Does your little one love wearing stars and stripes? Hope Cottage Pregnancy and Adoption Center is looking for the most patriotic tike. Simply post a picture of your little one celebrating Independence Day on the Hope Cottage facebook page to enter. Please contact Leslie Clay, lclay@hopecottage.org with questions. Children must be 3 years of age or younger and entries must be submitted by 5pm on July 10th, so start snapping!Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Calling All Patriots!
Does your little one love wearing stars and stripes? Hope Cottage Pregnancy and Adoption Center is looking for the most patriotic tike. Simply post a picture of your little one celebrating Independence Day on the Hope Cottage facebook page to enter. Please contact Leslie Clay, lclay@hopecottage.org with questions. Children must be 3 years of age or younger and entries must be submitted by 5pm on July 10th, so start snapping!Dallas Museum of Art: México 200
The Dallas Museum of Art is hosting México 200 : José Guadalupe Posada - The Birth of Mexican Modernism, a museum-wide celebration of the bicentennial of Mexico's Independence. The museum is featuring two special exhibitions on modern and contemporary art presenting the work of acclaimed Mexican artists including: José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and of course, José Guadalupe Posada, best known for his costumed skeleton characters used for social and political commentary.What: México 200: José Guadalupe Posada at the Dallas Museum of Art
When: June 18-December 26, 2010, exhibit opening reception: Thursday, July 8th, 6 p.m.
Where: Dallas Museum of Art
RSVP: exhibit opening reception: Kim Blewitt - KBlewitt@dallasmuseumofart.org
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Limelight: Star Children's Charity

Star Children's Charity is a fundraising organization dedicated to educating Collin County and creating awareness of the many unmet needs of its children. The organization works to assist local non-profit organizations that benefit children medically, academically, or educationally, giving them hope and supplying basic life needs to aid in their advancement in the world.
Star Children's Charity produces high-profile fundraising events each and every year, bringing in corporate and philanthropic donations for an array of charitable causes. The organization brings visibility and light to community issues and problems, while drawing support on a larger scale to maximize the opportunity for grand contributions. Past events include this year's Neiman Marcus Stiletto Strut at Willow Bend and the upcoming Winter Ball on November 13th, 2010.
To find out more information, visit the Star Children's Charity website.
Dallas Area Cultural Arts Coalition

Do you have something to say about the state of the arts in Dallas? We've found someone to listen. The Dallas Area Cultural Arts Coalition is a grass roots advocacy coalition supporting the arts in our community. The organization assists all Dallas art organizations and holds meetings at which they discuss ways to improve the arts, facilities, and preserve existing cultural institutions in our community.
The DACAC has noted that the city's current funding situation is in need of dire help and could use your assistance with advocacy efforts. All meetings are free and open to the public, please spread the word and help plan for the Arts Advocacy Day on August 17th!
What: Dallas Area Cultural Arts Coalition Meeting
When: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 5pm
Where: Sammons Center for the Arts, Skyline Room, 2nd Floor, 3630 Harry Hines Blvd. at Oak Lawn, Dallas, TX 75219
Contact: 214.520.7789, www.dallasneedsthearts.com
Monday, June 28, 2010
Lauren Bush's FEED bag

Lauren Bush understands the power of the purse. Since their 2007 debut, over 500,000 FEED bags have been sold via marketplaces including Whole Foods and from feedprojects.com. Lauren Bush is the granddaughter of George H.W., niece of W., the girlfriend of David Lauren (Ralph Lauren's son), and has raised more than $5.5 million for the World Food Program's school-meals initiative with her FEED bags.
I was thrilled to see her in the July issue of Town and Country, which includes information on the FEED intiative as well as the former model's new clothing line, Lauren Pierce, which is made entirely of eco-friendly textiles made by women and artisans from around the world. As Town and Country writer Melinda Page reported, "The fledging company's only mission is to make supporting women's causes in the developing world fashionable." If the collection amounts to anywhere near the success of FEED, it already deserves our applause.
For your own FEED bag, which we think would look fantastic poolside, visit feedprojects.org or any of the Dallas area Whole Foods locations.Follow: Follow Lauren and the FEED project on FACEBOOK.
The Limelight: The Dallas Holocaust Museum

