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The Gingerbread Stroll, presented by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, will celebrate 13 years this holiday season with its annual exhibition and silent auction of gingerbread houses created by some of Dallas’ top pastry chefs and bakeries.  

 

On display in Highland Park Village, November 17 through November 30, 2023, attendees can stroll between select retailers to view and bid on beautifully decorated gingerbread houses, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Community Partners of Dallas.

 

“The Gingerbread Stroll is celebrating its 13th year and we are so excited to carry on this annual tradition. Many thanks to Highland Park Village, our many retail partners, and of course the talented chefs who create our magical gingerbread houses for making it possible,” remarked founder Christine McKenny. “And we are so thrilled to announce that this year’s stroll will once again benefit Community Partners of Dallas and the children they serve.”

 

“Community Partners of Dallas is honored to be selected again this year as the beneficiary of The Gingerbread Stroll. It has become a holiday highlight for so many, and we are equally as excited to stroll through Highland Park Village to see all of the beautiful gingerbread houses,” added Joanna Clarke, president and CEO of Community Partners of Dallas. “Most importantly we are grateful to the community for supporting this annual event, whose proceeds will provide critical funds to help us meet increased needs for abused and neglected children in Dallas County.”

 

Featured hotels, pastry chefs and artists for this year’s stroll include: BIRD Bakery team from BIRD Bakery; pastry chef Arielle Sutcliffe of Pastry Works; CEO Pam G. Eudaric and her family and friends from Chocolate Secrets;  pastry chef Adrian Arandela and pastry teamfrom Hilton Anatole; pastry chef Samantha Cade from Cade’s Cakes; pastry chef Winter Lockwood-Frank from Charlie’s Burgers & Street Tacos; Gingerbread House Master Creations by Kristen Schweiger and Marsha Schweiger; and the Bistro 31 pastry team.

 

Highland Park retailers that will showcase the elaborate gingerbread houses are: Beretta Gallery, BIRD Bakery, Bistro 31, ETRO, MARKET Highland Park, Roller Rabbit, SIMKHAI and The Village Barber Shop.

 

Dallas residential real estate agent Christine McKenny founded the Gingerbread Stroll in 2011, with the hopes of bringing the community together to raise funds for local children’s charities. Each year, a different charity is selected as the beneficiary of 100 percent of the proceeds.  Since its inception, the Stroll has raised more than $225,000.

 

This year’s Gingerbread Stroll is made possible by the following sponsors:  BabyB’air Flight Vest; Candy’sDirt.com; Christine McKenny of Allie Beth Allman & Associates; Gary E. Alhadef, DDS; Henley & Henley, P.C.; Highland Park Village; Jim Mueller of Verner, Brumley, Mueller, Parker Family Law; Republic Title; Schorr Law Firm, P.C.; Susan Keene for The Keene Team, Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc.; Tony Boyd, HUB Personal Insurance; Trammell Crow Company/Saphier Family; Woolery Associates Interior Design

 

For more information about The Gingerbread Stroll visit our website.

 

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About Community Partners of Dallas

Since 1989, Community Partners of Dallas has ensured safety and restored dignity and hope to abused and neglected children by providing crucial resources and support to the caseworkers of Dallas County Child Protective Services. Community Partners of Dallas provides items, such as winter coats, diapers and formula, holiday gifts, school uniforms, personal hygiene products, food and more, to send the abused children in our community the message that someone does care. Please visit www.communitypartnersdallas.org for more information.

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Partners Card tri-chairs Katy Brooks, Kameron Westcott and Sharon Lee Clark

2023 Partners Card tri-chairs Katy Brooks, Sharon Lee Clark and Kameron Westcott, along with The Family Place CEO Mimi Sterling and Chairman Harold Ginsburg, were joined by nearly 40 volunteers, sponsors, sellers and retailers to kick off the Partners Card selling season on Tuesday, September 12 from 5-7 p.m.

