PwC SMU Athletic Forum with Troy Aikman

Tuesday, August 30, 2011
12:00 Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Hilton Anatole

Former Super Bowl MVP for the Dallas Cowboys and FOX Sports lead NFL analyst, TROY AIKMANThe PwC SMU Athletic Forum was launched in 1989 as a community outreach vehicle that brought to the Dallas community individuals who have achieved extraordinary success in athletics. In its 22nd season, the Forum is widely regarded as America's preeminent sports luncheon series, producing four annual luncheons, as well as the Doak Walker Award Presentation Banquet. Proceeds from PwC SMU Athletic Forum events are used to support athletic scholarships and operating initiatives at SMU.

Click here for ticket information.

Mayor's Back to School Fair

The 15th annual Mayor's Back to School Fair will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Automobile and Centennial Buildings in Fair Park.

Attend
The Fair is FREE and open to the public. Free school supplies are made available to families with school-aged children who (a) reside in the City of Dallas or attend Dallas ISD schools and (b) who meet eligibility requirements. Eligible students can complete this registration form and bring it with you to the fair.

Volunteer
Hundreds of volunteers are needed. Learn how you can help.

Sponsor
The Mayor's Back to School Fair is made possible through corporate and individual contributions and in-kind donations. Learn how you can be a sponsor.

Exhibit
Interested in getting in front of tens of thousands of visitors in a highly energized, family-friendly setting? Contact Vicki Wait at vwait@thereedsprc.com

4th Annual Blondes vs Brunettes Dallas

On Saturday, August 6th, over 150 of Dallas’ most beautiful and talented young-professionals will take the field at SMU’s Westcott Field in the 4th Annual Blondes vs. Brunettes Powder-Puff Football Game presented by Bud Light. The annual game, which raises money to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s, kicks off with a pre-game show at 7:00pm.

Blondes vs. Brunettes Dallas is a powder-puff football game hosted for a day of fun, fellowship, philanthropy and enjoyment as a way of raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Dallas. BvB is a personal way for young professionals across the country to raise awareness and donations to help eradicate this grave disease.

Click here to purchase your ticket today! Every $25 donation is a ticket to the game and after-party at Bryan Street Tavern.

American Girl Fashion Show - Models Needed

The Junior League of Plano is proud to announce that we are now the Junior League of Collin County and commemorating 35 years of service in our community. This is also our 20th anniversary of hosting the American Girl Fashion Show®. In honor of Kanani, the 2011 Girl of the Year®, the shows will feature an Aloha celebration. This year's Fashion Show will take place October 29-30, at Heard-Craig Hall in McKinney.

American Girl Fashion Show® is a fun-filled afternoon for girls and their families, friends, and favorite dolls! Celebrate the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. Enjoy elegant refreshments, enter to win door prizes, and learn how clothing has changed over the years to reflect history, culture, and girls’ individual styles.

If your daughter is interested in modeling in one of the fashion shows, please click here for further information and the online application.

Model Fee: $15. Final Application Deadline is Sunday, August 7, 2011.

Interviews will be scheduled for each model applicant on either July 31 or August 14, 2011 between 11:00am – 2:30pm at the American Girl Store in the Dallas Galleria. Each interview lasts five minutes.

If you have any questions, please call the Junior League of Collin County office at 972-769-0557 and wait for the American Girl Fashion Show® prompt or send an email to AmericanGirlFashionShow@jlcollincounty.org

Food for Thought

Food for Thought is an annual celebrity chef charity event presented by The Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and It’s a Cooking Party. Proceeds benefit Big Thought, a creative learning organization striving to make imagination a part of everyday learning for children. Big Thought’s overall goal is simple: to make imagination a part of everyday learning. In supporting Big Thought, we are helping give children access to creative instruction and hands-on learning during school hours and beyond, all year long.

Saturday, August 6, 2011
7:00 to 11:00 pm
The Tower Club
Thanksgiving Tower – 48th Floor
Cocktail Attire

Celebrity Chefs include: Tiffany Derry, former Top Chef contestant; Lisa Garza, Taste Studio and former Next Food Network Star contestant; Brian Luscher, The Grape; Samir Dhurandhar, Coal Vines and Nick & Sam's; John Tesar, The Commissary; and more!

