The Trains at NorthPark Opens November 13

Honorary Chairs Candice & Tony Romo are helping Ronald McDonald House of Dallas kick off the Holiday season

On November 13, the holiday season officially begins when the Trains at NorthPark hit the tracks, bringing joy and wonder to thousands of families who visit the exhibit. Since inception, the Trains at NorthPark has raised over $14 million for Ronald McDonald House Dallas (RMHD) and helped provide a home away from home for 40,000 families with sick and injured children. In its 40^th Anniversary year, RMHD is inviting everyone to participate in the celebration by purchasing tickets at www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com, or even purchasing a one-of-a-kind railcar now available for sale.

Running until January 2, 2022, the Trains at NorthPark is the largest miniature train exhibit in Texas with more than 750 railcars featuring the organizations, families and individuals who make this beloved event possible. Purchasing a railcar before December 7 will guarantee it being on the tracks before the end of the season. Covid protocols following CDC guidelines will be in place during the six-week run.

The Trains at NorthPark will open at 10am on Saturday, November 13, on the 2^nd level of NorthPark mall between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. With 1,600 feet of tracks rolling from coast to coast on a whimsical journey across the United States, the Trains travel from the Fall foliage of New England to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge with stops along the way in New York, Arizona and Colorado.

Tickets for The Trains at NorthPark are $5 for children ages 2-12 and seniors over 65. Adults are $10, while children under two years of age are admitted for free. 

For event information, visit www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas - 40th Anniversary Cookbook

 

40 YEARS. 40 CHEFS. 40 RECIPES.

The pandemic’s grip has made us look for new ways to entertain our families and friends. For that reason, we are publishing a 40th Anniversary Cookbook, Come to the Table presented by LiquidAgents Healthcare. Honoring all of RMHD’s Board Chairs, Come to the Table will feature 40 family-style and family-inspired recipes from Dallas’ finest chefs and tell the RMHD story while recognizing some of the families, supporters and staff who have made our House a home. We are collaborating with event planning & nonprofit fundraising expert Hamilton A Sneed of HAS Events to produce a beautiful, hard cover, four color Cookbook, which will be ideal for gift giving throughout the year.

Nourishment is at the heart of what we all do when we love—whether feeding our own family or preparing a meal for the families at RMHD, food is at the center of it all. Please join us in reaching our $400,000 goal this year. RMHD is the agency providing these critical services in the Dallas community.

Preorder your cookbook today: 

40th Anniversary Cookbook - Ronald McDonald House of Dallas

Anticipated release date of cookbook is July 12, 2021.

The Trains at NorthPark Will Arrive on November 14

 

In a year that has challenged all, The Trains at NorthPark will still bring joy by the carload starting November 14, 2020, hauling holiday hope for families through January 3, 2021. Benefiting Ronald McDonald of Dallas (RMHD) and presented by Bank of Texas, The Trains is currently selling the keepsake personalized railcars. Helping conduct The Trains at NorthPark 2020 are Honorary Chair Sandy Phillips, a long-time RMHD volunteer, along with co-chairs Nicole Brewer and Natalie Lesikar.

The largest miniature train exhibit in Texas with 1,600-foot of tracks set against a charming and elaborate variety of holiday landscapes, The Trains will once again include over 700 railcars bearing the names of the companies, organizations, families, and individuals that make the attraction possible. Each year, hundreds of customized cars hit the tracks in support of the House, with available 2020 options including a variety of standard railcars for $200, a caboose for $250, a special edition Tangerine Orange Passenger Car for $300, and an engine for $350.

Precautions in place for COVID-19 will adhere to state and local government guidelines, including masks for staff, volunteers, and guests, except for those under three. Interaction will be limited for safety, will only allow one-way traffic and restricted capacities, and will have regular and rigorous cleaning. Those wanting to avoid peak holiday traffic are encouraged to come earlier in the season, especially during weekdays.

Those interested in supporting The Trains at NorthPark by purchasing a railcar, as a sponsor or volunteer can visit www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com or contact Kathlyn McGuill at kmcguill@rmhdallas.org.

Dallas Junior Forum 40th Anniversary & Spring Luncheon

Dallas lifestyle expert, author and philanthropist Kimberly Schlegel Whitman delighted a full ballroom of volunteers, philanthropists, and nonprofits with the story of her grandmother whom she remembers fondly for always doing for others. 