The Dallas Holocaust Museum is located downtown Dallas on North Record Street in the historic West End district. The museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust in an effort to teaching morality and the ethical response to "prejudice, hatred, and indifference for the benefit of humanity."
Just this past year, the museum hosted more than 40,000 students and over 15,000 walk-in visitors. The Dallas Holocaust Museum has been catering to more and more visitors each year and is in the process of expanding into a larger facility on the North-west corner of Houston and Pacific Streets.Plan your visit and learn more about ways to support the museum here.
Dallas Womens' Society Canned Food Drive

The Dallas Womens' Society is an organization dedicated to women "by providing a platform on which to build strong friendships, serve the community, and enjoy Dallas' and Fort Worth's finest." Their kick off event is tomorrow evening at the Meddlesome Moth. The Dallas Womens' Society is hosting a canned food drive benefiting the North Texas Food Bank.
When: Tuesday, June 29th, 2010, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Garden at the Meddlesome Moth, 1621 Oak Lawn Avenue
Notes: Please bring canned food for the North Texas Food Bank!
Fair Park Fireworks - 5th of July!
One weekend filled with fireworks can't possibly be enough! Fair Park will be hosting its very own patriotic firework show and evening of entertainment next Monday, July 5th thanks to the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and Gold Metal Recyclers. A day after the traditional holiday, give kids and tots another dose of fun! This event is free and open to the public.The evening will begin with a thrilling 45-minute concert performed by the Dallas Wind Symphony in front of the Hall of State at 8:30 p.m. The Symphony is set to perform American classics including America the Beautiful, God Bless America, and The Stars and Stripes Forever. The concert will be followed by a firework show at 9:30 p.m. As visitors arrive, they'll be given the opportunity to enjoy the choreographed "dancing water" shows in the Esplanade Fountains at 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30, and 8 p.m. Concessions will be sold throughout the evening or feel free to pack your own picnic!
Visit: www.fairpark.org or call 214.421.9600
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Limelight: Community Partners of Dallas
When RSVP Calendar picked up this tweet today, it was clear the Community Partners of Dallas most definitely deserved today's Limelight: "CPS just picked up 6 kids from an abusive home. The kids are now safe and caseworkers are at CPD picking up new clothes for each child!".Established in 1989, the Community Partners of Dallas was envisioned by a committed group of Dallas County individuals to determine how the community could support Child Protective Services. A non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring safety and restoring dignity and hope to abused and neglected children, the CPD provides resources to support the caseworkers of Dallas County Child Protective Services. The organization provides a number of support groups for both the children and caseworkers.
In 1993, the Rainbow Room was created, which meets children's needs for every day resources once they are taken from their homes. Serving more than 98,000 children since its opening, the Rainbow Room provides diapers, supplies, personal hygiene items, toys, clothing, shoes, school supplies, and more. Keep up with this inspiring organization on Facebook and Twitter!
Chefs for Fishermen & Families
Last weekend, the Executive Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage Culinary for the Ritz-Carlton Dallas, John Coleman and his culinary team traveled to Louisiana provide donated services to Gulf fisherman and their families affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Chefs for Fisherman and Families was held last Saturday, June 19th at Bridge Side Marina on Grand Isle, LA. For two hours, the brigade of chefs cooked for the fisherman and guests. The participating chefs stated that they have always relied upon the fisherman of Grand Isle for their restaurant seafood and were both honored and grateful to help them during this great time of need.
Cattle Baron's Ball Raffle

The Cattle Baron's Ball is the nation's single largest fundraiser for cancer research through the American Cancer Society. This year, the Cattle Baron's Ball is raffling off five different packages and a car! Package 1: is the car: a Porsche 2011 Boxster, Package 2: is $10,000 in NorthPark Gold + a surprise gift box, Package 3: $10,000 Gift Certificate for a Rolex, Package 4: Capella Pedregal Resort, Package 5: His and Her Lucchese Custom Boots, and Package 6: Sunrise Villas.
Packages 2-6 are available at $25/ticket or five for $100.00. The raffle tickets for the Porsche Boxster are $100/ticket or six tickets for $500.00
Tickets: cash, checks, and credit cards accepted
Contact: Merry Munson e.MerryMunson@yahoo.com or p. 214.402.9007
Visit: www.cattlebaronsball.com
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Limelight: The Women's Museum

