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This May 3rd – 4th, over a thousand friends and supporters of Elizabeth Toon Charities gathered together for a two-day Concert and Shootout to raise funds for children in need across North Texas. Known for surprising concert goers with live performances from some of today’s hottest country talent, Elizabeth Toon Charities wowed its audience on May 3rd with country music all-star, Aaron Watson. Past performers have included Jack Ingram, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Wade Bowen and Pat Green. Despite a rainy start on May 4th, over XX teams came out to The Dallas Gun Club for Elizabeth Toon Charities’ highly anticipated annual shootout.

 The two-day fundraising event raised over $600,000 for the charities selected as this years’ beneficiaries. The 2018 beneficiaries include: Bachman Lake Together, Baylor Health, Children’s Craniofacial Association, Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer, Cook Children’s, Dallas Casa, Family Gateway, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, It’s a Sensory World, Mercy Street, New Friends New Life, Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, Rays of Light and Voice of Hope. In addition to Elizabeth Toon Charities Partner Charities, which include; Camp John Marc, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, The Ashford Rise School of Dallas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. 

“We are so grateful for the supporters and friends who have played an active role in growing the impact that Elizabeth Toon Charities has made over the past twelve years,” says Carrie Rowling, Co-Executive Director of Elizabeth Toon Charities. “Now in our second decade, our goal is to continue to foster these relationships as we seek to raise awareness for even more organizations across North Texas that need our support.”

Since its founding in 2006, Elizabeth Toon Charities has benefitted 83 organizations across North Texas and raised nearly $6 Million. Each year, Elizabeth Toon Charities receives support from over 100 sponsors, including JLL, Lincoln Property and Sewell Automotive.

About Elizabeth Toon Charities:

Founded in 2006, Elizabeth Toon Charities is a Christian-based 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to serving children in need and their families throughout Texas. The organization was inspired by the faith, hope and love of Elizabeth Toon. Visit our new website, ElizabethToonCharities.org to learn more.

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Friends and supporters of Elizabeth Toon Charities will gather together this May for a two-day Concert & Shootout to raise funds for children in need across North Texas. The annual spring fundraiser has been attended by over 2,000 people in years past and gives an average of $325,000 to the year’s selected beneficiaries. Announced at the Spring Kick-off Party on February 27 at D.E.C on Dragon, the 2018 Beneficiaries include Bachman Lake Together, Baylor Health, Children’s Craniofacial Association, Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer, Cook Children’s, Dallas Casa, Family Gateway, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, It’s a Sensory World, Mercy Street, New Friends New Life, Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, Rays of Light and Voice of Hope. In addition to Elizabeth Toon Charities Partner Charities, which include; Camp John Marc, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, The Ashford Rise School of Dallas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

A live concert and auction will be held at Gilley’s Dallas on May 3rd and the Shootout at Dallas Gun Club on May 4th. Elizabeth Toon Charities has made a tradition of surprising concert goers with live performances from some of today’s hottest country talent. In years past, entertainers have included: Ray Wylie Hubbard, Wade Bowen and Pat Green. Last year, Grammy winner, Bonnie Bishop, made a surprise entrance when she opened for Jack Ingram.

“We spend a lot of time throughout the year vetting beneficiaries and learning about the work these incredible organizations are doing for children and families across North Texas,” says Carolyn Cross, Co-Executive Director of Elizabeth Toon Charities. “To be able to not only create awareness about the work our beneficiaries are doing, but also help make their goals a reality through the funds we raise at our Annual Concert & Shootout, is the highlight of our year.” 

Since its founding in 2006, Elizabeth Toon Charities has benefitted 83 organizations across North Texas and raised over $5 Million. Each year, Elizabeth Toon Charities receives support from over 100 sponsors, including JLL, Lincoln Property and Sewell Automotive.

About Elizabeth Toon Charities: 

Elizabeth Toon Charities is a Christian-based 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to serving children in need and their families throughout Texas. The organization was inspired by the faith, hope and love of Elizabeth Toon. Visit our new website, ElizabethToonCharities.org to learn more.