Ali Mikles, Kim Schlegel Whitman

“My grandmother had five children of her own, and during her lifetime, she also had 36 foster children!” exclaimed Whitman.  “She was an angel on earth.  Seeing my grandmother’s joy in serving others had a huge impact on me.”

 

Whitman provided the keynote address titled, “Adventures in Philanthropy:  How Trying To Give Back Changed My Life And Career,” at the Dallas Junior Forum 40^th Anniversary spring luncheon on April 26, at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion. Luncheon chair was Mary Cartwright, and WFAA’s Jane McGarry served as mistress of ceremonies.

Janice Whitehill, Sue Ragsdale, Royce Cooper, Linda DeFee, Linda McCarthy

The Dallas Junior Forum (DJF), a non-profit volunteer organization for women in North Texas that employs no paid staff, is one of nine chapters of Junior Forum, Inc. – Texas based service organizations originating in Houston in 1959.  DJF was founded in 1977 to create greater interest in civic, educational and philanthropic endeavors in the North Texas community through volunteer work focused on children, families and the elderly. 

Boys from Jesuit College Preparatory in Dallas volunteer each year at the luncheon

The annual luncheon, known for its expansive silent auction featuring hundreds of items, helps to provide monetary grants to the nonprofits the group serves. 

 

Organizations served by the Dallas Junior Forum include Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, The Ebby House, Juliette Fowler Communities, Frisco Family Services, Hope’s Door New Beginnings Center, Interfaith Family Services, Network, PediPlace, and the Ronald McDonald House.

Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Ashlee Kleinert

Since it began 40 years ago, DJF has donated hundreds of thousands of volunteer service hours to the charitable agencies it supports. During the 2014-15 fiscal year alone, members volunteered more than 16,400 hours and saved the nonprofits served $411,800 in wages, employment taxes and benefit expenses.  Additionally, DJF awarded  $123,700 in grants and non-grant funding.  Over the years this all-volunteer organization has donated more than $1 million in direct grants and non-grants to worthy non-profit organizations throughout North Texas.

DJF Past Presidents - Back row: (left to right) Jamie Isbell, Julie Sheridan, Valerie McMahan, Mary Cartwright Front row: (left to right) Vanessa Hoffman, Joan Oxford, Carol Gregston, Leah Margerison, Vicki Olson, Marianna Thiebaud, Ann W. Jones, Sheila Moore, Kristin Parrino

As guests enjoyed pink champagne soup with mint drizzle, tenderloin of beef Nicoise salad, and triple chocolate parfaits, Whitman praised the members for their amazing work and the many volunteer hours they give so many nonprofits each year. 

“As a child, I watched how my parents were always very involved with giving back to the community, and I want my children to see me giving and helping others as well,” added Whitman.

She also highlighted the seven books she has written and said that her most recent book “Monograms for the Home: The Art of Making Your Mark” was inspired from a quote she read from Reese Witherspoon:  “If it doesn’t breathe, monogram it!”

Immediately following the luncheon, Whitman held a book signing and visited with guests.

Book signing with Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

“Kim represents a new generation of volunteers involved in service to others,” added Cartwright.  “We were excited to look out in the audience and see some new faces and hope to have some new members to help us serve others in the coming year.  As we continue our 40^th anniversary celebration this year, we hope to reach even more people in need.”

Visit http://www.dallasjuniorforum.org.

14th Annual Hops for the House

The Trains at NorthPark Kicks Off at LUBLU

The Trains at NorthPark 2015 co-chairs, April Cook and Jennifer Tobin, kicked off this year’s major holiday fundraiser at Kira Plastinina’s LUBLU boutique in the Plaza at Preston Center on May 13. Guests sipped and shopped Plastinina’s gorgeous, ultra-feminine designs and beautiful fine jewelry from Paolo Costagli with a percentage of proceeds benefiting the House. While shopping, they noshed on R+D Kitchen’s delectable delights and sipped festive beverages. The Trains at NorthPark is the largest fundraiser benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

April Cook, Jennifer Tobin (Co-Chairs)

 During the remarks, Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, told about a family whose two-year-old daughter was critically injured in a car accident that also injured her five-year-old brother in mid-February. She was not expected to make it, but is now doing well and in daily physical therapy at Children’s Health while her family is being cared for at the House, thanks to the funds raised. “Every dollar raised helps us keep the doors open to help families like these.”

