we make it more fun? By offering raffle prizes, of course! Special thanks to our sponsors, East Dallas Automotive and Milo Butterfingers! Plus, we have several area restaurants and businesses who graciously donated gift certificates and prizes. There’s something for everyone to enjoy from Lounge Here, Salute Wine Brokers, Walton’s Garden Center, Sundown Granada, Lochland’s Irish Pub, Libertine, Terilli’s, Dodie’s Cajun Diner, Table 13, McRae’s American Bistro, Top Golf, and more!

And because it is Stan’s, our big screens will have all the sports! We also add to the fun with pool, darts, shuffleboard, music, great beer, and food.

Why? This event is all fun for a good cause. Proceeds from Stan’s 12^th annual Chili Cook-off benefit Foundation 45. Foundation 45 is a suicide, addiction, and mental health awareness group serving the Dallas/Fort Worth creative community by providing free top-tier mental health and recovery services while working to destigmatize the conversation around mental health. 

Stan’s Blue Note, Dallas’ oldest continuously operating drinking establishment has been named has been named one of the best bars in DFW and Best Sports Bar.  Stan’s is located in Lower Greenville at 2908 Greenville Avenue. 

Special values for underwriters at certain levels guarantee VIP swag
benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden

Allison Brodnax, chair of the 36^th Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, and Gift Bag chairs Tara Terry and Marija Hoppe, are delighted to announce Eataly as the Official Gift Bag Sponsor, guaranteeing special gifts for everyone who attends.  All luncheon guests will receive a gift bag valued at $50 containing goodies from Eataly. Table hosts and underwriters at the $1,000 level and up will receive gift bags valued at $125.”

“In the three years that Eataly has been here in Dallas at NorthPark Center, we have made sure to give back to the community by participating in some of the most important philanthropic events for the city. We are now thrilled to support the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden with the 2024 Mad Hatter’s Luncheon,” said Robert Domian, Director of Store Operations at Eataly Dallas.

Slated for Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Dallas Arboretum with Barbara Bigham as honorary chair and Karen Sargent as Women’s Council president, this fabulous party has been an ongoing fundraising event sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised assist with the development, growth and maintenance of A Woman’s Garden, a major garden at the Dallas Arboretum. 
        
Guests travel from all over the United States, planning their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, taking the theme as inspiration for their sophisticated, glamorous, and delightfully lavish hats, but to view the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.

        
The morning will begin with a Welcome Reception, a stroll in the gardens and a Silent Auction while the discerning hat judges take note of the Grecian-influenced interpretations of this year’s theme Gardens of Greece, including these hat categories: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Olympic Games, Greek Mythology, Greek Life (sorority), Best Botanical Using Fresh Flowers and Greek Goddesses (group of 3 or more).  Inside Rosine Hall, Hat Contest winners will be announced, which will be followed by the fashion show and then a delicious three-course luncheon.
        
Last year, just over 650 people attended the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon in a party spread over Rosine Hall and A Tasteful Place. This year, the cap on attendance is 500, as it will take place only in Rosine Hall. So, do not delay securing tables, underwriting and sponsorships now.
        
Sponsorships begin at $2,500. Patron Tickets start at $500. Visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/tua/  or scan the QR code below to purchase sponsorships or tickets. Individuals who purchase a patron level ticket and up will be invited to a patron party at the Harlan Crow Library. Visit the website for more information www.wcdabg.org    

About the Women’s Council: Celebrating its 42^nd Anniversary in 2024.
Since 1982 the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. The support of over 600 members of the Women’s Council make possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  www.wcdabg.org

About A Woman’s Garden: Celebrating its 27^th Anniversary in 2024.
A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. Ablaze with color in every season, A Woman’s Garden is a living testament to the passion and vision of the Women’s Council founders and the boundless energy and devotion of its members whose commitment to creating a garden dedicated to the universal spirit of women across generations is realized in its inspired design. Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion and unwavering commitment of the women who came before us and those entrusted with its care now, and into the future.     

About Mad Hatter’s: Celebrating its 36^th Anniversary in 2024.
In 1989, Carole Ann Brown chaired the first Mad Hatter's Tea to bring awareness to the Women's Council and the Dallas Arboretum. The tea was held in the Camp House garden for 100 ladies and raised $10,000. Over the years, Mad Hatter’s has been chaired by many notable Dallas ladies such as Linda Ivy, Barbara Bigham, Connie Carreker, Barbara Daseke and Patti Flowers. Honorary Chairs have included some of the most philanthropic names in Dallas history such as Annette Simmons, Gene Jones, Caroline Rose Hunt, Tincy Miller, Sally Hoglund, Dee Wyly, Margaret Crow, Nancy Rogers, Amy Warren, Patty Dedman Nail, Sherwood Wagner, Laurie Sands Harrison and Kim Hext.