 

Upon arrival at Rag & Bone in Highland Park Village, attendees mingled while shopping the boutique’s gorgeous fall collection, with 10% off all purchases plus 10% of sales benefiting The Family Place. Those who volunteered to sell Partners Cards to their friends, family and colleagues over the coming weeks also picked up their purple tote bags full of essential items to begin selling.

 

Midway through the event, Sterling gathered the crowd for brief remarks, thanking all for attending and for supporting Partners Card, which is The Family Place’s largest annual fundraiser. She also added her gratitude to the tri-chairs for all of their hard work in making this year’s event such a success; to honorary chair and board member of The Family Place, Tom McCollum, CEO of Forbes Todd Automotive Group; to Bank of Texas for serving as the presenting sponsor for the 15th year; and to Rag & Bone and Highland Park Village for their support. She also recognized The Family Place board chair Harold Ginsburg, who was in attendance sporting a pink shirt in honor of the organization.

 

The tri-chairs followed to add thanks to all, especially the community sellers, who are incredibly important to the success of event. As Westcott said, “Every single card sold counts!”

 

Partners Card benefiting The Family Place – Texas’ largest family violence service agency now in its 45th year – takes place Friday, October 27, and lasts until Sunday, November 5, 2023, throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Cards can be purchased online at partnerscard.org with cards shipped early October or through a community seller.

 

Partners Card raises crucial funds for The Family Place, allowing the organization to continue its mission of building brighter futures for survivors of family violence. 100% of each individual $75 Partners Card purchase directly supports their programs and services that save lives. With the card, shoppers receive a 20% discount at participating retailers and a 10% discount at participating restaurants at 750+ locations during the 10-day event.

 

In 2022, Partners Card raised $1.2 million, which equates to 15,350 nights of shelter and safety for survivors of domestic violence. The impact Partners Card has had since it started in 1993 has been tremendous, raising more than $21 million in contributions.

 

To purchase your 2023 card or for more information on upcoming Partners Card related events, visit Partnerscard.org.

 

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ABOUT THE FAMILY PLACE
For 45 years, The Family Place has served the North Texas community by bringing brighter futures to survivors of family violence. The Family Place is the largest provider of family violence services in Texas, serving nearly 20,000 people in 2022. Programs include a 24-hour hotline, three emergency shelters, including the state's only shelter for men and their children, a transitional housing program with 26 apartments, three counseling centers, two medical clinics, a dental clinic, Dignity at Work job readiness program, Be Project sexual assault and teen dating violence prevention education for schools, Faith and Liberty’s Place court-ordered supervised visitation, Battering Intervention and Prevention Program court-ordered counseling for abusers, and legal services. All survivor services are free and provided in Spanish and English.
  
For more information on The Family Place, call 214-559-2170 or visit familyplace.org. Follow us on LinkedInInstagramFacebook, and Twitter.

 

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Equest, a nonprofit organization that provides equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities and veterans with special needs, will host its annual Fall Fun Fest presented by Pendery’s on Saturday, October 21, from 10:30 – 3:30 p.m., at Equest at Texas Horse Park, 811 Pemberton Hill Road, Building 4, in southeast Dallas.

 

Co-chaired by Angela Escamilla and Cari Tortorice, Fall Fun Fest, previously called RideFest, will celebrate the accomplishments of Equest clients, the dedication of volunteers, the support of our donors, and families in the greater southeast Dallas community that Equest calls home. The community is welcome to come learn more about Equest’s mission, meet other resource providers who also serve families with special needs. Learn more about our programs supporting veterans and first responders as well. 

 

Free and open to the public, Fall Fun Fest will include, games, food trucks, a petting zoo, face painting and more. 