Ashley Sims, Carrie Arnot

 Tobin announced that Bank of Texas was returning for its seventh year as presenting sponsor. She also thanked the committee, the sponsors and the board members and announced the dates for this year’s exhibit: Nov. 21, 2015 through Jan. 3, 2016. The location will be on Level Two next to Nordstrom.

Pat Brockette, Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking for Bank of Texas, said, “Bank of Texas is pleased to once again be presenting sponsor of The Trains at NorthPark. The important work that the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas does in the community helps these children heal and helps keep the families intact during a difficult time in their lives.”

Serving as Honorary Chairmen for 2015 are Carolyn and Karl Rathjen, M.D. Dr. Rathjen has treated many children whose families stay at the House.

Diane Fullingim, Jennifer Tobin, Stephanie Hardeman

The most elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit in Texas, The Trains at NorthPark includes locomotives rolling across multiple tracks on a journey across America marked by memorable landmarks. More than 60,000 visitors enjoy The Trains at NorthPark each season, which is one of Dallas’ most cherished family holiday traditions.

Andrea Cheek, Amy Sallusti

 For those interested in underwriting and supporting The Trains at NorthPark, contact Diane Fullingim, Chief Development Officer at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, at 214.624.5365 or dfullingim@rmhdallas.org.

The Trains at NorthPark Opens with Kid Conductor Blowing Whistle and Cutting Ribbon

Every year, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas selects a Kid Conductor to blow the whistle to open their signature event, The Trains at NorthPark. This holiday, Ruth Daniel, six years old, filled this role and opened the event November 22. Miss Daniel is a patient Dr. Jeffrey Fearon who is serving as Honorary Co-Chair with his wife, Regen.

 

Dr. Fearon, a craniofacial surgeon, has treated many children who have stayed at the House. On October 27, he performed craniofacial surgery to help Ruth with her severe sleep apnea (by having a Le Forte 1 with a halo distraction performed). He also pinned her ears to better fit her hearing aid and glasses.

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas' signature fundraiser, The Trains at NorthPark, is rolling through town now through Jan. 4, 2015. Pictured here are Diane Fullingim, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Chief Development Officer; Tia Wynne, Trains event co-chair; Meredith Land, NBC5 anchor and emcee for Sneak Peek; Jamie Singer, Trains event co-chair; and Jill Cumnock, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Fearon said, “The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is a unique and very special place. It provides a warm supportive environment where families who have a sick child needing specialized treatment that takes them far from home can rest and decompress from all the associated stresses. My patients uniformly have nothing but wonderful things to say about the House.”

 

Her mother, Robin Daniel, said, “Although she has Down Syndrome and is hearing impaired, she doesn't let diagnosis define her. She is incredible and such a blessing to our lives.”

5 Honorary Co-chairs Regen Fearon and Dr. Jeffrey Fearon, John Daniel (dad), Kid Conductor Ruth Daniel, Robin Daniel (mom), Jeremiah Daniel (baby)

Ruth was adopted into Robin and John Daniel’s loving family who resides in Tyler. The Daniels have seven children, five of whom were adopted: John David (14), Joshua (11), Rachel (10), Rebekah (8), Josiah (7), Ruth (6), Jeremiah (16 months). They are in the process of adopting their eighth child, a daughter from China, Rose (2 ½).

 

It’s families like the Daniel’s that the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas supports, especially with its largest fundraiser, The Trains at NorthPark, presented by Bank of Teas, which raises nearly a third of its operating budget.

 

This family favorite rolls through January 4, 2015, and is located on Level One near Nordstrom. Visit www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com for more information.

The Trains at NorthPark Kickoff Party

Jamie Singer (Trains co-chair), Pat Brockette (SVP and manager of corporate banking, Bank of Texas), Tia Wynne (Trains co-chair)

The Trains at NorthPark 2014 co-chairs, Jamie Singer and Tia Wynne, are already on a roll with this major holiday fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. On May 14, they hosted a kickoff party at Kira Plastinina's gorgeous LUBLU boutique in the Plaza at Preston Center. More than 60 guests attended to shop, sip, mingle and snack.

