Ski Plano 2014

2013 Crystal Charity Ball

An evening in "The Magnificent Manhattan" was created to celebrate the 61st Annual Crystal Charity Ball! Guests braved freezing temperatures to descend on the Hilton Anatole. The always-lavish affair  transformed the Chantilly Ballroom to a pre-war era New York City, complete with hot dog stands and Broadway character actors. Since 1952 The Crystal Charity Ball has raised millions in funding for DFW-based Children's Charities. 

Save the Date: 2014 Designer's Choice Awards

http://www.asid.org

Kimberly Schlegel Whitman Presents Her Gift Picks on KTXD's The Broadcast

Kimberly Whitman stopped by KTXD's The Broadcast this morning to present her selection of Holiday  gift ideas for hostesses and gifts that give back to the community!

Gifts That Keep On Giving

Gifts For The Hostess

Connecting Point of Park Cities Inaugural Luncheon with LA Dodger Clayton Kershaw

Connecting Point of Park Cities 2014 Inaugural Luncheon

Saturday, January 11, 2014

12:00 Noon

Belo Mansion
2101 Ross Avenue

Major League Pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers and his wife, Ellen, inspiration for Kershaw’s Challenge and co-author of “Arise” team up with Connecting Point.

MAKE RESERVATIONS HERE

Connecting Point of Park Cities, providing day programs for individuals with disabilities in the Park Cities and surrounding communities, is hosting its Inaugural Luncheon.

Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Clayton Kershaw is a two-time Cy Young Award and a Roberto Clemente Award recipient, and will take the stage with his wife, Ellen, alongside Emcee Scott Murray for a lively question and answer.

 A book signing of Clayton and Ellen's book, Arise: Live Out Your Faith and Dreams on Whatever Field You Find Yourself, will follow the luncheon.

Step off those holiday treats at The 2014 Big D Climb for LLS

WHAT?  The Big D Climb is the biggest stair climb in North Texas. Participants race up 52 flights of stairs (1,040 steps) to raise money for blood cancer research and patient services. More than 1,250 climbers raced in January 2013 and helped to raise $200,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. January 25, 2014 will mark the event's 6th year at Fountain Place in Downtown Dallas, and our goal is to have more than 1,350 climbers raise more than $225,000. Can we do it? Absolutely! The Big D Climb has the best climbers with the biggest hearts. See you at the top!

WHO?  You! If you don't want to try it alone, form a team and challenge your friends, family and co-workers to race you to the top of Fountain Place. Simply click on the link "create a team" on the registration page to climb for a cure together. Racers must be at least 7 years old or able to climb independently. For safety reason, children are not able to be carried.  

WHEN?  Saturday, January 25, 2014. It's a great way to kick off your New Year's Resolution to lose weight, go to the gym, try new things, get more involved, help a worthy charity....you name it!

WHERE?  The breath-taking Fountain Place in Downtown Dallas. The address is 1445 Ross Avenue.

WHY? To find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Funds raised through the Big D Climb go directly to support research, patient aid, patient services, education, and advocacy.

HOW? Online registration is now open! Sign up early and get entered to win some great prizes! No refunds will be given if you are unable to attend the event after registering.Your registration cannot be transfered to another person. For more details, please visit http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb?fr_id=1400&pg=entry

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Please don't hesitate to reach out to LLS staff regarding any questions you may have about the climb, setting up a team, scheduling a corporate team kick-off, you name it!
Big D Climb TeamMelissa.Jacobowski@lls.org
972.996.5900

Reliant Lights Up Your Holidays Tonight

Reliant is lighting up a new holiday tradition at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, so bring your entire family for an evening of holiday magic! This evening, the Center’s campus will be illuminated with 250,000 dazzling LED lights to celebrate the holiday season.

Festivities begin at 5:00 pm with opening remarks and music entertainment, followed by the fireworks show and lighting spectacular at 7:00 pm.

The FREE festival includes the Southwest Airlines Holiday Concert and a live performance by the Relatives. The celebration will also include photos with Santa, holiday crafts for kids, animals from the Dallas Zoo, and a winter wonderland with real snow!

And while you’re there, you can feast on tasty treats at the food trucks, warm up with a cup of coffee or cocoa at Pearl Cup Coffee or enjoy an adult beverage at the Southwest Porch.

Ice Skating in Downtown Dallas (Dec 13 - Jan 31)

If you need a break from holiday shopping this weekend, head over to Klyde Warren Park where an ice skating rink opens today, bringing music and winter activities to park patrons from Dec. 13–Jan. 31. The rink is sponsored by Norman Green, former owner of the Dallas Stars, and his wife Kelly.

"We are so thrilled to open our skating rink, after working on this plan over the last few months," said Tara Green, president of Klyde Warren Park. "The skating rink will add to the holiday spirit and bring people out to enjoy the park during the winter. We encourage everyone to come out to enjoy our new skating rink this weekend."

Skate rentals will be free on Friday, Dec. 13, and complimentary skate lessons will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15 (visit www.KlydeWarrenPark.org to sign up for a time slot). Skate rentals will normally be $5 during the week and $10 on weekends. Park patrons can bring their own ice skates to use with no additional charge.

"Kelly and I are thrilled to see our creative idea come to life," said Norm Green. "We wanted to bring something new to the city for everyone to enjoy, and a skating rink in Klyde Warren Park just seemed perfect given my passion for hockey and the community."

Visitors will have a chance to skate for free every Tuesday. El Centro College, whose Downtown campus is only blocks away from Klyde Warren Park, will sponsor the park’s weekly community skate day, which will give park patrons complimentary skates to use. Additionally, CBS radio will provide all the music for the skating rink while it’s open.

The 32’ by 100’ skating rink will be located on the Ginsburg Family Great Lawn in front of the children’s park and is made out of synthetic ice skating surface called Super-Glide. The surface is eco-friendly and is made with a scientifically engineered molecular structure that lets skaters glide just as smoothly as on real ice. Hours of operations for the rink are Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

PB Silver Globe Ornament -- Give a Little Hope Campaign

It’s always the quiet gestures of giving that truly make the holidays meaningful. Our hand-painted glittery world globe benefits several organizations across the country, each focused on bettering the interior comfort and style of shelters and recovery homes. With this shimmering reminder of the true spirit of the season, giving will remain central to your celebration. Proceeds raised through the Give a Little Hope products benefit local organizations that work to provide temporary and long-term housing for youth and families.

Local Dallas organizations benefiting from the sale of this beautiful ornament are:

Vogel Alcove Childcare Center for the Homeless

The Family Place

Purchase the ornament at PotteryBarn.com

National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon Recap {Society Pics}

The Greater Dallas Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals, with presenting sponsor KERA, honored recipients in seven categories at the 28^th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 15, 2013, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Dallas, Landmark Ballroom.  The awards luncheon was emceed by long-time supporter Scott Murray.

April Chamberlain (Outstanding Fundraising Executive), Carole Rylander

 "We were proud to present and pay tribute to these outstanding individuals who exhibit incredible civic leadership and philanthropy. They are stewarding our communities, from charity to impact," emphasized this year's Dallas National Philanthropy Day Chair, Kimberly Humphries.



Lyda Hill (Outstanding Philanthropist), Ed Fjordbak

Additional sponsors include Diane and Hal Brierley, sponsors of the VIP Reception held prior to the luncheon.  For further information visit afpdallas.org

Award Recipients:  Kent Skipper, Forrest Hoglund, April Chamberlain, Ariana Luterman, Lyda Hill, Christina and Rudy Andrea, Jeff Morris

Chris and Ashlee Kleinert

Kimberly Humphries, luncheon chair; Barry Smink, youth in philanthropy chair; Deborah Montonen, luncheon committee, scholarship chair; Cheryl Reynolds, luncheon committee, collegiate chair; Tanya Downing, luncheon committee, V.P. external affairs

Coca-Cola Polar Bear Brings Holiday Cheer to Salvation Army

On Tuesday, December 10th, The Salvation Army's Christmas Center was delivered some good cheer!  Bright red, Coca-Cola trucks arrived in caravan style, but instead of unloading beverages to fill the organization’s drink machine, Coca-Cola associates unloaded Christmas gifts to help bring happiness to local children. Showing their holiday spirit, in bright red Salvation Army volunteer aprons, Coca-Cola employees opened the trucks’ side bays to reveal bright red bags full of Christmas gifts. In true holiday fashion, Coca-Cola’s polar bear assisted with the delivery.

Debbie Moody was one of 16 Coca-Cola associates to smash a whipped cream pie in the face of the Todd Bourgeois, Coca-Cola's Region Vice President of Sales Operation. Bourgeois issued the challenge to his Angel Tree committee that if they reached the goal of adopting 1,140 Angels this year, he would let everyone on the committee smash a pie in his face. The committee exceeded the goal by adopting 1,200 Angels to help children and families in North Texas. 

 I hope you will click here to check out my holiday gift guide 

featuring 

perfect presents from

A big thank you to elements and their wonderful team for this sponsored video.

Wear Jeans. Help Kids. Tell your company about Miracle Jeans Day.



www.miraclejeansday.com



Wear Jeans. Help Kids.

On Tuesday, Dec. 17, organizations and individuals in Dallas are invited to wear jeans at participating companies in support of Children’s Medical Center, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. For a $5 donation, an individual can “earn” the right to wear jeans and participate in Miracle Jeans Day. Like all Children's Miracle Network Hospitals programs, dollars raised during Miracle Jeans Day will remain in the community to benefit local kids.

Free tools and resources, including printable stickers, to easily plan and host a successful event are available at MiracleJeansDay.com. Since its beginning in 2009, Miracle Jeans Day participants have raised nearly $2.3 million for local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For more information on participating in Miracle Jeans Day, or free tools to get started, visit MiracleJeansDay.com.

Wearing jeans may lead to a more comfortable day in the office for you, but on Miracle Jeans Day it also generates hope for families relying on the services of a CMN Hospital. A simple $5 donation could supply 10 diapers for a premature baby. A $25 donation could provide five baby blankets. Best of all—your donation stays local to help kids in your area.

But Miracle Jeans Day shouldn’t end with you; the more people you recruit for your team—the more lives we can save. Click here to learn how to involve your company.

Tune in to the "Christmas is for Children" Radiothon

Tune your radio in to 98.7 FM KLUV this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14, and 107.5 FM LaGrande on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 12 and 13, to experience the wonder of the holiday season through our Christmas is for Children radiothons. Money raised during these events will directly help children cared for at Children's Medical Center. While listening, you'll hear inspiring stories in English on 98.7 FM KLUV and in Spanish on 107.5 FM LaGrande from our patients like Paxton and their families.

Paxton was only 18 months old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He was treated at Children’s Medical Center at Legacy in Plano. He quikcly went into remission and is now in the maintenance phase of his two-and-a-half year treatment.

Visit www.childrens.com/radio to get a sneak peek at the rest of this year’s patients or to make a donation.

Nearly $440,000 Raised at The Legacy Senior Communities 60th Anniversary Yes! Event

Art and Janice Weinberg, Steve and Carol Aaron, Marc and Wendy Stanley, Jim and Lisa Albert, Cary and Beverly Rossel, Howard and Sandy Donsky

The Legacy Senior Communities’ “The Yes! Event: One Special Night” welcomed more than 400 guests to a dinner on planned by Todd Events at the Omni Dallas Hotel.  To celebrate 60 years of providing housing and healthcare options for seniors of all faiths, the event took everyone on a 60-year tour highlighting various decades with different food, music and entertainment.  The dinner raised nearly $440,000, with approximately $425,000 from sponsors, for the nonprofit charitable organization to benefit The Legacy at Preston Hollow – Dallas Home for the Jewish Aged.    

Cheryl Weitz, Linda Garner, Sara Efune, Andrea Statman

“Believe in what you do and do what you believe in.  That has been our mantra since we opened in 1953,” said Carol Aaron, chairman of the board of trustees of The Legacy Senior Communities.  “My grandmother, uncle, cousin, mother-in-law and friend have all been among those treated with dignity, respect and love.  As we celebrate, ‘One Special Night,’ I ask everyone to remember the significance of what we do and think of the thousands of lives we have touched by believing in what we do.’” 

Linda Garner, Michael Ellentuck, Carol Aaron

The funds raised will go toward refurbishment of the rooms and common spaces for long term care residents and will help enhance the quality of their lives at The Legacy Preston Hollow.  Many of the residents they serve rely solely on The Legacy to provide financial assistance and a secure and comfortable environment. The event included live musical performances featuring a Diana Ross impersonator, as well as Cher and Lady Gaga.  Ken Topolsky, producer of the popular television series “Dallas” was among the notable guests in attendance.  He presented a raffle item which gave the lucky winner the opportunity to spend a day in the life of a Hollywood producer.

Dwell with Dignity's "Jingle Dwell" Online Giving Tree

Just in time for the holidays Dwell With Dignity presents its Jingle Dwell online giving tree! 

Dwell With Dignity is a non-profit group of Interior Designers that partner with board-approved, social service agencies to identify and help families transition into self-suffiency. Members provide and install home interiors that include necessities like kitchen supplies and furniture, as well as extra touches like art and bedding that make a house feel like a home. 

This holiday season visit www.jingledwell.com to aid in Dwell With Dignity's mission by selecting an ornament from the tree that represents an item needed by homes Dwell With Dignity sponsors. 

A Special Coca-Cola holiday delivery for The Salvation Army

Four bright red, Coca-Cola side-load trucks will arrive in caravan style to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Center tomorrow morning, but instead of unloading beverages to fill the organization’s drink machine, Coca-Cola associates will unload Christmas gifts to help bring happiness to local children. Showing their holiday spirit, in bright red Salvation Army volunteer aprons, Coca-Cola employees will roll open the trucks’ side bays – which normally contain Coca-Cola branded products – to reveal bright red bags full of Christmas gifts for over 1,200 local individuals adopted this year by more than 700 Coca-Cola company employees. In true holiday fashion, Coca-Cola’s polar bear will be assisting with the delivery.

Bette Midler to Keynote Jewish Family Service’s May 1st Woman to Woman

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas is pleased to announce that international film and music icon, Bette Midler, is coming to Dallas as keynote speaker for the Woman To Woman luncheon on May 1, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Forty years, four Grammys, four Golden Globes, three Emmys, a Tony Award and countless record-breaking performances since she made her film debut in 1979, "The Divine Miss M" will help JFS raise financial support for its professional mental health and social services.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the bi-annual Woman To Woman event celebrates the power and impact of women in the greater Dallas community while providing substantial support for JFS’ programs and services for anyone in need, regardless of age, race, religion, ethnicity or the ability to pay for as long as needed.

Sponsorships for this event are available and include numerous benefit opportunities including ticket packages, program advertising and meeting Ms. Midler during the event. More information can be found at www.JFSdallas.org/getinvolved/woman or by calling (469) 206-1664.

Co-Chairs for the event are Linda Garner, Beth Konig, Sheryl Pidgeon, Laurie Platt and Cindy Ray Yablonsky. Underwriting Co-Chairs are Leslie Baker, Cathy Glick and Elaine Pearlman.

Vogel Alcove and iFratelli's Dough-Nation Monday

https://vogelalcove.org/pizza

December Spotlight from FEYW

Kimberly, a sophomore at the Irma Rangel school, is a leader making a positive impact in her school. To deal with racism and discrimination, she created posters and flyers to hang at her school and throughout her neighborhood.  She gave speeches at church and city council meetings urging individuals to “Be Empowered”.  She applied for the Princeton Prize, and was selected as a winner!

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recognizes high school students who work to promote harmony, understanding and respect among all races in their communities.  Kimberly was honored for pioneering the school project “United”--campaigning for peace among people of different racial backgrounds.

Winners received an all-expense paid trip to the Princeton University campus to attend the Princeton Prize Symposium on Race.  The student winners from across the country immediately connected with each other through their shared passion to start a revolution against racism.  The 2 ½ day event included conversations and workshops on race relations with local students and Princeton students, alumni and faculty.

Back in Dallas, Kimberly was celebrated at a recognition ceremony where she delivered her presentation to local civic leaders.  Her commitment to lead others persists--she reminds classmates and community members “It stops with you!”  Kimberly will graduate from Rangel in 2016 and plans to study Criminal Justice at Indiana University.

The mission of Foundation for the Education of Young Women is to support single-gender, college-preparatory, public education in Texas and beyond, giving young women the academic and leadership skills to achieve success in college and in life.

By utilizing public-private partnerships and innovative methodologies, FEYW is working within the system to ensure that all of our students graduate from high school and are adequately prepared to achieve success in college. FEYW formed its first public-private partnership with the Dallas Independent School District, and in August 2004, the first all-girls public school in Texas, the Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, opened its doors.

The Style Scribe's Merritt Beck - What to Wear Where - The Crystal Charity Ball

Hey ladies, it's Merritt from The Style Scribe taking over Kim's blog today. Growing up, I participated in a number of debutante balls, charity galas, etc, so sharing my style suggestions for Saturday's Crystal Charity Ball was a no-brainer! When it comes to ball gowns, I'm a fan of classic, elegant looks. This dress immediately caught my eye and would make the perfect winter evening ensemble. The gorgeous green shade and feminine, fitted silhouette are just what I had in mind. Did I mention it's under $600? No need to break the bank. These strappy gold sandals by DVF would be comfortable and complement the look. Top the outfit off with a pretty pair of crystal earrings with emerald stones and a fancy clutch to match. If you are going to the ball, you'll definitely be prepared to dress the part!

It's A Wonderful Life in Newman Village

More than $435,000 Raised at Champion of Children Award Dinner



Honorees Trevor and Jan Rees-Jones with Event Chairs Robin and Bill Smith at the Champion of Children Award Dinner.



Sponsors and underwriters contributed more than $435,000 to the 2013 Champion of Children Award Dinner to help abused and neglected children.

Because of the commitment of Event Co-Chairs Robin and Bill Smith and Underwriting Committee members Greg May, Scott Orr, Mark  Berg, Christie Carter and Linda Swartz, more than 450 attended the 16th annual event on Nov. 5 at the Ritz-Carlton. This year's honorees were Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones.  The funds raised from the event support the recruitment and training of Dallas CASA volunteer advocates.

Dallas CASA is grateful for the generosity and support of abused children in our community and the committed volunteers who serve them.

The 2014 Chick Lit Luncheon Author Is...

Community Partners of Dallas announced best-selling author Julia Reed as the featured author for the 2014 Chick Lit Luncheon.  The announcement was made at a cocktail reception hosted by the Kendra Scott boutique on Tuesday, November 19 from 6 until 8 p.m.

Luncheon co-chair Jennifer Evans Morris was joined by over fifty host committee members and sponsors at the West Village shop to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and of course shopping, with twenty percent of the evening’s proceeds benefiting CPD.  

During the festivities, Paige McDaniel, President and CEO of Community Partners of Dallas, took a moment to welcome partygoers and thank them for their support of the eight annual luncheon presented by long-time sponsors Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel.   She then announced Jennifer Burr Altabef as the 2014 honorary chair and the recipient of the 2014 Partners for Children award - the Junior League of Dallas for their ongoing service and support of the agency.

It was then time for the “big reveal” with Ms. Morris announcing Julia Reed as the keynote speaker for the luncheon.  The New Orlean’s based author has written four best-selling novels, But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria!: Adventures in Eating, Drinking, and Making Merry, Queen of the Turtle Derby and Other Southern Phenomena; Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns and Other Southern Specialties: An Entertaining Life (with Recipes), and The House on First Street: My New Orleans Story.  In addition, she has been writing for Vogue since 1988, profiling various political figures from Al Gore to Condoleezza Rice. She also contributes regularly to the New York Times Book Review, New York Times, London’s The Spectator and Southern Accents.

Clues about the author were sent out in advance to the host committee to see who could guess the featured speaker.  All correct guesses were then included in a special drawing with host committee member Alyson Ray selected as the winner of a pair of fabulous Kendra Scott earrings!

Other guests in attendance included:  Jennifer Evans Morris, Chick Lit Luncheon chair; Paige McDaniel, President and CEO, Community Partners of Dallas; Francie Mancillas; Katie Robbins; Elizabeth Dacus; Alyson Brown; Jennifer Tobin; Monica Austin; Joanna Clarke, Vice President Development, Community Partners of Dallas; Laura Johnson; Lisa Singleton; Amanda Reynolds; Caytie Langford; Rachel Ratcliff; Jennifer Wegman; Amy Schisler; and Stephanie Hardeman.

The 2014 Chick Lit luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel will be held on April 4, 2014, 11:30 a.m. at Brook Hollow Golf Club.  Benefiting Community Partners of Dallas, the eighth annual event includes seated luncheon, remarks by Ms. Reed and the presentation of the Partners for Children Award.  Tables begin at $1250; for more information, visit www.communitypartnersdallas.org

Shed Your Winter Coat at the Dallas Zoo for Free Admission

The Zoo Unto Others employee volunteer team at the Dallas Zoo is sponsoring the “Shed Your Winter Coat” coat drive to benefit clients of The Stewpot, a barrier-free resource center for the homeless and at-risk of Dallas.

The coat drive takes place on Saturday, December 7 AND Saturday, December 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bring a new or gently used coat, blanket, or sleeping bag and receive FREE admission to the Dallas Zoo that day for each item donated.

Hannah's Story - Volunteer Opportunities with Dallas CASA

Hannah's mother was so addicted to crack cocaine that she frequently turned tricks to support her drug habit.
 
Hannah and her three siblings also were exposed to the many men their mother brought into their home. Child Protective Services removed the children from their mother's care and sent them to live with their grandmother. The grandmother soon found that she could not care for all four children and asked that two of the children be taken into foster care.

CASA volunteers Stacy and Kelly were appointed to the case. Shortly afterward, Mom completed all of her court-ordered services and the children were returned to her home. Because of Mom's history with drugs and prostitution, CPS and CASA agreed to allow the children to go home under a monitored return.

By carefully observing the family, Stacy and Kelly discovered that the children were not attending school or being supervised appropriately. It wasn't long before Mom again tested positive for crack cocaine. Stacy and Kelly recommended that the children be permanently removed from her home.  They then found family members to care for all four siblings.

Through three years of upheaval and transition -- consisting of multiple attorneys, CPS caseworkers, foster homes and therapy sessions -- Stacy and Kelly were the only constant presence in the children's lives. Every time they moved, Stacy and Kelly were there to help them enroll in a new school and ensure that their needs were met, such as making sure they received therapy crucial to their healing.

Today, the two oldest children are living with their grandmother while the younger siblings live with an aunt who lives nearby. They get to see each other often and remain connected as a family. The families keep in touch with their CASA volunteers who frequently receive photos and email updates about the children's new lives. 

On an average day in Dallas County, more than 2,000 abused and neglected children live in foster care because they cannot live safely at home. These children need powerful voices to speak for them. Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a non-profit organization of volunteers who are voices for abused children in court. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in protective care.

Dallas CASA is accepting applications for our January and February volunteer training sessions. The first step toward becoming a CASA volunteer is attending a new volunteer information session. Register online here: http://www.dallascasa.org/how-to-volunteer/become-a-volunteer-advocate.html

“Santa Paws” Pet Photos at Hotel Palomar Dallas

Santa is coming to pet-friendly Hotel Palomar Dallas on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 2-4pm! Bring your furry friends and pose for a free holiday photo. Enjoy tasty treats and sipping warm cider and hot chocolate or a holiday craft cocktail from Central 214’s Amber West. Personal cameras welcome. Pro photos will be posted to Hotel Palomar’s Facebook page for easy download the following week.  Donations are encouraged to support Operation Kindness.

Volunteer Center of North Texas Announces New CEO

The Volunteer Center of North Texas (VCNT) is pleased to announce Tammy Richards has been named new CEO effective December 2, 2013.

"We are thrilled to have Tammy join the Volunteer Center of North Texas and help us further advance our goal of connecting more volunteers with volunteer opportunities," said VCNT Board Chairman Cheryl Alston. "Tammy's leadership experience in the corporate, education and nonprofit sectors will be a great asset as we launch and generate awareness of our Voly.org initiative, which is at the heart of our mission of bringing together nonprofit organization with volunteers willing to help them."

Ms. Richards is a well-known community leader with a wealth of management, educational, business and nonprofit experience. Before moving into the education and nonprofit sectors, she had a successful career at Texas Instruments (TI) for more than 20 years, including serving as Vice President of Marketing for the Education Technology division.

After TI, Ms. Richards worked at the Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University, where she served as Associate Dean and COO, as well as Executive Director of The Infinity Project. Most recently, she was CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star. Ms. Richards also has deep experience in nonprofit boards, including the Plano Independent School District, Head Start of Greater Dallas and the Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Ms. Richards is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen as the next CEO of the Volunteer Center of North Texas. I am energized by the Volunteer Center's rich past and exciting future as a force for transformational change in our community through volunteerism," said new VCNT CEO Tammy Richards. "I look forward to working with the board and staff as we expand our reach through the innovative Voly.org initiative."

As previously announced, former CEO Julie Thomas is stepping down from her day-to-day responsibilities as CEO. However, she will continue to cultivate major gifts to VCNT.

Food Trucks for Tots this Saturday

On Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 11:00am-5:00pm, Dallas and Fort Worth food trucks are gathering at The Shops at Park Lane, 8080 Park Lane, Dallas, Texas 75231 for a toy drive for the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of Toys for Tots. Over 10 United States Marines will be on hand to take toy donations and guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a needy child. Pictures with Santa will be available in addition to live music, bounce houses, and vendors for holiday shopping.

In partnership with local schools including Naaman Forest, students will be encouraged to collect toys and bring them to the event with their family. With 15 confirmed food trucks will be on-site including Rock And Roll Tacos, Easy Slider Truck, Doughboys Pizza, Parrot Ice, Ruthie’s Rolling Café, Cup Cakin, Mo’ Joe a Go-Go Coffee Truck and more.

Guests are encouraged to ride the DART Rail to the Park Lane Station. DFW FOOD TRUCK GROUP, The Shops at Park Lane, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Durty Laundry and other local sponsors bring this event to you.

Plano ISD Education Foundation Prepares to Ski Plano

Thank You for Making the Celebrating Life Luncheon a Huge Success!