North Star Luncheon co-chairs Brooke Bailey and Elizabeth Dacus were joined by a sold-out crowd of 310 for the 5^th 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 5^th 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. 

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.

Kroger’s Dallas Division and The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation are kicking off the holidays with its 3^rd annual community hunger campaign, End Hunger Here. The company is aiming to raise $1.3 million in cash and in-kind donations this year – which translates to 4 million meals, in partnership with five area food banks, including North Texas Food Bank, Tarrant Area Food Bank, East Texas Food Bank, Food Bank of Central Louisiana and Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana.  

Now through Saturday, December 24, customers can provide relief to food-insecure families through the End Hunger Here program.  At checkout, shoppers will have the option to make a donation of $1, $5 or $10 that will be added to their total. All donations raised in North Texas, East Texas and Northwest Louisiana will stay in those areas.

“While one in seven people are currently experiencing food insecurity in Texas, Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social and environmental impact plan is creating millions of meals annually for our neighbors experiencing hunger,” said Keith Shoemaker, Kroger Dallas Division president. “Our customers continue to amaze and provide uplift to our communities with their generosity, and we are grateful that they join us again this holiday season in working to create communities that are free from hunger and waste.”

For more information, visit your neighborhood Kroger and ask your cashier how you can help End Hunger Here.

About The Kroger Co.

At Kroger, a company of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. We are 13,000 associates in 109 stores who serve customers daily through a seamless shopping experience throughout North Texas to Northwest Louisiana. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

Co-chairs Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade, and Elsa Norwood, with honorary chairs Leslie and Hawkins Golden, were joined by nearly 60 host committee members and guests at the Blue Ribbon Ball kick-off hosted by Samuel Lynne Galleries on Thursday, April 28 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, partygoers enjoyed a photo opp with two of Equest’s prized miniature horses, Ranger and Dare, before mingling throughout the galleries. At the appointed time, Equest CEO Lilli Kellogg gathered the crowd for brief remarks. In addition to thanking the evening’s host, she also extended her gratitude to kickoff party underwriters, Cindy Thomas and her husband, Bert Headden, who helped make the evening possible.

With the gala theme of Blue Ribbon Ball, Kellogg also shared the importance of blue ribbon moment to Equest clients, whether they have a physical disability, a behavioral issue, an intellectual challenge or maybe they are veteran trying to adjust to civilian life – they are all blue ribbon winners because of their connection with Equest’s horses. She said, “The human horse connection is so powerful and so effective, and helps our clients reach their milestones – so the blue ribbon ball could not be more perfect.”

Blue Ribbon Ball sponsors to date include: Pendery’s Spices, Benchmark Bank, Kubota, Cavender’s, LKCM, CrossFirst Bank, Lennox, International, Republic Title, BKD CPA’s and Advisors, Holland Knight, Kite Realty, Goldman Sachs, IdeaMan Studios, Vestals Catering, Lawson Events, Crazy Beautiful Wines, TX Whiskey, Total Wine, Titos, Sunbelt Rentals, MySweetCharity and Paper City.

The Blue Ribbon Ball will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 in the Al Hill, Jr. Arena at Equest at the Texas Horse Park in Dallas. With the festivities taking place in Equest’s open-air arena, partygoers can leave their stilettos and tuxes at home, and opt for cocktail chic with stylish sandals or boots.  Event highlights will include a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, photo ops with Equest’s horses, Citation Award presentation and inspirational speaker Timmy Newsome.

Sponsorships, tables and tickets are available now. 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

Cristo Rey Dallas will celebrate the college preparatory school’s STEAM programs at its 6^thannual Grow the Grove, presented by the Partners of PwC, on Friday, May 6, 2022, 6:30 p.m. at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located in the Dallas Arts District.

Chaired by Barbara and Jim Moroney and Mary and Mike Terry, guests in casual chic attire will enjoy cocktails, dinner, a live auction and a first-time After Party beginning at 9:30 p.m. Cristo Rey Dallas students will also be on hand with a student artwork display, interactive stations such as math trivia and science, as well as appearances by the CRD cheerleaders and Ballet Folklorico ensemble. Chaired by JP Ideker and Emily Lazor, the After Party will feature late night bites, drinks and music by the Taylor Pace Orchestra.