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Celebrating over forty years in business, Penn Davis McFarland is one of the oldest, independent money management firms in Dallas.  Its discerning client base of prominent Dallas families seems to revel in the fact that the firm maintains a relatively low profile, almost like it’s a hidden secret that’s only been known to an elite group of wealthy Dallas families.

Navigating its way through the inflation of the 1970’s, the 1987 stock-market crash, the boom/bust of the tech bubble and the global financial crisis a decade later, Penn Davis McFarland has successfully navigated through several significant market cycles since its founding in 1977.  As a result, the firm has earned the trust of its long-time clients, currently serving the financial needs of the second and third generations of these families.

Two of the three founding principals, John McFarland and John Davis, are still very much involved in the day-to-day, while Fred Penn, the third founder, continues to keep in close contact with clients.  Van Ogden, who joined the firm in the mid-80’s, is also actively involved as a principal and chief operating officer.

To lay the groundwork for the next forty years, the founders focused on adding younger professionals to continue the firm as well as meet the needs of its growing multigenerational client base.  For several clients, the firm also manages their family office, truly taking care of all the client’s financial needs.

“We have an interest in growing our client’s assets over the long term and being their go-to advisor for all things financial in their life,” says Jeff Helfrich, who was recruited by Penn Davis McFarland in 2010 from the Perot family office as part of the firms’ succession plans.

In addition to Helfrich, the firm brought on Robert Felty in 2012, a former U.S. Trust client relationship manager with Bank of America, and in 2015, Charles Norton, formerly a senior portfolio manager at Wells Fargo Private Bank.  The new additions have added a fresh perspective and energy to the team with a confidence about seeing the firm succeed through many more market cycles.

In addition to its long history, Penn Davis McFarland also differs in its approach.  The firm manages portfolios of individual stocks and bonds, preferring direct ownership of an investment rather than through a fund. 

“For equities, we are running a concentrated portfolio, supported by deep fundamental research, with a broad mandate that provides maximum flexibility to capitalize on opportunities wherever we find them.  We run our strategy in separately managed accounts, which allows us to avoid the double-layering of fees and to more actively control tax efficiency and risk exposures,” says portfolio manager, Charles Norton. 

This consistent investment approach and a sharp focus on risk management have allowed the firm and its clients to prosper through so many market cycles over four decades.  And the future looks bright for one of Dallas’ longest tenured investment managers.

To learn more about Penn Davis McFarland, visit www.pdavis.org

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University of Texas From left to right: (back row) Mary Margaret Roberts, Rajya Atluri, Leah Archer, Alexandra Arenas, Blaire Kaufman, Maryellen Salter, Virginia Bershears (front row) Catherine Murchison, Caroline Mulligan, Ellie Blair, Flora Kate Richards, Jenny Beth Humann, Hannah McSherry, Samantha Walker Not pictured: Juliette Campbell, Isabel Parigi, and Beth Copeland

This Fall, dozens of young women from Dallas will be wearing their halos around campus as new members of the Pi Beta Phi international fraternity for women. Top Texas schools, including The University of Texas in Austin, TCU and Texas A&M have a total of twenty-five new members from Dallas. Out of state schools, like Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Oklahoma also made a Dallas sweep. Out of the forty-one New Members who pledged Pi Phi this fall, seventeen are legacies. 

The Dallas Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club was an active participant in the recruitment process, sending over 275 recommendations to twenty-eight different universities and colleges. So far, forty-one girls (and counting) from Dallas have pledged Pi Beta Phi this fall. 

Alabama: 

Chace Bullard 

Auburn: 

Brianna Harris, Sophie Schmit, Saraha Yaphet 

TCU: 

Katherine Stephanian 

Texas A&M: 

Liliana Banta, Sophie Jolas, Olivia Mitchell, Margaret Petty, Edie Terrell, Sarah Sobolevitch, and Sarah Zandstra 

University of Arkansas: 

Brynn Jaspersen, Mackenzie Johnson, Morgan Schneider, Mary Elizabeth Scott, Olivia Sherrington, and Christina Stack. 