Each year the Food for Thought steering committee honors a local civic leader with the Gavel of Excellence for significant contributions of service to our community. Prior Gavel of Excellence award winners include Jim Keyes, the CEO of Blockbuster, Inc., and Ebby Halliday. This year's Gavel of Excellence Winner is Daryl "Moose" Johnston, NFL on FOX Game Analyst, former Dallas Cowboys fullback, and Chair of SLANT 45.

Click here to purchase tickets

Build A Nest

Nest is a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world. Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, as well as a market in which to sell their crafts, Nest helps its loan recipients create successful small businesses. Nest instills pride of ownership, preserves ancient artistic traditions and successfully moves women from poverty to self-sufficiency.When women are given the opportunity to earn a living wage, families and children are supported. By supporting Nest, you will play an active role in creating sustainable employment and changing entire communities. Help us preserve handmade artisan traditions and culture by investing in skilled artists worldwide.Nest recognizes that women have been artists for thousands of years. Whether creating utilitarian household objects, clothes for their families or decorative objects for themselves or their homes, the female artistic tradition is a way of defining and maintaining the community. By providing entrepreneurial loans to craftswomen and artisans, Nest gives women an opportunity to utilize existing skill sets, as well as supplying a marketplace where loan recipients can sell their handicrafts to repay their loans and access demand for their products.
Shop here for unique clothing, jewelry, bags, home goods, accessories and children's items to support these female artisans.

2011 Many Cancers One Run

The inaugural ONE RUN will be held on September 10, 2011 with registration starting at 7 am at Reverchon Park in Dallas. The event includes a 5K Run, a 1K Walk, 100 Yard Children’s Dribble & Dash, and many activities for the whole family.

ONE RUN benefits Cancer Support Community North Texas, the only Texas affiliate of Cancer Support Community, the largest international non-profit dedicated to providing support, education, hope and community to people affected by cancer. CSCNT offers a wide variety of support and networking groups, educational presentations, workshops and social events for those who have been touched by cancer. Our clubhouse is warm and welcoming and provides a place where men, women and children with cancer, as well as the family and friends that support them, can come together in community.

ONE RUN, like our unique community, unites all cancer diagnosis and survivors of cancer under one spectacular event. Race participants and teams representing a chosen diagnosis will be identified during the race in an awe inspiring display of color representing members of the North Texas community facing a cancer diagnosis and the community that supports them.

The real celebration begins after you cross the finish line. Vocal Trash band will kick off the Post-Race Party at 8:45 am. There will also be family friendly activities, and free food and drinks.

Click here to register!

Video: CCF's 23rd Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show

Check out this great video from CCF’s 23rd Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show. This was generously donated by Camera2Productions. A special thanks to Sandy Mozur on the Luncheon Committee for making this video possible!

Chase Supports Dallas Educational Institutions

Last Wednesday, July 20, it was announced that Chase was presenting two prominent Dallas educational institutions – one that focuses on science and math education, the other on creative learning in schools and neighborhoods – with $1.4 million in gifts that will make learning fun, stimulating and interactive for thousands of Dallas-area children.

Chase is donating $400,000 to help fund Big Thought’s Thriving Minds summer camp and after-school programs for elementary and middle-school students. Chase also is contributing $1 million in support of the Bio Lab and related educational programming in the Being Human Hall, which will be part of the new Perot Museum of Nature & Science currently under construction in Dallas’ Victory Park.

On hand to make the announcement and to salute the “community hero” wielding the big gifts were representatives from Big Thought and the Perot Museum of Nature & Science. Also offering their thanks were Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins and Jane Didear, the partnerships coordinator in Dallas ISD’s community relations/communication services department.

Bill Bogart of Chase presents the check to Margie Reese, Vice President of Programs at Big Thought and Nicole G. Small, CEO of the Museum of Nature & Science. Photo by Jason Janik

Big Thought’s Thriving Minds middle-school camp is a full-day program currently operating at Fair Park and select Dallas ISD schools for four weeks in July. The camp – presented in partnership with Dallas ISD, the City of Dallas and dozens of community partners – involves nearly 2,000 sixth-through-eighth grade students. Chase’s gift to Big Thought will support the expansion of leading-edge programming to be implemented during the school year at several Dallas ISD schools located in South Dallas and the surrounding Fair Park neighborhoods.

