John S. Armstrong Elementary recently hosted a National Geographic Bee for their fourth grade students—the first time Armstrong students are known to have participated in the Bee in the competition’s 25-year history. The competition uses geography as an "umbrella" discipline to help student explore topics in science, social studies, math and language arts. Linda Giesen, a long time Park Cities resident and fourth grade teacher, organized and executed the Bee as Armstrong’s campus coordinator. The competition included a pretest, a competition on stage and a written test. The written test has been submitted to the national competition in Washington, D.C. Giesen said, “For decades, one of my goals has been to create a learning environment for students to experience the world in which they live. I feel that it is so important in the 21st Century that students are aware of the world beyond their own country.”
The American Cancer Society is excited to announce that University Park residents Brooke Shelby and Mary Gill are co-chairs of the 40th annual Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball. The event will be Oct. 5 at Southfork Ranch. Gill said, "My brother, Richie Humphries is battling multiple myeloma, and coping very well. It has made me realize how much love and support that we must give to those suffering this dreaded disease.” Shelby added, “The research that is funded by Cattle Baron's Ball through the American Cancer Society is critical. It is making a difference in lives by detecting cancer earlier and allowing for better outcomes by prolonging lives and providing for a better quality of life for cancer patients.” The Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball is the American Cancer Society's largest single fundraising event for cancer research. More than $3.7 million was raised at the 2012 event. Anyone interested in becoming involved can visit http://www.cattlebaronsball.com/.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show by Stanley Korshak, now in its 29th year, will be held on Feb. 12 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The 2013 Luncheon is expected to raise more than $450,000, adding to nearly $8 million generated over the past two and a half decades. The co-chairs for the 2013 event are Park Cities residents Angela Choquette, Maggie Kipp and Paige Slates. The Luncheon draws an audience of 800 social and civic leaders from Dallas, Fort Worth, and the entire North Texas region. Kipp said, "It is an honor and a pleasure to co-chair the 29th Annual Saint Valentine's Luncheon & Fashion Show benefitting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Saint Valentine's Luncheon is always beautiful and lots of fun with everyone in the romantic spirit, but most important, this fundraiser has returned nearly $8 million to North Texas' LLS to aid efforts in blood cancer cure and support." For ticket sales or sponsorship opportunities, please CLICK HERE.
Dallas Arboretum Board Chairman and Park Cities resident Brian Shivers recently announced record-breaking attendance numbers from the nationally acclaimed Chihuly exhibition, which was featured at the Arboretum from May 5–to Dec. 31 of last year. Chihuly Nights, held 115 nights (the majority of which were sold out), hosted more than 115,000 guests. Overall, the exhibition attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world and contributed to a significant economic impact to the city of Dallas. "The Dallas Arboretum's Board and staff are most grateful for the support of our city as we presented the remarkable work of Dale Chihuly in the gardens on the banks of White Rock Lake," said Shivers. "It was always planned that the proceeds from this exhibit would go towards the infrastructure needs of the Dallas Arboretum, particularly the parking needs of our patrons, so we are grateful to those who came, for they were also able to help us solve a part of this critical need for our future growth."