While social media can be a great tool for connecting people together, for many of our North Texas youth, the effects of social media and social media influencers can have a dark side. Teens follow a staggering number of influencers, with 70% of American teens relying on influencers as a primary source of information.

During February, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and Galleria Dallas are partnering to launch a powerful campaign titled “Redefining Influencers” that showcases a new class of influencer – role models of whom all North Texans can be proud.

The exhibit, which will be unveiled Friday, Jan. 26, will showcase three North Texas professionals and two Girl Scouts Gold Award winners and highlight how they have positively influenced their world. Young women earn the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting, by developing and carrying out lasting solutions to issues in their neighborhoods and beyond.

Among the women featured in the exhibit:

• Amber Williams. A chef who founded Le Rouge Cuisine, Williams has drawn upon her experiences growing up in Oak Cliff to write the cookbook Surviving the Food Desert, which provides educational tips to turn food pantry staples into nutritious and delicious meals.
• Devyn Walker. The licensed professional counselor used personal tragedy and mental health challenges as the catalyst to create Transcend Wellness, which brings mind-body healing practices to underserved BIPOC communities.
• Linda Garcia. The Texas representative created the wealth management company In Luz We Trust, which empowers the LatinX community to take control of their finances. Her Wealth Warrior workshops led her to write Wealth Warrior: 8 Steps for Communities of Color to Conquer the Stock Market.

These powerful role models are joined in the exhibit by two Girl Scout Gold Award recipients:

• Kelsey Jahnke. The Plano West High School senior pays tribute to a fellow Girl Scout who died of fentanyl poisoning with A Focus on Fentanyl, which creates awareness and education among North Texas teens. 
• Anya Aggarwal. The sophomore at The Hockaday School educated DISD youth about healthy habits and body image in a special camp called Beautiful Body through Beautiful Mind – Inside and Out.

“Young women today are barraged with a variety of voices hoping to influence them. We are proud to collaborate with Galleria Dallas to bring real influencers for change to the forefront of that dialogue,” said Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO of GSNETX.

The timing of the display falls during the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program, which runs through Feb. 25. Every purchase of a box of Girl Scout Cookies fuels local Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year – exploring what interests them, discovering their passions and taking action on issues they care about.

Girl Scout troops will sell cookies at Galleria Dallas each weekend from Jan. 27 – Feb. 25 near their exhibit. 

This year, Cookie Box Creations also returns to Galleria Dallas. With the goal of creating the next generation of STEM leaders, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas pairs teams of Girl Scouts with architects and engineers in a design contest to transform Girl Scout cookie boxes into free-standing structures. This year’s theme celebrates board games, with each team honoring a different classic game.

On Sunday, Feb. 25, four teams of Girl Scouts will work to create structures using a maximum of 1,000 empty Girl Scout Cookie boxes. In addition to being adjudicated by a panel of experts, the impressive creations will also be judged by the public, who can vote for a favorite via a QR code.

Area Girl Scouts are invited to view the creations and celebrate a successful cookie season on March 9, when Galleria Dallas hosts Girl Scout Skate Day from noon to 9 p.m. at Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center. Girl Scouts who arrive in uniform will receive free skate rental and a special patch.

“As a woman who benefitted from experience as a Girl Scout in the Cookie Program, being able to partner with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to share this important message is personally empowering,” said Galleria Dallas Director of Marketing Megan Townsend. “Galleria Dallas is committed to being a powerful voice in the community and to help elevate the dialogue that shapes the women of tomorrow.”

EVENT INFORMATION

REDEFINING INFLUENCERS DISPLAY

WHEN:                Jan. 26 through Feb. 27, 2024

                             Onsite interview opportunity morning of Jan. 26

WHERE:              Galleria Dallas

                             Level I across from Apple

COST:                  Exhibit is free.

                             Cookie sales will be available Jan. 27-Feb. 25 as follows:

• Saturdays – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sundays – noon to 6 p.m.

COOKIE BOX CREATIONS

WHEN:                Live Build – Sunday, Feb. 25, 8 a.m. to noon.