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
Luck Be A Lady? The Women's Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate in Dallas that was dreamed up by Cathy Bonner in 1996. Bonner envisioned a place and community that could share the stories of women's accomplishments and contributions to American life and history. The museum's exhibits are often interactive and exemplify and expand community awareness of women's participation and impact in the world we live in today. The Women's Museum officially opened on September 29, 2000. The museum includes both special and permanent exhibits. They are currently showcasing "Freedom's Sisters" which "brings to life the stories of 20 African American women, from key 19th-century historical figures to contemporary leaders, who have fought for equality of all Americans." So start celebrating all that is femme and pay this museum a visit!
Visit: The Women's Museum, 3800 Parry Avenue, Dallas, TX 75226
www.thewomensmuseum.org
Save the Gulf
Many of us Texans travel to the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico in the summer for a seaside retreat. With the current tragedy of the oil spill taking over the stunning blue green waters of the Gulf and wreaking havoc on marine life and animals, it is easy to feel both devastated and helpless. Because of it all, for the past few days I seem to have been thinking about one of my favorite Mary Poppins' songs, which touches on caring for living things that need our protection.And, did you know rehabilitated pelicans are actually being released in Texas? Here are just a few ways you can help efforts to restore the coast and care for all of the wildlife and marine life that desperately needs our help:
Wild Accessories: With a Pelican tie tack from Mignon Faget, raise awareness about the current disaster while benefiting the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana with your purchase.
A Wild Raffle: The New Orleans Saints hope to raise $1,000,000 for Gulf Coast relief by raffling off their Super Bowl XLIV ring (pictured above). This past Tuesday, the team paid a visit to the coast to see the effects of the oil spill. They will be selling tickets for $2 each to win the ring with a minimum purchase of ten tickets. It's the exact ring the players receive and the raffle winner will be announced at the nationally televised season opener on September 9th. Visit the raffle website here.

Wild About Non-Profits: The International Bird Rescue Center is dedicated to protecting and minimizing human impact on birds and wildlife. The IBRC has been working deoil and rehabilitate the thousands of birds that are being impacted and affected by the spill. Follow their work on their amazingly informational Facebook page.
Help them save the oiled wildlife in the gulf and donate here. You can also visit HealthyGulf.org for more information on the oil spill and to also donate to relief efforts.
This is not a natural disaster, this is a man-made disaster. And, it truly is our duty to save and preserve the Gulf for future generations. Thank you for your support!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Limelight: The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas
The Limelight is on the Make-A-Wish Foundation that traces its beginnings to one boy's wish to be a police officer. Today, more than 160,000 wishes have been given & granted to children fighting life-threatening illnesses. Our very own chapter in North Texas, focuses on helping those in our immediate geographic territory.Children may wish to visit their favorite beach or amusement park, meet their favorite athlete or movie star, or even wish for a tree house. Whatever their hopes may be - families, medical professionals, volunteers, and donors avidly work together to make these wishes come true. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated staff here in North Texas, working each and every day to bring each child's dream to life.
Learn more: Make-A-Wish-Foundation
Rock This Town Music Festival for Charity
What: "Rock This Town" music festival for Children's Medical Center and Love Hope Strength Foundation
When: Wednesday, June 23-27
Where: La Grange (Deep Ellum) and the Belmont Hotel, 2704 Elm Street
| Street: | 2704 Elm Street |
Buy Tickets: available at the door or online here
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The Limelight: North Texas Food Bank

Food for thought: the North Texas Food Bank was established in 1982 specifically to address the important issue of hunger in North Texas. Since then, the food bank has worked to secure donations of wholesome foods and grocery products they then share and distribute through a large network of charitable organizations that feed the hungry.
The North Texas Food Bank serves 13 North Texas counties including: Dallas, Denton, Collin, Fannin, Rockwall, Hunt, Grayson, Kaufman, Ellis, Navarro, Lamar, Delta, and Hopkins. This summer, the non-profit organization is actively working to insure that children are cared for and administered the proper nutrition they need. As they are not insured the daily lunch they can count on during the school year, the summer months are the time of year when kids in North Texas are most hungry. The food bank is hosting an array of summer events including: a virtual canned food drive and an online food stamp challenge- inviting you to test living off of the $46.62 a week provided by food stamps.
Learn how you can help the North Texas Food Bank feed those who need it most.
Red Cross Lucky Ducky Derby

