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Every Car Can Charity
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After more than two decades of serving students and communities through vehicle donations, America Can! Cars for Kids has officially entered a new chapter as Every Car Can℠.

The new name reflects the organization's continued commitment to helping students succeed while better representing the impact every vehicle donation can have on a young person's future. Although the brand has evolved, the mission remains unchanged: transforming donated vehicles into educational opportunities, student support services, and workforce readiness programs that help students overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

"This is an exciting moment for our organization," said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Every Car Can. "Our new name captures what we've always believed—that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every vehicle has the potential to help make that happen."

The rebrand introduces a refreshed visual identity and messaging designed to better communicate the organization's purpose while strengthening recognition across the communities it serves. Every Car Can continues to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Texans Can Academies, where proceeds from donated vehicles help fund educational programs and student support services.

To help introduce the new brand, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Iván "Pudge" Rodríguez has joined the organization as its new brand ambassador. Throughout the coming year, Rodríguez will appear in public awareness campaigns and community initiatives designed to encourage vehicle donations and expand support for students across Texas.

Since its founding in 1992, the organization has helped thousands of students pursue high school diplomas, career certifications, and brighter futures by investing in programs that remove barriers to education. Through donations of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and other vehicles, Every Car Can continues to generate critical funding that directly benefits students and their communities.

While the logo and name may be new, the purpose remains the same: empowering students through education and creating opportunities that last a lifetime.

To learn more about Every Car Can, donate a vehicle, or discover ways to get involved, visit EveryCarCan.org.

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Photo courtesy of N the Zone photography

What a time to be a soccer fan this year with FIFA World Cup 2026 in our own backyard!  With the Summer heat and other activities, it’s easy to forget about local soccer!   However, in its continuing tradition of giving new sixth grade students at J.L. Long Middle School an opportunity to play team sports, the YMCA and JL Long PTA are hoping for another great season of sixth grade soccer!   Under UIL Rules, sixth grade students cannot participate in school team sports, so this is a fantastic opportunity for children to stay active.  The team is co-ed and open to anyone attending JL Long or any nearby schools.  Players can be of any skill level including beginners.  The Fall teams first practice will be on August 18th and scheduled games will begin Saturday August 29th

The team will consist of 14+ players and will be co-ed. Everyone will have a chance to play! The team practices are at Willis Winters (or Randall Park) across from Woodrow Wilson High School from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Games are mostly played on Saturdays. If we get enough players, we may have 2 teams!  

Cost is $105for Y members and $140 for non-Y members through the White Rock YMCA or you can also register with the Richardson YMCA where cost is $90 for Y members and $110 for non- members through August 7th  (as of this printing on WR/Richardson YMCA website).  The White Rock YMCA is offering uniforms with their registration, the Richardson YMCA is not.  Scholarships are available.  All Players must be registered before first game.

To register, you can go in person to the White Rock YMCA at 7301 Gaston Ave Dallas, TX 75214  and register under JL Long Buccaneers OR you may register online at either the White Rock or Richardson YMCA (the existing link on the WR YMCA website as of this article).  For more information contact Victor Aves at 214-616-0194 or vaves@pegasusrealtyinc.com OR the White Rock YMCA at 214-328-3849 or Richardson YMCA 972-231-3424

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Allen Public Library offers an exciting free concert with the Dallas-based Waiting For Julio at 7:30 pm Friday, July 17. The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr., in Allen.  Formed 10 years ago, this seven-piece band’s music evolved into an eclectic mix of styles from the 1950’s to the 2000s. Their performances cover rock, blues, reggae, soul, country, and rockabilly.  Performing at a variety of venues including clubs, restaurants, conventions, festivals, major fundraisers, and outdoor venues like The HUB in Allen, group members are a mix of transplants and native sons.

Waiting for Julio comprises Chris Shaw (Birmingham, England) on guitar and vocals, Fred Moss (Washington, DC) on guitar and vocals, Ken McIntyre (May Pen, Jamaica) on percussion and vocals, Tony Pirro (Cleveland, Ohio) on drums and vocals, Ron Lansing (Heath, Texas) on guitar and vocals, Kyle Cole (Garland, Texas) on bass guitar and vocals, and Chase Crenshaw (Garland, Texas) on keyboards and vocals.

 

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

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This is where Dallas watches the match.

You can feel it the moment you walk through the doors. Every goal sparks cheers across the room, strangers become teammates for 90 minutes, and every screen is tuned to the biggest matches of the summer.

With 25 TVs, cold local beer on tap, specialty cocktails, and game-day favorites made for sharing, Draft Sports Bar & Lounge at Sheraton Dallas has become one of downtown's best places to experience the Summer of Soccer.

Whether you're meeting friends before kickoff, celebrating a win, or just looking for the energy that only comes from watching alongside fellow fans, this is where the tournament comes to life.

Come hungry, stay for the match, and don't miss the House Honey Beer, a crisp lager brewed in partnership with Manhattan Project Beer Company using honey harvested right at Sheraton Dallas.

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If you're planning to take in the excitement of the international soccer tournament, the Venetian Champions Club at Fairmont Dallas will be open through July 19, offering an indoor viewing experience in the hotel's historic Venetian Room.

The 4,400-square-foot fan zone features a massive 16-by-20-foot viewing screen, multiple TVs, three bars, interactive games, local craft beers, specialty cocktails, and game-day food specials, making it an easy spot to gather with friends or fellow fans.