 

“We are immensely excited to open our annual Fall Fun Fest to the greater community. As a family resource for all and the only equine therapy provider in the City of Dallas, we invite our neighbors and clients as we celebrate the power of the human-horse connection,” remarked Myrshem George, CEO of Equest. “We are also grateful to our event co-chairs Angela Escamilla and Cari Tortorice for their longstanding support of Equest, and particularly their hard work in ensuring Fall Fun Fest’s success. We hope the community will join us on October 21!”

 

Fall Fun Fest sponsorships begin at $1,500 and are available now by contacting Cari Tortorice at ctortorice@equest.org. Admission is free, however to attend the event please RSVP on https://www.equest.org/fall-fun-fest. For more information, contact Angela Escamilla, 972.412.1099 ext. 209 or aescamilla@equest.org.

 

 

About Equest

Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine assisted learning, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities, as well as veterans who receive all of Equest’s services at no charge.  The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and equine assisted learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With the help of 30 therapy horses, eight instructors, four therapists, three counselors, and 700 volunteers, lives are changed for more than 2,000 served annually. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. Equest offers an engaging volunteer program that provides 30,000 hours of direct program service opportunities each year. www.equest.org

 

 

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Wilkinson Center – a nonprofit agency transforming the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to success with dignity and respect. – announces a new fall fundraiser, Pantry in the Park.

 

Partygoers at the first annual event will enjoy a night under the stars with cocktails, heavy appetizers, a DJ, a unique silent auction and more, while learning more about the great work Wilkinson Center is doing in the community.

 

“We are excited to launch a new fundraiser this fall that will support our mission of helping vulnerable Dallas residents improve their quality of life and provide for support their families,” remarked Anne Reeder, executive director, Wilkinson Center. “We hope the community will join us on November 10 for a casual evening at the beautiful Dallas Arboretum, as we raise awareness and important funds for our programs, which include food and emergency services, adult education and workforce training and a support group for vulnerable seniors.”

 

Sponsorships range from $1,500 to $15,000; individual tickets are $100 each or $175 for a VIP ticket, which includes a VIP reception; couples’ ticket is $180 or $325 for VIP ticket, which includes a VIP reception. Tickets and sponsorships are available now. Visit https://www.thewilkinsoncenter.org/pantryinthepark/ for more information. 

  

About Wilkinson Center: 

Wilkinson Center is just that – a center. A starting point for pathways that lead to better things. Whether it’s a path that leads to employment, a path to financial stability, or a path that puts food on the table, we are passionate about empowering families to reach self-sufficiency. For over 40 years, Wilkinson Center’s dedicated staff and volunteers have committed to serving the whole family and every generation. From the youth who need school supplies and food, to adults who seek job training and education, to the senior citizens who yearn for social support, Wilkinson Center is there to provide wraparound services and a map for success. Together, we can serve all of our community. All ages. All stages. 

 

For more information, visit wilkinsoncenter.org

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Calling all ghosts, goblins and changemakers! Please join Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) for the 17th annual Change is Good presented by CrossFirst Bank, a fun-filled, family-friendly event that encourages kids to collect change in order to change the lives of abused and neglected children in Dallas County.

 

This year’s Halloween-themed Change is Good will be held on Sunday, October 29, from 2-5 p.m. at Arlington Hall at Turtle Creek Park, and will be chaired by Patrick and Jenny Babb with children Caroline, Connor and Kenneth, and Chris and Lexi Jewell with children Callahan and Colsen. Both families look forward to supporting the important work of CPD.

 

“Patrick and I feel incredibly honored and excited to be co-chairing Change is Good this year, and partnering with an organization as impactful as Community Partners of Dallas. Our family is dedicated to finding ways to give back to the Dallas community,” remarked Jenny Babb. “Our hearts are filled with purpose as we work together with our kids, and others, to teach them about making a positive impact on the community in which we live.”

 

Added Lexi Jewell, “Chris and I are also so proud to serve as a Change is Good chair family alongside the Babb family. As Dallas residents, we have a responsibility to make sure those most neglected in our community receive the care they need. As parents, we have a responsibility to raise our children to become caring and compassionate adults. Change is Good provides an amazing opportunity to do both. We hope the community will join us!”

