66^th Annual Junior Symphony Ball

Sold out “Purpose With a Party”

Raises $497,000  for music and education programs

The total dollars were tallied for the 66th Annual Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) “Purpose with a Party” fundraiser, and a tremendous sum has been raised by the students. On behalf of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, a gigantic check in the record-breaking amount of $497,000 was presented to Nancy Labadie, DSOL President, and Terry Loftis, Chief Advancement and Revenue Officer of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. 

JSB is the second largest fundraiser for the DSOL and this year, has broken the mold and taken this fundraiser to a new level in money raised. 

The event on January 27th at the iconic Gilley’s Dallas witnessed a historic milestone with an unprecedented attendance of over 2,700 high school students from 35 schools. Tickets for fundraiser sold out within an hour of their release with hundreds more on the waitlist. This outstanding turnout set a new record as the largest in the event's history. The Steering Committee, comprising more than 800 students, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the evening's success. 

From start to finish, the committee undertook the task of organizing logistics, planning activities, and implementing crowd control measures to guarantee the enjoyment of the vast gathering. The check-in went smoothly handling the process efficiently for the hundreds of students that came through. Over 200 supportive parent volunteers helped to staff the evening. It culminated in a high-energy and memorable extravaganza for the staggering number of high school students in attendance.  

The lineup of the 2024 Event Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Cara Lichty, Episcopal School of Dallas; James Sutherland, St. Mark's School of Texas; Kate Fagan, The Hockaday School; Cash Nix, Highland Park High School; Ela Austin, Ursuline Academy; Ashton Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Adelaide Boisture, Parish Episcopal School; Baker Trent, Bishop Lynch High School; Caroline Woram, Highland Park High School.

Their supportive and proud moms are: Suzanne Austin, Jenny Lichty, Ashley Boisture, Jonika Nix, Dana Woram, Holly Krug, Lauren Sutherland, Aimee Fagan, and Katy Trent.

The JSB brought together high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors across the metroplex to celebrate with an evening filled with energetic live music, dynamic dancing, professionally staffed gaming tables, raffles, prizes and refreshments. 

“What makes JSB so special is this is the only party in town that every high school Sophomore through Senior is invited to attend,” said JSB 2024 Co-chair, Suzanne Austin. “These precious students are sometimes friends through social media, sports or school activities but this is the only time they can all come and spend an organized fun evening together.  This unique opportunity for our kiddos combined with raising money for an incredibly worthy cause is the right recipe for spectacular evening! My co-chairs and I are so appreciative of the overwhelming support from the parents, students, community businesses and underwriters that made this event so incredibly successful.”

From start to finish, the committee undertook the task of organizing logistics, planning activities, and implementing crowd control measures to guarantee the enjoyment of the vast gathering. The check-in went smoothly handling the process efficiently for the hundreds of students that came through. Over 200 supportive parent volunteers helped to staff the evening. It culminated in a high-energy and memorable extravaganza for the staggering number of high school students in attendance.

“This is an event that my friends and I look forward to all year, so when asked if I wanted to be a part of planning it and be a co-chair, I was definitely on board,” said JSB student co-chair, Ela Austin. “My student co-chairs and I all do community service through our schools, but this was an opportunity for us to go beyond our schools and into the community and be a part of something bigger. This was something that was important to each one of us and was our way to help the Dallas Symphony and help the Youth Programs that JSB supports.”

Sponsors include Mr. Tuxedo, Jenny Watts Photography, Competitive Cameras, Sewell, Veritex Community Bank, Highland Park Village, The Sidley Austin Foundation, and Stewart and Arango.

JSB is in its 66th year and is the longest running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting DSO outreach programs such as the Young Strings program and the Young Musicians program. It was founded with the concept of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership. While JSB has evolved in scope and participation size, it has always been a high school student fundraising event for the DSO hosted by area 10^th-12^th grade high school students and their parents. JSB has grown over the decades from just a handful of participating schools to over 35 this year.  

