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Leia's Kids Gala Little Sisters & Princess Marygol

Leia's Kids' annual gala, "Hope in the Kingdom – A Royal Ball," took place Friday, October 16, 2026, at Verona Villa, 6591 Dallas Parkway.

Leia’s Kids is an annual Royal Ball that brings together supporters for an evening of elegance, storytelling, and hope. The Royal Ball invites guests to step into a fairy-tale-inspired celebration honoring families affected by childhood cancer and the loved ones who support them. The event featured dinner, dancing, mission-centered programming, special appearances by Princess Marygold, and heartfelt stories from young cancer warriors and their families. 

Guests were encouraged to attend in black‑tie attire with royal‑purple accents, the evening's signature color.

The 2026 gala committee includes Co‑Chairs Morgan Phelps and Madi Maguire, with leadership from Anita Reynolds, Barbara Cooper, Bonnie Hunt, Megan Spies, Sara Bannat, and Sean Toellner. 

ABOUT LEIA'S KIDS FOUNDER

Leia T. Hunt Toellner, a two-time childhood cancer survivor, transformed her early battle with Retinoblastoma into a lifelong mission to support families facing pediatric cancer. Diagnosed at age two, Leia endured 26 surgeries, extensive chemotherapy, and radiation that saved her life but left her blind in one eye. Her resilience and determination led her, at just 18, to establish Leia’s Kids, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing financial assistance, advocacy, warrior celebrations, and mental health retreats for children and young adults navigating cancer.

Today, Leia is a nationally recognized speaker, podcast host, educator, and mental health advocate. She has also authored multiple books designed to educate and empower young patients and their families. Her advocacy extends across major cancer organizations, including the Eye Tumor Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the We C Hope Foundation. She collaborates with pharmaceutical partners, speaks globally at SCRS, and champions pediatric cancer research and awareness at both state and federal levels — including annual participation in the White House Cancer Moonshot initiative.

Leia’s leadership and lived experience have driven meaningful progress in pediatric cancer legislation, keeping childhood cancer a priority in state cancer plans nationwide. Her work continues to inspire communities and strengthen support systems for families across the country.

ABOUT LEIA’S KIDS

Founded in 2017 by Leia Hunt Toellner, a two-time childhood cancer survivor, Leia’s Kids is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting children and families battling pediatric cancer through financial assistance, mental health retreats, royal deliveries and meaningful moments of hope. The organization advocates for families, shares their stories, and brings hope to children fighting life‑threatening diagnoses. For more information on Leia’s Kids, visit LeiasKids.org.

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This Veterans Day, communities across North Texas are coming together to recognize the courage, service, and sacrifice of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform. It's a day to express gratitude to our veterans, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and recognize the families who have stood beside them.

For Folds of Honor North Texas, that gratitude is put into action year-round through educational scholarships for the spouses and children of America's fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. These scholarships help families pursue their dreams and build brighter futures while honoring the legacies of their loved ones.

This Saturday, November 14, the North Texas community will have another opportunity to show its support at the 2026 Folds of Honor North Texas Gala at AT&T Stadium. The annual event will bring together veterans, military and first responder families, scholarship recipients, local businesses, and community supporters for an evening of remembrance, celebration, and giving.

The evening will feature a VIP reception, dinner, live entertainment, an auction, and a special guest appearance, all in support of a mission that continues to make a meaningful difference for families across the country.

As we recognize Veterans Day, Folds of Honor North Texas invites our community to carry the spirit of gratitude beyond November 11. Whether through attending the gala, sponsoring a scholarship, or spreading awareness of the organization's mission, every act of support helps ensure that the families of our nation's heroes are never forgotten.

To learn more about the 2026 Gala and ways to support Folds of Honor North Texas, visit Folds of Honor North Texas.

 

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Tails under Sail: Mascots, Stowaways, Rescues, & More!   Enjoy this illustrated lecture with award winning author Sharon Hudgins that features true tales about the animals who have served aboard ships on the high seas in times of peace & war--from heroic cats to military-decorated dogs, from companionable kittens to a Russian reindeer aboard a submarine at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 12 at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr.  These fascinating stories are a treat for children and adults alike. 
 
Sharon Hudgins is an animal lover, and an experienced lecturer on tours for Viking Cruises, Smithsonian Journeys, and National Geographic Expeditions. As a traveler who has spent much time at sea herself, she has a special interest in the historical role of animals aboard small boats and large ships. 

Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.  