Chase’s other gift will support the Bio Lab, which is part of the Being Human Hall and one of 11 halls of Chase contributes $1.4 million to Big Thought and Perot Museum of Nature & Science – the new 180,000-square-foot Perot Museum. Approximately 1,330 square feet, the lab will offer specific curriculum-based programs for school groups and public use. The Hall will examine the human body and human condition through the lenses of biology, technology and culture. The $1 million gift to the Perot Museum includes support for curriculum development and delivery as well as supplies for the Bio Lab programs, which will directly tie into the TEKS standards for math and science. Museum officials project that more than 40,000 students will participate in Bio Lab Programs each year, including those from Community Renaissance Neighborhood (CRN) areas, specifically in South Dallas and Fair Park. The Perot Museum is projected to open in early 2013.

FEED/Read Tote Bag

Barnes & Noble has partnered with FEED and Room to Read to produce this exclusive FEED/Read Tote Bag. Sturdy and stylish, it's perfect for traveling or running errands around town, with ample room for groceries, books, or personal belongings. There's also a handy interior pocket for smaller items.

Best of all, when you purchase a FEED Read Tote, you're helping underprivileged children, because revenues from the sale of the bags will provide three school lunches and three Room to Read children’s books for children in Nepal.

FEED, founded in 2006 by activist Lauren Bush, endeavors to feed the world’s underprivileged children through the sales of their products. Room to Read is a literacy organization that provides educational opportunities to local communities throughout the developing world by building libraries, fostering local children’s literature, and other activities.

Click here to purchase.

Sleepovers at Museum of Nature & Science

When the lights go out, your imagination comes to life! A sleepover at the Museum of Nature & Science lets you experience the wonders of the world like never before—with plenty of adventure that unfolds under the cover of night.

Go behind the scenes with after-hours access to intriguing exhibits, exclusive demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Sharpen your skills for discovery with secretive scavenger hunts and create clever crafts that you can take home. . Museum sleepovers include an auditorium show, hands-on workshop, exhibit tour, scavenger hunt through exhibits, an evening pizza snack, IMAX® screening, and early morning continental breakfast.

MNS sleepovers are ideal for schools, churches, scout troops, sports teams, and other groups with a focus on learning, team building, and most importantly fun. Packages also include a late-night pizza snack and breakfast in the morning. Sleepover programming is geared toward children ages 6-12 years old.

2011 Sleepover Themes
May – September 2011: Mummies & Ancient Worlds
October – December 2011: Mad Scientists After Dark

Click here for details.

AWM's Fall Premier Party

Alliance for Women in Media’s Fall Premier Party
Thursday, July 28, 2011
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Granada Theater

Come see the fall lineup of Local DFW Television Stations. What does TV have in store for you this Fall? What new shows are coming to the broadcast networks, the indies, and all of your favorite cable networks? What shows are coming back? What’s real and what’s scripted? Who’s taking the biggest risks and who’s playing it safe? See what Ad Week calls the “Game of Shows” at AWM’s Annual Fall Premier party at the Granada!

$25 Members
$35 Non-Members
$10 Students
Get your tickets below NOW or they'll be $40 At the door.
Price includes drink tickets and food.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the people and pets of Joplin MO who were devastated by the recent tornado.

• 5:30 p.m. Doors Open
• 6:20 p.m. Take Seats
• 6:30 p.m. Welcome from AWM President Stacie Martin
• 6:35 p.m. DVD presentation
• 7:45 p.m. Raffle

Rooms for Good - Gaylord Texan

This August, Gaylord Hotels honors teachers across the country through its partnership with Teach For America. As Gaylord Hotels' Rooms for Good featured charity during this month, Teach For America will receive 10% of the total Rooms for Good package rate booked at all four of the brand's resorts, including the Gaylord Texan on Lake Grapevine.

