Rainbow Days hosted its 27^th annual Saturday with Santa Christmas event to spread hope and holiday joy for families experiencing homelessness in the Dallas community. This celebratory event hosted on the Lovers Lane United Methodist Church campus spread holiday magic by giving out over 500 stockings filled with toys, treats and essential tangible items to all family members.

Rainbow Days hosted approximately 300 children and parents?from local homeless shelters, domestic violence centers and extended-stay motels for a day of holiday fun and family bonding. At the 2023 Saturday with Santa event, children and parents enjoyed lunch, carnival games, bouncy houses, arts and crafts, and visits with Santa Claus. 

After the event, Rainbow Days distributed additional stockings and gifts to over 200 more children and parents living at partnering homeless-serving sites. The 2023 Saturday with Santa event benefited over 500 homeless children and parents who reside in local homeless and domestic violence shelters, transitional living sites and extended-stay motels.  

Rainbow Days would like to recognize all of the outstanding individuals and groups who made Saturday with Santa a success this holiday season: 

• Bank of America
• Hearts of Servants
• HEB / Central Market
• Holy Smokers
• Lovers Lane United Methodist Church
• National Charity League
• PepsiCo / Frito-Lay
• Prince of Peace Catholic Community
• The Rees-Jones Foundation
• Toys for Texans
• TTG Family Fund
• Young Men's Service League
• Amazon Wish List Donors
• Plus, hundreds of individuals who supported Saturday with Santa through financial gifts, in-kind donations of toys and stockings, and volunteer hours! 

ABOUT RAINBOW DAYS: Rainbow Days is a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded in 1982, Rainbow Days has a mission to help children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures. Through support groups, life enrichment programs and tangible items, Rainbow Days makes meaningful connections with more than 15,000 at-risk and homeless children and youth in the Dallas area annually. Rainbow Days expands its impact through international training services, which trains other nonprofit staff, teachers and counselors in its award-winning CBSG® Program.

Winter is here, and with it comes the need to keep our homes warm and cozy. One often overlooked aspect of home insulation is the roof. Proper roof insulation not only helps support to keep the cold air out and the warm air in, but it can also save you money on your energy bills. Here, we will explore the importance of roof insulation and how it can benefit you this winter.

The Benefits of Proper Roof Insulation

1. Energy Efficiency: A well-insulated roof acts as a barrier, preventing heat from escaping your home. This means that your heating system doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills.

2. Improved Comfort: With proper roof insulation, you can say goodbye to cold drafts and chilly spots in your home. By maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your living space, you can enjoy a cozy and comfortable environment all winter long.

3. Reduced Condensation: Insulation helps to prevent condensation from forming on the underside of your roof. This is important because excessive condensation can lead to moisture-related issues such as mold growth and structural damage.

4. Long-Term Savings: Investing in roof insulation can provide long-term financial benefits. By reducing your energy consumption, you can save money on your heating bills year after year. Additionally, proper insulation can extend the lifespan of your roof by preventing damage caused by temperature fluctuations.

Types of Roof Insulation

There are several types of roof insulation available, each with its own unique benefits. Here are a few popular options:

1. Fiberglass Insulation: This type of insulation is made from tiny glass fibers and is known for its excellent thermal performance. It is lightweight, easy to install, and offers good soundproofing qualities.

2. Cellulose Insulation: Made from recycled paper products, cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly option. It provides effective insulation and is resistant to pests and mold.

3. Spray Foam Insulation: This type of insulation is applied as a liquid and expands to fill gaps and crevices, creating an airtight seal. It offers superior insulation properties and can help to improve indoor air quality.

Hiring a Professional Roofing Company

While some homeowners may attempt to install roof insulation themselves, it is often best to hire a professional roofing company. They have the expertise and experience to ensure that the insulation is installed correctly and meets all safety and building code requirements.

When choosing a roofing company, consider the following:

1. Experience: Look for a company with a proven track record of providing quality roofing services. Check their portfolio and read customer reviews to get an idea of their reputation.

2. Certifications and Insurance: Ensure that the company is licensed, insured, and certified to perform roofing work. This will protect you from liability in case of accidents or damage during the installation process.

3. Warranty: Inquire about the warranty offered by the roofing company. A reputable company will stand behind its work and provide a warranty that covers both materials and labor.

4. Cost: While cost is an important factor, it should not be the sole determining factor. Consider the overall value and quality of the services provided by the roofing company.

Proper roof insulation is essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable during the winter months. By investing in quality insulation and hiring a professional roofing company, you can enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency, improved comfort, and long-term savings. Don't let the cold air seep in through your roof - take action today and start saving money this winter.

Tucker Roofing Systems is a leading provider of high-quality roofing solutions dedicated to excellence in craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. With over 60 years of experience, we specialize in installations, repairs, and replacements, serving both residential and commercial clients. Contact us at (972) 833-2271 to schedule a consultation.

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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