Providing a new sprinter van; assets such as tents, tables, carts, and cones; and support of The Academy, NTFB grants equip nonprofit to accommodate growth while addressing underlying barriers to food security 

The Storehouse of Collin County is celebrating the addition of a new sprinter van as well as new operational assets, including tents, carts, and cones for utilization during food distribution – all provided as part of a fiscal year 2023 Capacity Building Grant from the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB).

“The North Texas Food Bank has been our faithful partner for 15 years, helping us to meet a 450% increase in the demand for food over the last two years,” said Candace Winslow, CEO, The Storehouse of Collin County. “Serving around 5,000 households monthly with 80+ pounds of food is only possible because of our ongoing partnership. This Capacity Building Grant has allowed us to drive incremental growth regarding pounds of food as we enhance our efficiency as well as safety procedures for neighbors, volunteers, and staff.”

Wrapped and ready to roll, the new van will allow for an increase in retail food program pickups. Another benefit of the van is its use in off-site food distribution activities such as the nonprofit’s monthly delivery and on-location service of Evergreen Arbor Hills Senior Living facility. Operational assets also provided through the grant included six new tents, 30 traffic cones, eight carts, 10 stanchions, 12 vinyl rolling bins, three portable radios, and six plastic folding tables.

During the same fiscal year, The Storehouse also received a NTFB Hope for Tomorrow Grant, supporting The Academy education program and its expansion of neighbor language, job, and life skills training.

“The Academy education program first began in 2022 with 40 neighbors enrolled in our ESL program, and this semester, we are proud to welcome 198 neighbors into the program,” said Ligia Urrego, director, The Academy. “It is hard to believe that a program that started only two years ago has been able to accommodate such tremendous growth! We are grateful for NTFB’s support of The Academy through the Hope for Tomorrow Grant, which has allowed us to lean into this growth and holistically serve our neighbors.”

Through The Academy, The Storehouse fosters relationships with neighbors and connects them with education and services that lead to long-term change. In addition to the ESL classes, The Academy offers education in health management, computers, automotive certification, and more.

“The NTFB continues to be a critical part of our growth journey through ongoing support and pivotal grants as we adapt and expand to meet the needs of our community through our integrated programs,” continued Winslow. “We look forward to our continued partnership for years to come as we work to provide nutritious food to our neighbors with the highest levels of love, care, and compassion.”

# # # 

The Storehouse of Collin County, a nonprofit founded in 2009, provides short-term assistance and long-term transformation to residents of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties through four programs. Seven Loaves Food Pantry serves 5,000 families each month; Joseph’s Coat Clothing Closet provides clothing at no cost; Project Hope Neighbor Care offers case management and resource referral; and The Academy Education Program provides free and reduced-cost classes to assist with language, job, or life skills development. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 146,922 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. In August 2023, the North Texas Food Bank honored The Storehouse with the Hope for Tomorrow Award. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333

– Nuno Rodrigues has been named Food & Beverage Director of The Statler, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading global third-party hotel operator.

Rodrigues is a perfect fit for The Statler with over 20 years of international hospitality experience and a focus on hotel food and beverage outlets. His most recent position was at Mayfair Hospitality Street Partners in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he was Vice President of Food and Beverage. Before that, he served as Food & Beverage Director at The Hamilton Alpharetta, another Curio Collection by Hilton hotel.

At The Statler, Rodrigues will direct all food and beverage operations to include managing and building concepts and staff training. The main goal is to increase revenue and service quality at The Statler’s four food and beverage outlets, Scout, Overeasy, Bourbon & Banter and Waterproof. Rodrigues describes his leadership style as a team player who values every staff member’s ideas – his favorite thing is seeing staff members grow and develop.

“Hospitality has been my passion since I was born. My Italian father was a pizza maker who taught me to cook well and serve well, and my goal at The Statler is to carry on that legacy,” Rodrigues said. “After spending 22 years working in hospitality in the U.S., I’m excited to work for Aimbridge Hospitality and lead the amazing venues at the iconic Statler.”

Rodrigues has also served as Director of Outlets at 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida, where he implemented an outlet revenue strategy resulting in a 20% increase in revenue per available room and a 12% increase in overall hotel profitability. He was also Assistant General Manager at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Atlanta, bringing a truly well-rounded background to the new role.

“In Nuno, we’ve found the best person to direct our food and beverage operations, ensuring the highest quality restaurants and bars that will excite both hotel guests and locals from around DFW,” said Brett Krafft, General Manager of The Statler.

Rodrigues holds an MBA in financial business and hotel management from Lusíada University in Lisbon, Portugal, and is a certified food and beverage executive (CBFE) with a ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.

In his free time, Rodrigues enjoys spending time with his wife and three grown children, traveling, playing golf and tennis and watching European soccer.

