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2022 Chick Lit Luncheon featured speaker, Tyra Banks

Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) announces entrepreneur, supermodel and Emmy Award-winner Tyra Banksas the featured speaker of the 16thannual Chick Lit Luncheon, presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, on Friday, September 30, 2022, at the Hilton Anatole Dallas.

 

In addition, CPD will celebrate Crystal Charity Ball for 70 years of transforming the lives of Dallas County children. Through their decades of service, the women of Crystal Charity Ball have raised more than $3.3 million to help the abused and neglected children served by Community Partners of Dallas take their first steps toward healing.  

 

Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall will serve as the 2022 Chick Lit Luncheon honorary chair.  As the NBA’s first Black female CEO, influential business leader and a longtime advocate for children, Marshall’s memoir, “You’ve Been Chosen: Thriving Through the Unexpected,” will release in September.

 

“Community Partners of Dallas is delighted to host our annual Chick Lit Luncheon with the amazing Tyra Banks as our speaker. A woman who defines the term ‘girl power,’ she is the CEO of her own company, an executive producer, an award-winning talk show host, and perhaps most importantly a mentor to young women,” remarked Paige McDaniel, president and CEO, Community Partners of Dallas. 

 

Added McDaniel, “It will also be our honor to celebrate the women of Crystal Charity Ball and their impressive milestone anniversary. These phenomenal, committed volunteers have championed our children as event chairs, board members, auxiliary leaders and agency friends. We are forever grateful for all they’ve done to help our agency grow, and more importantly to ensure that the children we serve have their needs met.  And then to put a bow on this extraordinary day of powerhouse women, we are thrilled that Cynt Marshall has agreed to serve as our honorary chair!”

 

Tyra Banks, the supermodel turned super businesswoman, created and executive produced “America’s Next Top Model,” the second longest-running, competition-based reality television series. She also headlined her own Emmy Award-winning talk show, and she currently serves as CEO of her own entertainment company Bankable Productions. 

 

Banks was twice named by Time magazine as one of the world’s most influential people.  As an original Victoria’s Secret angel, Banks was also the first female model to grace the cover of GQ magazine and the first African-American model to be featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated magazine’s swimsuit issue, which featured her for two consecutive years, and the Victoria’s Secret catalogue. 

 

She is the CEO of the Tyra Banks Company, a 2012 graduate of Harvard Business School’s owner/president management program, and developed Fierce Capital, the investment arm of the Tyra Banks Company, which invests in early-stage companies, including firms that are female-led or female-focused. Her passion is the TZONE Foundation, a non-profit organization that invests in young women to help them realize their ambitions and approach life’s challenges with fierce determination. 

 

From 2017 – 2020, Banks taught Branding at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. She serves as executive producer and host of ABC-TV’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Her latest venture, SMiZE Cream, is a super-premium, innovative and global ice cream company with an edible surprise in every serving, called the SMiZE Surprize.

 

The 2022 Chick Lit Luncheon will be held on Friday, September 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Anatole. The event will include a wine reception followed by a seated luncheon, recognition of Crystal Charity Ball’s 70 years of service and a conversation with Banks.

 

Chick Lit Luncheon sponsorships begin at $2,750 and are available now, with a limited number of tickets available in September if space permits. For more information, 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.orgfor more information.

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Bue Ribbon Ball co-chairs Finley and Eric Konrade, Elsa Norwood and Carol Huckin with Ranger and Dare

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

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2022 Ignite Award Recipient, Tracy Matheson

The Conference on Crimes Against Women is proud to present the 2022 IGNITE Award to Tracy Matheson: mother, legislative champion, and founder of Project Beloved. After her daughter, Molly Jane, was raped and murdered in 2017, Tracy made it her life’s work to create change for victims of sexual assault. The IGNITE Award was created in 2019 to honor courageous efforts that are sparking awareness and action across the country, bringing injustice out of the darkness and lighting the fire of change not only in the recipients’ local communities, but across the nation. The award will be presented at the opening plenary of the 2022 Conference on Crimes Against Women on Monday, May 23 at 8:00 a.m. 

 

“Tracy embodies the IGNITE Award, finding a new purpose after the great tragedy of losing her beloved daughter Molly Jane,” said Jan Langbein, Chief Executive Officer of CCAW and Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support.“Her organization has worked to pass critical legislation to help aid law enforcement and ensuring survivors of sexual assault are cared for with dignity in a setting where they can feel safe. We are thrilled to honor her contributions.” 