                             Onsite interview opportunity morning of Feb. 25

                             Structures onsite for viewing and voting Feb. 25 through March 23

WHERE:              Galleria Dallas

                             Level I near Mango

COST:                  Exhibit is free.

GIRL SCOUT SKATE DAY

WHEN:                Saturday, March 9, noon to 9 p.m.

WHERE:              Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center

COST:                  $12. Girl Scouts wearing a uniform or other Girl Scout apparel will receive a special patch and free skate rental during the event ($5 value).

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

We Are Girl Scouts

Whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas serves girls and adult volunteers across 32 counties. To change the workforce pipeline in STEM and meet the urgent need for female voices, engagement, and leadership in the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas opened the STEM Center of Excellence in 2018. The STEM Center is a 92-acre state-of-the-art camp outside of Dallas where girls can experience astronomy, robotics, coding, computer science programs, and more. Learn more at gsnetx.org or call 972-349-2400. 

DALLAS (January 24, 2024) -- Action Allies United (AAU), a passionate non-profit organization dedicated to promoting positive social change, proudly announces State Representative Salman Bhojani of House District 92 will give the keynote address at the inaugural Lunar Accords Gala. The event will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

This exclusive event promises an evening of inspiration and philanthropy in support of The Lunar Accords, an initiative to inspire youth to welcome diplomacy and develop future international leaders. The program is designed to educate and empower teens about the significance of diplomacy and cultural understanding, respect for different viewpoints, and work on various problem-solving collaboration initiatives worldwide.

Event Details:

Date:     Saturday, February 24, 2024

Time:    6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, 300 N. Houston Street, Dallas, TX 75202

Cost:     Tickets are $55 per person (link to purchase)

Key Highlights:

Silent Auction & Reception: The Lunar Accords Gala will commence with a silent auction and reception from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., offering attendees the chance to bid on unique items from local businesses. Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served, creating an inviting atmosphere for an evening of collaboration.

State-of-the-Art Theater: Following the silent auction, guests will gather in the museum's state-of-the-art theater for insightful speakers. The lineup includes distinguished individuals sharing perspectives on diplomacy, global cooperation, and the role of youth initiatives in shaping the future, as well as the AAU’s work to help rebuild dorms in Morocco for a girls’ school and help establish a charter for the Lunar Accords, a junior diplomacy initiative.

Keynote Speaker - The highlight of the evening will be the keynote address by House Representative Salman Bhojani at 7:30 p.m. Known for his advocacy for community engagement and diplomacy, Representative Bhojani will share his incredible journey, experiences and dedication to public service and offer valuable insights into the importance of grassroots initiatives in building a better world.

Supporting The Lunar Accords: All funds raised from ticket sales, silent auction and donations during the Gala will 100% benefit The Lunar Accords, a grassroots junior diplomacy initiative founded by North Texas scholars and visionary Anna Marie Sifford.  

Join Us for a Night of Impact:

Tickets for the Lunar Accords Gala are $55 and can be purchased online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/37840152-4d32-4029-8d3f-c6122ad806a0. This is a unique opportunity to witness an unforgettable event combining diplomacy and philanthropy, all while supporting a meaningful cause for an organization that is led, managed and run by high school students under their mentor, Sifford.   

ABOUT ACTION ALLIES UNITED

Action Allies United is a dynamic organization dedicated to promoting positive social change. Through advocacy, community engagement, and collaboration, we aim to inspire individuals to take action and create a better world for all. Connect with Us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please visit our website at www.actionalliesunited.org.

ABOUT REPRESENTATIVE SALMAN BHOJANI

Born in Pakistan, Representative Bhojani immigrated to Texas at age 19. He worked three minimum wage jobs to help support his family–including mopping the floors and as a cashier at a convenience store at night while attending school. Representative Bhojani earned his B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. He received his law degree from Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law and a Comparative Law diploma from Oxford University. 

