For the fourth consecutive year, Park Place Dealerships is giving away a total of $100,000 in grants through its SEASON OF GIVING campaign to non-profits making a positive impact in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth community. Beginning today through October 25, eligible organizations are invited to apply at ParkPlaceCares.com. Recipients will be announced the week of November 18, 2024. 

“Through the SEASON OF GIVING, we provide grants to local organizations that align with our four pillars of giving,” said Tony Carimi, Managing Director of Park Place Dealerships. “SEASON OF GIVING goes beyond providing critical funds. Our Members at Park Place are deeply involved, volunteering their time and talents year-round. It’s incredible to witness the ripple effect of their dedication, as our team’s creativity and passion help make an even larger impact across our community.”   

Non-profit organizations applying must fit the following criteria:

• Organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
• The charity must support one of Park Place Cares’ Pillars of Giving, which include: Education; Medical Research; Children’s Advocacy; or the Arts.
• The charity must serve in at least one of the following counties: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, Kaufman, Hunt, Wise or Johnson.
• The charity cannot already have received donations or in-kind support from Park Place in 2024.
• Charities must apply by October 25, 2024. 

Under Park Place Dealerships’ philanthropic arm of Park Place Cares, SEASON OF GIVING offers local non-profits the opportunity to apply for a one-time, end of year grant. Since 2021, Park Place Dealerships has awarded a total of $300,000 to 65 charities across North Texas that are making a real difference in our communities. 

“There are countless charities in our community who are doing incredible work, yet lack the necessary resources to make a bigger impact,” said Kara Connor, Park Place Dealership’s Experiential Marketing Manager. “Through SEASON OF GIVING, we have discovered nonprofits of all sizes making a meaningful difference in North Texas. We want non-profits to know we see you and will continue to do what we can to amplify your incredible work.” 

Eighteen North Texas non-profits received a 2023 Season of Giving grant from Park Place Dealerships out of more than 400 applications. One of the non-profits included the Apollo Support & Rescue in Justin, Texas. When the Park Place Lexus Grapevine general manager Charles Owen and Members of his team arrived at the no-kill animal shelter last year to present a grant, they encountered Zeke, a five-year old Bernese Mountain dog. The owner had just arrived to surrender the sweet dog. Charles ended up adopting Zeke, and Apollo received their grant! 

For the fourth consecutive year, Park Place Dealerships is giving away a total of $100,000 in grants through its SEASON OF GIVING campaign to non-profits making a positive impact in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth community. Beginning today through October 25, eligible organizations are invited to apply at ParkPlaceCares.com. Recipients will be announced the week of November 18, 2024. 

“Through the SEASON OF GIVING, we provide grants to local organizations that align with our four pillars of giving,” said Tony Carimi, Managing Director of Park Place Dealerships. “SEASON OF GIVING goes beyond providing critical funds. Our Members at Park Place are deeply involved, volunteering their time and talents year-round. It’s incredible to witness the ripple effect of their dedication, as our team’s creativity and passion help make an even larger impact across our community.”    

Non-profit organizations applying must fit the following criteria:

• Organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
• The charity must support one of Park Place Cares’ Pillars of Giving, which include: Education; Medical Research; Children’s Advocacy; or the Arts.
• The charity must serve in at least one of the following counties: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, Kaufman, Hunt, Wise or Johnson.
• The charity cannot already have received donations or in-kind support from Park Place in 2024.
• Charities must apply by October 25, 2024. 

Under Park Place Dealerships’ philanthropic arm of Park Place Cares, SEASON OF GIVING offers local non-profits the opportunity to apply for a one-time, end of year grant. Since 2021, Park Place Dealerships has awarded a total of $300,000 to 65 charities across North Texas that are making a real difference in our communities. 

“There are countless charities in our community who are doing incredible work, yet lack the necessary resources to make a bigger impact,” said Kara Connor, Park Place Dealership’s Experiential Marketing Manager. “Through SEASON OF GIVING, we have discovered nonprofits of all sizes making a meaningful difference in North Texas. We want non-profits to know we see you and will continue to do what we can to amplify your incredible work.” 

Eighteen North Texas non-profits received a 2023 Season of Giving grant from Park Place Dealerships out of more than 400 applications. One of the non-profits included the Apollo Support & Rescue in Justin, Texas. When the Park Place Lexus Grapevine general manager Charles Owen and Members of his team arrived at the no-kill animal shelter last year to present a grant, they encountered Zeke, a five-year old Bernese Mountain dog. The owner had just arrived to surrender the sweet dog. Charles ended up adopting Zeke, and Apollo received their grant! 

Park Place goes above and beyond with the Season of Giving grant recipients by looking for additional opportunities to support the non-profits with Members volunteering throughout the year. The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas sends care packages to U.S. military troops serving abroad. Park Place provided a 2023 grant to support their mission and in early 2024 Park Place Members spent the day packing basic toiletries, socks, snacks, candy, and letters for American soldiers. 