About The Statler

The Statler is an award-winning iconic Mid-Century design masterpiece famed as one of America’s first modern hotels. The Statler brought the limelight back to Dallas with the original 1956 opening that attracted elites from coast to coast and hosted legendary performances by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, The Jackson 5, and others. With the 2017 reawakening, The Statler is now both a hotel and residences, offering retro-forward style and elevated experiences across 159 upscale guest rooms, 219 luxury apartments, and four uniquely concepted dine and drink venues. The Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality and part of the Historic Hotels of America; The Statler Residences is managed by Centurion American. The Statler was redeveloped and is owned by Centurion American. For more on The Statler please visit www.thestatlerdallas.com and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

About Aimbridge Hospitality
Aimbridge Hospitality is the world’s leading global hospitality management company. A trusted operator of over 80 globally recognized lodging brands and distinctive luxury and lifestyle assets, Aimbridge delivers compelling results for hotel owners by leveraging proprietary data and insights as an authority in key markets and destinations, while creating exceptional guest experiences. Aimbridge continually strives to set the new standard in hospitality excellence, leading the industry into the future through a wealth of unmatched resources and best-in-class supplier agreements, while recruiting and developing top industry talent in all key verticals and geographies. To learn more, visit www.aimbridgehospitality.com. Connect with Aimbridge on LinkedIn.

About Curio Collection by Hilton

Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 100 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts in nearly 30 countries and territories. Curio Collection properties offer guests authentic, curated experiences through distinctly local offerings and elevated amenities, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Experience a positive stay at Curio Collection by Hilton by booking at curiocollection.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about the brand at newsroom.hilton.com/curio, and follow Curio Collection by Hilton on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Kick off the start of warmer days and help inaugurate Galleria Dallas’ revamped outdoor plaza as the shopping center presents Good Market, a celebration of small businesses, on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23.  Good Market will feature 11 curated vendors that sell a unique mix of items from home décor to jewelry to ready-to-wear apparel. Kessler Baking Studio will bring a taste of its sweet boutique to the market, and Juiceland will offer shoppers cold-pressed juices.

Vendors at Good Market will donate 10% of sales during the weekend to Dallas Arboretum, Galleria Dallas’ charity partner for March. Dallas Arboretum will also have a booth at the market with interactive activities and spring goods from the Arboretum’s gift shop. The activities will introduce guests to the secrets of sustainable gardening and allow them to examine plant samples under a microscope to see their intricate structures.

Good Market vendors include:

• Concrete Dream, which sells home décor including planters, candles and more
• Cool Crayations, a shop selling cool-shaped crayons that empower and educate children
• Declutterd Candles, a cruelty-free candlemaker that uses nontoxic ingredients and soothing fragrances without parabens or phthalates
• Hi Mary Lo, a Texas-raised, London-made purveyor of accessories and clothes
• Juiceland, which creates raw, cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies from the most interesting and delicious fruits, vegetables, and ingredients around
• Kessler Baking Studio, a celebrated local bakery specializing in scratch-made sweets using the finest ingredients
• LAUDE the Label, a sustainable apparel company that partners with global artisans to create heirloom-quality wardrobe essentials and accessories
• LIO Jewelry, handcrafted fine jewelry that is sweat-proof and sustainable
• Swap Top, the maker of hats for kids and adults that show off your favorite charms
• Texifornia, one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry and accessories with an everyday luxury feel
• Whipped Up Wonderful, a Texas maker of handcrafted bath bombs, shower steamers, bubble baths and more

The shopping center’s outdoor plaza will be fully transformed with bright décor evoking the freshness of spring and an upbeat shopping soundtrack will be performed by a live DJ. Other features include a juice bar, a swing and over-the-top photo ops at every turn.

“We’re so excited to launch Good Market and introduce our shoppers to small businesses they otherwise might not have known about,” said Galleria Dallas Director of Marketing Megan Townsend. “We’re also pleased to debut our new outdoor plaza near North Italia, which has been completely renovated with green spaces and upgraded furnishings for a dramatically enhanced customer experience.”

What: Good Market at Galleria Dallas

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 2024

Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240. Located in the outdoor plaza near North Italia

Cost: Free

Information: galleriadallas.com

About Galleria Dallas 

Galleria Dallas is an iconic shopping center with a unique collection of more than 200 retailers, restaurants and experiences including Nordstrom, Macy’s, the world’s only GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy combo anchor, The Westin Galleria Dallas and the signature Galleria Ice Skating Center. Welcoming more than 12 million visitors annually, only Galleria Dallas delivers the consummate Dallas shopping experience. Visit galleriadallas.com for hours and to learn more about the shopping center. Galleria Dallas is managed by Trademark Property Group, Inc.  Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240.

For Social Media:  @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas @galleriadallasiceskating #galleriadallasiceskating

Since AMLI Residential first arrived in North Texas 35 years ago, the company has had a presence in the growing Addison and lower Tollway office market. However, the multi-family residential powerhouse recently expanded its North Texas footprint in Addison with both a larger office and a growing corporate team.