An evening highlight will be the recognition of two honorees: Dr. Fred Cerise, president and CEO of Parkland Health & Hospital System, and the late Maryann Mihalopoulos, community leader and former CRD board member, chair of the CRD presidential search committee and chair of the CRD strategic planning committee.

Cerise will receive the Ignite Award, which honors a business leader for their commitment to Cristo Rey Dallas and the Corporate Work Study Program. Past award recipients include Michele and John Stephens and Hilda Galvan. Cerise has always believed in Cristo Rey Dallas students and has given them opportunities to represent Parkland on several occasions, including allowing CRD students to be the voice of Parkland flu drives in the community, and present to Harvard University and UT Southwestern as part of a Parkland panel. Cerise’s confidence in CRD students has been instrumental in their hands-one experience while working with such a dynamic team at Parkland. 

The late Maryann Mihalopoulos will be remembered with the first annual Luminous Award, given to an individual who demonstrates passion and commitment to the mission of Cristo Rey Dallas.  Mihalopoulos was not only a driving force in Dallas fundraising, but was also a pivotal part of raising funds for the major addition of CRD’s $14.5 million Innovation Center.  In addition to serving on the board and in leadership roles on multiple committees, she was an integral part of Grow the Grovefor several years. The Luminous Awardhonors Mihalopoulos for her strength and kindheartedness, and her enduring impact as a philanthropist and fundraiser to the CRD community.

Grow the Grove sponsors to date include: Presenting Sponsor ($50,000) – Partners of PwC; Technology Sponsor ($30,000)– Barbara and Jim Moroney and Mary and Mike Terry; Engineering Sponsors ($15,000 - $20,000) – Arcosa, Inc.; Brousseau Naftis & Massingill PC; Johnson Equipment Company; and Nancy Perot and Rod Jones; Arts Sponsors ($10,000) – Lydia and Bill Addy; Chris and John Baldridge; Nancy Cain Marcus and Nelda Cain Pickens; Irma and Alfredo Duarte; Laura and Jim Espanier; Ernst & Young LLP; Bev Goulet; Diane and Mike Gruber; Nancy and Jim Hoak; Holly and Joe Hughes; Cheryl and Richard Joyner; Cecilia and Kip Kernodle; Joyce and Larry Lacerte; Kathleen and Frank Lauinger Family; Denise and Danny Lynn; Mary Blake and Chuck Meadows; Eilis and Dave Meyer; The Mihalopoulos Family; Mr. John Owens in honor of the School Sisters of Notre Dame; Chris and Joe Popolo; Carolyn and Karl Rathjen; Marybeth and Craig Reid; Barbara and Randy Rosenblatt; and Carolyn and Jere Thompson, Jr.; Mathematics Sponsors ($5,000) – A. Erin Dwyer Charitable Fund; Lynn and Win Bell; Lucy and Henry Billingsley; Kathleen and Pat Cox; David Douglas; Frost Bank; The Lassiter Family; Vicki and Brian Miller; NexPoint; Pediatric Dentistry of North Texas; Adriana and Guillermo Perales; and Janet and Steve Shumake; and Fund Our Labs Sponsors ($2500) – Beth Ann and Russell Huber; The Hockaday School; Ana and Jim Yoder.

Sponsorships range from $2,500 - $50,000 and are available now. Individual After Party ticketsare also available at $75 per ticket.  For more information, visit https://cristoreydallas.org/fundraising-events/grow-the-grove/or contact Kristin Fletcher, kfletcher@cristoreydallas.org.

About Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep

Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep is a Catholic, college preparatory school for students from households of low to moderate incomes. Cristo Rey Dallas nurtures and challenges young women and men of all faiths to recognize and realize their full potential as they grow to love God, respect others and serve their community. Each student participates in the Corporate Work Study Program, which offers a weekly work study experience for all four years. For more information visit cristoreydallas.org.