Heart House Board member Tina Burford has a passion for the children who go to the Heart House after school everyday. When hersecond-grader, Dalton, came home from Hyer Elementary talking about the importance of having compassion for others, she saw an opportunity to get him involved in her charity. Dalton had been asking her if he could have a lemonade stand, so he set one up on a Sunday afternoon. He is donating the $135 to the Heart House’s Grape Escape event. Burford said, “Our kids are so fortunate to live in a safe neighborhood where they thrive. To show compassion to the children of Heart House who don't always have the same securities is a big deal to me. Every child deserves a chance at greatness.”

Andrea Weber is chairing the inaugural Milestones Luncheon Celebrating the Junior League of Dallas (JLD). The Luncheon recognizes the achievements, developments and impact of the JLD on the Dallas community. The Luncheon will be held on Friday, Nov. 2 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 North Stemmons Freeway. Weber said, “The JLD is a great organization and has taught me the importance of volunteers. I am chairing this luncheon to raise funds for the JLD so that our volunteers can work with local Dallas agencies and enhance lives in our city.” The guest speaker will be Jan Langbein, Executive Director of Genesis Women’s Shelter, and the JLD Sustainer of the Year will be honored. Ticket prices begin at $175. For more information or to purchase tickets you can contact Tammy Barger at tammy_barger@jld.net or 214-357-8822, ext. 118.

Elizabeth Conger and Lisa Ogle helped the children of the Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association celebrate Halloween a little early this year. Last Tuesday the children dressed in their favorite costume and enjoyed fun activities and treats in the Bradfield Elementary gym. This is the second year that Conger and Ogle took this job on, with the goal of making it even more fun than the previous year. Conger said, “Lisa and I did it last year together and we had a lot of fun. We then wanted to revamp it this year. We made it more of a party than a carnival this year, and we got a lot of positive feedback.”

 Martha and Grant Griffin, parents to two-year old Barron, have turned a personal experience into a learning experience for young children. Barron was born with a port-wine stain on his face, and they have co-authored a book about a little boy with the same problem called “Sam’s Birthmark.” They met their goal of raising $26,000 to get the book published. Martha Griffin said, “My husband and I have personally dealt with the questions and staring on a ongoing basis.  Especially after a laser surgery, children always ask ‘what is wrong with him’, and I patiently explain that nothing is wrong with him. He has a birthmark on his face and we all have something about us that makes us unique.  After our conversation the child usually asks more questions and many times show me their own birthmark somewhere on their body.  Once educated further, they accept it and move on. Sam’s Birthmark will teach our own son and other birthmark children to be confident in what make them unique.” Books can be ordered by Wednesday, Oct. 31. For information on how to get a copy of the book, CLICK HERE.