The gala featured a stirring story from Babe Laufenberg and a compelling mission video

LEAP Global Missions 2025 Gala Miracles in Motion, chaired by Stephanie and Michael Byrd along with Dr. Michael Lee, celebrated LEAP celebrated LEAP and their mission inspired by the love of Christ to bring specialized surgical services to underserved populations around the world. Since 1991, LEAP Global Missions has been called to serve others by sending surgical teams to treat children without access to appropriate medical care, bringing hope and healing in an effort to make the world a better place.
        
A most compelling statement and in reality, the nonprofit truly changes lives for the better for not only the patients, but their families, as well.
        
Guests mixed and mingled at the reception while enjoying wines, cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres before entering the ballroom, which was set to capacity.
        
J.D. Miles, emcee and an award-winning reporter for CBS Texas, welcomed the crowd, and Michael Byrd gave the invocation. As everyone began their three-course meal, Dr. Lee introduced a video showcasing LEAP’s work around the world, saying they show love through service in places such as Mexico, Ukraine, Belize and Zimbabwe.
        
Babe Laufenberg, the featured speaker and a longtime friend and supporter of LEAP, took the stage, saying he was honored to join everyone this evening and shared the story of his late son’s life’s journey, cancer diagnosis and passing. He said that he understands how the parents of LEAP’s patients feel, watching their children suffer and thinking there is nothing someone can do, nothing can change it. But with LEAP, miracles do happen, and LEAP’S surgeons and doctors do change lives through their surgical services.
        
Dr. Alejandra Garcia de Mitchell, LEAP’s Medical Director, introduced a video, the story of a child named Dominic in Belize who is so brave, even though he has suffered so much pain from his condition and many surgeries. He and his family said they are overwhelmed with gratitude and that truly, LEAP performs Miracles in Motion.
          
A most entertaining portion of the evening was the spirited live auction conducted by J.D. and Babe, which raised even more funds with the paddle raise.
        
After a few updates and news of past and ongoing missions, Stephanie closed the evening saying next year is LEAP’s 35^th Anniversary celebration, thanked the staff, host committee and board.
        
This event is LEAP’s only major annual fundraiser. It raises funds to support the organization and help continue providing free specialized surgical and medical care to those in need around the world.
        
Host committee are Kamela and Kenneth Aboussie, Dina and Jason Arnott, Amy and Dr. Evan Beale, Debbie and Justin Bono, Lindsey and Ben Brewer, Darla Cherry, Mary Kat and Dr. Jeffrey Cone, Brooke and Blake Davenport, Alexis and Dr. Richard Derksen, Mimi and Dr. Grant Gilliland, Linda Hardison, Brooke Hollis Hortenstine, Emily Huskinson, Natalie and Mike McGuire, Caroline and Brian Mitchell, Linsey and Ryan Nixon, Michelle and Dr. Thornwell Parker, Abby and Peter Ruth, Bunny and Michael Tibbals, Adair and Clark Webb, Missy and Chris Wyszynski.
        
To know more about LEAP Global Missions, inside scoop with photos and more about their specialized surgical services and how to support them, visit the website at www.leapmissions.org

About LEAP:        LEAP Global Missions is dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of people around the world by providing free specialized medical and surgical services inspired by the love of Christ. Founded over 33 years ago by Dr. Craig Hobar, LEAP volunteers have performed over 10,800 surgeries and procedures on patients (mostly children) from 24 countries at no cost to the patients and their families.
        
LEAP Global Missions sends teams of highly skilled medical professionals to other countries to provide medical and surgical care and clinical education. Our current outreach includes Belize, Mexico, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. While our primary focus is on craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip and cleft palate, LEAP also provides oculoplastic and ophthalmological, orthodontic and dental, Mohs skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, hand, and ENT surgical care based on the needs of our host countries. We also bring patients with complex surgical needs to the US from other countries for surgical care when needed.
        
