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The University of Texas at Dallas Pre-Dental Association students (left to right) Kamel Elkardri, vice president; Rina Bestawrous, president; Stuti Patel, fundraising coordinator; and Rushil Girdhar, social coordinator, lead the opening ceremony for the annual Miles for Smiles festivities. (Credit: The University of Texas at Dallas Pre-Dental Association)

 

There’s still some time before they pick up their first dental drills, but students from The University of Texas at Dallas have made a positive impact on patient care already. UTD Pre-Dental Association’s annual Miles for Smiles fundraiser and fun-activities event raised a record $24,673 for Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s patients in need. 

Nearly 100 UTD students gathered April 19 at Exall Park in Dallas to celebrate the culmination of six months of fundraising for A&M Dentistry’s Social Services Dental Fund, which assists patients who’ve run out of money before their treatments are finished in the dental clinics. Through a combination of campus bake and craft sales at UTD’s student union and outreach to businesses, including area dental offices, the predental students surpassed the initial $10,000 goal and exceeded the association’s previous record of more than $20,000 set in 2024.   

About 30 businesses provided money or raffle items for the cause, said Emily Tran, the association’s media coordinator. Canyon Creek Family Dentistry, Murphy Dental and Implant Center, Blue Ocean Capital, FunBookShelf, Premier Health Chiropractic & Wellness, Badger Studios, Smile Design Dental and the University of North Texas’ Pre-Dental Society were top sponsors.

“Every year, we are passionate and motivated to make a dental difference in our Dallas-Fort Worth community, improving oral health for all,” Tran said. “We wanted to give back to our community, and it’s amazing to reflect on the impact we can have when we work together.” 

The association has supported the fund since 2008. The money raised closes financial gaps and ensures dental students can complete patients’ essential treatment needs, said Tony Keller, program coordinator in public health sciences at A&M Dentistry, who attended Miles for Smiles festivities. A&M Dentistry has served patients in North Texas for 120 years and offers oral health care at discounted rates in its clinics. To serve more patients, the college recently dropped dental care deposit fees for adults. 

 

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In a landmark evening celebrating more than three decades of community impact, Vogel Alcove's 34th Annual Arts Performance Event raised more than $1.3 million to support Dallas children and families experiencing homelessness, drawing more than 500 supporters to the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa on Saturday, April 25th. The night marked a historic milestone with the presentation of the inaugural Vogel Voices for Children Award to community leader Gil Friedlander, whose 30-plus years of compassionate leadership have helped transform thousands of lives across North Texas and culminated in a roof-raising performance by six-time Emmy winner Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band. 

Made possible by Premiere Sponsors Oliver Wyman, Inc., Simon Greenstone Panatier, PC, and Sidley Austin Foundation, the evening opened with a vibrant red-carpet reception in the expansive Ryder Cup Ballroom Pre-Function Area. Guests arrived in high spirits, sipping cocktails and sampling light bites while deliberating over coveted raffle prizes. Adding a touch of cutting-edge glamour to the evening was ZIYĀ AI Watercolor Portraits, a first-of-its-kind luxury live event activation that captured guests' photos and transformed them into stunning, personalized watercolor paintings in under 60 seconds, leaving attendees with a one-of-a-kind keepsake from the night.

When the ballroom doors swung open, guests were welcomed to a curated BBQ buffet dinner before settling in for a program that was as heartfelt as it was entertaining. Emcee Patrick Dunn ignited the room with a spirited game of Heads or Tails, then sent tables into a delighted frenzy when he revealed that, in honor of Hank Azaria's iconic role as the voice of Gargamel in The Smurfs, tiny Smurfs had been hidden somewhere on each table. The lucky guest who spotted theirs walked away with the centerpiece.

The evening's most moving moment came when Vogel Alcove CEO and President Karen Hughes took the stage to present the inaugural Vogel Voices for Children Award to community leader Gil Friedlander. "Gil embodies everything this award stands for," said Hughes. "His belief in the dignity of every child, and every family, has changed lives in ways we will feel for generations." stated Hughes. For more than three decades, Gil's unwavering commitment and compassion have helped transform the lives of Dallas children and families experiencing homelessness. His leadership has been a cornerstone of Vogel Alcove's mission and on Saturday night, the entire room felt it. An emotional video tribute chronicled his decades of dedication, drawing cheers and making abundantly clear why he was chosen as the first-ever recipient of this honor.

