Summer Internship Opportunity: Nexus Recovery Center

Position Title:	Intern - Office of Philanthropy & Communications
Organization Name:	Nexus Recovery Center
No of Openings:	3
Work Schedule:	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Hours per Week:	20-40 hours, depending on availability
Compensation Type:	Unpaid
Wage:	Mileage and expense reimbursements, free lunch during work hours, use of fitness center on campus.
Position Start Date:	June 8, 2015
Position End Date:	August 15, 2015
Supervisor:	Abigail Erickson
Position Description:	Can you hit the ground running, know about online fundraising, social media, or want to gain valuable skills that will carry you in today’s business world? A great opportunity awaits! The Office of Philanthropy & Communications at Dallas non-profit, Nexus Recovery Center, is seeking three summer interns. You will gain valuable hands-on business skills, knowledge, experience and contacts in this fast-paced, exciting environment. You will have the opportunity to work directly with Fortune 500 leaders who serve on our very own Corporate Council, and on our operating Board. You will host meetings with movers and shakers, work on cool and unique events, and special projects like the Junior Charter Board; 50th Anniversary - Westapher Golf Tournament/Auction; and the Dallas Bankers Softball Slam – all benefitting Nexus. You will shape goals and deliverables by creating new peer-to-peer/student friend-raising plans designed to recruit and retain people ages 21-45. Inspire them to get involved and engage with our existing supporters at Nexus. It will make a huge difference in the lives of our clients and constituents! It's fun AND rewarding.
Qualifications:	Preferred (will review on a case-by-case basis for each applicant): Experience: Service-oriented – previous experience working with a team or fundraising. Other: Communications, Social Media, Marketing, Non Profit, Business skills. Social Media: Can use smart phone platforms, databases, Microsoft office suite, other social media savvy sites.
Application Instructions:	Please email your one-page resume to Abigail Erickson, Director of Development & PR now at aerickson@nexusrecovery.org. You will need a smart phone, common sense and be flexible with your time. Don’t forget to do your research about Nexus before you reach out. Thank you.

Nexus Recovery Center is a Dallas non-profit at the forefront of specialized substance abuse services for females. The mission of Nexus Recovery Center is to serve as a link to sobriety, independence and dignity for low-income women and their families. We inspire hope, offer respect, and honor the unique differences of female addicts.

In FY2014, Nexus served 2,275 women and adolescents girls. Many utilized multiple programs in our continuum of care. In addition, Nexus served 477 children who had accompanied their mothers into treatment; 72 babies were born with healthy birth outcomes while their mothers were in treatment. www.nexusrecovery.org.

Volunteer Opportunity: SPARK! Adventures in Creativity

 

Visit SPARK! This Summer
ProtoSPARK! opens June 1, and they are now taking reservations for groups of 24 to 50 children. The program serves kids in second grade through high school, providing a fully immersive creative environment and hands-on learning that develops their self-definition. To request a visit, please fill out the group reservation form. SPARK! is strategically located in the sub-basement of the historic South Side on Lamar building near a large population of at-risk children.

 

The gallery level is complete and dazzling! You can help put the finishing touches on the Climb, Crawl, Slide Sculpture during the next adult volunteer day on May 30.

 

In the meantime, check the event calendar for opportunities to leave your creative mark on SPARK!

 

Voly in the Park

Voly in the Park is an annual event at Klyde Warren Park sponsored by VolunteerNow. Voly takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. SPARK! will join 75 other organizations; hosting a creative exercise for families. We need approximately 20 volunteers for shifts between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Please click here to sign up to volunteer.

Guest Post: Mommies In Need!

Mommies In Need is 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has begun serving DFW families in an exciting new way.  Dallas is home to a large population of stay-at-home moms, but what happens to the family when the stay-at-home parent gets sick?

They don’t get disability, there are mounting medical bills, and most importantly the kids are thrown into turmoil when Mommy is no longer able to care for them. 