Photo by Suzanne Austin

Key to photo

Cash Nix, Ela Austin, Caroline Woram, Nancy Labadie, Terry Loftis, Cara Lichty, Ashton Krug, Baker Trent, Suzanne Austin

With space for 60 children, Bezos Academy Dallas - Lakewood marks the sixth Bezos Academy preschool announced in the Dallas area

Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC), one of the oldest organizations in Dallas serving youth and elders, has partnered with Bezos Academy to open a tuition-free, Montessori-inspired year-round preschool on its campus.

Bezos Academy Dallas - Lakewood will feature three classrooms, a dedicated workspace for educators, and an outdoor play area. The program will have space for 60 children, ages 3–5.

"The mission of Bezos Academy aligns perfectly with Juliette Fowler Communities' mission of building trusting relationships with community members and families," said Nicole Gann, president and CEO, JFC. "Bringing a Bezos Academy preschool onto our campus alongside our intergenerational community is an ideal collaboration that will only strengthen our community through access, education, and service."

Bezos Academy covers operating expenses for its preschools at no cost to eligible families, providing everything the children need during the day, including meals and educational materials. The preschools’ Montessori-inspired approach is designed to meet every child where they are, and to help them learn and grow at their own pace. The organization hires, trains, develops, and pays talented educators, and it provides everything that the children need during their day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. This marks the sixth Bezos Academy preschool announced in the Dallas area to date.

“Communities where seniors and preschoolers learn and live side by side offer natural opportunities for joy and laughter,” said Mike George, president of Bezos Academy. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Juliette Fower Communities to bring a tuition-free, full-day preschool to their campus.”  

Bezos Academy Dallas - Lakewood will be located at 1234 Abrams Road in Dallas. Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level (about $125,000 per-year for a family of four) with children aged 3 or 4 are eligible to apply. Admissions preference is given to foster children and children experiencing homelessness. More information and an application to the lottery-based selection process will be posted at ?bezosacademy.org

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Juliette Fowler Communities is a Dallas-based nonprofit that fosters communities where people can find a sense of belonging and thrive together. Founded in 1892 by philanthropist Juliette Fowler to serve widows and orphans, the faith-centered organization has evolved to provide a community of support to seniors, youth, children, and those who love them. The organization’s historic location on 21 acres in East Dallas is the city’s oldest continuously operating intergenerational campus. It includes independent and assisted living, memory care, middle-income senior apartments, and affordable senior housing. As the only certified I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in North Texas, Fowler’s program adapts experiences to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths. The Ebby House residential program serves women, ages 18-24, at risk for homelessness, and the Youth Support Center serves children and families. Fowler is one of 34 organizations nationwide to receive the Intergenerational Program of Distinction designation from Generations United. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.

Bezos Academy is a nonprofit organization that is building a network of fully funded tuition-free preschools. Our preschools offer year-round, full-day programming, five days a week, for children from low-income families, ages 3-5 years old. Bezos Academy also provides students with all necessary educational supplies and services to set each student up for success, including Montessori materials, books, arts and crafts, field trips, and meals. For more information, visit www.bezosacademy.org.

Celebrating its 12th anniversary concert, the Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit, presented by Haynes Boone, raised more than $140,000 for Grant Halliburton Foundation. Held on Thursday, May 16at the Kessler Theater, the sold-out event featured a VIP party for sponsors with delicious bites donated by Eddie's Tex-Mex Cocina, live and silent auctions and music acts by Rhett Miller and Leslie Mendelson.

With the excitement of a new Texas Rangers season in full swing and World Series buzz still in the air, guests were especially excited to see the guest of honor, Eric Nadel, “Voice of the Texas Rangers,” and catch a glimpse of the new hardware on his hand. Nadel was happy to oblige as he mingled with guests before taking the stage to kick off the event.