After dinner, the crowd was treated to a roof-raising performance by Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band. Best known as one of the most versatile voices in television history, Azaria has brought beloved Simpsons characters including Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum to life since 1989, earning six Emmy Awards along the way. Film fans know him from The Birdcage, Night at the Museum, Dodgeball, and Along Came Polly but what many may not know is that behind the actor lies a lifelong, passionate devotee of Bruce Springsteen.

What started as a personal dream for his 60th birthday evolved into a full-scale live production, with world-class musicians who have shared stages with Ariana Grande, Post Malone, and Josh Groban. The result was an electrifying set that had guests on their feet, singing along and dancing throughout the Ryder Cup Ballroom. The celebration continued long after the final note, as guests spilled into the lobby for an after-party featuring live music from Patrick Dunn & The Bullpen. It was the perfect close to a perfect evening.

  • Enjoy Vogel’s Arts Performance Event Highlight Video and revisit an unforgettable night (WATCH NOW)

  • Watch the tribute to Gil Friedlander, 2026 Vogel Voices for Children Award recipient, and celebrate his remarkable leadership and generosity (WATCH NOW)

  • View “Stories of Hope,” a powerful reminder of how your support transforms the lives of the children and families Vogel serves (WATCH NOW)

 

The day before the Arts Performance Event, Azaria visited Vogel’s campus to see their mission in action. What he didn’t know… was that the children had a surprise waiting for him - a Smurfs-themed birthday party to celebrate his upcoming birthday on April 25th (a nod to his role as Gargamel!). It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Since 1987, more than 20,000 young, homeless children have walked through the doors of Vogel Alcove. The Annual Arts Performance Event is the organization's flagship fundraiser, raising a significant portion of its annual operating budget and making it possible to continue serving Dallas's most vulnerable children and families. Vogel Alcove's unique Two-Generational approach to combating homelessness provides simultaneous support for both children and their parents — offering early childhood education, developmental services, and therapeutic care in a safe, nurturing environment, free of charge. By strengthening the whole family together, Vogel Alcove isn't just providing shelter from a storm; it's building the foundation for a lasting way out.

The generosity of the community makes it all possible. To learn more about Vogel Alcove and how you can support their mission, visit VogelAlcove.org.

 

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Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to provide critical legal assistance for low-income seniors navigating the Medicaid application process. This funding will help remove barriers to care and facilitate placement in assisted living for some of Dallas’ most vulnerable residents.
 
The grant will directly fund legal services for up to 25 seniors, many of whom face significant financial and logistical challenges when applying for Medicaid. With elder law attorneys often charging between $200 and $500 per hour, access to professional legal guidance can be out of reach for individuals living on fixed incomes. Within Juliette Fowler Communities’ affordable housing at Fowler Christian Apartments, more than 200 low-income seniors reside, with an average household income of just $17,367. Across the broader community, which includes a range of residential settings and services for older adults with varying financial resources, residents may experience changes in health, income, or level of care over time, making Medicaid eligibility and access to legal guidance an essential resource as needs evolve.
 
“Access to legal support can be life-changing for seniors navigating complex systems like Medicaid,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities. “This generous grant from the Texas Bar Foundation allows us to remove barriers that often delay or prevent our residents from receiving the care they need. We are deeply grateful for this investment in dignity, stability, and well-being for the seniors we serve.”
 
Founded in 1892 by Dallas’ first female philanthropist, Juliette Fowler Communities has a 134-year legacy of benevolent service. Today, the organization serves more than 900 individuals annually through a wide range of programs, including independent and assisted living, memory support and youth services. Located in East Dallas, JFC provides a continuum of care for seniors, many of whom live on limited fixed incomes and face increasing financial strain as their care needs evolve.
 
The new legal assistance initiative will be managed by JFC service coordinators in collaboration with legal professionals and senior leadership. Services will include Medicaid application navigation, assistance with complex paperwork, and support through appeals processes when needed. Participants will be selected based on financial need and Medicaid eligibility.
 
This initiative builds on the organization’s longstanding Benevolence Fund, which allocates more than $1 million annually to support vulnerable populations through housing, nutrition, healthcare, and social services but has not previously funded legal assistance for senior residents.
 
Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $30 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation's largest charitably funded bar foundation.
 