I was such a Mommy.  When my twin girls were 18 months old I became severely ill and wound up having to have two very difficult surgeries to remove my entire colon.  Then in the middle of that, a body scan revealed Thyroid Cancer and I was once again back in the hospital.  Throughout all of this, I was extremely lucky that my family helped us to hire a full time nanny to watch the kids.  It gave them stability in their lives, an ability to keep to their regular routines, and an amazing amount of peace of mind to me that there was someone taking wonderful care of my little ones while I healed.

So when a friend of mine with 3 young kids was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer and had no way to pay for a nanny, I stepped in and created Mommies In Need.  We provide nannies free of charge to families where the stay-at-home parent is going through a health crisis.  We got my friend through 6 months of chemo with a full time nanny and now that she is on the mend, we have accepted our next two families!  The organization is growing rapidly, and as we have more and more doctors, nurses, and hospitals referring families, we are trying to expand to help as many people as we can.

If you are interested in learning more about our organization you can visit our website at www.mommiesinneed.org.  We are also currently running an Indiegogo campaign to secure funding for our next two families and would appreciate your help in donating to the cause or sharing our link https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mommies-in-need/x/10502055

Thank you!

Natalie Boyle

President, Mommies In Need, Inc.

Women’s Auxiliary of Nexus 2015 Spring Luncheon Recently Held at Belo Mansion {Society Pics}

Luncheon chair Liz Pasquinelli, with honorary chair Diane Sealy, welcomed attendees to the Women’s Auxiliary of Nexus 2015 Spring Luncheon benefiting Nexus Recovery Center on April 23rd at the Belo Mansion.

Jason Gillette, Lauren Gillette, Women’s Auxiliary of Nexus president



The luncheon began with a VIP reception and meet-and-greet with featured speaker and New York Times best selling author Koren Zailckas. As guests then entered the ballroom for lunch, mistress of ceremonies and Fox4-TV’s weekend anchor, Jenny Anchondo, welcomed patrons before introducing Women’s Auxiliary of Nexus president Lauren Gillette.  Ms. Gillette extended her gratitude to everyone for their support of the luncheon before sharing the role of the Women’s Auxiliary in raising funds, awareness and volunteer support for the important programs for women provided by Nexus Recovery Center.

Liz Pasquinelli, luncheon chair, author Koren Zailckas, Diane Sealy, honorary chair

 Attendees enjoyed a seated lunch of chicken breast with Herbs de Provence over field greens with artichoke, orange, shaved fennel and goat cheese with lemon-herb vinaigrette.  As dessert of parfaits was served, former Nexus client, Katie, moved the audience with her own personal story of recovery at Nexus Recovery Center, her life now that she has been sober for five years, as well as her plans for her bright future with her daughter.

Joanna Iliff, Ashley Reid

Koren Zailckas, candidly shared her experiences as written in her highly regarded book, Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood, a riveting account of her personal story of alcohol abuse as a teenager and college student. As the luncheon came to a close, chair Liz Pasquinelli was joined on stage by Ms. Gillette as they announced Lindsay Billingsley as the lucky winner of diamond and amethyst flower earrings donated by Robin Bagwell.

 

Proceeds from the luncheon will support Nexus Recovery Center’s programs and ongoing mission to serve as a link to sobriety, independence, and dignity for low-income women and their families affected by addiction.

Dallas A-listers Gather for Fashion Show & Luncheon presented by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary

Once again, the annual Fashion Show & Luncheon presented by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary was the year's must-attend event for fashion conscious Dallas A-listers. Dixey Arterburn and Ginger Sager were Event Co-chairs.

Major Ward Matthews, Event Co-Chairs Ginger Sager and Dixey Arterburn, Major Michele Matthews

Marilyn Augur, Margaret Hancock, Elizabeth Taylor and Ann Hardaway and Sharon McCullough, Libby Hunt, Debbie Hayhurst, Terry McCullough and Lissie McCullough served as Honorary Co-Chairs and WFAA-TV anchor Shelly Slater emceed the sold-out event.

Tiffany Divis, Carolyn Lupton, Carol Huckin and Jean Lattimore

Gene Jones and Charlotte Anderson received the 2015 Margot Perot Award for excellence in service to The Salvation Army. "We are so fortunate to live in Dallas where sharing is always fashionable and gently enjoyed clothes can keep on giving in such a beautiful manner," said Mrs. Perot. 