 

Tracy founded Project Beloved in 2018 with the mission of educating, advocating, and collaborating to change the conversation about sexual assault and empower survivors to find their voices. In less than four years, Project Beloved has provided more than 10,000 Beloved Bundles to hospitals and rape crisis centers, so that rape victims may leave with dignity after a forensic exam. The organization has also installed 45 Soft Interview Rooms across the country, giving victims of crime a space that feels physically and emotionally safe during the interview process. Finally, Project Beloved has established the Molly Jane Matheson Memorial Scholarship in Social Work at the University of Arkansas, honoring Molly’s plan to become a social worker herself. 

 

As a result of Tracy's tireless advocacy, Molly Jane’s Law was signed into law in the state of Texas on September 1, 2019. Molly Jane’s Law requires law enforcement to input information about sexual offenders into ViCAP (Violent Criminal Apprehension Program), which helps identify patterns before they rape again or their pattern escalates, each time a case of sexual assault is investigated. This law helps identify patterns of offense so that law enforcement can act decisively before an offender rapes again - a crucial step that will save countless lives. 

 

For additional information about the Conference or to register, please visit www.conferencecaw.org

 

About the Conference on Crimes Against Women:

The goal of the Conference on Crimes Against Women is absolutely to create an overall reduction in the rate of crimes against women and, ultimately, eliminate violence against women. It is also, however, a primary part of our mission to improve the way crimes against women are investigated and prosecuted, as well as to improve the way victims are treated throughout the criminal justice system. The problem of domestic violence is so pervasive and at such epidemic proportions, that tangible decreases in the rate of violence against women will not be seen until huge volumes of women are safer in their homes. This volume happens through culture shifts, and conferences like CCAW create the momentum and the network for that very culture shift. For additional information about the Conference, please visit www.conferencecaw.org.

 

About Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support:

Since opening its doors in 1985, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support has provided safety, shelter and expert counseling services to women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Genesis is committed to removing every roadblock a woman might face on her journey to the abuse-free life she deserves. These life-changing services include an emergency shelter, long-term housing, an award-winning onsite, K-12 school, daycare, access to legal representation and cutting-edge therapeutics. Genesis serves more than 3,700 women and children each year, and relies on the generous support of the Dallas community to continue providing these services at no cost to clients. For more information, visit www.genesisshelter.org.

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Grow the Grove co-chairs Barbara and Jim Moroney

Cristo Rey Dallas will celebrate the college preparatory school’s STEAM programs at its 6thannual 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.

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Shakespeare Dallas, North Texas’ leading professional theatre company performing the works of William Shakespeare, will host its 10thannual Bard’s Birthday Bash and Pub Crawl on Saturday, April 23 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

 

The festivities will take place in Dallas’ Deep Ellum entertainment district with stops at four - five drinking establishments along the way, including Ruins, Trinity Cider and Will Call, as well as a few retail shops for chances to win prizes; Elizabethan collars optional. The evening will conclude with Shakespeare Trivia. 

 

Pub Crawl tickets are available now: $20 each for subscribers and $30 each for the general public. Tickets include drink specials, a 50th anniversary commemorative cup, a swag bag and live entertainment.

 

The annual event is part of Shakespeare Dallas’ 50th anniversary year of celebrations, including movie nights throughout April, a free outdoor family picnic in June, summer performances of The Tempest directed by Jenni Stewart and A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Raphael Parry and fall performances of Hamlet, directed by Christie Vela, at the Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre.

 

In addition, the company has just launched a new 50th season subscription program with subscriptions and sponsorships.

 

For more information about the Bard’s Birthday Bash and Pub Crawl, visit the Shakespeare Dallas website or contact Sarah Donahue, sdonahue@shakespearedallas.org.

 

About Shakespeare Dallas

For 50 years, Shakespeare Dallas has served North Texas and beyond with fun and accessible indoor and outdoor theatre, integrated school programs, and cultural enrichment for Shakespeare fans of all backgrounds. Shakespeare Dallas aspires to be a nationally recognized “people’s theatre” that creates and develops audiences and artists, provides an essential and beloved experience and a company poised for growth. For more information about Shakespeare Dallas’ 50thanniversary events and performances, visit 

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Equest Blue Ribbon Ball featured speaker Timmy Newsome

Equest announces former Dallas Cowboy football player and 2022 North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame selection Timmy Newsome as the featured speaker for its 2022 Blue Ribbon Ball.