Finally, it would not be a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party without the hats. The creativity at Mad Hatter’s over the years has been impressive. Ladies have been inspired to create millinery creations based on Royal Ascot, Run for the Roses, April in Paris, Steel Magnolias, Under the Tuscan Sun and even Garden by the Sea. We have seen the Golden Age of Hollywood, have come Out of Africa into the Garden, enjoyed a Wonderland of Fashion while having Tea with Alice and Majestic Mad Hatter’s –A Celebration of English Elegance.   

Photo by Thomas Garza

Now collecting donations of dresses, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps

St. Andrew Methodist Church announces its 15^th Annual Prom Closet will be held Feb. 20 – 22, 24 and Feb. 26 – March 2, 2024, in Smith Worship Center, at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano. High school girls from ANYWHERE in need of a prom dress are invited to come select a dress and accessories - all at no cost. Appointments are required to improve the overall shopping experience and minimize wait times for the shoppers. Online registration opens Jan. 22. Each shopper must be present to select her own dress and accessories and may have one guest, age 16 or older. A personal shopper volunteer assists each shopper throughout the process. There are 35 shopping slots per each 1.5-hour time frame.

Prom Closet, a service of the St. Andrew Methodist Women, provides prom attire to approximately 1,000 high school girls each year. When it first began in 2009, 35 girls from local high schools received dresses and accessories. In 2023, 1,060 girls received dresses and accessories. Over the years, Prom Closet has welcomed girls from across Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma as well as exchange students from Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Thailand. Approximately 500 volunteers come together each year to help make prom dreams come true.

“This year Prom Closet will celebrate its 15^th anniversary of making prom dreams come true,” said Devra Helffrich, a founder of the Prom Closet, which was created to provide a unique shopping experience for young ladies who because of finances would be unable to attend prom. “Not only is the need great, but the impact the dress makes on the girl and her family is immeasurable. Each volunteer strives to provide an uplifting experience for the young ladies letting them know they are loved, and they are beautiful. There are countless beautiful and emotional stories of girls and their families who have received prom dresses and accessories.”

The Prom Closet is accepting donations of dresses (sizes 0-30), jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps. All donations may be dropped off at St. Andrew, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., just inside the church’s north entry doors on a designated dress rack, Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. - noon. For the north entrance, look for the covered walkway and sign on the building.  A link on Amazon is available for anyone that would like to help by purchasing items, which will be shipped directly to the church. To review items available for purchase, go to this link: Prom Closet Wish List

“We are so grateful for the support and donations from the community as well as our wonderful volunteers – all of whom make Prom Closet possible,” added Helffrich. “We collect dresses, shoes, jewelry, wraps, handbags, and other accessories year ’round and encourage the community to bring in items to support this important effort.”

To register for a 1.5-hour time slot and to volunteer, visitstandrewmethodist.org/promcloset.

For questions and more information email promcloset@standrewmethodist.org, or call 469-385-1810 for more information.

“What I love most about St. Andrew’s annual Prom Closet is the absolute joy that it brings to the lives of so many,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, senior pastor, St. Andrew. “This program is about so much more than just providing dresses or accessories. For many, it’s about hope and discovering there are people who care. The St. Andrew Women work on this program year ’round because they know its impact. If you are looking for an incredible and uplifting volunteer experience, join us for our 15^th anniversary year! Prom Closet has grown to be an extraordinary outreach to girls throughout the metroplex and beyond.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is it?

St. Andrew Prom Closet, run by the Women of St. Andrew, is celebrating its 15^th year! Prom Closet provides donated dresses, sizes 0-30, as well as accessories such as jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps to high school girls for prom– all at NO COST. Organizers estimate more than 4,000 dresses will be available when Prom Closet opens Feb. 20.

Requirements for shoppers: each girl must sign up online for an appointment at www.standrewmethodist.org/promcloset (beginning Jan. 22); each girl must be present to shop for her own dress; and each girl is allowed to bring ONE guest, age 16 or older with them. A personal shopper volunteer assists each girl throughout the process, and there are 35 shopping slots per each 1.5-hour time frame.

When and where is it?

Feb. 20 – 22, 24 and Feb. 26 – March 2, 2024

Smith Worship Center, St. Andrew Methodist Church, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano 75093

Who is this for?

This is open to any high school girl from ANYWHERE. If you live outside the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you can still come! Over the years, Prom Closet has welcomed girls from across Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma as well as exchange students from Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Thailand. Girls must sign up for an appointment time online.

What is the history of Prom Closet? How did it begin?

