2019 New Friends New Life Luncheon was a huge success!

The New Friends New Life 2019 Annual Luncheon was a huge success, which translates into a future of restoration and empowerment for sex trafficking survivors.

NBC5's Laura Harris and activist, producer, and actress, Jada Pinkett Smith enlightened almost 1,000 guests to the reality that no one chooses to be trafficked and once they are in it, they don't know how to get out. While speaking on how she personally knows women who didn't survive a life of trafficking, Jada shared stories from the perspective of a mother and advocate and encouraged attendees to have those hard conversations with their daughters and sons to keep the lines of communication open. She made an emotional plea to support organizations like New Friends New Life as "sex trafficking is becoming a very sophisticated crime." Methodist Health System and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, recognized for their efforts and leadership in combating human trafficking and recipients of the 2019 ProtectHER Award, were applauded by an audience that included the highest number of first-time attendees ever. View the ProtectHer video here.

Cookies & Castles

Celebrating its 12th year, Tri Delta Cookies & Castles is a two-day Gingerbread Extravaganza. Each December, families and friends gather to decorate gingerbread houses and cookie men. Participants select delicious decorations from the famous “Candy Bar” filled with 5,000 pounds of sweet treats. 

The first day event is an annual ladies luncheon where decorating houses and cookies has become a treasured tradition for those who attend. 

The second day of gingerbread decorating is Cookies & Castles Family Day. This day is a true multigenerational event where parents and grandparents bring children of all ages to experience the magic of the season. Families can choose a morning or afternoon seating for this event. 

Both days include photos with Santa, raffle items and plenty of holiday music.

https://scottishritehospital.org/events/cookies-and-castles

Spieth & Friends Event with Jake Owen this Thursday!

A few tickets are left! Purchase yours today before it sells out!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spieth-friends-tickets-69025468033

The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation will host a memorable night at Topgolf in The Colony, Texas on Thursday, November 21st. The event will raise funds and build awareness for the four mission pillars of the foundation: youth with special needs, junior golf, military families and pediatric cancer. The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation will take over the most high-tech Topgolf facility in the area for an evening under the Texas sky. Following an opening act, ACM award-winner and Spieth family friend Jake Owen will headline a concert on the Topgolf field. Our general Admission guests will have amazing views from the illuminated field of Jake's plugged-in, acoustic performance that promises to be up-close and exclusive.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Reaches Historic $500 Million Milestone

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Reaches Historic $500 Million Milestone Following Announcement of Educational Commitment for 2020 The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has exceeded $500 million in its total commitment to support Texas youth and educational programs since 1932, following today’s announcement of the Rodeo’s 2020 educational commitment of nearly $27 million. “The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is extremely proud to reach this extraordinary milestone,” said Rodeo president and CEO Joel Cowley. “Such a remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the longstanding support of our volunteers, attendees, donors, auction buyers, sponsors and staff.” The Rodeo’s 2020 educational commitment will award more than $14.2 million in scholarships, more than $8.3 million to junior show exhibitors, more than $3.7 million in educational program grants and more than $650,000 toward graduate assistantship programs. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the U.S., the Rodeo has presented more than 19,000 scholarships valued at more than $230 million since 1957. In addition, more than $180 million has been committed to exhibitors through premiums and calf scramble certificates, nearly $80 million has been allocated to research, grants and educational programs, and $14 million has been awarded to graduate assistantship programs in Texas since 1932. Scholarships More than 800 scholarships will be awarded through the Rodeo’s nine scholarship programs in 2020, with each recipient receiving a $20,000 scholarship to apply toward a four-year undergraduate degree. Recipients may pursue a major in any field of study at an accredited, not-for profit Texas college or university. For full eligibility requirements, click here. The application process opens online Nov. 4, 2019, and closes Feb. 3, 2020. Scholarship recipients will be formally recognized during the Rodeo’s annual Scholarship Banquet July 23, 2020. To learn more about Rodeo scholars, click here.

Cocktails, Couture, and Cookies with Santa

Neiman Marcus downtown will be closed for this event that includes fashion show, private shopping, special buys, awesome raffle and more!

This popular event will surely sell out fast because seats are limited!

Be sure to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a Valentino Purse, Akola Necklace and Secret Santa Surprise - total value of items is over $1,500!! Tickets are $25 or 5 for $100. No need to be present to win.

Proceeds support Women With Promise, a charitable network of professional women united in their pledge to help north Texas women who have emerged from crisis and poverty by providing the means to higher education so they can improve their lives and the lives of their families.

By focusing on education and mentorship, the building blocks are formed for long term success and a self-sustaining livelihood.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cocktails-cookies-couture-with-santa-tickets-75725636417?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Breakfast with Santa at NorthPark

For the past 30 years, the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center has hosted Breakfast with Santa Spectacular, a beloved holiday tradition. Since 1989, families have greeted Santa over a delicious breakfast and enjoyed a morning full of festivities, including photos with the iconic NorthPark Santa, face painting, balloon art, special character appearances, musical performances, live reindeer and much, much more. This year, we are thrilled to again host the 31st Annual Breakfast with Santa Spectacular at NorthPark Center on Sunday, December 8, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.! 

For any questions, please email breakfastsanta@childrensauxiliary.org 

Purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-with-santa-spectacular-tickets-72584573413?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Collin County Heart Ball

https://ahadallas.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20192020CollinCountyHeartBall/Event/tabid/1035523/Default.aspx

The 5th Annual Collin County Heart Ball and Celebrity Chef  Dinner is a celebration of the American Heart Association’s mission and impact in Collin County.  The 2019 Heart Ball, Chaired by Lisa and Chris Gerrish, will be held November 9 at the Omni Frisco Hotel.

Dallas CASA to Honor Jessica and Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas CASA will honor Jessica and Dirk Nowitzki with the Judge Barefoot Sanders Champion of Children Award for their ongoing commitment to making the lives of children better. Since the very beginning of Dirk Nowitzki’s long and storied Dallas Mavericks career, his Dirk Nowitzki Foundation has awarded millions to help disadvantaged children. Since his retirement earlier this year, Dirk and his wife have continued their involvement and investment in the community’s children.

The Champion of Children Award dinner raises funds for Dallas CASA. All proceeds are used to support the volunteer advocates who help abused children find safe, permanent and loving homes. The award is named in honor of Judge Harold Barefoot Sanders, the revered United States District Court judge for the Northern District of Texas, a past award recipient and a steadfast supporter of children.

Guest speaker for the evening is Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, the Michigan circuit court judge who allowed more than 150 abuse survivors to testify in court against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar. Aquilina gained national attention for providing time and space for victims to speak publicly prior to Nassar’s sentencing as well as her tough talk to Nassar in the courtroom. 

https://www.dallascasa.org/dallas-casa-events/champion-of-children-award-dinner/

ReuNight for The Family Place

Join Co-Chairs Melinda Bell, Catherine Cox and Natalie Lorio, along with Honorary Chairs The Hallam Family and Ben E. Keith, on the new event lawn of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for an elegant seated dinner with wine pairings, music, live auction and dancing under the stars.

Sponsorships are now available - click here 

https://familyplace.org/event-details?eventid=121