 
 

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Reigning Major League Volleyball (MLV) champion Dallas PULSE officially began its 2027 title defense this week bringing players together for their first team meeting, the start of training and their first look at a new locker room designed for the defending champions.

Reigning Major League Volleyball (MLV) champion Dallas PULSE officially began its 2027 title defense this week bringing players together for their first team meeting, the start of training and their first look at a new locker room designed for the defending champions. 

Players entered the locker room Monday to find personalized spaces outfitted with new ASICS shoes, practice gear, knee pads and Dallas PULSE duffle bags. The newly completed locker room features electric blue accent lighting, custom locker panels displaying each player’s name and photo, and padded seating with PULSE-branded backrests. A large Dallas PULSE rug anchors the room, while a heartbeat graphic wraps around the upper walls, carrying the team’s identity throughout its new space. 

Dallas PULSE and ASICS America Corporation announced their official partnership in August that made the reigning Major League Volleyball (MLV) champions the first professional volleyball team in the U.S. to partner with the brand. 

“This is another important moment for our organization because it reflects the investmen we continue making in our players and in the future of professional volleyball in North Texas,” said Dallas PULSE President and CEO Grady Raskin. “Our first season established a championship standard, and now we are focused on building upon that foundation. From our partnership with ASICS to our training environment at Arete Athletics, we are giving our players the resources and support they need to compete at the highest level.” 

Arete Athletics serves as the official practice facility of Dallas PULSE, providing the team with a dedicated training environment while supporting the continued growth of volleyball in North Texas at both the club and professional level. 

Players have arrived in North Texas to start training for the 2027 Major League Volleyball season that opens Friday, Jan. 8, against the Atlanta Vibe at Comerica Center in Frisco. Single-game tickets for the team’s 13 home are now available for purchase at DallasPulseVB.com.

Head Coach Shannon Winzer returns for her second season with Dallas PULSE joined by assistant coaches Robert Poole and Jamille Torres.

The 2027 Dallas PULSE home schedule at Comerica Center includes:

Jan. 8 vs. Atlanta Vibe

Jan. 22 vs. Omaha Supernovas

Jan. 28 vs. Orlando Valkyries

Feb. 5 vs. Minnesota Forge

Feb. 12 vs. Grand Rapids Rise

Feb. 19 vs. Omaha Supernovas

Feb. 28 vs. NorCal Rumble

March 11 vs. LA Thunder

March 14 vs. Vegas Thrill

March 19 vs. NorCal Rumble

April 1 vs. DC Flight

April 18 vs. Columbus Fury

April 24 vs. Indy Ignite 

The start of training kicks off a busy preseason for the defending champions. The 2027 MLV Draft will be held Nov. 23, followed by exhibition matches in Puerto Rico in December and the debut of the official Dallas PULSE mascot. 

Fans can stay connected to Dallas PULSE and receive updates on special events, preseason player activations, ticket opportunities, and team news by signing up for the team's monthly newsletter at DallasPulseVB.com.

Dallas PULSE is North Texas’ women’s professional volleyball team and the reigning Major League Volleyball Champions. Playing at Comerica Center in Frisco, Dallas PULSE echoes the energy, and heart of Dallas-Fort Worth – home to one of the nation’s largest and most passionate volleyball communities. Following a championship-winning inaugural season, Dallas PULSE continues to build momentum on and off the court while helping grow the game of volleyball across North Texas. For more information, visit DallasPulseVB.com or follow @DallasPULSEVB on social media for schedule updates, roster announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Major League Volleyball (MLV) is the premier professional volleyball league in the United States, designed to provide the sport and its athletes with the major league platform they deserve. Founded on a player-first philosophy, MLV combines elite competition, significant investment in athlete development, experienced professional sports ownership and a commitment to the long-term growth of volleyball across the country. As the league enters its fourth season in 2027, MLV has expanded to 12 teams from coast-to-coast in some of the top media markets in the nation. It will continue to create top-level, lasting opportunities and memories for players, coaches and local communities while leading the way in solidifying the future of professional volleyball in North America. For more information, visit MLVB.com and follow the league on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.

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When Words Fail, Music Speaks! Join us! There is no cost. Second Saturday of each month.

Timeless Voices Memory Choir – Join Us!

Music has a powerful ability to connect, communicate and bring joy, even when words become difficult for those living with memory loss. Recognizing the importance of music in dementia care, Juliette Fowler Communities has long incorporated musical engagement into its senior care programming. Now, Fowler invites the community to experience that power through Timeless Voices, the first memory choir in the Dallas area.