Charlotte Anderson, Shelly Slater and Jan Strimple

Jan Strimple Productions created and produced an incredible Runway Show from the "best dressed" closets and stores in Dallas. "Each year hundreds of outfits sell for pennies on the dollar through a runway-style fashion show featuring professional models, as well as the ever-popular Chic Boutique, the on-site store where women can search through racks of designer labels to find that perfect look," said Ginger Sager, Event Co-Chair.

Margot Perot announcing the 2015 Margot Perot Award Recipients

Her fellow Co-Chair Dixie Arterburn added, "Margot Perot's vision continues to thrive as philanthropic women donate their couture clothing to create a fabulous runway show and the very popular Chic Boutique."

 Salvation Army Fashion Show Luncheon Leadership Team

Kimberly Whitman and Carmaletta Whiteley

The Salvation Army provides 70 different programs and services that make life better for people in need. This includes shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, clothes for the needy, emergency financial assistance, domestic violence programs, rehab for people with addictions, after-school programs for children, and housing for the elderly.

Runway Finale

"Over the years, the event has raised over $8 million to support the activities of The Salvation Army in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex 365 days a year," said Salvation Army Captain Michelle Matthews. "The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary makes a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals in need."

Photos Courtesy: Kristina Bowman

Big Thought's Creative Solutions 20th Anniversary Luncheon

The Creative Solutions 20th Anniversary Luncheon will celebrate the lives transformed through the Creative Solutions program and pay tribute to the men and women of the Dallas County Juvenile Department who have helped to make the program a success.

Hear how students in the program took one stroke of the brush, step of their feet and craft of their hands to channel their abilities to mastermind their own self-portraits. Creative Solutions: A Portrait of Potential 20th Anniversary Luncheon will inspire you as you listen to their stories and hear the powerful message of Jarrett Adams, co-founder of Life After Justice, share how he's utilized the struggles of his past to propel the outcome of his future.

Individual luncheon tickets are $125 per non-reserved seat and $250 per reserved seat. (If you purchase two reserved seats, you will receive a complimentary copy of the Creative Solutions: A Portrait of Potential book.) View sponsorship benefit package.

Purchase tickets here

Honorary Chair

Mrs. Laura Bush

CO-CHAIRS

Giles Davidson, Irene Hosford, Ginger Sager

ADVISORS

Bev Heil and Jay Oppenheimer

HOST COMMITTEE

CREW-Dallas (Brenda Blake, Sharon Herrin, Coni Hennersdorf, Michelle Hudson, Judy Willoughby), Laurie B. Arnold, Flauren Fagadau Bender, Maura and Jason Bradshaw, Scott and Jennifer Chandler, Giles Davidson and Dan Waldmann, Bess and Ted Enloe, Leigh Anne Haugh, Terry and Beverly Heil, Marguerite Hoffman, Irene Hosford and Robert McLaughlin, Jolie and Bart Humphrey, Sarah Losinger, Jerry McNabb, Barry and Melissa McNeil, Jay W. Oppenheimer, Elissa Plotsky/Freedom Title, Carol and Frank Riddick, Wilbur and Martha Smither, Pam Watkins and Mike Crawford, Jane Wetzel, Mary Lou and Larry Whitt

Partners Card 2015 Kick Off Party

Over the past 22 years, Partners Card has become the largest fundraiser for The Family Place and is one of the most popular shopping events each year in the Dallas Metroplex.

The Family Place CEO Paige Flink and Partners Card 2015 Honorary Chair Rhonda Sargent Chambers

The Family Place recently kicked off the upcoming 2015 Partners Card program at Galleria Dallas with co-chairs Melissa Boler, Debbie Munir, and Ashlee Weidner.

2015 Partners Card Co-Chairs Melissa Boler, Debbie Munir, and Ashlee Weidner

Guests gathered in The Alley, adjacent to The Grill on the Alley at Galleria Dallas, for hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and entertainment.