“This was the first time the party has been on my actual birthday and the first time the Rangers were kind enough not to schedule a game on my birthday – it’s truly the happiest possible evening,” Nadel said as he welcomed everyone to his birthday benefit. “I want to extend my gratitude to Haynes Boone for being a first-time sponsor and this year’s Presenting Sponsor, to KXT 91.7 FM, the best radio station in the country, for its support as Media Sponsor, and all our other generous sponsors. The work of Grant Halliburton Foundation has saved lives and helped erase the stigma around mental health. Their mission is more important than it’s ever been.”

Nadel then introduced Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Leslie Mendelson, who opened the show and recently played Carnegie Hall for the first time.

After Mendelson’s set, Kevin Hall, Grant Halliburton Foundation president, spoke about the Foundation and its mission to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness and prevent suicide.

"Thank you to National Baseball Hall of Famer Eric Nadel for choosing us as the recipient of your birthday benefit for the fourth consecutive year," Hall said. "The proceeds from tonight's event will go toward supporting the Foundation's mental health and suicide prevention programming for children, teens and young adults in North Texas.”

The event also featured a live auction that included a date night with a private chauffeur in a Lincoln, dinner for four with Texas Rangers General Manager Bruce Bochy; a Texas Rangers home plate suite for 12; a week-long stay for 16 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and a jazz cruise getaway with Chris Botti. Ronnie Conger served as auctioneer.

Finally, the talented headliner, singer/songwriter Rhett Miller, took to the stage and welcomed guests, setting a casual and fun house-party vibe with his set. Miller wowed with his signature move – the Windmiller – as he furiously strummed away, and fans sang along to old favorites. He shared stories about being invited to work with music legends Dolly Paton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Waylon Jennings and Bob Dylan. The night was complete with everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to Eric.

“For several years, my good friend Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s has expressed interest in playing this event, and finally, the band’s schedule has allowed him to do so. Rhett has been very outspoken about his mental health struggles while growing up in Dallas,” Nadel said.

During the evening, guests enjoyed baseball-themed snack vendors handing out traditional baseball treats, including sunflower seeds, Cracker Jacks, Big League Chew bubble gum, and Baby Ruth candy bars.

VIPs spotted in attendance included Eric Nadel; Chris Young, Texas Rangers General Manager; Norm Hitzges, Texas Radio Hall of Fame radio host; Brad Sham, "Voice of the Dallas Cowboys;" Haynes Boone team (Presenting Sponsor); Joe Trahan, WFAA sports director; and Vanita Halliburton, Amy McCloskey and Alan Halliburton, Grant Halliburton Foundation co-founders.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation

Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people through education, resources, and support. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health and suicide prevention education and training to more than 325,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals. The Foundation also offers Here For Texas, which includes HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools, available in English and Spanish, aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and substance use information and resources. Learn more about Grant Halliburton Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org.

The Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award is known for honoring its award recipients with an evening of fun surprises and warm personal tributes. The 2024 event honoring global business leader, philanthropist, speaker, artist, musician, and commercial pilot James W. Keyes was no exception.  More than 750 guests enjoyed the sounds of Alda Brass as they entered the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on May 17^th. They soon learned that the trumpet is especially meaningful to Keyes who as a child wanted to play in the school band, but his family could not afford an instrument. A teacher recognized his talent and provided him with a trumpet, a gift that contributed to his lifelong love of music.

Event Co-Chairs Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Lottye and Bobby Lyle, and Carolyn and David Miller were recognized by Dallas Regional Chamber CEO and President Dale Petroskey. As host for the evening, he welcomed guests and shared stories of his 20-year friendship with Folsom Award recipient James W. Keyes. As the former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, Keyes has served on the board of public companies and as an advisor to many foundations, investment firms, and start-up companies. His philanthropic interests include UT Southwestern, American Red Cross, Southern Methodist University, The Cooper Institute, The Catholic Diocese of Dallas, and Columbia University Business School. He was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Junior Achievement Dallas Business Hall of Fame, and the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Ring of Honor Award.  Recently, he became a published author. An autographed copy of his book, Education is Freedom, was provided for each guest.