LEAP is committed to developing long-term relationships with our patients, their communities, and other partners involved in our missions. By returning to the same countries, we are able to build trust, offer ongoing education, and continue caring for those who need long-term medical services.
        
Learn more by visiting the website at www.leapmissions.org 

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

Planning a career in dentistry, Christine Tran searched for a research program at a dental college to fill the summer lull between her junior and senior years while a student at the University of Houston in 2024. She wanted to learn ways dentistry impacts the broader health care system. 

“With a growing interest in dentistry, I was eager to find a program where I could contribute to oral health research that translates into tangible progress for the field,” she said. “I felt a strong inclination to look into research that could give back to (low-income) populations.” 

Tran found that in the Biomedical Informatics and Behavioral Sciences Summer Research Program at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas. She’s now a first-year dental student at A&M Dentistry, in part, thanks to what she learned at the nine-week program nicknamed BIBS. 

BIBS welcomes undergraduate and graduate students to conduct oral health research with a focus on public health. Students work on improving health communications and patient trust to improve community oral health.   

The coursework and activities focus on biomedical informatics and behavioral sciences. Students learn programming, statistics, tools for analyzing large datasets, and they are introduced to codes specific to dental procedures and dental public health; they also take field trips, including to A&M Dentistry’s M.C. Cooper Dental Clinic, which serves adults in the Frazier Community in South Dallas. 

BIBS aims to expand the number of dental professionals who understand the link between oral health and behavioral sciences. It’s the only program of its kind focused on oral health care, said Peggy Timothé, associate professor and program director of the dental public health residency in public health sciences at A&M Dentistry. 

“What I enjoy most is seeing how eager the summer interns are to learn about dentistry,” she said. “What surprises me most is that our program is the students’ first introduction to public health, especially dental public health.” 

Funded with a $125,000 grant from the National Library of Medicine, BIBS offers seven spots for students this summer. The deadline to apply is Feb. 27. More information and applications are available at Biomedical Informatics and Behavioral Sciences (BIBS) Summer Research Program. 

Each accepted undergraduate student will receive a $5,502 stipend and must have completed at least one year of college. Each accepted graduate student will receive a $6,500 stipend. 

While it’s hosted by A&M Dentistry, students in all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply if they’re interested in oral public health research and careers in research after graduation, said Timothé and Matthew Garcia, program coordinator in public health sciences at A&M Dentistry. 

Each student pairs with a mentor to develop a plan and conduct research. Mentors include A&M Dentistry faculty and other dental professionals from across the United States, both in person and remotely.  

“We are planning for more in-person learning,” Timothé said. “We also want to focus more on coding skills.” 

Students present their research at the Summer Undergraduate Research Poster Session in College Station.  

Tran said the internship introduced her to the intricacies of Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance program that helps pay for the health care of low-income people. That includes the trend of decreasing reimbursements for providers. 

“My experience in the program has fueled my passion for public health advocacy, and I think the discipline of public health in dentistry is underappreciated…,” Tran said. “There’s a big need for continued research in public health for the betterment of everyone.” 

Nearly 700 attendees gathered at the The Stewpot’s 18^th annual Soup’s On Luncheon and Art Show, presented by H-E-B/Central Market, held at Thompson Dallas on Monday, February 2.

The event featured an art show including 100 curated pieces of original art created by artists from The Stewpot Art Program, soups by 10 local celebrity chefs, and a meaningful conversation with luncheon speaker Hailee Kaleem Wright, all woven together around the luncheon theme of “Living in Harmony.”

Featured speaker Hailee Kaleem Wright, singer, songwriter and actor, shared her story of resilience—about overcoming homelessness twice on her rise to Broadway stardom, about holding on to her faith and to little moments that helped her keep going, and about the dignity she witnessed at The Stewpot that stood in contrast to her family’s dehumanizing experiences when seeking help.