The American Red Cross is putting on its 2010 Lucky Ducky Derby this weekend at Curtis Park. An exciting event for the entire family, participants have the option of adopting a duck or joining or sponsoring a team! The best part: all proceeds specifically benefit the American Red Cross- Dallas chapter. Grand prizes include: a $2,000 Kroger Gift card, a Michele Stainless Steel Diamond Deco Quartz watch, and two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines.
What: American Red Cross - 2010 Lucky Ducky Derby
Where: Curtis Park located at Lovers Lane and Dickens, near SMU and Snider Plaza
When: Sunday, June 27th, 3pm
Contact: www.duckrace.com
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Limelight: Les Femmes Du Monde
Today, the Limelight is certainly on Les Femmes du Monde. Les Femmes du Monde is a non-profit in Dallas that first came to be on June 14th in 1961. The organization was founded by 20 Dallas women who were and are incredibly involved and concerned with many facets of worldly issues which both directly and indirectly affect our country and community. Today, Les Femmes du Monde continues to bring brilliant and lively women in the community together. The organizations beneficiaries are the World Affairs Council of Dallas-Fort Worth and the Children's Medical Center of Dallas.The organization hosts a mélange of events, meetings, and functions throughout the year which help to raise money towards these dedicated causes while allowing members and attendees to discuss the very conflicts and problems that initially brought them together.
For a listing of upcoming events and information on membership, visit lesfemmesdumonde.org.
San Antonio - Morgan's Wonderland

This past April, Gordon Hartman opened the world's first amusement park designed and built entirely with the wishes and requirements of those with both mental and physical special needs in mind. With a price tag of over $30 million, the 25-acre park in San Antonio includes playgrounds, activities, a gymnasium, a theater for shows, and rides. Hartman deemed his refuge Morgan's Wonderland, after his daughter, Morgan, who was born with a form of autism. Just five years ago, the real estate mogul sold his real estate development company in order to spend more time with his daughter.

The park is free for children with special needs and over 1,200 volunteers work daily to insure that each and every guest is safe and cared for. Morgan's Wonderland is nearby to other San Antonio attractions including the River Walk and the Alamo. Please make reservations in advance and to donate to this special park visit the official website.
Visit: www.morganswonderland.com
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Patriotic Pops on the 4th of July!

What better way to spend the 4th than to join Conductor Hector Guzman and the Plano Symphony Orchestra at the Charles W. Eisemann Center for a rousing and inspiring tribute to our country. The program will feature many of our patriotic favorites, including Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever", a patriotic sing-a-long, a salute to the Armed Forces and much more.
Tickets: For tickets, call the Plano Symphony Orchestra at 972-473-7262 or visit www.planosymphony.org to order tickets on line.
Where: The Eisemann Center for the Perfomring Arts is located at 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson, TX 75082.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Hope Cottage Pregnancy & Adoption Center

Dallas' Hope Cottage Pregnancy and Adoption Center has served our North Texas Community since 1918. Their community programs and the priceless information they provide extends awareness and an understanding of adoption for individuals that are not familiar with the healing, hope, and bright future it can give.
With a caring, experienced, and professional staff, Hope Cottage helps both those who wish to adopt and have a family, but also those individuals in need of making informed decisions in crisis pregnancies. They honor every decision and do support adoption as a lifelong process. Pregnant? Adopting? Hope Cottage offers a wealth of information to help you along the way, no matter your situation.
Visit: Hope Cottage
Venezuela/Inside & Out

What: Venezuela/ inside & out - New Paintings by Fannie Brito and Marian Lefeld, Dallas Public Arts Project
When: Saturday, June 19th, 7-10pm
Where: Ro2 at Third Space, 1608-C Main Street, Dallas, TX
Visit: www.ro2art.com
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Limelight: Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas

The website provides a wealth of information on warning signs, do's & dont's in suicide discussion, volunteering, and understanding suicide. Suicide claims the lives of more than 32,000 individuals in the United States each year and is the eleventh leading cause of death. Learn how you can help today and create awareness in our community. Or, find how you can help a troubled loved one or acquaintance that may need it now, or possibly in the future.
Canines & Cocktails with DASH

What: Humane Society's Canines & Cocktails with DASH
When: Saturday, June 26, 2010, 7pm-12am
Where: Studios 1019, 2278 Monitor Street, Dallas, TX
RSVP: here
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Create with Paint and Help City House
City House is truly honored to be the beneficiary of this month's fundraising class at Painting with a Twist!