Individuals living with memory loss, along with their caregivers and loved ones, are invited to join this welcoming, inclusive choir to sing, build friendships and share meaningful experiences in a supportive environment. Led by Bryce Biffle, Director of Music at East Dallas Christian Church, with pianist John Gill, participants will also have opportunities to perform throughout the year. No musical experience is necessary, and participation is free, thanks to a grant from AWARE North Texas.

Research shows that music can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and agitation, encourage memory recall and strengthen communication, while also providing meaningful shared experiences for caregivers and their loved ones.

The choir meets the second Saturday of each month, beginning November 14, from 10–11 a.m.

Location: Schneider Chapel, Pearl Nordan Care Center at Juliette Fowler Communities, 1260 Abrams Road, Dallas. Enter through Gate 3 off Fulton Street. The circle drive is available for accessible drop-offs.

RSVP is requested. Contact Lisa Mumford at lisam@fowlercommunities.org or 214-515-1341.

Come as you are, share the music and find your community!

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Thanksgiving Feast To-Go - Sheraton Dallas Hotel.j

Sheraton Dallas is making Thanksgiving entertaining easier with its seasonal Thanksgiving Feast To-Go, a chef-crafted holiday meal that cuts hours of kitchen prep. Starting at $145, the complete feast serves 6 to 8 guests and includes a whole smoked turkey, seasonal sides, freshly baked rolls, and two classic holiday pies, making it easy to gather around the table and spend more time with family and friends.

The menu puts a flavorful spin on Thanksgiving favorites, with highlights including green chile mac and cheese with smoked cheddar and crispy chorizo, whipped Boursin mashed potatoes with crispy shallots, honey-glazed rainbow carrots with pistachio dukkah, and smoked turkey collard greens. Guests can finish the meal with pecan and pumpkin pies served with whipped sweet crème fraîche.

For larger gatherings, optional add-ons include a 10-pound spiral ham for $75, an additional whole turkey starting at $75, and smoked tenderloin for $145.

Guests can select their preferred pickup time on Thanksgiving Day at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Open Palette. Advance purchase is required by Thursday, November 19. Reserve your feast now here!

Bring a restaurant-quality holiday feast home to your loved ones with ease. Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 North Olive Street.

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Celebrate the holidays at Legacy West North Pole!

Beginning November 12, Plano’s favorite lifestyle destination transforms into the Legacy West North Pole, bringing a family-friendly walkable collection of holiday neighborhoods and a lineup of seasonal events that has been called DFW’s “Most Instagrammable” holiday hotspot. This year’s calendar includes “Mistletoe Mall” small business pop-ups, a Holly Jolly Sip & Shop and photos with Santa, plus a special appearance for his four-legged fans.

Free to visit, the Legacy West North Pole invites guests to make an afternoon or evening of it. Take a photo with a holiday-card-ready backdrop, catch a musical fountain show, tackle a gift list—with custom gift wrapping available for the perfect finishing touch—and meet friends for dinner or a festive cocktail. All across Legacy West, twinkling lights and playful installations turn a shopping trip into an unforgettable holiday experience.

“The best holiday plans leave a little room for discovery,” said Liz Gallagher, marketing director of Legacy West. “You might come for a photo with Santa and find yourself staying for dinner, enjoying live music or taking one more stroll through the lights. Legacy West is the kind of place where a quick visit becomes a favorite holiday memory.”

Explore the North Pole Neighborhoods at Legacy West

Eight themed spots give visitors plenty of reasons to stroll, pose with and enjoy the holiday season at Legacy West:

Santa’s Sleigh: Step into a sparkling scene of trees, twinkling lights and a sleigh perfect for a holiday photo.

Santa’s Ornament Collection: This festive photo backdrop created from ornaments Santa’s elves have delivered for safekeeping – can you find it?

Fa La La Fountain: Catch the holiday fountain show at the top of every hour and sing along to the sounds of the season.

Naughty or Nice Mirrors: Which list are you on? Let a mirror selfie make the case for your spot on Santa’s list.

Gingerbread Forest: Explore a sweet holiday scene centered on a gingerbread-inspired tree display.

Let’s Get Lit: Visit the menorah display presented in partnership with the Chabad of Plano.

Whiskey Moon Wonderland: Sip a festive cocktail beneath the patio lights at the Renaissance Hotel or head inside to its Zen Meets West Meets Holiday bar for drinks and bites.