University of Colorado at Boulder: 

Gretchen Gottsacker 

University of Oklahoma: 

Alex Echols, Caroline Gates, Hollins Glanzer, Rosie Johnston, and Emily Watson 

University of Texas: 

Leah Archer, Alexandra Arenas, Rajya Atluri, Virginia Bershears, Ellie Blair, Juliette Campbell, Beth Copeland, Jenny Beth Humann, Blaire Kaufman, Hannah McSherry, 

Caroline Mulligan, Catherine Murchison, Isabel Parigi, Flora Kate Richards, Mary Margaret Roberts, Maryellen Salter, Samantha Walker

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In celebration of its 150th year as an international fraternity for women, the Dallas Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi is providing an opportunity for its beneficiary applicants to take part in the organizations’ Read > Lead > Achieve initiatives. Throughout the month of September, members of the Dallas Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi, along with collegiates from SMU’s Pi Beta Phi chapter, will conduct reading hours across Dallas sponsored by Half Price Books. On the calendar: Catch up and Read, Connecting Point of Park Cities, Readers 2 Leaders, and Voice of Hope.  

 

The partnership between the Dallas Alumnae Club and Half Price Books is a result of the international fraternity’s century long commitment to create a more literate and productive society. Throughout the month of September, Pi Beta Phi is dedicated to raising awareness for Read > Lead > Achieve through community activities that support its philanthropic efforts. “We’re excited to align our philanthropic mission with Pi Beta Phi’s literacy initiatives,” says Kathy Doyle Thomas, Pi Beta Phi alum and Chief Strategy Officer of Half Price Books. “This partnership is an extension of our Million Book Donation Project in which we aim to donate over one million books to non-profit organizations and schools each year.”  

 

Members of the Dallas Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi will gather together on Wednesday, September 20th to kick-off a new year under the leadership of the club’s 2017 President, Lisa Reid. The focus of the kick-off meeting will be on furthering Pi Phi’s philanthropic goals as the international fraternity closes out it’s 150th year and looks toward the future. To learn more about Read > Lead > Achieve and Pi Beta Phi’s other philanthropic initiatives, visit www.pibetaphi.org.

 

About the Dallas Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club

The Dallas Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club was chartered in 1915. It is currently one of the largest clubs in the country, with over 700 members from over 75 chapters. Dallas Pi Phi is very diverse with members ranging from recent grads to baby boomers. The objective of Dallas Pi Beta Phi Alumnae club is to further the friendship of members of Pi Beta Phi, to strengthen its local collegiate chapters and international organization, and to aid in the maintenance of the national fraternities’ ongoing literacy initiatives and other Pi Beta Phi philanthropies. To learn more about the Dallas Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, please visit www.dallaspiphi.org

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On a breezy evening this summer, Council for Life’s 2017 host and luncheon committee gathered together for bites and beverages at Saint Rocco’s Rooftop in Trinity Groves to kick-off the organization’s fall Celebrating Life Luncheon. Funds raised from the 16th annual Celebrating Life Luncheon will benefit Council for Life’s 2017 Beneficiaries. Tiffany and Paul Divis are serving as Council for Life’s 2017 Celebrating Life Luncheon Chairs. Michal and Lloyd Powell are Honorary Chairs.

The annual luncheon will take place on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Internationally acclaimed model, actress, film and television star, spokesperson, producer, author and fundraiser, Jennifer O’Neill, will share her powerful story of redemption and grace. For underwriting and ticket sales, please visit; councilforlife.org/luncheon-registration

Council for Life’s 2017 beneficiaries include: Aim for Success, Angels Clinic – The Venegas Medical Foundation, Birth Choice of Dallas, EvanTell, Heroic Media, Hope Women’s Center, Just Say YES – Youth Equipped to Succeed, Metroplex Women’s Clinic, Mid Cities Pregnancy Center, Pregnancy Lifeline, Pregnancy Resource Center of Lake Ray Hubbard, Thrive Women’s Clinic, White Rose Women’s Center and  St. Joseph’s Helpers of Dallas, Women’s Choice Resource Center, YoungLives, a ministry of Young Life.