“We are hopeful that this initiative will also encourage pro-bono legal work from elder law attorneys as well as better educate older adults on their legal rights and responsibilities related to these complex processes,” added Gann.
 
For more information about Juliette Fowler Communities and its programs, visit www.fowlercommunities.org
 
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With a 134-year history of caring for all ages, Fowler's intergenerational mission creates a unique purpose-driven retirement culture in the heart of Dallas. Home to almost 500 older adults, JFC hosts the Dementia Friendly Dallas initiative and is accredited as a Connected Community of Distinction through Hopeful Aging, embracing the I’m Still Here® philosophy – reflecting its commitment to compassionate, high quality dementia care. Young women in danger of homelessness live at Fowler in the Ebby House residential program, and over 700 children, youth and families receive resources through Fowler's Children, Youth, and Family Services. Fowler is adding a Bezos Academy affordable Montessori program for young children in the fall 2026. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.
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One year after capturing hearts with their unforgettable love story, Olivia and Bradley Blizzard are celebrating their first anniversary — and reflecting on what they’ve learned since saying “I do.”

One year after capturing hearts with their unforgettable love story, Olivia and Bradley Blizzard are celebrating their first anniversary — and reflecting on what they’ve learned since saying “I do.”

The couple, who tagged @dairyqueentx in a TikTok and sparked a collaboration with the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council (TDQOC), quickly became known as the real-life Mr. & Mrs. Blizzard. Their story turned their wedding season into a sweet celebration of love with one of America’s most iconic treats.

Now, one year into marriage, the Blizzards are sharing the top five lessons they’ve learned along the way: 

Five Things Mr. and Mrs. Blizzard Learned in Year One:

  • It’s all about “we.” “We’ve learned to approach life as a team — communicating openly about what we each need and want when making decisions.”
  • Keep things fun and light. “Life can be stressful, but humor helps us keep perspective and enjoy the moment.”
  • Compromise matters. “There’s always give and take. For example, when I want a sweet treat and Bradley doesn’t, we usually compromise and go get a Blizzard.”
  • Routine is good — but so is mixing it up. “We love our routine, but date nights, surprises and trips keep things fresh.”
  • Communication is everything. “Between work, owning a home and having a dog, staying in sync takes constant communication.”

While much has stayed the same, one unexpected change continues to follow them.

“We’re occasionally asked if we’re the Mr. & Mrs. Blizzard from the Dairy Queen story,” Olivia said. “It still makes us smile.”

Their love for Blizzard Treats remains strong, too. Olivia says the Oreo® Snowdrift Blizzard Treat (a limited-time flavor) has become a new favorite while Bradley is sticking with his go-to Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard® Treat.

“Not many couples get to share their last name with one of our most iconic treats,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “A year later, their story is just as fun, and just as sweet. The couple’s story continues to resonate because it reflects the joy and connection that fans associate with the brand.”

DQ restaurants in Texas are serving up a sweet dose of nostalgia with the NEW Breakfast Collection. Available beginning April 27 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas, the lineup turns childhood breakfast favorites into craveable treats, including the Fruity Pebbles™ Shake, Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ Dipped Cone and Choco Frosted Donut Blizzard® Treat, the official May Blizzard of the Month available through May 30, while supplies last.

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, Twitter 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 7,800 franchised locations in more than 20 other countries. 

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Dallas PULSE, North Texas’ women’s professional volleyball team in Major League Volleyball (MLV), announced a new sponsorship agreement with UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), naming UTSW the team’s Official Sports Medicine Partner.

Dallas PULSE, North Texas’ women’s professional volleyball team in Major League Volleyball (MLV), announced a new sponsorship agreement with UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), naming UTSW the team’s Official Sports Medicine Partner. The partnership supports Dallas PULSE’s commitment to athlete wellness, performance, and long-term health on and off the court.

“UT Southwestern is known for having some of the best doctors and sports medicine specialists in the country, and that level of expertise matters when you’re building a world-class pro team,” said Grady Raskin, CEO of Dallas PULSE. “From elite athletic trainers to innovative care, this partnership strengthens our mission to prioritize athlete health, maximize performance, and set a new standard for how women’s professional sports teams support their players—today and for the long run.”