Prom Closet first began in 2009 when the Women of St. Andrew in Plano were searching for an idea for their yearly mission project. The daughter of one of the group’s leaders worked for a local school district. She had noticed a huge need for girls to acquire prom attire so they could attend their senior proms. The idea of providing a unique shopping experience for young ladies who because of finances would be unable to attend prom was presented to the group, and all agreed to move forward with Prom Closet. The program, which remains a service of the Women of St. Andrew, also depends on many additional volunteers from the community. Each year, approximately 500 volunteers assist with Prom Closet serving in a variety of areas. Prom Closet organizers and volunteers confirm that not only is the need great, but the impact the dress makes on the girl and her family is immeasurable.

How does it work?

The room is set up like a boutique. Each girl checks in for her appointment and is greeted by a personal shopper who helps her find dress racks with her size. Once she has selected her dress, she may try it on in one of 20 dressing rooms. Then she visits the boutique to look for jewelry, shoes, a handbag, and a wrap.

Where are the items from?

Community and church members, businesses, organizations, and local groups donate dresses, shoes, wraps, jewelry, handbags, and other accessories for this annual event. Some dresses have never been worn.

How many have you served?

The first year, Prom Closet provided 35 dresses to local high school girls. In 2023, 1,060 girls from 290 schools and 103 school districts received dresses and accessories, all donated by community members, local groups, corporations, and businesses.

Can people donate dresses and accessories?

Prom Closet is accepting donations of dresses (sizes 0-30), jewelry, shoes, handbags, and wraps. All donations may be dropped off at St. Andrew, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., just inside the church’s north entry doors on a designated dress rack. Drop-off hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. - noon. For the north entrance, park in the large north parking lot off Mira Vista and look for the covered walkway and sign on the building. A link on Amazon (www.standrewmethodist.org/promcloset) is available for anyone that would like to help by purchasing items, which are shipped directly to the church.

Are volunteers needed?

Yes. Prom Closet relies on volunteers for various roles of all levels of physical capability, including check-in desk and check-out desk, personal shoppers, dressing room assistants, and set-up and tear-down crew members. Volunteers for the shopping days must be adults. All adult volunteers must complete a background check. Sign up online to volunteer beginning Jan. 22. Upon registration you will receive an email within 24-48 hours asking you to complete the background check.

What if people have questions?

Call the Prom Closet informational hotline at 469-385-1810, or email promcloset@standrewmethodist.org. 

What are some stories of people you have helped?

- A Prom Closet recipient contacted St. Andrew because she wanted to donate her dresses back to the Prom Closet. Because of Prom Closet she was able to attend her Homeschool Prom twice during some of the family’s hardest financial and personal years. The family was struggling with money and the death of her father. “I didn’t want to go out shopping and see dresses I couldn’t afford, but when I came to Prom Closet, everyone was so welcoming and wanted me to be filled with joy. They provided everything I needed including shoes and jewelry. I learned that there are people out there who watch out for others facing difficult times. It’s important for us all to give back when we can do so.

- While volunteering as a personal shopper for the first time, Cid Smith quickly discovered that what mattered the most were the genuine compliments she provided when a young woman looked beautiful in a dress. “They would stand a little straighter and smile a little brighter.” She assisted exchange students from Germany and Poland. As she shared stories from her travels and volunteer work abroad, they found comfort in talking about their homes. Their smiles when they each found “the one” dress made her smile as well. As with many volunteer opportunities, she felt like she got even more out of the experience than the girls!

- The Waco Children’s Home made three separate trips to bring girls to the Prom Closet because the van could not hold everyone that wanted to come at one time. Every girl found a dress!

- Prom Closet has served: girls whose current residence was at the Samaritan Inn; a group of six foster teens brought in by a social worker; and three vans of Roosevelt High School girls, brought in by ROTC instructors, who needed gowns for the school’s Military Ball. The Prom Closet made a difference, lifting financial burdens, giving hope, and making dreams a reality.

- One year a young lady, who later attended University of Texas on scholarship, needed a dress for prom. A church member who was mentoring her told her about the Prom Closet. As it turned out, the young lady had been mentoring a special needs freshman boy at school and was able to take him to the prom since she found a dress.

- A family shared they had been fretting over how they were going to afford everything for their daughter to attend her prom. They were watching the news and learned about Prom Closet. The mother and daughter jumped in the car as soon as they saw the news story. The father called them and provided directions so they could make it in time. The daughter found a dress and accessories, and both mother and daughter were so appreciative and thankful.

- Another favorite story is about a young woman who had been nominated for prom queen but could not afford a dress to attend. She found the perfect dress at Prom Closet and had a night she will always treasure.

St. Andrew PROM CLOSET 

Website and Registration: www.standrewmethodist.org/promcloset

Hotline: 469-385-1810

Email: promcloset@standrewmethodist.org

Instagram: promclosetstandrew

Twitter: @promclosetStA

Facebook: Prom Closet: St. Andrew

LinkedIn: Prom Closet: St. Andrew 

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.