Deck the Hall: Keep the celebration going with festive concerts and events at Legacy Hall.

 

Make a Date for Holiday Fun

From getting in the Christmas spirit with Black Friday carolers to taking a long holiday run, events at Legacy West offer ways to celebrate with friends, family and even your pets:

November 27: Christmas Carolers get everyone in the spirit as they perform live 4-6 p.m., singing classic Christmas carols in 19th-century Dickensian costumes.

Every Friday-Sunday starting November 27th: Mistletoe Mall at Legacy West will let you discover a unique gift from a rotating series of local makers and independent artists. Look for the Mistletoe Mall November 27-29, December 4-6, December 11-13 and December 18-20, 12 p.m. noon to 6 p.m. each day.

December 4–6 and December 11–12: Santa will be at Legacy West, ready to take that classic Christmas portrait with you and your family and friends at his sleigh. *Reservations required here; time slots are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.*

December 5: Holly Jolly Sip & Shop beckons you to stroll, shop and sip libations at a variety of Legacy West retailers. Tickets are $35/person and include beverages.

December 12: Kids Holiday Crafting from 12 p.m. noon to 3 p.m. lets children explore their crafting skills to make their own holiday heirloom near Santa’s Sleigh. Registration is free here.

December 13: Santa Paws is for your four-legged friend to visit Santa, take pictures and tell the big guy in red all about the chew sticks, tennis balls and catnip on your list. Reservations required here.

December 13: Reindeer Run Club Holiday Bash starting at 7:30 a.m. encourages you to run, run Rudolph in festive costume and enjoy a little holiday happiness. *Reservations are recommended and may be made here.*

Holiday Music Series on Saturdays, 5-7 p.m. – Enjoy live holiday performances as you stroll through the Legacy North Pole!

Reindeer Run Club on Sundays, 7:30 a.m. – Run or walk a 5K – all levels encouraged to participate! *No reservation required*

For event times, registration information and the latest seasonal updates, visit legacywest.com/legacywestnorthpole and legacywest.com/eventcalendar. Follow @LegacyWestPlano and share holiday moments with #LegacyWest.

About Legacy West

Legacy West, known as the most successful development in North Texas history, includes 343,000 square feet of retail; 435,000 square feet of office space; and 1,300 multi-family units. The mixed-use project located in Plano, Texas is home to national and international corporate office tenants, a 303-room Renaissance Hotel, luxury retail brands, a 55,000-square-foot artisan Food Hall, plus more than 20 restaurants and eateries to choose from. Legacy West is the destination of choice for work, live, shop, play and dine in North Texas.

About Kite Realty Group

Kite Realty Group (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates a high-quality portfolio of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use destinations. The Company’s portfolio is concentrated in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets. Publicly listed since 2004, KRG brings more than six decades of experience in developing, operating, and investing in real estate, using a disciplined, hands-on approach to enhance portfolio quality and maximize long-term value for all stakeholders. As of September 30, 2026, the Company owned interests in 164 U.S. open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets, comprising approximately 26.3 million square feet of gross leasable space. For more information, please visit kiterealty.com.

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After five remarkable seasons and four state championships at Prestonwood Christian Academy, Coach Ryan Mitchell announces his retirement as Coach Katelyn Gill prepares to lead the Lady Lions into their next chapter. It's the end of an incredible era for Prestonwood Christian Academy Volleyball, but the future of the Lady Lions is in championship hands!
 
Following another outstanding season that culminated in the 2026 TAPPS 6A State Championship, legendary Head Volleyball Coach Ryan Mitchell has announced his retirement from coaching. Stepping into the head coaching role is a familiar face: Katelyn Gill, who has spent the past two seasons helping lead the Lady Lions as an assistant coach.
 
When Coach Mitchell arrived at PCA in 2021, he brought with him an extraordinary coaching résumé, including seven state championships at Lovejoy High School, a national championship, and National Coach of the Year honors. Over the next five seasons, he helped take PCA Volleyball to new heights. Under his leadership, the Lady Lions captured four TAPPS 6A State Championships, including three consecutive titles from 2022 through 2024, and established themselves among the nation's premier high school volleyball programs.
 
But ask anyone who has been part of the program, and they'll tell you that Coach Mitchell's influence reaches well beyond the scoreboard. His commitment to discipline, teamwork, character, and Christ-centered leadership has helped shape generations of young women, preparing them for success both on and off the court.
 