Teach For America is a national nonprofit that recruits, trains, and supports top college graduates and professionals who commit to teach for two years in under-resourced schools and become lifelong leaders in the pursuit of educational equity. This fall, 9,300 corps members will be teaching in 43 regions across the country, impacting 600,000 students. “We're grateful to be Gaylord Hotels' selected charity this month,” said Kyle Ridaught, vice president of corporate relations at Teach For America. “This support will help us to continue to recruit, train, and develop teachers to work in high-need schools across the country and lead their students to academic and lifelong success.”

Rooms for Good is a co-operative marketing and fundraising program that features a different charity each month. In addition to raising money for non-profit organizations, Gaylord Hotels raises awareness of the cause through its advertising, public relations and social media platforms.

Availability: August 1 – August 31, 2011, based on availability.

Pricing: $199* per night, including breakfast for two.

Teacher Package Price: From $159* per night, including breakfast for two with proof of employment at educational foundation; must be presented upon arrival.

(10% of the room package rate will be given to Teach For America for every night of your stay.)

To Book: Call 1-866-245-1054 or book online now.

Smashburger Helps CACCC

Smashburger, a nationally leading “better burger” restaurant, opened its first Frisco location today. As part of the grand opening, from July 20 until August 3, they have decided the give back to the community and have chosen the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County as their recipient. The restaurant will donate $1 from every Texas Jalapeño BBQ Smashburger sold to the CACCC . Go treat yourself to a savory burger and support our cause at the same time! The restaurant is located at 6959 Lebanon Road, Suite 123 in The Shops at Starwood at the southwest corner of Lebanon Road and the Dallas North Tollway. DC Rightside, LLC will donate $500 to the Children’s Advocacy Center along with the one-dollar donation per Texas Jalapeño BBQ Smashburger.

“The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County is an organization that my franchise partners and I are honored to support,” says franchise partner Tye Williams. “Smashburger prides itself on supporting the local community and the organizations that contribute to the betterment of it.”

Dallas Cowboys linemen Marc Colombo and Leonard Davis, and their wives Jessica Colombo and Amanda Davis, along with Tye Williams, are franchise partners in opening the first five to ten Dallas Smashburgers through DC Rightside, LLC, a separate entity under the umbrella company of BIGG Capital Holdings, LLC.

Oh Honey!

There is a new bee company in Savannah, Georgia that certainly is getting a lot of buzz. They are one of America's fastest growing companies. With delicious harvests like: Tupelo Honey, Sourwood Honey, Black Sage and Orange Blossom Honey they have a wide variety of flavors for any one's palate. Not to mention that all of their bees are KSA Kosher Certified and 100% pure with no additives.

Savannah Bee Company has a Peace honey that comes from Honduras, and with each purchase donates $3 per bottle towards Heifer International, whose main goal is to end hunger and poverty in the Honduran communities. This is not the first time this yummy company has helped out either, their Black Sage Honey just recently helped fund the Red Cross aid after all the terrible storms in the South.

Slather some of their delicious honey on an array of foods and know you are helping a community and organization somewhere. Go ahead and BEE creative!!

Top Ten Women of Collin County!

Each of the participating charitable organizations in the Top Ten Women of Collin County award program presented by Neiman Marcus Willow Bend recognizes and celebrates the women leaders that advocate and exemplify the nonprofit missions in Collin County.
A series of events is planned for late summer to honor and recognize the Top 10 Women in Collin County this year as well as celebrate the 10th anniversary of Neiman Marcus Willow Bend. The Shops at Willow Bend will kick-off the celebrations with a 10th anniversary reception, August 17th. Neiman Marcus Willow Bend will host a Fall Fashion luncheon and clinic for the ten honorees.
The ten women honored and all well deserved are:
Art Center of Plano - Reva Bartlett
CASA of Collin County - Jenni Tran
Chamberlain Performing Arts - Kathy Chamberlain
Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County - Wendy Engibous
Frisco Family Services - Justine Sweeney
Children's Medical Center at Legacy - Rebecca Caso
City House- Barbara Walch
Junior League of Collin County - Joan Biggerstaff
Plano ISD Education Foundation - Lisa Raskin
Plano Symphony Orchestra - Dr. Betty Muns
Congratulations to all this special women!