Nancy Kerr (RMHD board of director member), Kira Plastinina (LUBLU owner), Landen Kerr

 Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, thanked Kira for hosting this lovely evening. Cumnock also announced 2014 Honorary Trains Co-Chairs -- Dr. Jeffrey Fearon and wife Regan. Dr. Fearon, a craniofacial surgeon, has treated many children who have stayed at the House.

 Jill Cumnock (RMHD CEO), Sheryl Wylie (RMHD board of director member), Diane Fullingim (RMHD CDO)

The Trains at NorthPark will be on display from November 22, 2014 through January 4, 2015, with more than 1,600 feet of track and trains on a journey across America. Many families visit the exhibit each season as part of their holiday tradition.

 

For those interested in underwriting or sponsoring The Trains at NorthPark, contact Diane Fullingim, Chief Development Officer at RMHD, at 214-624-5365 or dfullingim@rmhdallas.org.

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas “Share the Love” Fundraiser Set for May 16

On May 16, 2014, people across the Metroplex will join together to show support and spread awareness of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas’ mission by wearing the 2014 “Share the Love” t-shirt. Businesses, civic organizations and community groups are asked to show their love by purchasing and wearing this t-shirt. The purchase of these shirts directly helps families staying at the House, which has the tagline “the House That Love Built.”

 

Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, said, “Families staying at the House are asked to contribute $15 a night toward the cost of their stay. However, they are never turned away for the inability to pay. When you purchase a ‘Share the Love’ t-shirt, you are helping support a home-away-from-home for a family with a sick or injured child.”

 

In addition to wearing a “Share the Love” t-shirt, the Dallas House will also host a BBQ dinner at 5:30 p.m. in honor of the families staying at the House and the sponsors. Dinner is provided for an additional donation of $15 per person at http://isharethelove.org/. Cumnock added, “Sharing a meal with families who stay with us is something we want to do to share our love with them. We also want to add a special thanks to Spring Creek BBQ’s James Carroll, who is also our Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Young Friends president, for donating the dinner.”

 

On May 16, t-shirt wearers are encouraged to host events and to share photos of themselves and their groups via social media at https://www.facebook.com/rmhdallas and @RMHDallas. Cumnock said, “We encourage businesses to host events sporting the shirts. Last year, for example, Lute Riley Honda purchased shirts for all 185 employees and hosted a cookout lunch that General Manager Dan Weiss grilled all by himself for the House.”

 

To place a t-shirt order, visit http://www.rmhdallas.org/news-and-events/share-the-love/,  http://isharethelove.org/ or contact Kimberly Conley at 214.631.7354.

 

Brook Hollow Transforms Into Moonlit Dreamland for RMHD Ball {Society Pics}

The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) held its 10th Annual

Moonlight Ball on February 22 at Brook Hollow Golf Club where the ambience of a full moon and hundreds of twinkling votives bathed the ballroom in a soft blue light. Artfully arranged by Junior Villaneuva, gorgeous floral arrangements of white hydrangeas, roses, tulips and dogwood blossoms complemented the soft aqua and chocolate décor. Guests were greeted by co-chairs Jan Daulton and Melinda Emmons, both of whom have served as dedicated House volunteers and community leaders.



Drew and Natalie Dossett, RMHD Board Chairwoman

 Guests enjoyed cocktails and conversations before the three course seated dinner. The first course was the Brook Hollow Golf Club signature salad, followed by a petite filet of beef with a red wine sauce, crispy seared sea bass, their famous mac n’ cheese, haricots verts and whole baby carrots. Dessert was the Bailey’s molten cake with caramel ice cream, and then guests danced the night away to music by popular band Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

 

2014 RMHD Board Chairwoman Natalie Dossett, who also served as underwriting co-chair with good friend and past Board Chairwoman Vera Bangs, welcomed the guests and delivered a heartfelt message regarding the important work that RMHD does for the families who stay there. She then introduced Mike McWilliams who served as Honorary Co-Chairman with his lovely wife Sally.

Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas; Jan Daulton, Moonlight Ball co-chair; Melinda Emmons, Moonlight Ball co-chair; Sally and Mike McWilliams, honorary co-chairs

Beloved volunteers and supporters Sally and Mike McWilliams have served the House for the past 25 years. Sally began volunteering as a Junior League of Dallas volunteer 25 years ago and still volunteers at the front desk every week. She’s also served on the board and in other leadership roles. Mike has served on the board and as a Board Chairman in 2010 and 2011 right after completion of the new House. The McWilliams were joined at the party by family and close friends including their sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Liz Williams and Matt and Hollin McWilliams.

 

Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, said, “We appreciate and thank Jan Daulton, Melinda Emmons and the McWilliams for their hard work as well as their committee and sponsors of the Moonlight Ball. Over the past decade, this event has raised more than $1.5 million for the House, a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill or injured children.”

Hot Chocolate 15/5k

On Saturday, February 9th, more than 10,000 runners and walkers will participate in America’s Sweetest Race, the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k.The race starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park. Race organizers are expecting this race to be even bigger than last year given that so many runners have chocolate on their brains this time of year.

“The course is pretty flat and straight, giving runners an opportunity to get excellent times, and when you finish you are greeted with a chocolate square and great music which leads to the post race party with loads of goodies,” says race director Brandon Presern.

The goodies include a finisher’s mug with hot chocolate in the center, chocolate fondue surrounded by marshmallows, pretzels, banana and Rice Krispy’s, to name a few of the treats.

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is the race beneficiary and the National Charity Partner for the race series nationwide. Every night, hundreds of moms, dads, brothers and sisters stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill or injured children. The Ronald McDonald House maintains a caring homelike atmosphere and provides a place where families receive strength and stability from others who share similar circumstances.

Registration is open. The 15k is $68, and the 5k is $48. All participants will receive a men’s or women’s hooded sweatshirt and a Finisher’s Mug filled with chocolate treats. Visit http://www.HotChocolate15k.com  to sign up today.

LAST WEEKEND for The Trains at North Park

This is the LAST WEEKEND for the 25th anniversary of The Trains at NorthPark. The trains attraction rolls through Sunday, Jan. 6. NEW features this year have included the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Albuquerque hot air balloons and STILL Big Tex or a miniature version of him. 

Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill or injured children. More information at rmhdallas.org.

Where: NorthPark Center, Level Two between Barneys New York and Nordstrom
North Central Expressway at Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225

Cost: $6.00 for adults$3.00 for children (ages 2 to 12) and senior citizens (65 and older)Children under 2 admitted freeDiscount tickets available at Tom Thumb ($1.00 off regular admission)

Chairs: Event Chair is Cate Ford. Honorary Chairs are Alan Engstrom and Debbie Raynor, both of whom chaired the first trains exhibit in 1987.

Kid Conductor: Lila Grace Ruiz is this year’s Kid Conductor who has stayed at the House. She battles a rare congenital disease that affects major organs like the bladder, liver, colon, and stomach and keeps food, fluid, and air from passing through the body normally. There is no cure and she will need constant medical care for the rest of her life. Most recently, she has had severe allergic reactions to fire ants. Her blog is http://staystronglila.com/.

Raffle: This year’s raffle is for $1,000 of NorthPark gold and a trains table, donated by TW Designs that’s valued at $3,000. Tickets are $5/each or 5 for $20.

Addison Rotary Open Raises $205k for Ronald McDonald House of Dallas

The Addison Rotary announced earlier this month that its golf tournament held on September 10 raised a record $205,000 for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Named the Addison Rotary Open, this tournament attracted 250 players at Gleneagles Country Club who played golf and who generously bid on live and silent auction items at the post-golf event.

Randy Lasley, Addison Rotary Open Tournament Chair; Fritzie Roop, Addison Rotary Open Auction Chair;  Jill Cumnock, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas CEO; Vera Bangs, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Board Chair; Kimberly Conley, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Donor Relations; Greg Grimm, Addision Rotary Open Fundraising Chairman

Jill Cumnock, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, said, “We are so thankful

to the members of the Addison Rotary and those who supported the tournament because every dollar raised will help us serve families who stay with us.”

Randy Lasley, Addison Rotary Open Event Chair, & Senior Vice President, Texas Capital Bank, said, “For 22 years, the Addison Rotary Club has organized this charity golf tournament. For the past five years, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has been the beneficiary because we believe in the mission of helping keep families together during a difficult time in their child’s life.”