About Council for Life:

The Council for Life exists is to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. The Council is motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion. The Council is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Learn more at Council for Life’s website, councilforlife.org.

Council for Life's 2017 Host and Luncheon Committee: 

Sandy Ammons

Monet and George Ball

Stephanie and Blair Baker

Martha Lou Beaird 

Diane and Jim Beckett

Meredith and John Bentley

Becky Brodersen

Pam and Dan Busbee

Shannon Cagnina

Laura Barker Carlock

Connie and Denny Carreker

Ann and David Carruth

Christie Carter

Nancy and Gene Carter

Dianne Cash

Rachael Cash

Nancy and Dan Chapman

Katherine and Key Coker

Lisa and Clay Cooley

Heather and Dan Cooper

Leigh Crow

Sally and Mark Cullum

Linda and Doug Dixon

Lissie and Steve Donosky

Tammy and Jeff Duclow

Ann and Bob Dyer

Martha Edwards

Mary Clare Finney

Elizabeth and Eric Gambrell

Sara Lee and Stan Gardner

Jennie and Tom Gilchrist

Wylly and Tom Goodson

Laura Graham

Shannon Graham

Margaret and Barry Hancock

Kim and Greg Hext

LuAnne and Rankin Hobbs

Sarah and Mike Hopkins

Jennifer Swift Houser

Vicki and Dulany Howland

Carol and Bill Huckin

Marisa and Will Huckin

Jolie and Bart Humphrey

Betsy and Houston Hunt

Tavia and Clark Hunt

Ramona Jones

Sue and Joe Justice

Angie and Kevin Kadesky

Eloise and Greg Laird

Dianne and Mark LaRoe

Jean W. Lattimore

Laura and Tom Leppert

Janna and Gary Lewis

Paige and Chuck Locke

Carolyn and Tav Lupton

Rebecca and Bobby Lutz

Lynn and Allan McBee

Jeanne and Tony McClung

Cile and Peter McCormick

Kristie McCrary

Pat McEvoy

Keana and Hon. Morgan Meyer

Greg and Kim Miller

Kay Miller

Angela Nash

Laura and Robert Neely

Lezlie and Bill Noble

Elsa Norwood

Susan and Boots Nowlin

Debbie and Nickey Oates

Sarah Perot

Mary Martha and John Pickens

Amanda and Doug Pickering

Judy Pollock

Abigail Powell

Aileen and Jack Pratt

Billie Leigh Rippey

Elizabeth and Charlie Robinson

Lisa and Dennis Roossien

Jill and Tracy Rowlett

Lisa Luby Ryan and Jay Ryan

Gigi and Roy Salley

Diane and Scott Sealy

Shelle and Michael Sills

Cathy and Tony Sisk

Jill and Bob Smith

Luellan and Steve Smith

Betsy and Jim Sowell

Leslie and Jeff Swan

Waunee and Dale Taliaferro

Beth and Chuck Thoele

Lisa and Kenny Troutt

Julie and Jim Turner

Susan and Greg Turner

Carroll and Scott Turpin

Betty Underwood

Linda and John Vandercook

Barbara and Roy Washburn

Heather and Ray Washburne

Joy and James Weaver

Cindy and Tony Weber

Kristina and Phil Whitcomb

Lauryn Gayle and Tom White

Kim and Justin Whitman

Emilynn and Claude Wilson

Mona and Tim Wilson

Ellen and Don Winspear

Dee Wyly 

 

 

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On Tuesday, April 18, the Dallas Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi will host its style show and luncheon at Brook Hollow Golf Club benefiting local charities in the area of literacy. Celebrating 150 years as a national sorority, the funds raised from the “Sisters InStyle” fashion show and luncheon will mark the significant impact that Pi Beta Phi has made with literacy as its philanthropic focus. Proceeds from Sisters InStyle will provide funding for eight local beneficiaries that are committed to advancing literacy for children and families in economically challenged neighborhoods and for those with disabilities. Beneficiaries include: Aberg Center for Literacy, Connecting Point of Park Cities, Cristo Rey Dallas College Preparatory School, KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program), Mi Escuelita Preschool, Readers 2 Leaders, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and West Dallas Community School.