 

With Halloween costumes encouraged, this year’s event promises to offer some spooktacular fun! The event will start at 2 p.m. with children turning in their collected change upon arrival in exchange for chance tickets to win an array of prizes. Then, on to family-friendly activities for kids of all ages with indoor and outdoor entertainment, includingpumpkin painting from Porch Pumpkins, Halloween bounce houses, a mini manicure station with Essie nail polish, the bubble truck, slime station from Camp Crafty Parties, crafts, games, savory and sweet bites and more. A highlight will include the announcement and celebration of the top fundraisers and the winners of the 2023 t-shirt artwork contest.  

 

Participating children will collect change throughout the fall to change the lives of other kids. Families can also collect change virtually by setting up an online piggy bank to send to friends, neighbors, grandparents and more. 

 

Sponsorships are on sale now and begin at $650. A limited number of tickets will be on sale in October if available.

 

For more information, to set up an online fundraising page, or to purchase sponsorships, visit https://www.cpdtx.org/events/change-is-good/.  

 

About Community Partners of Dallas

Since 1989, Community Partners of Dallas has ensured safety and restored dignity and hope to abused and neglected children by providing crucial resources and support to the caseworkers of Dallas County Child Protective Services. Community Partners of Dallas provides items, such as winter coats, diapers and formula, holiday gifts, school uniforms, personal hygiene products, food and more, to send the abused children in our community the message that someone does care. Please visit www.communitypartnersdallas.org for more information.

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Kroger announced its annual Backpack Boosters school supply drive, which benefits underserved students in independent school districts in DFW, East Texas and Northwest Louisiana. 

 

Beginning July 12 through July 27, Kroger customers will have the opportunity to help at checkout by donating a school supply kit for $9.99 or donate $1, $3 or $5. Customers shopping through online delivery or pickup can also donate online. The goal for the 2023 campaign is $550,000, which translates to more than 54,000 students.

 

Once the campaign has concluded, the purchased school supply kits, which include essential items for students, will be distributed to schools in pre-selected local school districts across Kroger’s Dallas Division, including North Texas, East Texas and Northwest Louisiana.

 

“The Backpack Boosters campaign has become an annual tradition over that last decade by helping thousands of students across DFW, East Texas and Northwest Louisiana to start their school year off with the essential tools they need,” said Keith Shoemaker, president, Kroger Dallas Division. “This campaign showcases the incredible generosity of our customers, as they join our valuable associates in Feeding the Human Spirit and bringing uplift to students, teachers and school districts throughout the communities we serve.”

 

Since the Backpack Boosters program launched, Kroger has expanded the program to reach more school districts with a high volume of students in need.  

 

For more information, visit your neighborhood Kroger.

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Emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton, luncheon co-chair Elizabeth Dacus, featured speaker Erin Gruwell and co-chair Brooke Bailey

North Star Luncheon co-chairs Brooke Bailey and Elizabeth Dacus were joined by a sold-out crowd of 310 for the 5th annual North Star Luncheon presented by ExxonMobil on Monday, April 24 at the Dallas Country Club. The luncheon raised over $175,000 benefiting Family Compass.

 

The festivities began with top sponsors gathering early for a VIP reception sponsored by Mary Bowman Campbell, which included featured speaker Erin Gruwell, who graciously mingled, chatted and posed for photos with patrons.  

 

As the VIP party was wrapping up, luncheon attendees began arriving in the ballroom. With the theme “Calling All North Stars,” guests arrived at valet to a pay phone engulfed in fresh florals as they were greeted by staff and volunteers. The foyer was filled with smiling faces, vintage telephones, yellow page phone books and the North Star cafe for guests to enjoy coffee from Grace Coffee Community and purchase raffle tickets. 