Past and Present Partners Card Co-Chairs

This year's 10-day shopping extravaganza will take place Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 8, 2015.

Julie Keating and Lacy Biggers

Cardholders are invited to shop, dine and save with a 20% discount at more than 750 participating retail locations and restaurants throughout the Metroplex.

Summer John, The Family Place Assistant Development Director Shivangi Pokharel, Essete Workneh, and Mary Catherine Cesarini

 

The Family Place VP of Development Melissa Sherrill Martin and Partners Card Development Manager Heather Street Baker

 

27th Annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon Creates Fun Day for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Survivors

The annual Children’s Cancer Fund Luncheon is not your typical Dallas fundraising luncheon.  Not only does it raise critical funding for pediatric cancer research and programs at Children’s Medical Center, it also serves as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment.  With the help of area celebrities, sponsors, and a caring community, these children are given a fun day, away from hospitals and treatment.

Rowdy with Ella Lawless

Twenty-one young cancer patients from Children’s Medical Center selected an outfit donated by Dillard’s to model at the luncheon.  When they arrived at the Hilton Anatole Hotel the morning of the luncheon, they were paired with volunteer buddies, and spent the day backstage talking to celebrities, having fun with clowns and magicians, getting their hair done, taking pictures, coloring, eating lunch, and more.  They were joined by up to 100 more children who are all pediatric cancer survivors and who joined them for the grand finale of the fashion show, which featured music by Amber Carrington and Justin Rivers of NBC’s “The Voice.”

Event Co-Chair Roger Staubach with Micah Reed

This year’s guests included longtime Event Chairmen Roger Staubach, who has chaired the event for all 27 years, and Troy Aikman, who has co-chaired for the past 18 years.  Clarice Tinsley and Steve Eager served as mistress and master of ceremonies, and as the children took the runway with their escorts, they shared a little about each child with the audience.  For example: “Micah Reed, a 6^th grader at Sulphur Springs Middle School, wants to be an oncologist and an artist when he grows up. His heroes are the U.S. military, past and present because they fight for our freedom.  He loves drawing, listening to music and writing, and is happy when his counts are good and he is not weak."

Jocelyn White, creator/host at Designing DFW with Julia Brown

Rhonda Sargent Chambers of RSC Productions produced the show. Celebrity escorts included Dallas Cowboys Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, and Terence Newman, along with Rowdy and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.  Miss Texas America Monique Evans and Miss Texas Teen USA Chloe Kemble, joined a host of other celebrities and sponsors including Drew Pearson, Ray Johnston, Charles Haley, Steve Largent, Jason Castro, the Pink Heals Firefighters, Dallas SWAT Team, Queen Elsa and Cinderella, among others.

Courtney Kerr, fashion blogger and TV/Radio personality, with Luna Martell

Event Chairmen Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman kicked off the luncheon in the Chantilly Ballroom, introducing committee co-chairs Kathleen Strand and Cara Serber, who each have daughters who have had cancer. 

Kathleen Strand told the audience, “There’s nothing that can every prepare you for the words, ‘I’m sorry, your child has cancer.’  And there’s almost nothing you can do to fix it or to help make sure your child gets better.  I stand her before you today, humbled by all of you, as your presence here helps us in our fight against pediatric cancer.”

Event Co-Chair Troy Aikman with Brady Pampillonia

 Prior to the western-themed runway fashion show, a live auction was held, which included original artwork painted by children and Texas-based artist Christopher H. Martin.   Numerous other packages were also auctioned during this time.

 

With over $7 million in funds raised, since 1982, for pediatric cancer research, Children’s Cancer Fund continues to fund critical research while improving treatments for hundreds of children throughout the greater North Texas community,” said Luncheon Committee Co-Chair Cara Serber. “A significant amount of these funds are raised through this annual luncheon.

Miss Teen Texas Chloe Isabelle Kembel with Karla Salazar

Proceeds from this event go to Children’s Cancer Fund to help advance pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children’s Medical Center, benefiting children worldwide. 



Pink Heals Firefighters with kids backstage