Penny Tower Cook, Jeanne Tower Cox and Kay Bailey Hutchison are serving as Honorary Chairs for Sisters InStyle. Jeanne and Penny were Pi Phis at Southern Methodist University and Kay was a Pi Phi at The University of Texas at Austin. "I am so pleased to be teaming with the wonderful Tower sisters for our beloved sorority and the charities we support!” says The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, who served 20 years in the U.S. Senate representing the State of Texas. “They have followed the values instilled by their parents in giving and serving our communities and our state.”

The style show, led by the production expertise of Jan Strimple, will feature fabulous fashions from well-loved, local boutiques Betty Reiter, Cotton Island, KidBiz | TheBiz, MaryBeth, Pockets and Tootsies. Pi Phi alumnae and their husbands and children will be modeling in the style show along with active members from SMU and UT Austin. Sisters InStyle Chairs are Suzanne Everbach, Natalie Siegel and Kathy Vassallo. Julie Miller serves as Pi Beta Phi Dallas Alumnae Club President.

Underwriting opportunities and reservations for premier tables and preferred seating as well as individual tickets are still available. Doors open that morning with a reception at 10:30, the style show at 11:15 and the seated luncheon at noon. For ticket information, please contact Suzanne Everbach at severbach@yahoo.com

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Kellye McDade, Erin Devlin, Emily George, Mary Mar

Over a thousand friends and supporters of Elizabeth Toon Charities will gather together this May for a two-day concert and Shootout to raise funds for children in need in the Dallas community. The annual spring fundraiser brings in an average of $300,000 for the year’s selected beneficiaries. Announced at the Spring Kick-off Party on February 21 at D.E.C on Dragon, the 2017 Beneficiaries include ACT, Behind Every Door Ministries, C5 Youth Foundation, Camp John Marc, Catch Up and Read, Champions of Hope, Chase's Place, Children's Medical Center Foundation, Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Educational First Steps, Family Compass, The Family Place, Focus on Teens, Limbs for Life, ManeGait, North Texas Young Life Capernaum, The Rise School of Dallas, Scottish Rite Hospital. 

A concert will be held at Gilley’s Dallas May 4th and the Shootout at Dallas Gun Club May 5th. In years past, artists have included: Jack Ingram, Wade Bowen and Pat Green and true to Elizabeth Toon Charities’ style, concert goers this year can expect to hear more live performances from some of today’s hottest country talent. 

“In its first 10 years, Elizabeth Toon Charities far surpassed its goal of making a significant impact among organizations that benefit children in need in Dallas,” said Carolyn Cross, Co-Executive Director of Elizabeth Toon Charities. “For the ‘Next 10’ our focus is to raise awareness about the impact that each of the organizations we support is making in the community and build up an even stronger army of supporters who want to partner with us in our efforts to change the lives of children who need our help.” 

Since its founding in 2006, Elizabeth Toon Charities has benefitted 67 organizations across North Texas and raised over $4.3 Million. Each year, over 500 supporters, including JLL, Lincoln Property and Sewell Automotive choose to give to Elizabeth Toon Charities based off of the organizations longstanding relationship with non-profits that are truly making an impact in the lives of children. 

About Elizabeth Toon Charities: 

Elizabeth Toon Charities is a Christian-based 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to serving children in need and their families throughout Texas. The organization was inspired by the faith, hope and love of Elizabeth Toon. Visit ElizabethToonCharities.org to learn more.