 

Raffle tickets were available for sale for a chance to win one of three prizes: an R&R Getaway including a two-night stay for up to 12 guests at the newly constructed Bright Mornings luxury home in Broken Bow, OK complete with a $100 Costco gift card and YETI items;  a six-course tasting menu for up to eight guests by Chef Darren McGrady, along with luxurious home goods by Diptyque; and a Shop Around Lakewood package with gift cards to Lakewood-area favorites, such as Alamo Drafthouse, Central Market, White Rock Coffee and many more.

 

At the appointed time, guests took their seats inside the ballroom as emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton welcomed all and thanked them for attending the 5th annual North Star Luncheon. Behind the stage, the day’s theme of “Calling All North Stars,” continued with the backdrop featuring a variety of vintage phones. 

 

Luncheon co-chairs Bailey and Dacus followed to add their welcome and to thank attendees for their support of Family Compass, the only agency in North Texas solely dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Since 1992, Family Compass has served over 56,000 children and parents whose lives would have turned out much differently had it not been for the steadfast support of the organization’s dedicated staff and community supporters. 

 

Attendees continued to enjoy their lunch of a superfood salad with quinoa, avocado, greens, dried cranberries, marinated tomatoes, sunflower seeds in a lemon vinaigrette and a dessert of crème brulee or key lime white chocolate tart as the co-chairs recognized ExxonMobil Corporation for their support as presenting sponsor. Gerard Monsivaiz of ExxonMobil Corporation followed to share the company’s passion for the community and Family Compass. 

 

CEO Ona Foster then took the stage to honor an organization who has been a part of Family Compass’ mission for over 30 years, the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands. She reminded attendees that in 1992, the Dallas community saw an alarming increase in child deaths, and that is when a group of local exchange clubs banded together and said, “no more, not on our watch.” However, one organization in particular the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, truly “talks the talk and walks the walk.” Foster shared that their ongoing partnership has made an enormous impact not only on the agency but specifically on the children and parents served by Family Compass. From collecting diapers, holding toy drives, generous financial support towards our programs, and having club members consistently in service on the agency’s board, the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands have shown their care and compassion and the importance of continuing the legacy that started over 30 years ago. 

 

Mark Holmes, current Family Compass Board member and a member of the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, joined Foster onstage to accept the North Star Award. In his remarks he shared that The National Exchange Club officially adopted the prevention of child abuse as its National Project in 1979. Since then, Exchange Clubs like his, have gone on to form child abuse prevention centers across the country as well as work with government agencies, local and national partners, and our communities to raise awareness about prevention of this social crisis. 

 

He said, “We believe that preventing child abuse is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a society. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from violence and neglect.” 

 

Foster returned and in keeping with the day’s theme shared who her own personal North Star was – her mom – who profoundly changed the direction of her life. 

 

She said, “This is what we do at Family Compass for the parents and children we work with. We profoundly and permanently change the direction of their life. We educate, mentor and model so that those children can have that same support and stability.”

 

She then revealed what Family Compass is doing to prevent child abuse from happening by educating, guiding and supporting… showing clients a direction, a path they didn’t even know was there, and walking by their side. She followed with stories of current families who are working with their own North Stars, Family Compass staff, to learn to be the best parents they can be.

Before leaving the stage, Foster welcomed another personal North Star to the podium, honorary chair Candace Winslow, with a moving story of Winslow’s unwavering support of her and Family Compass during the pandemic. 

 

Winslow said in her brief remarks, “I accept this incredible honor not with me in view, but to bring to our collective attention to the thousands of families that have been served by Family Compass since 1992. I believe every child has the right to be a part of a loving, encouraging, and uplifting family. I also believe that in certain seasons of our lives, we all need others to guide us on our path. Family Compass reflects these two beliefs so exceptionally well in our community.”

