Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater Dallas will celebrate 75 years at Diamond Anniversary Gala

 Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater Dallas will celebrate 75 years of serving the community with a Diamond Anniversary Gala on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole Dallas, Trinity Ballroom. 

Co-Chairs Lori and Mike Cohen, Ann and Michael Ochstein, Karla and Larry Steinberg, and Julie and Michael Zimmermann join Honorary Co-Chairs Sharon and Eric Goldberg, Ynette and Jim Hogue, Susie and Joel Litman, Stanley Rabin, Jackie and Steve Waldman, and Donald Zale along with JFS leadership in presenting this celebratory evening. Guests will enjoy entertainment by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra as well as dancing, food stations, an open bar, silent auction, and a luxury raffle.

“As we celebrate 75 years of impact in Dallas, we hope the community will join us in honoring and commemorating the impact of our health services, which focus on physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being, at this festive affair,” said Cathy Barker, CEO, JFS. “While there will be a time to sit, eat, and enjoy a program and presentation, the party atmosphere will encourage guests to be out of their chairs, mingling, dancing to the music of the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, reviewing the silent auction, and more. This is a celebration!”

During the evening, JFS will pay tribute to those whose impact has been pivotal in the nonprofit’s mission to meet the community’s needs and its continued growth by recognizing past presidents and the gala’s co-chairs and honorary co-chairs, who also make up the capital campaign leadership team.

JFS is currently building a foundation for the next 75 years through its Meeting the Moment Capital Campaign, which will culminate with an early 2026 opening of the organization’s new 100,000-square-foot home, The Karla and Larry Steinberg building, located in Addison. From an expansive food pantry, career and financial services and family violence intervention to behavioral and medical services, JFS is one of the few nonprofits that provides comprehensive services under one roof.

“Join us for a fun, elegant evening as JFS celebrates decades of life-changing impact and service to our community and discover how you might help us shape the future,” added Barker. “We are excited to build upon this 75-year legacy and transform even more lives in the decades to come.”

Tickets for the JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala are $250 and are available at https://www.jfsgala75.com/.

Sponsors of the JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala are Title Sponsor Susser Bank and event sponsors American Airlines, Central Market, Sewell, and Texas Jewish Post.

Thrift Studio - Last Few Days to Shop!

 Dwell with Dignity's Thrift Studio is open through May 3rd! 

Hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm, and there is no cost for admission.

There are still a few days to shop furniture, artwork and accessories at deeply discounted prices.

100% of proceeds support Dwell with Dignity's mission.

“We replenish the studio daily, so there’s always something new to discover,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “Every purchase helps us transform spaces into homes for families who are coming out of difficult situations and supports schools and nonprofits that need beautiful, functional spaces to further their mission.”

Thrift Studio features six new designers annually who install vignettes using their own donated inventory. The pop-up also includes a curated selection of general donated furniture and décor, as well as artwork collected at the Art+Color Party.

The 2025 Thrift Studio is chaired by Samantha Reitmayer Sano and Joslyn Taylor Swoon, the studio, and Art Chair Hannah Brown, Hannah Brown Art. 

Historic Home Tour - Preservation Park Cities

 

4301 Windsor Parkway
Sponsored by Meredith Ferrell Group

Make this Historic Home Tour part of a fun Mother’s Day weekend! Preservation Park Cities is excited to present its annual Historic Home Tour presented by Benchmark Bank to be held on Friday, May 9, 2025.

4036 McFarlin
Sponsored by Bean Co. Homes

This annual Historic Home Tour offers an exquisite look into some of the most beautiful residential architecture, interior design and landscapes in the Park Cities. This event celebrates homes that have been preserved or remodeled while maintaining the beautiful aesthetic of the Highland Park and University Park neighborhoods.  From small cottages to larger estates, the home tour is a small window into the past, a celebration of those who share the community’s values, and a wonderful treat for those who appreciate historic architecture.

4302 Overhill Drive
Sponsored by Evan Beale MD

This year's Tour offers an intimate look into three unique Park Cities residences. From enduring Tudor masterpieces to the allure of traditional architecture, witness the meticulous efforts of these homeowners in preserving and updating these neighborhood treasures. In walking through these homes, you will be impressed with how each owner has seamlessly blended original charm with modern elements for today’s lifestyles while maintaining architectural integrity.

Proceeds from the Historic Home Tour benefit Preservation Park Cities whose mission is to preserve and promote the history, architecture, aesthetics and cultural traditions of the Park Cities.

Tickets are sold online only. No tickets sold at the door. $35.00 per person in advance and $45 day-of tour, if there are any left. Limited number available online only: https://preservationparkcities.org/hometour  

Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit with Secret Sisters and Shinyribs

 

Mark your calendar! The 13th annual Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit is set for Thursday, May 29 at the historic Longhorn Ballroom—and you won’t want to miss it!

This year’s event, benefiting Grant Halliburton Foundation, features double headliners: The Secret Sisters and Shinyribs, plus an exciting live and silent auction.

Join Eric Nadel for an unforgettable night of music and giving back. Proceeds support the Foundation's mental health and suicide prevention education and resources for North Texas children, teens, and young adults.

Tickets and information:

Eric Nadel's Birthday Benefit — Grant Halliburton Foundation

TWU Leaders and Students Gather to Recognize Donors

On April 8, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) held a reception at Catherine and Sam Susser’s Preston Hollow home to introduce 100 Dallas community and business leaders to the university. TWU faculty, representatives and supporters also attended. 