“The [Stewpot] campus is incredible,” Kaleem Wright said. “On my tour, I kept hearing them say ‘neighbor’ and ‘our friends here’ and ‘our family here.’ There were very specific words they were using that I picked up on immediately because it was so different from what my experience was. And that was really heartwarming." 

Kaleem Wright made waves as Catherine of Aragon in “SIX: The Musical” and recently captivated audiences as Satine in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” The Broadway star surprised luncheon attendees with a beautiful performance of “Firework.”

Brenda Snitzer, executive director of The Stewpot, thanked the community for making the move to the former CitySquare campus possible last year and celebrated the growth of The Stewpot’s programs. Since taking over the Food Pantry last year, demand has grown by 50 percent, and the program is serving more than 300 households daily, in addition to the 900 hot meals served every day at The Bridge downtown.

Hosted by The Stewpot Alliance, the event was co-chaired by community leaders Cory and Shane Bowenand Ashley and Danny Ellis, and retired Dallas Regional Chamber president and CEO Dale Petroskeyserved as honorary chair. NBC 5 anchor Deborah Ferguson emceed the luncheon. Since 2008, Soup’s On has raised more than $5 million for Dallas neighbors experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Chef Brian C. Luscher of 33 Restaurant Group (Suburban Yacht Club, Union Bear, Taverna Rossa), along with nine other local chefs, created soups in honor of The Stewpot’s legacy of feeding the hungry. This year’s chefs included Jeff Bekavac, Goodwins; J. Chastain, Duro Hospitality (Sister, The Charles, El Carlos Elegante); Omar Flores, Big Dill Hospitality (Casa Brasa, Muchacho Tex-Mex, Whistle Britches, Even Coast); Danyele McPherson, Leela’s Wine Bar; Janice Provost, Parigi; Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman, Oh Hi! Hospitality (AM/FM, Puerto Cocina & Bar); Jeramie Robison, Thompson Dallas; Abraham Salum, Salum; and special guest chef Adam Bazaldua from Dallas City Council.

Founded in 1975 as a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas to feed people on the streets downtown, The Stewpot has served more than 9 million meals and has grown to provide comprehensive services and a community of support for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, including programs that stabilize, house and enrich the lives of Dallas neighbors. These include helping people recover nearly 115,000 vital ID documents to access services and employment, funding 233 four-year scholarships for college or vocational school since 1991 and helping provide housing for 385 people since its rapid rehousing program began in 2021.

Garages of America, the pioneer of luxury garage ownership, has expanded its Allen community with nine new luxury garage suites located at 2137 Chelsea Blvd in Allen, Texas. These new garages are adjacent to the original 77-unit development, which opened in January 2019 and quickly sold out thanks to its prime location near Stacy Rd. and Highway 75.

This expansion follows the recent addition of new garages at Garages of America’s Carrollton community in November 2025. Collin County continues to be one of the strongest markets for Garages of America’s unique concept—customizable, deeded garages designed for collectors, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists. Since opening its first location on West Plano Parkway in 2016, Garages of America has grown steadily with communities in Plano, Allen, Frisco, and beyond.

“The continued demand for our luxury garage suites speaks to the strength of the concept, especially in Collin County,” said Jack Griffin, co-founder of Garages of America. “Our original communities sold out quickly, and we’re seeing that same momentum in Allen with this expansion—six of the nine new garages are already sold.”

Garages of America also has a new development underway in Garland (Firewheel), located at the corner of President George Bush Turnpike and Ranger Drive. This upcoming community marks their first-ever garage project located immediately off a major highway and will feature 71 luxury garage suites and 10 flex office-warehouse units.

Since its founding in 2016, Garages of America has sold over 700 luxury garages across Dallas, Houston, and Austin. “Our owners aren’t just purchasing space—they’re investing in real estate that reflects their lifestyle,” Griffin added. “These garages become places to gather, collaborate, and enjoy shared interests, while also owning a secure, high-quality asset that has consistently appreciated in value. Our continued expansion is a direct result of that demand.”

