The John S. Bradfield Elementary community took action when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. Melissa Kovics, Bradfield Community Outreach Co-Chair, has a connection with one of the victims, so she and co-chairs Molly Lyke and Michelle Shiller decided to help however they could. The parents and students worked together to take a day to raise money for The LittleTot’s Red Wagon Preschool in Breezy Point in New York City’s Queens borough. The area, home to many New York City firefighters and their families, was hit hard with more than 100 homes damaged or destroyed by fire and flooding. Bradfield helped the school and residents by sending gift cards to help them rebuild and ultimately return to a better way of life. The flyer sent home to parents brought in $500 of gift cards from Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target and Wal-Mart. 

When Allison Iredale moved to the Park Cities a year and a half ago, she probably did not know what a big impact she would make at John S. Armstrong Elementary. Iredale has revamped Armstrong’s “Eagle Store” from a former storage closet that volunteers sold pencils and other supplies, to a space that looks like a small boutique. The store now sells spirit items such as Armstrong hair bows, lacrosse shorts and cheerleader uniforms. Iredale said, "Our family moved to Highland Park in August of 2011 from Charlotte, N.C. I wanted to get involved at Armstrong right away. It was the only year both of my children would be at the same school, and it was important for me to volunteer.  I was happy to chair the Eagle Store this year, and I have an amazing committee to help me.  Having consumer product sales and renovation experience, I was excited to help.  It was very rewarding to renovate the room for the new Eagle Store, and also make a profit for the school!"

The Mad for Plaid campaign is going strong. Mad for Plaid is Highland Park Independent School District's (HPISD) district-wide annual fundraiser that serves the needs of students and teachers in all grades, K-12, and on all campuses.  Mad for Plaid solicits support of parents, alumni, grandparents, neighbors and friends. The campaign runs through Dec. 31, and all who donate at least $1,000 will be invited to a special donor party. The district’s goal is to surpass last year’s fundraising total, $2.2 million. Jan Peterson, HPISD Foundation Chair said,  “As of Thanksgiving, Mad for Plaid is ahead of last year both in dollars donated and in the total number of donors, but we still need your help. If you have not yet made a gift, please consider a gift in support of our schools!  A contribution of any amount will make a difference.”  This year’s campaign leaders include Cordelia Boone, Melanie Evanko, Keith Laycock, Katie Pedigo, Chris Popolo, Delaney Rolfe, Missy Rothwell and Mersina Stubbs. If you need more information and/or would like to make a donation, CLICK HERE.

The Texas Ballet Theater and Stanley Korshak hosted the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea at the Mansion on Turtle Creek recently. Park Cities residents Merry Munson Wyatt, Kathryn Munson Beach and Meg Munson McGonigle chaired the event, and had some help from a junior host committee. The host committee included young Park Cities residents Sidney Hoyl, Day Nettle, Lillian Nettle, Elizabeth Slates and Helena Wood. Dance professionals from the The Nutcracker were in costume and the young girls got to take pictures with them, learn dance positions and enjoy a lot of sweets. The event was to raise money for the Texas Ballet Theater, which presents The Nutcracker for Dallas and Fort Worth holiday fans each year.