"Ryan Mitchell has been an extraordinary blessing to Prestonwood Christian Academy," said Dr. Michael Goddard, Superintendent of the PCA School System. "His impact extends far beyond championship trophies and national rankings. Ryan has invested in the lives of young women, challenged them to pursue excellence, and demonstrated what it means to compete with purpose and a Kingdom mindset.” 
 
As Coach Mitchell closes this chapter of his remarkable career, the PCA community has much to celebrate and even more to be thankful for. PCA families, Alumni, and friends are invited to celebrate Coach Mitchell's retirement on Thursday, December 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Welcome Center.
 
While Coach Mitchell leaves big shoes to fill, the Lady Lions won't have to look far for their next leader. Coach Katelyn Gill is already a familiar presence on the PCA sidelines, having served as an assistant coach for the past two seasons. She knows the players, understands the program's culture, and brings an impressive championship pedigree of her own.
 
Before joining PCA, Gill served as Head Volleyball Coach at Gunter High School, where she compiled a 203–58 record and guided the program to several historic milestones. Under her leadership, Gunter reached its first State Tournament in 2020, played in its first State Championship match in 2021, and won its first volleyball State Championship in 2022. That championship season ended with a 43–6 record and a Top 20 national ranking. Gill's success earned her multiple Coach of the Year honors, including recognition from the Texas Girls Coaches Association.
 
Her volleyball experience began long before her coaching career. As a four-year letterwinner and team captain at Texas A&M University, Gill helped the Aggies capture the 2015 SEC Championship and make four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
 
For Gill, however, the opportunity to lead PCA Volleyball is about much more than winning matches. "I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead the PCA Volleyball program," Gill shared. "It is abundantly clear that this is a door God opened for our family, and I am thrilled to transition into this new role in the program. I am excited to continue the legacy of championship volleyball at PCA and come alongside our athletes in their pursuit of Christ.”
 
Gill and her husband, Jordan, who serves as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Gunter High School, have three children: Kirby, Callum, and Collins.
 
With a championship tradition firmly established and a proven leader ready to take the reins, PCA Volleyball enters its next chapter with plenty of momentum. Coach Mitchell leaves behind a legacy of excellence, faith, and countless lives impacted. Coach Gill brings the experience, relationships, and passion to build upon that foundation.
 
As PCA celebrates its 30th anniversary, this transition is another reminder that while seasons and leaders may change, the mission remains the same: developing student-athletes who compete with excellence, lead with character, and honor Christ in all they do. 
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More than two decades ago, Dallas attorney Hank Alterman stopped for lunch. It was an ordinary day and an ordinary meal. But a conversation with his waiter changed the course of his life. The young man told Alterman he had dreamed of going to college but could not afford it. He was intelligent, ambitious and capable, but like countless students, financial circumstances stood between him and his future. Alterman left the restaurant unable to forget him.

“I realized what a bubble I was living in,” Alterman said. “I made a promise to help others.”

 That promise became The Scholarship Fund.

 For more than 23 years, Alterman led the nonprofit organization, helping highly motivated North Texas students pursue college, graduate school, technical training and new careers. During that time, The Scholarship Fund awarded more than $230,000 in scholarships, helping more than 100 students continue their education and pursue opportunities they might otherwise have been unable to afford.

Then came cancer. After more than two decades devoted to helping others pursue their dreams, Alterman received a devastating cancer diagnosis. As treatment became his priority, he was forced to step away from the organization that had become his life's work. Without his active leadership, The Scholarship Fund eventually ceased operations.

 But Alterman's story—and his mission—was not over.

 Today, Alterman is in remission. And he is leading a dedicated group of supporters in launching The (New) Scholarship Fund, renewing his commitment to creating educational opportunities for students whose ambition exceeds their financial resources. And, he has recruited experienced nonprofit leader, Fayth Jefferson, as the new CEO. 

 “I consider this my life's work,” Alterman said. “I don't have any particular skills or talents, and I have often wondered what I would do without my education. I feel this is my legacy. That's why I want to build this organization—to make sure it will live after me and continue helping people in the future.”

 Mission in Action – Student Success Stories

The Scholarship Fund began with one realization: talent and determination are not always enough when the cost of education stands in the way. Since its founding, the organization has helped students from diverse backgrounds pursue undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, as well as technical and vocational education.

“Many people wouldn’t have given me a chance at my age and with my history of drug abuse, but The Scholarship Fund did, allowing me to show my daughter that hard work and diligence do pay off.”