Current and upcoming Garages of America communities include:

• Allen, TX (originally 77 garages built in 2019; expanded with 9 additional garages in January 2026)
• Carrollton, TX (originally 69 garages built in 2020; expanded on the adjacent property with 67 additional garages in November 2025)
• Frisco, TX (originally 106 garages built in 2020; expanded with 52 additional garages at a second location in April 2025 just one mile from the original)
• Dallas, TX (Love Field area)
• Garland, TX (Firewheel)
• Katy, TX (Houston)
• Lakeway, TX (Austin)
• The Woodlands, TX (Houston)
• Plano, TX
• Roanoke, TX

Founded in 2014 by real estate investor Fred Gans and former Le Mans race car driver and developer Jack Griffin, Garages of America pioneered the luxury garage ownership concept with its first community in Plano, Texas. The company has since expanded across Dallas, Houston, and Austin. For more information, visit garagesofamerica.com.

Breakthrough T1D will host its North Texas Community Summit on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Irving Convention Center (500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039). This annual FREE event brings together individuals and families affected by Type 1 diabetes (T1D) for a day of education, inspiration and connection. See below* and online for full schedule. 

Open to families, adults, caregivers and those newly diagnosed, the summit offers attendees the opportunity to learn from leading medical experts, explore the latest advancements in T1D technology and treatments, hear empowering stories from T1D champions, and connect with others who understand life with T1D. Spanish language programming and resources are also offered.

“This community summit is not only educational, but it reminds people they are not alone,” said Amy Camp, territory executive director of the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters of Breakthrough T1D. “When families come together to learn, share experiences and hear about the progress being made, it provides both practical support and real hope for the future.”

Summit breakout sessions cover topics such as exercise and T1D; mental health support for parents of children with T1D as well as adults living with T1D; new technology and treatment options; nutrition, women’s health and school-based support. Additionally, youth programming is offered, and vendor exhibits, resource tables and networking opportunities are available throughout the day.

The event features a keynote presentation by Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, Ph.D., APRN, CDCES, community screening and clinical trials education director at Breakthrough T1D, where she has volunteered since her daughter was diagnosed in 2002. A former professor of pediatrics and nursing at the University of Florida, her research has been published in leading journals, and she has provided testimony at congressional hearings, The White House and in the Florida legislature. She was recognized as Diabetes Care and Education Specialist of the Year in 2023 by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES). 

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Interested participants may register online at https://cvent.me/y4d1Dw. For more information, visit
https://www.breakthrought1d.org/greaterdallastx/events/breakthrough-t1d-north-texas-community-summit-2025/ or email Tanya Conovaloff, Breakthrough T1D community engagement manager, at tconovaloff@breakthrought1d.org. 

“Living with Type 1 diabetes comes with challenges at every stage, and this summit is designed to replace fear and uncertainty with knowledge, support and practical tools for everyday life,” added Camp. “Join us on February 21 to learn, connect and discover the resources available to support you and your family.”

About Breakthrough T1D:
Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Territory comprises the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chaptersthat host major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City as well as local walks in The Colony, Durant, Tulsa, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City. Visit breakthrought1d.org/GreaterDallasTX, email greaterdallastx@BreakthroughT1D.org, or call 214-373-9808.

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*Schedule

• Arrival & Check- In - 9:00 a.m. 
• Resource Row & Vendor Tables - 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Grab n' Go Lunch - 10:30-11:00 a.m. 
• Keynote Presentation - 11:00 a.m.-12:00 pm. 

• Spanish programming: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 pm. 
• Youth Ambassador Orientation: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 

• Break - 12:10 PM - 12:20 p.m. 
• Breakout Sessions 1 - 12:20-1:05 p.m. 
• Break - 1:05-1:15 p.m. 
• Breakout Sessions 2 - 1:15-2:00 pm.