 

“We are so thrilled to have Timmy Newsome join us for our 41stannual gala as our featured speaker. Timmy will be joined onstage with some of our Equest clients as he shares his inspiring message of achieving ‘Blue Ribbon’ moments in life even in the face of challenges,” said Lili Kellogg, Equest CEO. “We are also honored to be able to recognize Lane Cates and Brad McLain with our Citation Award, which was created to shine a light on individuals and organizations who support us as we reach for the stars and fulfill our mission.”

 

Newsome was named to the The Dallas Cowboys Weekly Newspaper all-decade team from 1980-1989 and is a 2022 North Carolina Sports Hall Of Fame selection, as well as a member of four other sports hall of fames, one nationally.  

 

Newsome currently serves on the Computer Science Industry Advisory Board for Winston-Salem State University’s (North Carolina) Department of Computer Science; on the board of directors for Children at Risk (Houston, Texas); president of the NAMI North TexasBoard; and serves as a board member of Hugs Café in McKinney, Texas. 

 

In addition to Newsome’s keynote speech, Equest will also recognize this year’s Citation Award recipients, former Equest board chair Lane Cates and her husband Brad McLain, who were instrumental in helping Equest complete the Al Hill, Jr. Arena through fundraising and contract management. 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 include Connie and Denny Carreker, Junior League of Dallas and Andy Steingasser.

 

Chaired by Carol and Bill Huckin, Finley and Eric Konrade, and Elsa Norwood with honorary chairs Leslie and Hawkins Golden, the Blue Ribbon Ballwill 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 and tables are available now. For additional information, visit www.equest.org/galaor 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

 

 

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Bill Miller Family: Josh Miller, Abby Evans, Tricia Miller with Cristo Rey Dallas board chair Scott Moore at the 4th annual CEO Breakfast

Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep hosted its fourth annual CEO Breakfast on Monday, March 1, 2022 at the Arts District Mansion.  Brian Melton, Cristo Rey Dallas’ interim president, and board chair Scott Moore were joined by 160 attendees at the annual celebration of Corporate Work Study Partner executives. 

 

As guests were seated CRD student Leilany Garcia gave the invocation, followed by Melton, who welcomed attendees and thanked them for their support of the college preparatory school, an innovative high school located in Pleasant Grove that offers students from households of low to moderate income a rigorous private college prep education paired with a valuable work study program.

 

Moore followed to honor former Cristo Rey Dallas board member and respected Dallas leader, the late Bill Miller.  

 

In his remarks he said, “Bill’s altruistic ways were not only evident with those that were closest to him but also extended to everything he was involved in. He was a respected leader in the Dallas business community and was certainly a significant pillar for Cristo Rey Dallas, especially with the Corporate Work Study Program.  His involvement as a member of the board, jobs committee and donor made the difference in Cristo Rey having such a strong beginning.”

 

A video salute to Miller included interviews with former HMS colleague Bill Lucia, former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, and his family, including wife Tricia, son Joshua and daughter Abby. Following, the aforementioned family members accepted the recognition award dedicated to him. 

 

Moore continued by announcing the inaugural recipients of the Bill Miller Corporate Leadership Award, given to corporate partners who have shown great commitment to Cristo Rey’s mission.  

 

He said, “The support we have received from Dallas businesses and their leaders has helped the Corporate Work Study Program at Cristo Rey Dallas become the only school in the network that has all students placed in paid or funded jobs.” 

 

AmerisourceBergen, HKS and UT Southwestern were each highlighted in a video, followed by an award presentation.

 

Cristo Rey Dallas board member Pat Cox then took the stage to introduce the inaugural Supervisor of the Year Award, which honors a corporate partner supervisor who has gone a step further in supporting the Corporate Work Study Program, and who has been a true mentor for CRD students.  After a video highlighting what makes her stand out recipient, Michelle Miller, head of field research and data intelligence at CBRE, received this year’s Supervisor of the Year Award.

 

Natasha Baer from job partner Thomas Title & Escrow and Deloache Capital, presented the final award, the Student Grit Award. The annual Grit Awardis presented to a student who exemplifies the spirit of Cristo Rey through perseverance in the workplace, classroom and beyond.  The student award recipient will also receive a $2,500 scholarship to the college of their choice.  

 

Before presenting the award to this year’s recipient Alexis Matehuala, Baer said, “Alexis, since you started working for us, we have been very impressed by your performance. One thing we can all agree on is that you are a strong player and have lots of determination to accomplish whatever is in front of you, and always with a smile.”

 

Matehuala expressed his sincere appreciation for being selected as this year’s Grit Award winner and for the college scholarship. In his speech he thanked his world history teacher Mr. Woodward along with his family and friends for supporting him.

