• Institutional Investor of the Year, which recognizes an investment firm accelerating startups through capital and guidance: The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth

• Angel Investor of the Year, which honors an angel investor providing critical early capital and connections: Stella Robertson: Cowtown Angels

• High-Growth Entrepreneur of the Year, honors an established innovator demonstrating impressive expansion for 7+ years: Jenica Oliver: Blueprint Marketing Group & DFW CPG

• Rising Entrepreneur of the Year, distinguishes an exceptional founder running a startup for less than 7 years: Brieanna Lightfoot Smith: Brands by Brie

• Student Entrepreneur of the Year, highlights an undergraduate or graduate student running a promising venture: Kirstin Green: Kirstin’s Care, LLC

• Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizes a woman business leader advancing innovation while empowering others: Tara Franklin: Precious Kargo Academy

• BIPOC Entrepreneur of the Year 2024, which celebrates a standout Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color founder making strides in the community: Tiffany Jones Lewis: TJL Collection 

• Startup Evangelist of the Year 2024, which honors an influential champion devoted to community-building among entrepreneurs, mentors and investors: Tamara Payne: Ensemble Coworking & Sparkyard

“We know innovation and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand, and what better place to celebrate accomplishments in both areas than The DEC Network State of Entrepreneurship event. North Texas would not be the economic powerhouse and global business destination that it is without our diverse entrepreneur community,” said Jennifer Chandler, president, Bank of America. “At Bank of America, supporting entrepreneurship and small business is central to the work we do in communities across the country. It is incredible to witness the State of Entrepreneurship grow year after year, and we are energized and inspired to stand beside The DEC Network in support of this event once again. Congratulations to the creative minds who took home and award and to all innovators for fearlessly contributing to our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Dallas Startup Week sponsored by Capital One is the premiere event for DFW small business owners and entrepreneurs. The five-day celebration, August 11 - 15, 2024, builds momentum and opportunity around entrepreneurship and innovation. DSW began in 2015 with the goal of orchestrating an entire week of entrepreneurial activities that equip, encourage and educate current and aspiring entrepreneurs to start, build and grow their business. Dallas Startup Week was also created to help increase the awareness and impact of the entrepreneurial community across North Texas.

About The DEC Network:

Equest proudly announces Calvert Collins-Bratton and Melissa Oates as co-chairs, with Kristy and Patrick Sands as honorary chairs, of its 43^rd annual Blue Ribbon Gala: "Hope Unbridled" on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Hilton Anatole Dallas.

Chaired by Calvert Collins-Bratton and Melissa Oates, with honorary chairs Kristy and Patrick Sands, the Blue Ribbon Gala: “Hope Unbridled,” will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Dallas. Guests in Texas-chic attire can expect an upbeat and elegant evening with cocktails, a seated dinner, entertainment by The Manhattan Orchestra, a silent auction and recognition of 2024 Founder's Award recipient Pamela Dealey Petty and 2024 Citation Award recipient Carolyn Anderson – all while celebrating the power of the human-horse connection.

“We are delighted to announce Calvert and Melissa as co-chairs and Kristy and Patrick as honorary chairs of the 2024 Blue Ribbon Gala. All are not only leaders in the community in both business and philanthropy, but are also passionate about Equest’s mission,” said Myrshem George, Equest CEO. “We are also honored to recognize Carolyn Anderson and Pamela Dealey Petty with our annual awards. These ladies have given their unwavering support to Equest, and we look forward to shining a light on their longstanding dedication to our organization.

Collins-Bratton and Oates both bring their enthusiasm for helping the community and professional expertise to their role as co-chairs of the Blue Ribbon Gala.

Collins-Bratton is a seventh generation Texan, proud Dallas native, civic and park advocate, wife and girl mom. She is the chief relationship officer for Communities Foundation of Texas, and previously spent eight years at Methodist Health System Foundation. She is very passionate about her community, helping others and improving Dallas. 

Oates is a Dallas native with real estate in her blood. She is a top producer at Allie Beth Allman and Associates in Dallas and has spent most of her life in and around the home-building industry. She also grew up riding horses, beginning at age five when she got her first pony. She then went on to show competitively through middle school and high school. Today she has combined her two passions - real estate and horses - connecting friends and clients to their dream homes and ranches.

“We are honored to serve as Gala co-chairs and support Equest’s incredible work which continues to create profound impacts on the lives individuals with diverse needs,” said Collins-Bratton and Oates. “Embracing this role is our commitment to fostering healing, hope, and positive change, as we believe in the human-horse connection, and the community it creates."

Honorary chairs Kristy and Patrick Sands are longtime lovers of helping people and animals. Patrick’s late Mother, Caroline Rose Hunt, was one of Dallas’s largest philanthropists and her employees, children, grandchildren and family members carry on her legacy of giving back to the community.

The couple’s love of horses began at an early age with Kristy, growing up on a Quarter Horse farm and competing, and Patrick riding horses from a young age, while also owning several horses over the years. Patrick is an executive director at The Rosewood Corporation and is a conservationist and avid fisherman and hunter. He has also served on several boards, including the Dallas Museum of Natural History, The Dallas Zoo, The Texas Wildlife Foundation, and the John Bunker Sands Wetlands Center. After a career in corporate marketing and branding, Kristy now devotes her time to her family, philanthropy, interior design, animals, travel and healthy living. She also served on the board of the Retina Foundation and helps rescue dogs and cats throughout Dallas. 

“Patrick and I are so excited to serve as honorary chairs of Equest’s gala. When horses interact with us, they tend to synchronize to our heartbeats, which is truly remarkable and so important in helping to enhance the lives of so many.  We are honored to help people, horses and the mission of Equest,” remarked Kristy Sands.

In addition to Gala leadership, Equest also announces its 2024 award recipients: Pamela Dealey Petty as the Founder’s Award recipient and Carolyn Anderson as the Citation Award recipient.

Named in honor of Equest co-founder Susan Neustadt Schwartz, the prestigious Founder’s Award is given to individuals who have made significant commitments to supporting the agency’s mission. Dealey Petty has served on the Equest board of directors, including as president for two terms and as secretary, co-chaired the annual gala and served as honorary chair, received the Equest Award for Community Service in 2002, was inducted into the Equest Hall of Fame in 2008 and continues to volunteer regularly at Equest. Previous Founder’s Award recipients include Lily Kellogg, Louise Griffeth, Cindy Thomas and Bert Headden and Dolores Neustadt.

Anderson will receive the Citation Award in recognition of her longtime support of Equest, including serving as a board member since 2017, chairing Equest’s Boots and Salutes and Hooves for Heroes events, and as a fervent testimony provider to raise awareness for Equest. Given annually since 2019, the Citation Award is named after the thoroughbred horse Citation (1945-1970), who won 16 consecutive races in major stakes race competitions and is the first horse in history to win $1 million. Past recipients are Nancy and Ron Natinsky, Lane Cates and Brad McLain, Connie and Denny Carreker, Junior League of Dallas and Andy Steingasser.

The Blue Ribbon Gala: “Hope Unbridled,” will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Dallas. Guests in Texas-chic attire can expect an upbeat and elegant evening with cocktails, a seated dinner, entertainment by The Manhattan Orchestra, a silent auction and recognition of 2024 award recipients – all while celebrating the power of the human-horse connection.

Sponsorships begin at $3,000 and are available now; individual tickets will be available in March 2024. For more information, contact Malcolm Hodge, senior director of Advancement at mhodge@equest.org . 

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 13^th 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.

###

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.

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

Calling all ghosts, goblins and changemakers! Please join Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) for the 17^th 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.