Vogel Alcove's Star Supporters

An NBA Star and a Culinary Queen Support the Vogel Alcove

Cynthia Smoot and Jason Kidd

Before the Dallas Mavericks became World Champions, Jason Kidd and the Jason Kidd Foundation, began a winning partnership with the Vogel Alcove. It was a tour of the Vogel Alcove in March of 2011 that inspired Jason and his fiancé Porschla Coleman, with son Chance in tow, to become more involved. Time on the basketball court with the homeless children served by the Vogel Alcove helped convince Jason and Porschla, Jason Kidd Foundation Executive Director, to name the Vogel Alcove as a beneficiary of the First Annual Jason Kidd Foundation Celebrity Casino Night held in March 2011. This event brought a spotlight to the Vogel Alcove and attracted Dallas Mavericks players and coaches, Herschel Walker, Tony Dorsett, Vogel Alcove board members and donors and more. Following the event, the Vogel Alcove received a check in the amount of $10,000 from the Jason Kidd Foundation and a promise of future support.

Alan Gold, Karen Hughes, Porschla Coleman, Jason Kidd, Regina Bruce

Despite the NBA's demanding playoff schedule Jason and Porschla also attended a Vogel Alcove Auxiliary event in April 2011 which was hosted by Halcyon Days Salon and Spa at Neiman Marcus within NorthPark Center. Halcyon Days General Manager, Jared Newton, and his gracious staff offered esteemed guests complimentary champagne and salon services such as mini facials, massages, manicures and hair blowouts while Merry Miller strung the harp. The Jason Kidd Foundation graciously donated autographed basketballs and other keepsakes to this affair which helped promote the 20th Annual Vogel Alcove Arts Performance Event in May. Furthermore, Jason and Porschla, who are honorary members of the Vogel Alcove Auxiliary, were guests of this anticipated annual occasion.

In addition to Jason Kidd championing the Vogel Alcove, Lisa Garza from The Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star” supports the organization through her latest collection of vintage inspired aprons—Couture Caviar. The celebrity chef, restaurateur, TV personality and mother has graciously offered to design an exclusive mother/daughter apron to benefit the Vogel Alcove. Lisa and her latest Couture Caviar collection will launch at Neiman Marcus in late summer or early fall with exciting details to be announced.

Summer Style & Beauty Bash at Tootsies -Portion of Proceeds Benefiting Young Texans Against Cancer

Beat the heat in the cool, swank, air conditioned indoors at Tootsies for their Summer Style & Beauty Bash. Not only will they be offering free beauty treatments and complimentary lite bites from Mi Piaci, you can look around and see all of the great clothes calling your name to buy for your fall wardrobe (I know it is even hard to think about cooler weather, but it will eventually be here). 15% of the proceeds will benefit Young Texans Against Cancer, along with honoring July's Texas Spa and Salon Month. Wow, they sure are packing a punch into one fun-sounding evening!!

WHAT: Summer Style & Beauty Bash

WHEN: Tuesday, July 19th 6:00-9:00 PM

WHERE: Tootsies 8300 Preston Road, Suite 200 Dallas, TX 75225

RSVP: CLICK HERE

DMA 9x9

Dallas Museum of Art
hosts
9x9

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday,
between July 14-30,

the Museum will stay open until 9 PM.

www.dallasmuseumofart.org/summer

GrandLuxe July Cover Party

IBB Design invites you to the
GrandLuxe July Cover Party

Thursday, July 28, 2011
6-8 PM
IBB Design Fine Furnishings (map)

Libations and lite bites served. Valet provided.
RSVP: 214-618-6600 or info@ibbdesign.com

The Limelight: Rachel's Challenge Fundraiser at Eastside Plaza Richardson

Six Paige Minatrea was diagnosed at the age of four with severe A-Plastic anemia, a serious medical condition that requires a bone marrow transplant. Six Paige is now 14 years old and had her transplant at Children’s Hospital on July 11th.

On Juy 8th, the Eastside Plaza Retailers and Restaurants have teamed with the Rachel’s Challenge organization at Naaman Forest High School (NFHS), to conduct the Dine4Six fundraiser to help pay for some of Six Paige’s medical bills. The one-night event was held with hopes to raise $5,000 and included a raffle, vendor fair, live auction, and blood drive by CarterBloodCare at the Eastside Plaza in Richardson. All proceeds that evening went towards Six Pagie’s medical bills. The event was a success and raised nearly $6,000.