 

In closing, Cox echoed his gratitude for all in attendance, including current Corporate Work Study partners, sponsors, the Miller family and all of the 2022 award recipients for their ongoing support of Cristo Rey Dallas.

 

As guests departed, they were gifted a Cristo Rey Dallas coffee tumbler.

 

About Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep

Located in Pleasant Grove, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep provides economically challenged students of all faiths with a college preparatory education enabling them to become men and women of purpose and service. Through a rigorous curriculum, integrated with a hands-on professional work experience, students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life. For more information, visit cristoreydallas.org.

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Hearts of Texas Luncheon featured speaker Wes Moore

VolunteerNow® announces the 15thannual Hearts of Texas Luncheon, which showcases the importance of volunteerism in the community, on Friday, April 28, 2022, at noon at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Dallas. 

                                                                                                                         

Celebrating 50 years of transforming lives through volunteers, the luncheon is chaired by Charles Knight and Peter Jacobson, with The Hoglund Family as honorary chair. In honor of the organization’s milestone anniversary, five extraordinary organizations will be recognized with the 2022 VolunteerNow Lifetime Achievement Award:

 

-      Lyda Hill Philanthropies founder Lyda Hill has a passion for volunteering and technology and has used her thought leadership and resources to support VolunteerNow. In addition, she has provided transformational support for the development of VOLY.org, VolunteerNow’s easy-to-use volunteering platform. Most recently, in recognition of VolunteerNow’s 50thanniversary, Lyda Hill Philanthropies awarded the organization a $250,000 challenge grant, which matches dollar-for-dollar all donations directed towards a $500,000 capital campaign through 2023.

-      Hillcrest Foundation supported VolunteerNow’s building campaign and was an early investor in the development ofVOLY.org, leveraging their knowledge of the nonprofit needs in North Texas to help the organization create and sustain the platform. 

-      The Meadows Foundation has supplied property and financial support for the permanent home of VolunteerNow, allowing the organization to focus on supporting nonprofits and volunteers in a great collaborative space.

-      JCPenney is the cornerstone donor to VolunteerNow’s three Discount Depot stores in Dallas and Fort Worth. These stores allow the agency to provide needed new clothing and household items at a deeply discounted price to local nonprofits. Profits from Discount Depot also financially support the organization’s mission of volunteerism.

-      Texas Instruments has been a staunch proponent of corporate volunteerism for many years, and has provided their top executives as VolunteerNow board members, leveraging their technology and business acumen.

 

Additionally, the Ruth Collins Sharp Altshuler Award for exceptional use of volunteers will be awarded to Equest. The Equest mission to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs by partnering them with horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies is one that VolunteerNow greatly admires. 

 

A luncheon highlight will include keynote speaker Wes Moore, New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and United States Army combat veteran. Moore will share his remarkable personal story of overcoming adversity through focusing on education, embracing personal responsibility and emerging as an inspirational leader. 

 

“This year’s Hearts of Texas luncheon will be a wonderful commemoration of VolunteerNow’s five decades of transforming lives through volunteers,” said Tammy Richards, CEO of VolunteerNow. “In addition to hearing Wes Moore’s truly inspirational story, we are extremely honored to recognize five organizations whose unwavering support throughout the last fifty years have ensured our place as one of the largest and most innovative volunteer centers in the country. We hope the community will join us as we salute VolunteerNow’s history and celebrate our exciting future.”

 

Sponsorships and tickets for the 15thannual Hearts of Texas Luncheon are available now. Sponsorships range from $2,500 - 50,000; Patron level tickets, with seating for two, are $500; and individual tickets are $200. Visit https://www.volnow.org/heartsoftexasor contact Cami Alexander, calexander@volnow.orgor 214.783.2539, for sponsorship and ticket information.

  

About VolunteerNow®
With 50 years of experience, VolunteerNow transforms lives through volunteerism and community engagement. In a typical year, VolunteerNow mobilizes more than 310,000 volunteers who give 1.6 million hours to 3,500 local nonprofits, driving a $46 million economic impact. VOLY.org, powered by VolunteerNow, is the 24/7 connection between volunteers and local service opportunities. As a national thought leader in volunteerism and one of the largest volunteer centers in the country, VolunteerNow provides a wide range of programs and services that build capacity for school districts, nonprofits, and municipalities. volnow.org

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VolunteerNow® announces the 15th annual Hearts of Texas Luncheon, which showcases the importance of volunteerism in the community, on Friday, April 28, 2022, at noon at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Dallas.