Brooke Bailey, Stephanie Wilcox, Vickie Yakunin, Neena Newberry
Photo Credit: Andy Palos / Texas Woman's University

TWU Dallas President Monica Christopher thanked everyone for coming and recognized the 35 generous donors of the Dallas President’s Leadership Council (DPLC) and the nine founding members—all of whom are women. “If you remember two things tonight, TWU’s unique mission and commitment to student access and its excellence in our current health science programs. Our Occupational Therapy program is ranked #1 in Texas,* and our Physical Therapy program is ranked #2 in the state.” The TWU Dallas campus is located in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District and contributes to the workforce of North Texas. (*U.S. News & World Report)

Laura Estrada, Lily Weiss, Gayle Halperin, Lynn McBee

TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten discussed how her predecessor, Dr. Ann Stuart, first promoted the idea of TWU being its own university system and the need for Dallas to stand on its own. TWU is now the seventh public university system. Feyten told how she met and hired Christopher as the inaugural president. “President Christopher is helping TWU open doors in Dallas to businesses, community organizations and supporters.”  

Catherine Susser, host, TWU Campaign Cabinet and DPLC Founding Member, said, “Two passions of mine drew me to TWU’s mission: education and healthcare.” I’ve been impressed to learn about the important health research that is taking place at TWU, especially at its Mike A. Myers Stroke Center.”

Dr. Carine Feyten, Michael Preciado, Avery Ellis-Byerly, Catherine Susser, Monica Christopher

TWU Nursing undergraduate student Michael Preciado told about being a research intern at UT Southwestern and giving a presentation on his research at the American Heart Association’s Stroke Conference in February 2025—all because of his learning experiences at TWU. “I want to be a part of the TWU history.”

TWU Physical therapy doctoral student Avery Ellis-Byerly said that she selected TWU’s program because of its reputation, 100% pass rate and 100% employment rate. “I’m so grateful I said yes to TWU.” She will receive her doctorate in May 2025.

For more information about TWU and giving, visit https://twu.edu/advancement/. 

New Friends New Life COF Spring Wine Tasting

 

Purchase tickets here: Wine Tasting 2025 — New Friends New Life

Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade - Saturday, May 3

 

Celebrating Hispanic heritage and tradition, the Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade – presented by the Oak Cliff Coalition for the Arts (OCCA) – is set for Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to noon in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood. Billed as the biggest and longest-running parade in North Texas, the mile-long procession will take place on historic Jefferson Boulevard, a vibrant hub for Hispanic communities and businesses. Free and open to the public, the annual celebration is funded in part by the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District alongside other generous sponsors. NBC5 / Telemundo39 is the official media sponsor, providing in-kind promotional sponsorship.

The festivities will commence with the official welcome at 8 a.m. at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, located at 223 W. Jefferson Blvd. Expect a warm Texas welcome with coffee, pan dulce (pastries) and deejay music.

At 9 a.m. the celebration kicks off with the Parade Step Off Confetti Shoot at the corner of 300 W. Jefferson Blvd. and S. Madison Ave. Local officials and guests of honor will lead the long-anticipated Cinco de Mayo Parade with dozens of colorful floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, inflatables, dance groups and more, showcasing the spirit and joy of the community along historic Jefferson Boulevard.

A longtime favorite is back! Making a special return appearance is the Selena Movie Car – the iconic "Selena movie car" is a candy-apple red 1969 Chevrolet Impala lowrider featured in the 1997 film about the Tejano singer, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.

New this year are the popular and trending parade characters – created in the Mojiganga style – that are sure to instill excitement! The giant puppets will be designed to resemble iconic Mexican personalities. Spectators will have a chance to vote for their favorite Mojiganga puppet, with the winning entry receiving a monetary prize.

Choctaw Cover-to-Cover Music Festival at Klyde Warren Park

Kick off your summer at the Choctaw Cover-to-Cover Music Festival at Klyde Warren Park on Saturday, May 31, from 1 - 7:30 PM! This music festival will be a non-stop party with eight high-energy cover bands and exciting casino-style gaming with Choctaw Casino & Resort game tables.

Savor complimentary wine tastings from RNDC, shop from 20 unique Boho Market vendors and enjoy delicious bites from Klyde Warren Park’s iconic food trucks. Need a drink? Mi Cocina cash bars will keep the good times rolling all day long!

General Admission tickets are only $35, but for the ultimate festival experience, grab a VIP “Friend for the Day” ticket for $125! VIPs get access to an open bar, Mi Cocina catering, and exclusive activities in the shaded comfort of the VIP area in the Sheila and Jody Grant Children’s Park—a perfect retreat from the action with plenty of seating.

Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant Presents Cover to Cover — Klyde Warren Park

4th Annual Mothers’ Brunch & Bazaar Hosted by Auxiliary of Nexus

 

4th Annual Mothers’ Brunch & Bazaar

Monday, April 14, 2025 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Honorary Chairs | Rachel Stacy and Lauren Savage

2025 Chairs | Maggie Kipp and Cathleen Griffith

This year’s event is SOLD OUT!

You can still support this year’s 4th Annual Nexus Auxiliary Mothers’ Brunch and Bazaar by purchasing a raffle ticket to win one of three fabulous gift baskets filled with items from our one-of-a-kind bazaar vendors plus local goodies such as B’s Knees Candles and a manicure/pedicure bundle from Inwood Nail! Each basket is valued at $500 or more and you do not need to be present to win!

Purchase raffle tickets here: Mothers' Brunch | Nexus Family Recovery Center