During the event, Louis Murad, a full time, professional licensed auctioneer from Murad Auctions, conducted a $50 Rapid Raffle along with a live auction. Live auction packages included a stay and dine Richardson and Garland package, Spa around town, and a popular backyard movie and pizza night package, donated by Murad Auctions.

Several vendors sold items such as a Dine4Six wristband table, and other Farmers Market vendors such as MountainMan Jerky, with a portion of their nights proceeds benefitting Six Paige. In addition, Carter BloodCare stationed their bus to accept blood donations to be credited to Six Paige’s account. In addition, several of the Eastside restaurants (Chiloso’s, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Koto’s Asian Fusion, Urban Eatz, and Yumilicious) conducted fundraisers in their individual restaurants with a portion of the night’s proceeds going back to Rachel’s Challenge.

Donations are still being accepted. Those interested in donating money can contact Barb Gatti at GattiB@aol.com. For those interested in giving blood, please visit any Carter BloodCare Donor Center and ask to have blood donations put under Six Paige’s name.

About Rachel’s Challenge
Rachel's Challenge is a nonprofit organization set up in memory of Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine shootings in 1999. The organization’s mission is to help students and the community in need, as in Six Paige’s case, by financially supporting medical expenses. Visit www.rachelschallenge.org to learn more about its mission and outreach.

Peter Rabbit Flower Village

Adults and children of all ages will enjoy Peter Rabbit’s Flower Village at The Dallas Arboretum this summer. Four topiary Flower Houses will create a serene themed village, bringing four beloved Beatrix Potter stories to life. The houses of Peter Rabbit™, Squirrel Nutkin™, Mrs. Tittlemouse™ and Jemima Puddleduck™ will enhance the festival experience for young visitors and their families.

Be sure to visit the Fairy Tale Castle exhibit featuring seven whimsically designed castles. These castles are based on the original fairy tales brought to life by local architecture and construction teams. This exhibit encourages literacy through imagination and fun. Have an outdoor adventure with Peter Rabbit’s Fairy Tale Scavenger Hunt.

Photos with Peter Rabbit™
July 21-31 from 10am-1pm
Don’t miss your chance to have a great memento in a photo taken with adorable Peter Rabbit™ in costume. Bring your own camera and find Peter himself every hour on the hour for a visit and photo opportunity inside the Hoffman Family Gift Store on weekdays and the Ginsburg Plaza on weekends. You can also find great Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter items such as stuffed animals and books in the Hoffman Family Gift Store.

Plunge Into Summer Safely with American Red Cross

As we are all very well aware, it is hot, hot, hot here in Dallas! The best way to cool down (other than sitting in front of your air conditioner) is to cool off in the water. Swimming is the most popular summer pastime, but everyone knows you must be very safe in and around the water. Enroll in their Learn-to-Swim classes for all ages. While you are at it, take a CPR course or one on babysitting. The Red Cross has so many wonderful classes that can be taken online or at one of their branches. Better to be safe than sorry and enjoy the summer.

Visit the official website of the American Red Cross where you can download all of their summer and water safety tips and many other ways to learn how to stay safe, for all ages.

All of us here at RSVP Calendar wish you a safe and happy summer. Remember to stay cool!!

Jingle Bash - Save the Date

If you have never shopped on Etsy, it is certainly time to give it a try. While doing so, certainly take a look at Etsy Dallas (everything is handmade and adorable, by many artists, designers, crafters etc. right here. Now for the fun part! Etsy Dallas is putting on their 4th Annual Jingle Bash, November 19th, 2011 at The Palladium's South Side Events Center (CLICK HERE FOR MAP). Shop and buy from these fantastic locals; by doing so, you are supporting handmade pieces and they are great for decorating the house, gifts, stationery...oh the list goes on! Give their website a look and you will see for yourself!

Not only is it free admission, there will be great music, arts and crafts, 2 full bars, make and take crafts, photo booths and a lot of other fun things to get you in the Spirit of the Season!

Artists also take note, you can apply for a booth and application to set-up-shop for this highly anticipated fun event. Applications open July 18th, 2011 -- for more information to show off your handmade works, take a look HERE.