He went to work as an attorney at Haynes and Boone before opening his own law firm. Representative Bhojani made national headlines when he was elected to the Euless City Council on May 5, 2018, after winning by 37 votes and becoming the first person of color to hold an elected office in Euless. In 2020, he was elected Mayor Pro Tem of Euless. In November 2022, Representative Bhojani made history once again when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, making him the first Muslim and South Asian ever elected to the Texas Legislature and the first person of color ever elected to represent House District 92. 

When Representative Bhojani isn’t busy serving the constituents of District 92, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Nima and their two children, Aarish and Raisha. He is a competitive ping pong player and enjoys charting new heights, like climbing Mount Everest Base Camp.

Media Contact:

Stacey Gaswirth, Go PR LLC for Actions Allied United, stacey@gopublicrelations.com, 214-213-4675

ABOUT PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL

As the proud host of the unexpected, Punch Bowl Social’s mission is to bring people together through a one of a kind offering of food, fun, first-rate hospitality, and exceptional entertainment. Scratch kitchens, craft cocktails, social gaming, and music are presented in eclectic and creatively designed spaces to provide the perfect setting for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking to have a night out with friends or want to host THE event of the season, Punch Bowl Social has you.

Website: https://punchbowlsocial.com

social media: @punchbowlsocial

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Immersive Gamebox, a leading immersive gaming company with 30 locations globally, will launch its latest group gaming experience, Tetris® 1991, with an appearance by 13-year-old Willis Gibson, the first person to beat Tetris®, at its location in Grandscape in The Colony, Texas.

Willis and his mother will play the first game of Tetris® 1991, just weeks after Willis gained international acclaim for achieving a world record by “beating” the Nintendo Entertainment System version of Tetris®. A viral video viewed by millions of people globally shows Willis, who goes by the gamer tag Blue Scuti, in tears and shock after he cleared 1,511 lines in just 38 minutes, a record previously completed only by artificial intelligence. The event, set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, will also feature a birthday party for Willis, who is turning 14, with Tetris®-themed cupcakes and Tetris®-colored balloons. The public is invited to the party, and to watch Willis as he plays the game for the first time.

“My mom has always been supportive of my love for Tetris® and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the record without her,” Willis said. “Being able to be part of a group gaming experience inspired by Tetrix with her and my big sisters is going to be fun and new for all of us.”

Tetris® 1991 joins Immersive Gamebox's extensive library of licensed and original intellectual property games, further enriching its immersive gaming offerings. This includes versions of popular titles such as Squid Game, PAW Patrol, Shaun The Sheep and Angry Birds.

Founder and CEO Will Dean wants Immersive Gamebox to be a collaborative experience, rather than the sometimes isolated experience of gameplay at home.

“Immersive Gamebox’s mission is to build stronger communities and social bonds through gaming,” Dean said. “That’s why all our games are built to be collaborative and connection building – a far cry from the isolating and often violent games currently offered by the industry.”

“Four decades after it was first launched, Tetris® remains popular among adults and young people alike,” he continued. “Our immersive gaming version plays on the well-loved classic and promises to offer nostalgia for those around in the ’90s and pure excitement for those with the pleasure of experiencing it for the first time at one of our Immersive Gamebox locations.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Immersive Gamebox to provide players of all ages an opportunity to experience the Tetris® brand in an exciting new format,” said Tetris CEO Maya Rogers. “As we celebrate the 40^th anniversary this year, Tetris® 1991 offers our fans a unique way to physically engage with the brand and have fun with family and friends at the same time.”

The immersive group gaming adaptation of the beloved classic will be available to play in 30 Immersive Gamebox sites around the world beginning Jan. 27. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit immersivegamebox.com.

EVENT INFORMATION

What: Tetris® 1991 gameplay begins with an appearance by Willis Gibson, the 13-year-old who beat Tetris® for the first time. The event will also feature a birthday party for Willis with Tetris®-themed cupcakes and Tetris®-colored balloons.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27

Where: Immersive Gamebox, 5752 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony

Cost: The event is free to attend. If you want to play, tickets are $34.99 for adults, $29.99 for kids 5-11, college students and military with ID. Reservations should be made in advance.