“UT Southwestern is proud to partner with the Dallas Pulse as the Official Team Doctors, bringing our nationally recognized family and sports medicine expertise to support these elite athletes with the highest standard of care,” said Antonia F. Chen, M.D., M.B.A., Chair and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UT Southwestern. “We look forward to helping advance women’s professional sports in North Texas while promoting performance, injury prevention, and long-term health.”

Professional volleyball is fast, physical, and relentlessly competitive. Every rally is a showcase  of power, speed, and precision. Dallas PULSE embodies this intensity and is already making waves in its inaugural season with a strong record among the top teams in the MLV. Behind impact performances across the entire roster, including dynamic outside hitters Mimi Colyer and Sofia Maldonado Diaz and former Olympian and team captain Natalia Valentin-Anderson, Dallas PULSE continues to build momentum at the highest level of women’s professional volleyball. 

In addition to UTSW, Dallas PULSE is supported by a growing roster of corporate partners to elevate the athlete and fan experience including BODYARMOR (Official Sports Drink), Sally Beauty (Official Beauty Supply), RideCentric (Official Transportation Partner), Hotel Indigo (Official Hotel Partner), RhinoSaucerous (Official Hot Sauce Partner), and Augment Wellness (Official Recovery Partner). 

The final regular-season home match is Sunday, May 3, when Dallas PULSE faces the Orlando Valkyries at 3 p.m. CT as part of Fan Appreciation. Activities throughout Comerica Center will include special photo opportunities, a fan poster signing, in-game shoutouts and more. The inaugural season has been fueled by dedicated fans who have brought the energy to every home game. That support has helped propel the PULSE into the playoffs. Tickets are available at dallaspulsevb.com. 

Major League Volleyball’s postseason at Comerica Center kicks off Thursday, May 7, with semifinal matches starting at 6:00 pm. The championship game for the $1 million prize is set for Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m. CT. All matches will be broadcast on ION TV. 

Tickets for both the semifinals and championship matches at Comerica Center are available at provolleyball.com.

Dallas PULSE is North Texas’ women’s professional volleyball team, competing in Major League Volleyball’s 2026 season. 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. For more information about the team, visit DallasPulseVB.com or follow the team on social media channels at @DallasPULSEVB for schedule updates, roster announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Major League Volleyball, competing in its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.

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Fourth-year dental student Jennifer Lee watches Dr. Athanasios Rigos, clinical assistant professor in comprehensive dentistry, provide treatment to Makenzi Overy in the Clinical and Education Building on Texas A&M College of Dentistry's campus.
 

Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service’s admissions portal opened today for another academic year. Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas offers some information and advice for students hoping to enter the dental Class of 2031. 

“Make sure you have a good science foundation, which is 30 hours to 40 hours of science credits,” said Dr. Alicia Spence, the dental college’s director of recruitment and admissions. “The first year of dental school is tough.”  

Nearly 1,500 students applied to A&M Dentistry last year. The dental college’s enrollment is capped at 106 dental students for each entering class, and last year’s applicants had a 3.8 grade-point average overall. Volunteering hours, leadership activities, job shadowing and internships are important too.  

UTHealth Houston, UT Health San Antonio and Texas Tech University Woody L. Hunt School of Dentistry in El Paso, the three other state-supported dental schools, have similar caps. 

 Applicants can apply to any or all Texas dental schools through a single application. The application fee is $235, and it’s the same whether a student applies for one or four schools. Students are welcome to submit their applications as early as May 15, and the application deadline is Oct. 1.  

“Students should apply as early as possible,” Spence said. 

A&M Dentistry also requires a secondary application available for electronic submission on the Texas A&M Health Science Center Application. After the TMDSAS application is received, each applicant will receive an emailed invitation to complete the secondary application.  

Ninety percent of the students accepted must come from Texas, Spence said. There are several ways to qualify as a Texas resident, and TMDSAS has detailed information on its website. Dental colleges will begin extending offers Dec. 15. 

More information about Texas A&M’s dental college admissions process is available here. 

 

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Registration for our 2026 Mansfield Tiger Volleyball Camp is open - sign your kiddos up now so they don't miss out on all the fun!!!!