 

Emcee Collins-Bratton returned for the much-anticipated chat with featured speaker Erin Gruwell, a teacher, author, and activist who has been fighting for social justice for over two decades. She first gained national attention in 1998 when she and her 150 students, affectionately called The Freedom Writers, appeared on an ABC special “Prime Time Live with Connie Chung.” Gruwell’s students came from backgrounds of poverty, gangs, and violence, many of whom were at risk of dropping out of school. Under her guidance, she helped change the trajectory of all 150 of her students’ lives. In the two decades since, Gruwell has since grown her social justice activism into a movement, writing several books and adapting one into a major motion picture film. Her work has been recognized with several humanitarian awards, including the prestigious Spirit of Anne Frank Award. She and the Freedom Writers have received continued accolades, most recently with the Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary “Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart.” 

 

The two went on to have a wonderful and inspiring conversation, with Gruwell moving the crowd with her sincere passion for her students. She talked about what it was like to be portrayed on film by actress Hillary Swank, who herself came from poverty and violence; what led her to teach; how her students who came from extremely challenging backgrounds began to trust her; games she introduced in the classroom to “take them outside of their school and their bubble and introduce them to the world;” and how she herself became a North Star to her students and remains so today with very close relationships to all.

 

To illustrate her impact, videos from two former students, Narada and Tye, were shown; with both sharing what The Freedom Writers and Gruwell meant to them and how their lives have been changed forever.

 

In closing Gruwell said, “Please make sure that Family Compass’ mission and their mandate is not in vain. There is someone in this very community, at this very time, who needs you; who needs to be heard and who needs to knows that they matter.”

 

The day concluded with co-chairs Bailey and Dacus returning for a final thank you to patrons for being North Stars to Family Compass, and an announcement to save the date for next year’s luncheon on April 29, 2024 at Dallas Country Club.

 

About Family Compass

Family Compass is a non-profit agency that believes that every child has the fundamental right to a healthy family and environment, the opportunity to succeed in school and the capacity to experience life without violence, abuse or neglect. The mission of Family Compass is to build healthy families and a strong North Texas community by preventing child abuse and neglect. This is accomplished through two home mentoring programs and community-based, educational programs for families that have elevated risk for child abuse. All programs are evidence-based, voluntary and free of charge. In 2022, the agency kept 618 high-risk children out of the overburdened CPS system, which according to the CDC costs $831,000 per case of child abuse and neglect to address, resulted in a $514-million-dollar savings for the community. These children didn’t have to spend a single night on the floor of the CPS offices or enter the over-burdened foster-care system. For more information, visit https://family-compass.org

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Myrshem George, Equest CEO

The board of directors of Equest, a nonprofit organization that provides equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities and veterans with special needs, announces Myrshem George as its new CEO effective immediately. George will succeed CEO Lili Kellogg, who recently retired after a 28-year tenure at Equest.

 

"The CEO search committee, led by board member Tim Gavin, was unanimous in its selection of Myrshem. His extensive development and operations experience will uniquely position Equest for the future; stretching channel partnerships, developing new alliances while expanding our client reach in the community. Each of us look forward to working with Myrshem," said Lisa Laughlin, who along with Clint Haggerty, serves as board co-chair. 

 

Described as a dedicated, determined, resourceful, strategic, creative and dynamic individual, who is committed to helping build thriving communities, George looks forward to bringing his expertise to Equest.

 

“I am humbled and honored to have been selected as Lili Kellogg’s successor, now leading the charge for this remarkable agency,” he said. “Following in Lili’s footsteps, it is my sincere hope to build upon past successes, while working to position Equest as a center of excellence in the equine therapy space. With a dynamic team, we will continue to develop and provide innovative services, in turn helping North Texans with diverse needs, find hope and healing through horses.”

 

Prior to Equest, George has held fundraising and operational positions within several non-profit agencies and universities, where he believes he has found his passion. He has served as the chief advancement officer, and most recently the chief operating officer, at Austin Street Center, where he spent the past four years in service to Dallas’ most vulnerable homeless neighbors. 