Budding Artists will learn how to paint a designated design and in this case it is Whimisical Tree.
It's hot outside, so come and spend a few hours with friends sipping a cold beverage, listening to music and creating an artpiece.
The event is on Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 5202 West Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75209 between 1-4 pm.
RSVP: to shalla@cityhouse.org
New Friends New Life Advisory Welcomes Katie Pedigo

Serving the Dallas community since 1998, New Friends New Life is a non-profit organization that helps women leave work in sexually oriented businesses and make a brand new start providing the resources and support systems they need. For more information and to view countless success stories, visit the New Friends New Life website.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Friday Late Night at the DMA

What: Late Night at the Dallas Museum of Art
When: Friday, June 18th, 2010, 6pm-midnight
Visit: Dallas Museum of Art
Giraffes, Monkeys, & Lepperts

Education is Freedom is a non-profit dedicated to helping students who have shown academic promise and leadership, but do need the financial assistance and guidance to attend college. So, donate to a bright and worthy cause, while experiencing the Dallas Zoo's newest exhibit amidst live music, activities for the children, and all-around revelry.
What: Giraffes, Monkeys, & Lepperts - An Evening with the Mayor at the Dallas Zoo
When: Saturday, June 26th, 2010, 6-9pm
RSVP: Tickets here!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Junior League Theme Announcement Party
D'Andra Simmons and Collin Duchinphotos by: Nancy Gopez
We're guessing there will be lots of screenings of Out of Africa for inspiration! Sit back for one wild safari to come.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Tomorrow: 3rd Annual Crawfish for the Kids!

For just $25, indulge in all-you-can-eat crawfish, beer, and access to the music and an exceptionally great crowd! Tickets are still available, so purchase them at the door!
What: 3rd Annual Crawfish for the Kids for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
When: Saturday, June 12th, 1pm-6pm
Where: Gingerman, 2718 Boll St., Dallas, TX
Tickets: $25 at the door
Contact: Matt Lane at 847.477.2910
The Dallas Institute Celebrates its Hatch Date
from bottom left: Dr. Gail Thomas, Dr. Louise Cowan, Dr. Joanne Stroudfrom top left: Dr. Larry Allums, Dr. Claudia Allums, Dr. Nancy Cain Marcus, John Tatum
photo credit: Kathy King
Visit: www.dallasinstitute.org/
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Go Red for Women Luncheon
Ladies with hearts a-flutter, reserve your seats for the annual Go Red for Women luncheon to be held June 18th at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas benefiting the American Heart Association. Gather to be entertained by the event's humorous guest speaker, Diana Jordan. Jordan was deemed "one of the funniest people on the planet," by none other than Oprah Winfrey and is to share her personal viewpoint on heart disease that day. Jordan's latest book, A Wife's Little Instruction Book: Your Survival Guide to Marriage Without Bloodshed!, will be available for purchase at the event. So power up for a heartfelt cause and paint the Ritz red!
What: 2010 Go Red for Women luncheonWhen: Friday, June 18, 2010, 11am-1:30pm
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas
RSVP: here
Star Children's Charity Summer Members Party
This will be a wonderful, relaxing get together with our new members, visit with old Friendships and new Prospective Members who would like to learn more about Star and all the good work Star is doing for the children of Collin County.
Please rsvp to marlene@starchildrens.com by June 13th.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Baylor Medical of Frisco Tees up for Frisco Family Services
Opportunites are still available for sponsors, players, prize and goodie bag donations. For more information or to purchase raffle tickest, visit www.friscocenter.org or call 972-335-9495.
North Texas Food Bank

What: Bringing Hope to the Table
When: June 6-19, 2010
Where: Your neighborhood Kroger
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sleeping Beauty in Dallas
Such begins the treasured story of Sleeping Beauty. See the charming classic this weekend at the Winspear Opera House as the fairytale is brought to life in Ben Stevenson's elegant production by the Texas Ballet Theater. Set to the enrapturing score of Tchaikovsky, lavish sets and captivating dance will unveil the real journey of Sleeping Beauty and her prince.

What: Texas Ballet Theater's Sleeping Beauty
Where: Winspear Opera House
When: June 11th-June 13th
Visit: http://www.texasballettheater.org/
Monday, June 7, 2010
A Cut for a Cause

What: Cut For A Cause
When: June 27th, 9am-3pm
Where: Salon D, 13615 Inwood Dr., near the Galleria
RSVP: Please reserve your spot here!
Cheers to Chick Lit
Presenting Sponsor Lara Tafel and Allie Dunklin