“We have built strong relationships with many incredible non-profits that continue to make an impact on the world,” said Connor. “We are really excited to meet this year’s SEASON OF GIVING recipients and explore how we can collaborate to help them achieve their goals moving forward.”

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates eight full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Acura, and Land Rover. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth and Dallas, and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

BioNTX, the bioscience and healthcare innovation trade organization serving North Texas, is pleased to introduce D. Jeff Keyser, RPh, JD, PhD as the recipient of the 2024 Dennis K. Stone Award. The award recognizes an individual’s contributions to the North Texas biotechnology industry, and the recipient is introduced at the annual iC³® Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit. This year, Dr. Keyser will be acknowledged as the recipient at the Summit on Thursday, October 3 at 5:25 p.m. The 10th Annual iC³® Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit will take place on October 3-4, 2024, at the Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center at 888 Nolan Ryan Expressway, Arlington, TX 76011. Registration for the Summit can be completed here. 

Dr. Keyser is a veteran of the pharmaceutical industry with 40 years of leadership experience in developing and commercializing new medical therapies. He currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Renibus Therapeutics and Chairman of the Board for Lantern Pharma. Throughout his career, Dr. Keyser has invented products leading to significant improvements in patient care and has numerous patents issued by the USPTO in healthcare. He has a track record of success in developing new companies from start-up, through IPO and M&A exits. 

Dr. Keyser is President and CEO of Renibus Therapeutics, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to treating, improving, and extending patients’ lives by developing products to prevent disease progression, improve outcomes and protect against organ damage associated with cardio, renal and metabolic diseases. He also co-founded ZS Pharma, which was acquired by AstraZeneca in 2015 for $2.7 billion. He invented the Mucinex product line for Adams Respiratory Therapeutics and developed and executed the R&D and Regulatory strategy for Adams Respiratory Therapeutics as Vice President of Development and Regulatory Affairs. 

“Jeff has been a steadfast and energetic leader and mentor for our industry and for the teams that have been fortunate enough to work alongside him,” says Panna Sharma, CEO of Lantern Pharma. “His energy and productivity in biopharma is contagious and inspiring, and many of the milestones at Lantern would not have been possible without his guidance and acute insight. The bioscience community in North Texas is grateful to him for the impact he has made on the industry.”

Dr. Dennis K. Stone was an accomplished scientist and pivotal figure in biotechnology development at UT Southwestern and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His leadership in life sciences, commitment to training physician-scientists, and transformative work continues through his wife and colleague, Dr. Helen H. Hobbs, who shares his dedication to advancing the field. Every year, BioNTX honors Dennis K. Stone’s memory and work by awarding an individual who has positively affected the North Texas biotechnology industry and contributed awareness and funds to life science research.

For more information about the Dennis K. Stone Award and iC³® Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit, visit biontx.org.

Event Benefits The Children's Tumor Foundation and Children's Advocacy Center

Porsche afficionados had a rare treat recently when Park Place Porsche Dallas hosted a Porsche Exclusive event featuring artist Costa Christ’s fine art photography printed on vintage Porsche hoods. Costa Christ is a Porsche Dallas client and his magnificent black Porsche 911 Carrera 4S was also on display alongside his art.

Costa Christ’s artworks included classic and modern Porsches in front of everyday locations such as a convenience store and McDonald’s and In-N-Out Burger restaurants. He also showcased Porsches in front of iconic Dallas landmarks like Campisi’s Restaurant. Guests even had the opportunity to commission custom artwork by Costa Christ with sales benefitting The Children’s Tumor Foundation and Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center.

The event featured exquisite cuisine and fabulous cocktails from Thompson Dallas Chef Jeramie Robison and his team who created a delicious charcuterie bar with crudites, pickles, olives, shaved broccoli slaw, tabbouleh, grilled garlic-herb pita, lavash, hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki ranch. An ice sculpture seafood display offered poached shrimp and crab claws, with ceviche sauces: remoulade, cocktail sauce and mignonette. On the service drive, guests enjoyed a Yakitori grill cooked up cumin-chile lamb lollipops, Zatar filet tips and Harissa chicken.

Meanwhile, the dessert station offered an array of sweet delights including Pomelo Rosemary Shortbread Sandwich Cookies, Chocolate Pot de Crème, and Pistachio, Mango and White Chocolate Macaroons. Guests also enjoyed custom Socorro margaritas and sampled Soledad Tequila.

Porsche Dallas gifted each guest with a leather mousepad embossed on-site with the iconic Porsche logo and a swag bag with Porsche and Costa Christ branded items.

Porsche Dallas is the only Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in North Texas which allows for unlimited personalization options for clients to build a Porsche that is unique to the owner.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

EMPOWER is proud to introduce Dana Roberson as Permanency Director. Roberson brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, having dedicated her career to child welfare and family services. 

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Roberson is a proud graduate of Dallas Independent School District’s Warren Travis White High School and Dallas Baptist University. Roberson began her career with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in 2007, as an investigator. Her passion for the work was reignited when she transitioned to a conservatorship worker role in 2012, where she found her calling. Throughout her tenure at DFPS, Roberson excelled in various positions, including Conservatorship Supervisor and Investigations Supervisor. 