 

As chief advancement officer, George handled all revenue-generating activities, including special events and individual, foundation, corporate and government funding. He also managed aspects that helped to advance the agency’s mission, including volunteer services, in-kind donations, data quality and integrity, and communications/public relations. Over his tenure at Austin Street, George grew the agency’s annual fundraising from $3.3M in fiscal year 2019 to $4.9M in fiscal year 2020, $8.5M in fiscal year 2021 and $7.9M in fiscal year 2022.  As well, he also served as an integral part of the launch and successful completion of the “Help Them Home Capital Campaign,” garnering more than $18.9M through private support and New Market Tax Credits. This campaign led to the construction of the Austin Street Center for Community Engagement – a 60,000 square foot, ultramodern homeless shelter, and day service center which provides critical care for Dallas’ vulnerable neighbors. This Center began serving clients in June 2022, to which George then transitioned to head the Shelter’s daily operations as chief operating officer.  

 

Before joining Austin Street Center in 2019, George served as the senior director of development for communication initiatives at the University of North Texas. Before transitioning to UNT, he worked at several other institutions of higher education and other nonprofits, such as Collin College, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento, the University of Washington and the University of the Virgin Islands’ Reichhold Center for the Arts.

    

George is a native of the United States Virgin Islands, St. Thomas more specifically, and has more than 22 years professional experience within the nonprofit sector, as an operational, administrative, and fundraising executive. He received his Master of Business Administration, concentrating in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix, AZ, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, and an Associate of Arts in Business Management from the University of the Virgin Islands.  

 

About Equest

Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine assisted learning, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities, as well as veterans who receive all of Equest’s services at no charge.  The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and equine assisted learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With the help of 34 therapy horses, nine instructors, five therapists, five counselors, and 700 volunteers, lives are changed for more than 2,000 served annually. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. Equest offers an engaging volunteer program that provides 30,000 hours of direct program service opportunities each year. www.equest.org

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Paige McDaniel, president and CEO, Community Partners of Dallas

Community Partners of Dallas, a non-profit organization serving abused and neglected children in Dallas County, has announced the retirement of its president and CEO Paige McDaniel, effective May 31, 2023. 

 

“Paige has lead Community Partners of Dallas with organizational efficiency and tremendous joy for almost 21 years and her gifts are responsible for the dramatic success of the agency.  During her tenure the number of children served has increased 400% and the agency’s budget and staff have grown substantially,” remarked Travis Dent, chair of the Community Partners of Dallas board of trustees.  “The board and I are extremely grateful to Paige for her long-time leadership and we know that hundreds of thousands of abused and neglected children of Dallas County are safer due to her work.”

 

In 2002, McDaniel was hired as the CEO of CPD, where she worked single-handedly in partnership with Dallas County Child Protective Services (CPS) to ensure the safety and restored dignity and hope to abused and neglected children by providing resources and support. At that time she was the only employee of the agency. Today, the organization has grown to a staff of 15 people, a larger budget, and most importantly CPD empowers far more abused and neglected children to take their first steps to healing.

  

Prior to joining Community Partners of Dallas, Paige served as executive director of Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, a Dallas fundraising organization that supports pediatric cancer research at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.  Before moving to Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, she worked in development for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  Paige also served as a political appointee in Washington, D.C. for the Honorable William J. Bennett in both the Reagan and Bush administrations at the Department of Education and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

 

McDaniel credits CPD’s tremendous board and staff, the generous Dallas community of donors and God for her success in expanding the agency and serving more children.

 

“I cannot even explain the gift I have been given to lead Community Partners of Dallas for all this time; and we all know that there is no better city in the world than Dallas,” McDaniel said. “The people of Dallas care about helping those in our community who are victims of abuse and neglect, and it has been my privilege to be the conduit for their philanthropy.”

 

McDaniel’s most gratifying accomplishment was creating the vision and plan for the agency’s 48,000 square foot headquarters, which included finding and purchasing the property, leading and completing a capital campaign, and fully renovating the facility.