Methodist Health System Foundation President James M. Johnston stated, “Methodist Health System provided over $182 million last year alone in uncompensated care, primarily to patients at Methodist Dallas and Methodist Charlton, its two hospitals in the southern sector of Dallas. Tonight, we are pleased to announce that in honor of Jim Keyes we have raised $1.7 million toward the transformation of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.”

Johnston recognized presenting sponsors Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Carolyn and David Miller, The Lupe Murchison Foundation, Linda and Mitch Hart, Lottye and Bobby Lyle, Jewel and Roland Parrish, Mary and Rich Templeton, and Mike and Mary Terry. He also recognized past award recipients in attendance: Nancy Ann Hunt (2006), Bobby Lyle (2014), Jack Lowe (2015), Gerald Turner (2016), David Miller (2017), Texas State Senator Royce West (2018), The Honorable Mike Rawlings (2019), and Linda and Mitch Hart (2021), and Mary and Rich Templeton (2023). He paid tribute to Keyes, who exemplifies the legacy of the namesake of the award, Robert S. Folsom. Johnston introduced members of the Folsom family, followed by a video about Robert Folsom.

Following the invocation by Father Tony Lackland, Chef Richard Chamberlain spoke about his 30-year friendship with Margo and Jim Keyes. He stated that he was born at Methodist Dallas and was honored to be part of an event hosted by Methodist Health System. Chamberlain noted that during his years as CEO of 7-Eleven, Keyes developed a passion for Slurpees. Chamberlain introduced a lemon hibiscus Slurpee for the event, which was enjoyed by guests to begin the dinner. He then announced a special menu of baseball-cut succulent short rib in honor of Keyes’ love of baseball. Guests dined to the music of a solo trumpet which accompanied video images of original artwork by Jim Keyes.

Methodist Health System CEO James C. Scoggin, Jr. acknowledged members of the Methodist team, including physicians and nurses. He thanked Keyes for designating the proceeds of the event to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, ensuring that every newborn in Methodist’s service area in Southern Dallas has access to life-saving advanced neonatal services.

Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, who was appointed by President George W. Bush as the first woman chair of the board of governors of the American Red Cross and U.S. Ambassador to Finland, introduced a tribute video to Keyes with these words, “For God so loved the world, he gave us faith, family, friendship, and Jim Keyes – who has changed every organization that has benefited from his leadership.”

Video tributes during the evening included a personal message of congratulations from the former President of Mexico Vicente Fox. A special video tribute of accolades from Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Bobby Lyle, David Miller, Margo Keyes, Drayton McLane, Suzanna Russell, Kim Noltemy, Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Adan Gonzalez, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, Bishop Edward J. Burns, Charlie Duke, and Harvey Mackay was a highlight of the evening. They acknowledged many of the ways in which Keyes embodies a modern-day Renaissance man “His innovative mindset, social consciousness, and empathetic leadership collectively embody the ideals of versatility, curiosity, and humanism that define the Renaissance ethos. All of this – built on a foundation of family and faith and a passionate belief in the uplifting and transformative power of learning.”

Jim Keyes expressed his gratitude for being named the recipient of an award named after Robert S. Folsom, “a man who changed the landscape of Dallas in so many ways.”  In receiving this honor, Keyes shared five points of gratitude:

• Faith. “Dallas is a community of faith. Faith-based organizations like Methodist are the unsung heroes that keep us safe and healthy.”
• Family. “Dallas is family, and I feel a part of it.”
• Friendship. “We are blessed with so many friends and thankful to all who are here tonight.”
• Philanthropy. “I’ve traveled the four corners of this planet, and I’ve never seen a city more giving than Dallas.”
• Freedom. “Dallas is a classic city in which anyone can unlock his or her potential through education. The more you dream, the more you can achieve. We all have adversity. The best way to eliminate it is through knowledge, light, and faith.”