Information: immersivegamebox.com

About Immersive Gamebox

Immersive Gamebox is an immersive group gaming company founded by Will Dean (founder of Tough Mudder) and David Spindler. Over 1 milliion gamers in 27 cities across the U.S., UK, Germany and the United Arab Emirates have experienced Immersive Gamebox since it launched in 2018. Its digital and augmented reality games are designed by its in-house studio in collaboration with creators at the likes of Netflix, Columbia Pictures and Paramount. Its augmented reality games include Ghostbusters, Paw Patrol, Shaun the Sheep and Squid Games. Immersive Gamebox has raised over £50m from investors including Index Ventures, Project A Ventures, Philian, Brookfield Asset Management and ActivumSG, alongside notable Angel Investors. Its team of 40 is located in offices in London and Dallas.

About the Tetris® Brand

The  Tetris®  brand is one of the leading and most distinctive video game brands and franchises in the world. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, the brand continues to be loved globally by people of all ages and all cultures. Billions of Tetris games are played online every year, and over 520 million units have been sold worldwide. The Tetris brand’s global licensee network includes major video game publishers, including Nintendo and Sega, as well as many partners in electronics, toys and games, apparel, accessories, entertainment and more. Tetris Holding, LLC, is the owner of Tetris rights worldwide, and The Tetris Company, Inc. is its exclusive licensee. For the latest information about the Tetris brand and Tetris products, please visit: www.tetris.com.

Become a fan of Tetris on Facebook (@Tetris) and follow Tetris on Twitter (@Tetris_Official) and Instagram (@Tetris_Official). Learn more about the history of the game by watching the Apple Original Film Tetris now streaming on Apple TV+.

Texas’ famed Southfork Ranch, once home to the acclaimed show Dallas, is now home to some of the most glam weddings and galas. However, on Friday, Feb. 9, the mansion will host the most unusual wedding celebration: a matrimonially inspired murder mystery dinner.

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, but the wedding bells aren’t ringing for this not-so-happy couple when a member of the wedding party is murdered. With a raging bridezilla and an unenthused groom on the scene, it may be happily never after in this nuptial nightmare. Guests at this delicious dinner will trade clues with their fellow suspects as they help the hapless couple figure out whodunnit so they can say I do before the wedding hour passes them by.

At All is Fair in Love and Murder, the bride and groom aren’t picky, so diners can wear just about whatever they’d like. In fact, guests are encouraged to wear their own wedding dress or the most ridiculous wedding attire available. It’ll make the special day that much more special, so long as the couple actually gets the chance to walk down the aisle.

The evening’s festivities are available to those 21 and older. Seating is communal, so larger groups are encouraged to arrive early to ensure adjacent seating.

While they are sleuthing, guests will enjoy a four-course meal. The evening’s menu includes:

Soup: Tomato Bisque Soup with Crème Fraîche

Salad: Kale Salad with Cranberries, Sliced Apples, Sliced Red Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, and a Lemon-Thyme Vinaigrette

Entree: Petit Filet with Red Wine Demi-Glace paired with Grilled Shrimp in a Lemon Garlic Beurre Blanc, a top of Dauphinoise Potatoes with Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts drizzled with Balsamic Glaze, Rolls and Creamy Butter

Alternating Desserts: Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting on top of Raspberry Coulis and a Red Velvet Cake

Dinner service includes iced water and a complimentary glass of red, white or sparkling wine. Additional beverages are available for purchase.

Tickets for the Murder Mystery Dinner are $95 per person and must be purchased advance at  https://sfrmurdermystery3.eventbrite.com.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT:                Murder Mystery Dinner – All is Fair in Love and Murder

WHERE:              Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Dr., Parker, TX 75002. Enter Gate 1.

WHEN:               Friday, Feb. 9

                             6:30 p.m. arrival

                             7-10 p.m. dinner and show

TICKETS:             $95 per person, plus 26% service charge and 7.25% sales tax

                             https://sfrmurdermystery3.eventbrite.com

INFORMATION: www.southforkranch.com/murder-mystery-dinner