2026 Mansfield Tiger Volleyball Camp
June 1st - 4th
@ Mansfield High School
Session I: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Incoming K-6th Graders)
Session II: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM (Incoming 7th Graders)
Session III: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Incoming 8th & 9th Graders)
 
2026 Mansfield Tiger Volleyball Camp - Online Registration: https://tinyurl.com/mhsvbtigercamp2026

Contact Head Volleyball Coach Julie Price @ julieprice@misdmail.org if you have any questions!
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If you’re looking for something a little bolder than your typical night out in Dallas, this might be it.

The Turtle Creek Chorale is kicking off its 46th season with a one-night-only performance that leans fully into the unexpected. Songs We Can’t Sing on Stage arrives Saturday, May 2, offering an adults-only cabaret-style evening that trades formality for fun, edge, and a healthy dose of irreverence.

Hosted by the always-unforgettable Helen Holy, with special guest Denise Lee, this show pulls back the curtain on the kinds of songs that don’t typically make it into a traditional chorale program. Think crowd favorites, hidden gems, and performances that are a little cheeky, a little provocative, and completely entertaining.

This is a chance to see Chorale members in a different light, stepping outside the structure of a formal concert and into something more intimate and expressive. It’s also a nod to the group’s roots, bringing cabaret back to the stage for the first time in more than a decade.

A quick note before you go: this is strictly an adults-only event, with explicit language, partial nudity, and plenty of playful innuendo throughout.

Performances will take place at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Oak Cliff Assembly (919 Morell Avenue). Tickets are $40 and available now at TurtleCreekChorale.com.

For longtime supporters, it’s a fresh take on a beloved Dallas institution. For newcomers, it’s an easy entry point, just expect a little more sparkle, and a lot fewer rules.

 
 
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EMPOWER

Every year, children in our communities are placed in foster care due to unsafe or unstable home environments. While foster care provides temporary, safe homes, there are not enough foster parents to support every child who needs one.

Foster care is often seen as a response to crisis, but it is also part of a larger system focused on early intervention and prevention. When families have access to support such as counseling, financial resources, and community guidance, many challenges can be addressed before they reach a breaking point. Strong community networks can help keep families together when it is safe to do so.

For children who do enter foster care, stability is critical. A consistent, supportive home can help a child continue school, maintain routines, and feel a sense of normalcy during a difficult time. Foster parents play an essential role not just by providing shelter, but by offering care, patience, and advocacy.

Supporting foster care does not always mean becoming a foster parent. It can also look like mentoring families, volunteering with local organizations, or simply raising awareness about the need. Small, consistent actions across a community can make a meaningful difference.

At its core, foster care is about ensuring that every child has a safe place to land. When communities invest in early support and step in when it is needed most, they help create stronger, more stable futures for children and families alike.

To learn more about fostering a child or how to get involved, click here!

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Open Palette, Sheraton Dallas’ signature restaurant, presents a vibrant Mother’s Day Brunch, blending expertly prepared seasonal flavors and ingredients in a bright, contemporary atmosphere.

On Sunday, May 10, from 11 AM to 2 PM, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated experience featuring chef-attended stations, fresh pastries, seafood displays, and more. To make the day even more special, Open Palette will also offer $7 mimosas, live music, and an on-site permanent bracelet experience.

Mother’s Day brunch is $69+ per person. Reservations are now available on OpenTable.

Located in the Sheraton Dallas Hotel at 400 North Olive Street, Open Palette is the ideal destination for locals and travelers to celebrate Mom in the heart of the city. Images are available here.

 

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH MENU

 

Carving Station

  • Beef Wellington, with red wine demi-glace and silver dollar roll.

Breakfast Station

  • Country Potato

  • Crispy Bacon

  • Biscuit & Gravy

  • Blintz, with berry compote.

  • House Waffle and Syrups.

  • Chicken and Pork Sausage.

Hot Side Station

  • Chicken Cordon Bleu, with roasted red pepper sauce.

  • Blackened Red Fish, with Creole sauce.

  • Shrimp Scampi, with lemon butter sauce.

  • Sautéed Orzo in garlic butter.

  • Seasonal Roasted Vegetables.

Seafood Station

  • Shrimp Cocktail.

  • Smoked Salmon.

Salad Station

  • Caesar Salad.

  • House Salad.

  • Fresh Sliced Fruit Platter.

Cold Cuts. Sliced Turkey Galantine, Sliced Ham, Spanish Chorizo, Salami, Assorted Local Cheese.

Dessert Station, with fresh house-made desserts.