One of the highlights is the Passport Cocktail experience. Throughout the tournament, guests can "travel" the world one cocktail at a time with drinks inspired by participating countries, including the Netherlands, Japan, England, Argentina, and more. Each featured cocktail earns a passport stamp, and completed passports can be turned in for a chance to win a luxury Fairmont Dallas experience.

Whether you're following every match or simply looking for a fun downtown outing, it's another way Dallas is embracing visitors and celebrating the global energy that's filling the city this summer.

 

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The Links on PGA Parkway

A great apartment is about more than the space itself. The little conveniences and experiences built into everyday life can make all the difference.

At The Links on PGA Parkway, residents have access to amenities designed to simplify busy schedules and support wellness. From professional pet walking services and apartment cleaning to complimentary yoga and golf lessons, these offerings help make day-to-day living a little easier.

Located in Frisco, the community also provides easy access to nearby golf courses, dining, shopping, and entertainment, making it a convenient place to enjoy everything the area has to offer.

Thoughtful amenities like these are helping redefine what apartment living looks like by focusing on comfort, convenience, and quality of life.

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A simple family meal can make a meaningful difference this summer.

From June 29 through July 26, participating Bojangles restaurants are supporting military families, veterans, and first responders through a fundraising campaign benefiting Folds of Honor North Texas. For every Big Bo Box sold, $1 will be donated to help provide educational scholarships for the spouses and children of those who have served our country and communities.

As the cost of college and vocational education continues to rise, these scholarships help open doors for families while honoring the sacrifices made by their loved ones.

Whether you're picking up dinner for the family or grabbing a meal on the go, your order can help support a student's future. The limited-time Big Bo Box includes Bojangles favorites like hand-breaded chicken, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, Southern fixin's, and Legendary Iced Tea®, and is available in restaurant, through the drive-thru, on the Bojangles app, and via participating delivery services.

If you're planning a Bojangles run this month, it's an easy way to enjoy a meal while helping invest in the next generation of military and first responder families.

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Dîner en Blanc, the iconic Paris‑born pop‑up picnic known for its all‑white dress code and secret locations, returns to Dallas on Saturday, September 19 at 6 PM. Thousands of guests will gather for one of the city’s most visually stunning traditions, creating a magical evening of dining, music, and community under the open sky.

The event follows the global tradition that began in Paris more than 30 years ago: guests dress head‑to‑toe in white, bring their own elegant table settings, and arrive at a location revealed only hours before the event begins. The result is a breathtaking scene filled with candlelight, creativity, and celebration.

Attendees will enjoy an evening of curated picnics, live entertainment, and the signature sparkler moment that has become a hallmark of Dîner en Blanc events worldwide. The night concludes with dancing and photo opportunities that make this one of the most photographed events of the year.

Registration opens in phases, beginning with returning members and followed by new guests who join the waiting list. Those interested in attending can sign up at www.dinerenblanc.com to receive updates and registration access.

Dîner en Blanc Dallas continues to be one of the city’s most anticipated cultural gatherings — a night where elegance, creativity, and community come together in the most unexpected place.

For more information or to join the waiting list, visit www.dinerenblanc.com.

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Keshaun Vinson - Vice President of Permanency

EMPOWER has promoted Keshaun Vinson to Vice President of Permanency, recognizing her more than 20 years of experience in child welfare and behavioral health.

As a child welfare collaborative led by Texas Family Initiative, EMPOWER serves children and families across the Metroplex East region, overseeing foster care, case management, kinship and reunification services. In her new role, Vinson will lead permanency efforts for youth in Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PMC) and extended care, with a focus on helping children achieve safe, stable and permanent homes.

Prior to her promotion, Vinson served as EMPOWER's Permanency Director and has held leadership roles with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and other community-based organizations.

To learn more about EMPOWER and how you can support children in foster care, visit 3EMPOWER.org.

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As soccer fans from around the world experience North Texas this summer, a DQ restaurant in Frisco, hosted FC Dallas players Osaze Urhoghide and Nolan Norris to serve up some Texas hospitality.

As soccer fans from around the world experience North Texas this summer, a DQ restaurant in Frisco, hosted FC Dallas players Osaze Urhoghide and Nolan Norris to serve up some Texas hospitality.

DQ and soccer fans packed the Frisco DQ restaurant at 8855 Teel Parkway to experience one of Texas’ most iconic brands. Some international travelers enjoyed a Blizzard Treat for the first time and North Texas guests had the opportunity to meet Urhoghide and Norris as the players served fans at the drive-thru and front counter, posed for photos, and signed FC Dallas-themed autograph cards.

The first 100 guests received complimentary Dilly Bars, and customers who purchased a DQ cake received a voucher for a free dipped cone every week for a year. Throughout the afternoon, DQ’s iconic mascot, Mr. Blizzard, interacted with players and fans, adding to the full DQ experience.

“DQ restaurants in Texas are a staple throughout the Lone Star State and this was a great opportunity to share our iconic brand with soccer fans from all over the world,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “The Blizzard Treat Cup Lineup features three all-new internationally-inspired treats, making it a perfect way for DQ fans to enjoy the soccer energy happening across North Texas this summer.”

The Blizzard Treat Cup lineup brings globally inspired flavors to DQ restaurants in Texas during a summer filled with international soccer excitement, available starting June 29. The lineup features the NEW! Biscoff Cookie Blizzard Treat, NEW! Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate Blizzard Treat, and NEW! Strawberry Mango Mochi Blizzard Treat, available through August 3 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas.

For more than 78 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram,X or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries.