Rainbow Days to Host 28th Annual Pot of Gold Luncheon

 

Rainbow Days is delighted to announce its 28th annual Pot of Gold Luncheon, taking place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Westin Dallas Galleria.

This inspiring event will raise funds to support Rainbow Days’ programs, which provide essential services to at-risk and homeless children across the Dallas community.

Rainbow Days is thrilled to announce the 2025 Pot of Gold Luncheon keynote speaker is Victor Rivas Rivers. Victor is a veteran star of more than two dozen films, most known for The Distinguished Gentleman, Mask of Zorro, The Hulk and more. Born in Santi Spiritus, Cuba, Victor immigrated to the United States at the age of two. After growing up in an abusive household, he took legal action against his father at age 15 and entered the foster care system. With the help of his community, he turned his life around from hard gang member to earning a senior class football scholarship. Upon graduation he was drafted to play for the Miami Dolphins. Victor continues to raise awareness regarding domestic violence, citing that it is not just a women's issue, but an issue that is relevant to everyone.

Rainbow Days is honored to have Matt and Tiffany Macleod as this year’s Event Chairs. Matt, a retired marine and current Executive Risk Officer at JP Morgan Chase, specializes in cyber security and insider risk. Tiffany, a Dallas/Fort Worth native, is the founder of Elizabeth Scott Design, where she has built a remarkable career in event planning and design. Together, they are dedicated supporters of Rainbow Days’ mission to help children overcome challenges and thrive in the face of adversity. 

The Pot of Gold Luncheon is a meaningful and celebratory event that supports Rainbow Days’ programs through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations, and auction proceeds. Attendees will enjoy an uplifting program, which includes a motivational keynote address, performances by Rainbow Days children, and inspiring testimonials. With over 500 guests expected, the Silent Auction will feature more than $100,000 in exciting items and will open for online bidding on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Pot of Gold Luncheon 2025 | Rainbow Days

Hispanic 100 Latina Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation Delivers $115,000 to North Texas Nonprofits

The Hispanic 100 (H100) Latina Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation has awarded $115,000 in grants to 30 North Texas area nonprofits serving the needs of Latina women and girls in low- and moderate-income communities. Since 2019, the group has contributed $506,000 to dozens of worthy nonprofit organizations.

Hispanic 100 Latina Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation and grantees

The H100 Latina Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation was established in 2019 by the Hispanic 100 Network to further engage Latinas in philanthropy, and to expand resources for local organizations whose mission is to empower, educate and support Latinas across North Texas.

Cris Zertuche Wong, Lucinda Rocha; Suzanne Cruz-Sewell; Maryanne Piña Frodsham

Linda Valdez Thompson, H100 Latina Giving Circle Co-Chair, said, “From education to family support, housing and health, these grants will have an immediate impact on these organizations during a difficult few years. We are honored to support them.”

Kim Cummings (H100 LGCboardmember), Mylinh Luong (Orchid Giving Circle co-founder), Lisa Montgomery (The Village Giving Circle co-founder)

Lucinda Rocha, H100 Latina Giving Circle Co-Chair, added, “There were so many worthy nonprofit organizations as there are many needs in our community. We appreciate the H100 members who have helped research and pare down the list to these amazing organizations addressing social issues and making a difference in their communities.” 

Grants were given to the following:

•      After-School All-Stars – Career Exploration program for Latina All-Stars

•      Aspire – Early Education and Family Literacy Program for Latinas and children

•      Bachman Lake Together – Community Action Network program to equip parents 

•      Bryan’s House – Family Support Services Program for children with special needs

•      Catch Up & Read – Bilingual support to help at-risk children read on grade level 

•      The Compelling Why – Seminars and leadership programs for Latina students 

•      The Concilio – Parents Advocating for Student Excellence program

•      Foundation Communities – Housing for homeless and low-income families

•      Friends of Solar Prep – Educational programs for girls at Solar Prep for Girls 

•      Genesis Women’s Shelter – Bilingual services for Spanish speaking families  

•      Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas – Membership access for Latina girls 

•      Girlstart – Afterschool programs and summer camps

•      HHM Health – Women and Children’s Health Center support 

•      Hispanic Women Network of Texas (Latinas in Progress) – Operational support 

•      Hope Clinic of McKinney – Support for a medical doctor to provide care

•      Human Rights Initiative of North Texas – Support of HRI’s Crime Victims Program

•      Jubilee Park Community Center – Housing and Workforce Program for low-income residents 

•      LiftFund – Technical Assistance integration of Latina Small Business Recovery Program

•      Metrocrest Services – Metrocrest Empowerment Initiative for Women 

•      Mommies in Need – Support for Annie's Place to provide healthcare access

•      Mosaic Family Services – Support salary of a bilingual case manager

•      Primos Dallas – Support for young people to become college, career and life ready 

•      Rainbow Days, Inc. – Community Connection program for at-risk children 

•      Readers 2 Leaders – Support reading skills of underserved Dallas children 

•      Rosa es Rojo – Salary and support for SuperVive-Comunidad Virtual platform  

•      SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – SER STEM funds for girls to learn and compete in robotics 

•      United to Learn – Program support for public elementary schools 

•      Viola’s House Inc. – Maternity outreach program for new and expectant teen moms 

•      Wesley-Rankin Community Center – Girls of Hope and Girls of Honor courses 

•      Young Women’s Preparatory Network – Program support for all female schools

Miki Woodard, Texas Women’s Foundation president and CEO, said, “Thank you to the H100 Latina Giving Circle for raising funds and supporting these incredible nonprofit organizations. When we lift up a woman and her family, the community also rises and benefits.”

Leadership includes Maryanne Piña Frodsham, H100 Board President; Lucinda Rocha, co-chair; Linda Valdez Thompson, co-chair; Maria Espinoza, grants chair; Kim Cummings, board member; and Rachel C. Ybarra, board member. Committee members include Elsa Grivas, Betty Manetta, Evelyn Molina, Rosa Navejar, Silvana Rosero, Erma Saracho, Jennifer Treviño and Dora Tovar.

Donating to the H100 Latina Giving Circle is open to anyone who has a desire to join a legacy of philanthropy that creates positive change by investing in the lives of Latinas. To learn more about joining the H100 Latina Giving Circle, visit https://www.txwf.org/h100latinagivingcircle/ or email H100latinagc@txwf.org.

Josh Shipp to speak at Pot of Gold Luncheon benefiting Rainbow Days on June 25

 

Friday, June 25, 2021 | Omni Dallas – Dallas Ballroom

Silent Auction Doors Open: 11 a.m. | Luncheon Program: 12 – 1:30 p.m.

Discounted valet and self-parking available | Business Attire

Rainbow Days is thrilled to announce our 24th annual Pot of Gold Luncheon will be held at the Omni Dallas Hotel Dallas Ballroom on Friday, June 25, 2021! Through sponsorships, silent auction bidding, individual tickets and donations, Rainbow Days’ goal is to raise $275,000 to continue providing critical services benefiting thousands of at-risk and homeless children and youth across the Dallas area!

To ensure the health and safety of all attendees, Rainbow Days’ 2021 Pot of Gold Luncheon is taking extra precautions and implementing a series of health policies and procedures in accordance with guidelines from the CDC, the state of Texas, and local public safety and health officials.

Pot of Gold Luncheon 2021 | Rainbow Days

Prepare to be inspired by best-selling author Josh Shipp, the 2021 Pot of Gold Luncheon Keynote Speaker. Statistically, Josh should be dead, in jail or homeless. However, his success as a preeminent author, speaker and global youth empowerment expert is living proof of the power of one caring adult. A former at-risk foster kid turned youth advocate, Josh is renowned for the documentary TV series on A&E that followed his groundbreaking work with youth and families. He has written two national bestsellers to date and is regularly called on by OPRAH, CNN, FOX, The New York Times, 20/20, Good Morning America and others to provide commentary on common challenges faced by parents and teachers.

Kyle Coots & Ross DeRogatis

Pot of Gold Luncheon Chairs

Victoria Snee

Master of Ceremonies

2021 Pot of Gold Committee Members

Luncheon Chairs: Kyle Coots & Ross DeRogatis

Silent Auction Chairs: Melissa Griffith & Talene Kozanian

Liz Aldrine, Heather Appel, Beth Bedell, Jennifer Bishop, Nikki Chriesman-Green, Sarah Clifford, Sharon Cornwall, Veronica Moreno, Page Morgan, Kelly Morris, Jenn Mueller, Letetia Patin, Tara Walsh, Nicole Williams, Greg Wood, Kristen Worthington, Debbie Young

Rainbow Days Provides 700 Dallas-Area Homeless Children with New Backpacks and Uniforms

In partnership with the MoneyGram Foundation and numerous individual and corporate donors, Rainbow Days will provide new backpacks, school supplies and uniforms to more than 700 homeless children living in 18 different local homeless, domestic violence and transitional shelters. Rainbow Days hosts this private event for homeless children at the Dallas Market Center so they can celebrate going back to school with fun activities, including bounce houses, face painting, carnival games and refreshments. The event evokes excitement about the new school year and builds confidence by providing each child with a new backpack filled with school supplies and a new uniform.

 “Every child deserves to experience success in school. The Back-to-School Celebration is not just about the backpacks, supplies and uniforms they receive; it is about enhancing the children’s belief in their future, building their self-confidence and celebrating the importance of education,” shared Sherri Ansley, CEO of Rainbow Days.

 

Since 1992, the Dallas Market Center has partnered with Rainbow Days to host this annual event by donating space and services each year. At the event, Prevent Blindness Texas will provide free vision screenings to Back-to-School Celebration attendees.

 

Further, Rainbow Days would like to recognize the generosity of our donors, sponsors and volunteers who help make this event and entire project possible: Dallas Market Center, MoneyGram Foundation, Elsie & Marvin Dekelboum Family Foundation, Markel Corporation, Dallas Women’s Foundation, Aimbridge Hospitality, ORIX Foundation, Citi, Bank of America, Texas Instruments, Women of St. Michael All Saints Episcopal Church, BVA Group, Southwest Airlines, Holy Smokers Men’s Group, National Charity League, Young Men’s Service League, Brennan’s Heart, Kevin Orzen from Global Experience Specialist (GES) and more!

 

Founded in 1982, Rainbow Days has a mission to help children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures. Through support groups, camps, mentored events and tangible items, Rainbow Days serves over 11,000 at-risk children and youth in the Dallas area annually.

Willow Bend Gives Back

2010 Casino Party and Texas Ranger's Party featuring the 6th annual Texas Hold'em Tournament

When: Thursday, October 28, 2010

Registration and Buffet begin at 6:30 p.m.; Casino Party begins at 7:30 p.m.

Where: The DoubleTree Hotel- Campbell Centre (8250 N. Central Expressway Dallas, TX)

Entry: Casino Party and Texas Hold'em Entry Fee: $125 per person or $200 per couple (all proceeds benefit the children of Rainbow Days)

Event Co-Chairs: Eric Appel and Matt Ray

Reservations:For reservations and more information, please contact Wendi McMullen, Director of Special Events, Rainbow Days, Inc., 8150 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1600 Dallas, TX 75206, 214.887.0726 (phone) wendim@rdikids.org or visit the website at www.rdikids.org

Casino Prize Packages: World Series Tickets, Trip to Vegas, Luxury Suite for a Dallas Mavericks or Stars game, Maverick's autographed basketball, Romantic Weekend for Two, A Night of Romance at the Four Seasons, Downtown Decadence Package, Galleria Area Getaway, and Get Healthy and Fit before the Holidays, as well as many raffle ticket prizes!

Rainbow Days Casino Party

2010 Casino Party & 6th Annual Texas Hold ’Em Tournament

Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 6:30 pm

DoubleTree Hotel Campbell Centre - Dallas

Benefitting Rainbow Days

Click here to register

Buffet dinner included. Cash bar available.

Casino and Texas Hold 'Em Entry Fee: $125 per person, $200 for couples

Event Co-Chairs: Eric Appel (Lakewood resident) & Matt Ray (Highland Park resident)

Rainbow Days’ mission is to inspire and prepare children to live a life filled with hope and promise. Now in its sixth year, the Texas Hold ’Em Tournament is one of two major fundraising events that raises funds for the children and programs of Rainbow Days. Prizes will be awarded to the top winners and will include: a trip for two to Las Vegas with a two-night stay at the Venetian Resort, sporting events golf outings, fine dining, local hotel stays and much more!

Contact: Wendi McMullen wendim@rdikids.org

Rainbow Days Back-to-School Celebration!

Back-to-School Celebration

Tuesday, August 17

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Dallas Market Center in North Hall

On Tuesday, August 17, Rainbow Days will host its 19th Annual Back-to-School Celebration, a fun event to help Dallas-area children living in homeless, domestic violence and transitional shelters kick off the school year with new backpacks filled with the necessary school supplies.

Rainbow Days, in partnership with Captain Hope’s Kids and the Dallas Market Center, will conduct the carnival-like event for over 400 children and family members from 23 local homeless, transitional or domestic violence living shelters and is expanding this year to include Collin County’s Samaritan Inn.

The children will enjoy entertainment, games and refreshments while receiving new school uniforms and new backpacks filled with school supplies – all to help give them a fresh start for the new school year.

How can you help?

Make a financial donation to Rainbow Days, Inc. with BTS in the memo line.

There are several other ways you can volunteer.

The Back-to-School Party is just one component of Family Connection, Rainbow Days’ award-winning program that offers a wide array of comprehensive services for Dallas’ homeless children and their families. Over 1,000 homeless children participate in the Family Connection program throughout the year. Through the program, children are given the confidence and life skills needed to make healthy choices, overcome adversity and stay drug-free.

“Every child should be given a reason to be excited about going back to school,” said Cathey Brown, Founder and CEO of Rainbow Days. “It’s not just the backpacks or the supplies that they receive, it’s the sense of purpose and self-esteem that we’re striving to build. We are truly grateful to our generous corporate, community and individual supporters who will make this event another success for over 400 homeless children this year.”

For over 28 years, Rainbow Days, Inc. (a United Way agency) has inspired children to live a life filled with hope and promise. To date, Rainbow Days has impacted more than 105,000 children in the Dallas Metroplex and trained more than 30,000 professionals in one of their award-winning curricula.

The Back-to-School Party is closed to the public, but is open to media.

Contact: Kelly Wierzbinski 214.887.0726 (o) / 214-850-7927 (c)/ kellyw@rdikids.org