 

“I am in awe each day when I enter our building.  I see the children who receive clothing, shoes, and hygiene products to help them on their journey to healing, as well as the CPS caseworkers who valiantly knock on doors most of us wouldn’t dare to knock upon.  I am grateful to have such wonderful memories and will continue to support CPD financially and with every ounce of my heart,” she added.

 

McDaniel is looking forward to spending more time with her family, friends, and travelling, and of course looks forward to serving the community through volunteer service.  She currently serves on the foundation board of CC Young and is a long-time member of the Junior League of Dallas, Highland Park United Methodist Church, The Dallas Assembly, Charter 100, and is an alum of Leadership Dallas.

 

The Community Partners of Dallas board of trustees will announce its plans soon on filling the organization’s president and CEO position. 

 

About Community Partners of Dallas

Since 1989, Community Partners of Dallas has ensured safety and restored dignity and hope to abused and neglected children by providing crucial resources and support to the caseworkers of Dallas County Child Protective Services.  Community Partners of Dallas provides items such as winter coats, diapers and formula, holiday gifts, school uniforms, personal hygiene products, food and more,  to send the abused children in our community the message that someone does care.  Please visit www.communitypartnersdallas.orgfor more information.

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2023 Blue Ribbon Ball co-chairs Lindsay Ballotta and Jenny Merkle

Equest announces Lindsay Ballotta and Jenny Merkle as co-chairs of its Blue Ribbon Ball, on Saturday, June 3, 2023 in the Al Hill, Jr. Arena at Equest at the Texas Horse Park in Dallas.

 

“We are so thrilled to have the support of these two incredible co-chairs for our annual fundraiser, which celebrates the power of our mission and the human-horse connection,” said Lili Kellogg, CEO of Equest. “They both bring their expertise, enthusiasm, and passion for Equest’s mission.”

 

Co-chair Lindsay Ballotta's interest in Equest began with her daughter's experiences with riding.

 

“My daughter Caroline began riding horses when she was six years old. She is now 15 years old and riding continues to instill life-lessons that go far beyond technical horsemanship skills. Through her riding, I can truly appreciate the unique relationship between horse and rider, and the therapeutic effects of riding on the mind, body and soul, remarked Ballotta. “Jenny and I hope the community will join us on June 3 in celebrating Equest and the many blue ribbon moments experienced by its clients.”

 

The gala name, Blue Ribbon Ball, is inspired by the success and accomplishments of Equest clients in and out of the arena. The festivities will once again take place in Equest’s open-air arena and will include a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, photo ops with Equest’s horses, recognition of the 2023 Citation award recipient and a special keynote speaker to be announced at a later date. 

 

Proceeds from Blue Ribbon Balldirectly support Equest’s mission of enhancing the quality of life of children and adults with diverse needs by partnering with horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies. Equest’s programs are what drew co-chair Jenny Merkle to the organization.

 

“Their outstanding programs range from therapeutic horsemanship to support for veterans, as well as a literacy program for underprivileged children whose interest in horses inspires learning and application of literacy skills, said Merkle. “As a former PTA president, the ‘Reading Quest with Equest’ program is one that I passionately support in addition to all the wonderful services Equest provides.”

 

The Blue Ribbon Ball will be held on June 3, 2023. Sponsorships and tables will be available in early 2023.  For additional information, visit www.equest.org/gala or contact Jacquie Maddox at jmaddox@equest.orgor 972-412-1099 x205 .

 

About Equest

Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine assisted learning, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities, as well as veterans who receive all of Equest’s services at no charge.  The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and equine assisted learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With the help of 30 therapy horses, eight instructors, four therapists, three counselors, and 700 volunteers, lives are changed for more than 2,000 served annually. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. Equest offers an engaging volunteer program that provides 30,000 hours of direct program service opportunities each year. www.equest.org.