AMLI opted to remain at its current location, Liberty Plaza in Addison (5057 Keller Springs), but more than doubled its Addison regional headquarters from 6,601 sf to 13,214 sf when it moved from the second to the fourth floor in February. This larger footprint makes AMLI’s Addison office one of the larger regional headquarters behind its corporate headquarters in Chicago.

Taylor Bowen, President of AMLI Development Company, believes the relationship AMLI has with the Town of Addison is truly synergistic.

“We believe so strongly in the Town of Addison as a strategic location for North Texas that we not only office here but continue to develop apartment communities here,” Bowen said. “We love the community, restaurants, location, and all that the Town of Addison has to offer our employees and residents.”

The company has a growing project presence in Addison. Its first Addison apartment community, AMLI Addison with 349 apartment homes, opened in 2020. During 2023, AMLI broke ground on innovative, multi-use AMLI Treehouse, which not only brings a combination of 419 apartments and privately owned townhomes, but  includes an impressive public park and trail extension. Leasing for AMLI Treehouse is anticipated to begin in fall 2025. Additionally, AMLI has been named the town’s partner for the upcoming Transit Oriented Development that will anchor the new DART Silver Line rail project.

AMLI’s larger Addison office makes room for its growth from 15 employees in 2023 to 35 today, with plans to increase to 40 or more by mid-2024. This expansion is due in large part to a national centralization strategy designed to support property operations through a new Resident Services department that will enhance the leasing experience for both current and prospective residents.

“Our primary goal in building our new Resident Services Group is to provide more time for our on-site teams to focus on providing an outstanding living environment for our residents,” explained Traci Hall, President of the West Region for AMLI Management Company.

AMLI has worked with the Town of Addison and both its planning and economic development teams to create a strong foothold in the community.

“AMLI’s expansion of its offices in Addison and involvement in the forthcoming Transit Oriented Development signifies a substantial investment in our Town’s commercial sector,” explained Wayne Emerson, Director of Economic Development for the Town of Addison. "Additionally, AMLI's development of residential projects like AMLI Addison and AMLI Treehouse highlights Addison as an ideal place to call home for today's workforce."

AMLI anticipates its eventual employment at the Addison regional headquarters will exceed 50 professionals, which will be a combination of relocations and new hires.

About AMLI Residential

Named a 2023 USGBC LEED Homes Awards Outstanding Developer and Power Builder, AMLI Residential focuses on the development and management of environmentally responsible apartment communities throughout the U.S. Founded in 1980, AMLI is owned by PRIME Property Fund, a core commingled institutional fund. AMLI owns and manages 77 apartment communities, including approximately 26,000 apartment homes, and has over 2,900 additional apartment homes under development at seven new communities. AMLI is a leader in multifamily sustainability. Forty-nine AMLI communities are LEED®-certified, and 44 communities are ENERGY STAR®-certified. For more information, visit www.amli.com.

A magical evening awaits you at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League's Savor the Symphony on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Lakewood Country Club!

Come to Savor the Symphony and see the incredible magician and illusionist who fooled Penn and Teller!  

Giancarlo Bernini has astounded international audiences with an incredible magic show experience, with multiple national television and radio appearances. Giancarlo has: 

• Made objects disappear at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles,

• Demonstrated a working time machine on national TV,

• Read listeners’ minds over Sirius XM radio

• Defied the laws of physics at Lucas Oil Stadium while surrounded by 25,000 people

The event is chaired by Joanie Stephens and Nikki Beneke. The Honorary chairs for the event are Susan and Mark Geyer and Katherine and Steven Smethie. Nancy Labadie is the DSOL President. 

The festivities for the evening begin at 6:30 with a cocktail reception. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on individual bottles of wine, preview the auction packages and participate in the Wine Pull. Three wines from Hall Wines will be available for tasting during the reception generously donated by Craig and Kathryn Hall. Guests will then be seated at 7:30 p.m. for a lavish three-course dinner with wine pairings. 

Underwriting opportunities are available at various levels: $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, $7,500 $5,000, and $2,500. Individual Patron tickets are priced at $1,500 and $500. This limited seating event is selling quickly and you won’t want to miss it. To purchase your patron/underwriting tickets now please scan the code or visit  www.dallassymphonyleague.com/Savor-the-Symphony. 

Dallas Symphony Orchestra League's (DSOL's) mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Community Outreach and Education Programs opening doors to a brighter future for the children in our community. The programs include: Young Strings, Kim Noltemy Young Musicians, Cecil and Ida Green Youth Concert Series, DSO on the Go (Community Concerts and Performances), and My DSO Concerts for children and adults on the autism spectrum. The DSOL has raised over $22 million to support these programs.