Trevor Rees-Jones to Receive 2011 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

Methodist Health System Foundation will present the 2011 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award to Dallas businessman and philanthropist Trevor Rees-Jones during a dinner to be held at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on October 5, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. Established in 2005, the award recognizes individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulates the achievements of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom.

Pictured: Event Chairman Jim Francis, Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO April Box Chamberlain

Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO April Box Chamberlain said, “Trevor is a committed and dynamic leader who has enthusiastically used the fruits of his business success to improve in tangible ways the quality of life and life circumstances for those less fortunate, especially abused and neglected children. Along with support from his wife Jan, Trevor is the embodiment of community leadership and we are proud to honor him with this award.”

Chamberlain also announced the chairman and honorary chairs for the event. “We are also pleased to announce that Jim Francis will chair the Folsom Leadership Award, while President and Mrs. George W. Bush will serve as Honorary Chairs. Their commitment will help make this a special event, and most importantly, support Methodist’s efforts to improve and save lives of the patients in our care.”

Past Folsom Leadership Award recipients include Robert S. Folsom (2005), Nancy Ann Hunt (2006), Troy Aikman (2007), Laura Bush (2008), the late Norman Brinker (2009), and Pat and Emmitt Smith (2010). As Methodist’s largest fundraiser, the Folsom events have raised more than $6 million over the past six years to benefit Methodist Health System’s programs and services.

In honor of the mission and vision of the Rees-Jones Foundation, proceeds from the 2011 Folsom Event will be used to support Methodist Health System’s Pastoral Care Ministries. Chamberlain added, “As a faith based health system, Methodist strives each day to serve God by ministering to those most in need in our community. Our chaplains, seminarians, and religious lay-workers of all faiths provided more than 130,000 pastoral visits last year alone, continuing Methodist’s 85-year legacy of faith and healing.”

If you are interested in supporting the Robert S. Folsom Award or other vital health care and community programs, please contact Methodist Health System Foundation Vice President of Development Joy Duncan at 214-947-4552 or joyduncan@mhd.com. More information is available at www.MethodistHealthSystem.org/Folsom

Cinderella Princess Party

If the shoe fits, wear it!

Come dressed in your finest princess attire. Learn how to curtsey and parade in front of the judges for special awards and prizes. Your ticket to the production of Cinderella is your entrance pass to this wonderful afternoon, complete with lemonade and cookies. Photo ops with the Prince included!
Saturday, July 16th
Plano Children's Theatre

12:00 noon Princess Training with Monica Lara, Miss Texas Pre-Teen
12:45pm Princess Pageant in front of fairy-tale celebrity judges
2:15pm Matinee performance of Cinderella
Awards for princess participants after the show!

Click here to purchase tickets.

2011 Rock The House Tour

July 17, 2011

House of Blues
7:00 - 11:00 PM

To see the best of the best School of Rock Students perform is to be awed by the transformational power of music. The greatest demonstration of this program's ability to inspire kids are the live events. Every show features shredding guitar licks, kicking drum beats, rocking keyboard solos, funky bass lines and scorching vocals.

Through each tour, they look to provide inspiration beyond the music. Their purpose is to provide the students not only a great musical experience but an opportunity to give back and inspire other kids. This year, all net ticket proceeds from each summer tour event will benefit local Ronald McDonald House Charities® Chapters.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Proceeds from the Dallas show benefit the local Dallas Ronald McDonald House directly.

GIVE A DRINK

GIVE is a genius idea that was created in 2007 by a group of high school students. Their concept is "Drink Good. Do Good." and they are doing just that by creating water and energy drinks. Each type of water they produce benefits a specific cause: HOPE (breast cancer), STRENGTH (muscular disorders), LOVE (the environment) and LIFE (children in need), with 10 cents from each bottle sold going to a local charity in which it was sold.

Among this unique idea, as a community full of wonderful organizations, you can nominate your favorite non-profit and the money from the bottles sold will go towards that group. Come on folks, get on their website by CLICKING HERE and add your favorite organization so they can reap the benefits and continue doing so much good throughout Dallas.

You can find GIVE products at Sunflower Markets, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Market Street, Saxby's Coffee and other fine retailers.

Let's all GIVE!!