Following the presentation of the Robert S. Folsom award to Keyes, he was honored onstage by a group of high school graduates who have been inspired and supported by Keyes’ Education is Freedom Foundation, which to date has presented over $450,000 in scholarships.

To close the evening, there was a video featuring a flyover complete with special effects similar to jet exhausts, “like a majestic eagle taking to the sky, Education is Freedom.”

About Methodist Health System

Methodist Health System is a faith-based non-profit organization established in 1927. Its Mission is to improve and save lives through compassionate quality healthcare. For almost a century, Dallas-based Methodist Health System has been a trusted choice for health and wellness. It offers nationally recognized medical services, a network of 12 hospitals through ownership and affiliation, and more than two dozen clinics located throughout the region. Methodist is known and recognized for its exceptional teaching programs, innovative research, and its strong commitment to the community. Methodist Health System provided more than $182 million in uncompensated charity care in fiscal year 2023.  Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org.

About Methodist Health System Foundation

Methodist Health System Foundation is a nonprofit foundation led by community and civic leaders who donate their time, service, and expertise to assist Methodist Health System in funding its hospital projects. More information is available at Methodisthealthsystem.org/RobertSFolsomLeadershipAward.

Two generations received recognition at Bachman Lake Together’s annual Community Action Network (CAN) graduation ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of parent leaders and preschool graduates in the Bachman Lake community of Dallas. 

Eighteen Bachman Lake-area parents graduated from the nine-month CAN program, which equipped them with the skills and knowledge to advance their children's education and well-being. Additionally, 13 parents, who completed advanced levels of the program, were also celebrated for their achievements in volunteer leadership and early education advocacy. 

The bilingual ceremony, held at the Bachman Recreation Center, marked the culmination of Bachman Lake Together’s CAN parent leadership program, which empowers parents to become advocates for their children's education and leaders in the community. Additionally, 16 preschool graduates from AVANCE North Texas joined their parents in celebrating this milestone, recognizing the shared success of two generations.

Bachman Lake Together Executive Director Olga Martinez Hickman, Ph.D., welcomed the audience of Bachman Lake families, and Bachman Lake Together partners and supporters, saying, “Every day I get the honor of experiencing the magic of parent leadership first-hand – whether it’s witnessing a family enrolling their child in school for the first time, talking to a partner about the power of community voice they have seen in one of our meetings, or listening to a parent speak of their leadership journey. Today we know that the change that is happening in our community is due to the wonderful parent leaders who are here in front of you.”

George Rodriguez, chairman of the Bachman Lake Together Board of Trustees, added, “The parents graduating today are leaders dedicated to improving the lives not only of their children, but also of countless families in the Bachman Lake community – and beyond. They are developing their voices as leaders, recruiting families in the neighborhood to register for Pre-K and taking on volunteer leadership roles. They have the power to transform this community.” 

During the ceremony, Yesenia Cardoza Ramirez, Dallas ISD Director of Family & Community Engagement in Early Learning, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of parent engagement in children's education. Graduates shared their personal experiences in the program, emphasizing the transformative impact it had on their families' lives. 

Among those graduates was Gabriela Pacas, who described how her experience in the CAN program inspired her, saying, “When parents are informed, they have the power to build a better future for their children, and early education is a fundamental part of our children’s success.” 

To close the ceremony, the preschool-age AVANCE graduates performed a song, “Súbete al tren de la alegría (All Aboard the Happy Train).”

Bachman Lake Together extends its gratitude to its partners, volunteers and supporters for their commitment to empowering families and building a stronger community. The organization remains dedicated to its mission of uniting the Bachman Lake community to fully prepare children for kindergarten – academically, socially, and emotionally – so they thrive in school and in life.