In March 2024, Roberson accepted the position of Navarro County Permanency Supervisor with EMPOWER. Her journey has been shaped by the guidance of great mentors, hard work, and professionalism. 

“Dana has a deep knowledge in child welfare service and an amazing dedication to helping others, and we are proud to have her on our team at EMPOWER,” says Shirley Dwyer, Chief Operations Officer at EMPOWER. “Her focus is always on providing the best services and resources to the children and families in our region.”

Roberson is deeply committed to educating those around her about the importance of encouraging others and making a difference in the lives of the children and families she serves. She begins each day with a powerful mantra, “No matter how good or bad your life is, wake up each morning and be thankful that you still have one.” This practice of morning gratitude helps her approach each day with a positive attitude and a kind spirit.

Roberson transitioned into the new role on August 12, 2024. 

“I am excited to transition into this new at EMPOWER and continue working towards making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of the children and families in the Metroplex East region,” says Dana Roberson, Permanency Director at EMPOWER.. 

EMPOWER is a nonprofit child welfare collaborative and the Community-Based Care contractor for the Metroplex East region in North Texas. EMPOWER provides foster care case management, kinship and reunifications services for all children and families in the region.

Many local children in foster care need a safe, loving place to call home. To learn more about how you can help these children in need, please visit www.3empower.org/fosterfutures/. 

Longtime, mission-oriented leader committed to providing services that empower individuals to lead independent lives

Calvin Moore, an experienced non-profit leader with a heart for serving others, has been named chief operating officer for Metrocrest Services, the award-winning social services agency on a mission to provide hope through programs that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence.

 Moore is honored to serve alongside the committed professionals and volunteers of Metrocrest Services in his new role as COO, which he began August 26.

“The opportunity to work directly with programs that impact people’s lives is what attracted me to Metrocrest Services,” Moore noted. “My role as COO is to empower the great team that’s already in place, coming alongside of them to enhance their work through operations and programming, serving as a sounding board and providing leadership. Together, we will find new ways to innovate, meeting a need that grows every day.”

Moore, a Gulf Coast native, grew up on a farm in Mississippi, helping his family raise horses, grow their own food and sustain the family timber business. He attended University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with a bachelor’s in political science. He continued his education at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, earning a master's in finance and business administration with a concentration in non-profit management, as well as a master’s of divinity in theology. Moore also has served his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves, specializing in both heavy construction and military intelligence. 

"I always knew I wanted to spend my life in service to others," Moore said.

Professionally, Moore has a demonstrated history of advancing organizations as a dynamic and purposeful executive with experience in strategic leadership and growth. Previously, he has served as CEO of Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa, director of Tulsa Community College Foundation and development director of Oral Roberts University.

"Adding Calvin Moore to our team will help us meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, bringing our community together to help those who need the assistance and empowerment that Metrocrest Services provides,” said Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services. “We are pleased to welcome Calvin to our team, and look forward to many exciting new initiatives we will all accomplish together."

Moore is now a resident of Carrollton, where he lives with his wife, Tangelia Sinclair Moore, a licensed therapist, who previously has worked in young adult ministry. The couple was married in Carrollton in 2000, and has fond memories of the community. Their daughter, Jessecca, is serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Moore is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, snowboarding and chess. He is also a big fan of movies and loves to travel.

Metrocrest Services promotes well-being and independence through programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. In 2023, to serve the growing need for services, Metrocrest Services opened its new home in the heart of Carrollton, at Belt Line Road and Josey Lane. Today, the 48,000-square-foot facility is a welcoming hub for all of the agency’s daily operations, including providing access to nutritious food, homeless outreach services, workforce development and financial literacy, rent and utility assistance, senior services and other programs for individuals, families and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence. The campus also includes shared space for complementary service providers to support clients from one central location and a volunteer center offering greater access to opportunities for community engagement. 

Founded in 1971, Metrocrest Services, Inc., is dedicated to helping individuals, families and seniors navigate crisis situations and guide them on a path to self-sufficiency. To accomplish this, Metrocrest Services offers a wide range of services, starting with those that meet basic needs, including access to nutritious food, resources for homelessness, and short-term financial assistance. Other Metrocrest Services programs focus on helping clients build long-term economic stability through financial education workshops and employment coaching. In addition, Metrocrest Services is committed to enhancing well-being through nutrition education and healthcare guidance, and by providing specialized services to help seniors age in place with dignity and comfort. Seasonal Metrocrest Services programs include holiday gifting for families in need and for seniors to help them share in the joy of the season, and programs that address families’ additional food access needs during summer break from school. From its headquarters at 1145 N. Josey Lane in Carrollton, the award-winning non-profit agency services clients in the Metrocrest areas of Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, and residents of Dallas who live in Denton County (75287). Metrocrest Services, Inc. is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and build a better future. For more information about our programs and how you can support our mission, please visit metrocrestservices.org or call 972.446.2100.