–Benjamin Ramirez, shipping and receiving supervisor, and student

 “If not for a timely award from The Scholarship Fund, I could have become a victim of circumstance like so many others—a person fully capable of earning a college degree and becoming successful, but unable to afford the education.”

– Richard Lavallais, systems engineer and technical assistance contractor, Office of Naval Research

 “Not only did The Scholarship Fund give me financial assistance, but they also provided me with a mentor who encouraged me to stay with it, to never quit. She was so right!”

– Cindy Rosales, staffing specialist in human resources

Now, those stories - and the lives of future students - are driving Alterman forward once again. The relaunch of The Scholarship Fund represents more than the return of a nonprofit organization. It is the continuation of a promise made more than 20 years ago during a chance conversation over lunch.

The Scholarship Fund provides grants to highly motivated students pursuing part-time or full-time undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, as well as technical and vocational education. The organization supports students across all fields of study and at every stage of higher education. Its mission is to help remove financial barriers that prevent motivated individuals from pursuing, continuing and completing their education.

By reducing some of the financial burdens associated with earning a degree or professional credential, The Scholarship Fund seeks to increase educational access, opportunity and success for underserved and highly motivated individuals throughout the North Texas community.

 

 

 

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More than two decades ago, Dallas attorney Hank Alterman stopped for lunch. It was an ordinary day and an ordinary meal. But a conversation with his waiter changed the course of his life. The young man told Alterman he had dreamed of going to college but could not afford it. He was intelligent, ambitious and capable, but like countless students, financial circumstances stood between him and his future. Alterman left the restaurant unable to forget him.

“I realized what a bubble I was living in,” Alterman said. “I made a promise to help others.”

 That promise became The Scholarship Fund.

 For more than 23 years, Alterman led the nonprofit organization, helping highly motivated North Texas students pursue college, graduate school, technical training and new careers. During that time, The Scholarship Fund awarded more than $230,000 in scholarships, helping more than 100 students continue their education and pursue opportunities they might otherwise have been unable to afford.

Then came cancer. After more than two decades devoted to helping others pursue their dreams, Alterman received a devastating cancer diagnosis. As treatment became his priority, he was forced to step away from the organization that had become his life's work. Without his active leadership, The Scholarship Fund eventually ceased operations.

 But Alterman's story—and his mission—was not over.

 Today, Alterman is in remission. And he is leading a dedicated group of supporters in launching The (New) Scholarship Fund, renewing his commitment to creating educational opportunities for students whose ambition exceeds their financial resources. And, he has recruited experienced nonprofit leader, Fayth Jefferson, as the new CEO. 

 “I consider this my life's work,” Alterman said. “I don't have any particular skills or talents, and I have often wondered what I would do without my education. I feel this is my legacy. That's why I want to build this organization—to make sure it will live after me and continue helping people in the future.”

 Mission in Action – Student Success Stories

The Scholarship Fund began with one realization: talent and determination are not always enough when the cost of education stands in the way. Since its founding, the organization has helped students from diverse backgrounds pursue undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, as well as technical and vocational education.

“Many people wouldn’t have given me a chance at my age and with my history of drug abuse, but The Scholarship Fund did, allowing me to show my daughter that hard work and diligence do pay off.”

–Benjamin Ramirez, shipping and receiving supervisor, and student

 “If not for a timely award from The Scholarship Fund, I could have become a victim of circumstance like so many others—a person fully capable of earning a college degree and becoming successful, but unable to afford the education.”

– Richard Lavallais, systems engineer and technical assistance contractor, Office of Naval Research

 “Not only did The Scholarship Fund give me financial assistance, but they also provided me with a mentor who encouraged me to stay with it, to never quit. She was so right!”

– Cindy Rosales, staffing specialist in human resources

Now, those stories - and the lives of future students - are driving Alterman forward once again. The relaunch of The Scholarship Fund represents more than the return of a nonprofit organization. It is the continuation of a promise made more than 20 years ago during a chance conversation over lunch.

The Scholarship Fund provides grants to highly motivated students pursuing part-time or full-time undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees, as well as technical and vocational education. The organization supports students across all fields of study and at every stage of higher education. Its mission is to help remove financial barriers that prevent motivated individuals from pursuing, continuing and completing their education.

By reducing some of the financial burdens associated with earning a degree or professional credential, The Scholarship Fund seeks to increase educational access, opportunity and success for underserved and highly motivated individuals throughout the North Texas community.

 

 

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