 

Celebrating 50 years of transforming lives through volunteers, the luncheon is chaired by Charles Knight and Peter Jacobson, with The Hoglund Family as honorary chair. In honor of the organization’s milestone anniversary, five extraordinary organizations will be recognized with the 2022 VolunteerNow Lifetime Achievement Award:

 

-      Lyda Hill Philanthropies founder Lyda Hill has a passion for volunteering and technology and has used her thought leadership and resources to support VolunteerNow. In addition, she has provided transformational support for the development of VOLY.org, VolunteerNow’s easy-to-use volunteering platform. Most recently, in recognition of VolunteerNow’s 50thanniversary, Lyda Hill Philanthropies awarded the organization a $250,000 challenge grant, which matches dollar-for-dollar all donations directed towards a $500,000 capital campaign through 2023.

-      Hillcrest Foundation supported VolunteerNow’s building campaign and was an early investor in the development ofVOLY.org, leveraging their knowledge of the nonprofit needs in North Texas to help the organization create and sustain the platform. 

-      The Meadows Foundation has supplied property and financial support for the permanent home of VolunteerNow, allowing the organization to focus on supporting nonprofits and volunteers in a great collaborative space.

-      JCPenney is the cornerstone donor to VolunteerNow’s three Discount Depot stores in Dallas and Fort Worth. These stores allow the agency to provide needed new clothing and household items at a deeply discounted price to local nonprofits. Profits from Discount Depot also financially support the organization’s mission of volunteerism.

-      Texas Instruments has been a staunch proponent of corporate volunteerism for many years, and has provided their top executives as VolunteerNow board members, leveraging their technology and business acumen.

 

Additionally, the Ruth Collins Sharp Altshuler Award for exceptional use of volunteers will be awarded to Equest. The Equest mission to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs by partnering them with horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies is one that VolunteerNow greatly admires. 

 

A luncheon highlight will include keynote speaker Wes Moore, New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and United States Army combat veteran. Moore will share his remarkable personal story of overcoming adversity through focusing on education, embracing personal responsibility and emerging as an inspirational leader.

 

“This year’s Hearts of Texas luncheon will be a wonderful commemoration of VolunteerNow’s five decades of transforming lives through volunteers,” said Tammy Richards, CEO of VolunteerNow. “In addition to hearing Wes Moore’s truly inspirational story, we are extremely honored to recognize five organizations whose unwavering support throughout the last fifty years have ensured our place as one of the largest and most innovative volunteer centers in the country. We hope the community will join us as we salute VolunteerNow’s history and celebrate our exciting future.”

 

Sponsorships and tickets for the 15th annual Hearts of Texas Luncheon are available now. Sponsorships range from $2,500 - 50,000; Patron level tickets, with seating for two, are $500; and individual tickets are $200. Visit https://www.volnow.org/heartsoftexasor contact Cami Alexander, calexander@volnow.orgor 214.783.2539, for sponsorship and ticket information.

  

About VolunteerNow®
With 50 years of experience, VolunteerNow transforms lives through volunteerism and community engagement. In a typical year, VolunteerNow mobilizes more than 310,000 volunteers who give 1.6 million hours to 3,500 local nonprofits, driving a $46 million economic impact. VOLY.org, powered by VolunteerNow, is the 24/7 connection between volunteers and local service opportunities. As a national thought leader in volunteerism and one of the largest volunteer centers in the country, VolunteerNow provides a wide range of programs and services that build capacity for school districts, nonprofits, and municipalities. volnow.org

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VolunteerNow CEO Tammy Richards (photo credit Meredith Embry/Dallas Doing Good)

VolunteerNow, a technology nonprofit celebrating five decades of transforming lives through volunteers, has announced its CEO, Tammy Richards, will retire later this year.

 

“We are grateful to Tammy for her eight years of outstanding service as CEO,” said Bill Braxton, board chairman at VolunteerNow. “She has led VolunteerNow’s transition from a traditional nonprofit and volunteer center focused on providing services to North Texas to a nonprofit thought leader that uses technology to create a global impact.” 

 

Richards was instrumental in implementing and enhancing VolunteerNow’s proprietary volunteer matching platform, VOLY.org. This Software-as-a-Service platform facilitates the connection between volunteers and nonprofits. The adoption of the innovative VOLY.org software transformed VolunteerNow into a leading technology nonprofit. Under Richards’ leadership, in a typical year, VolunteerNow mobilized more than 310,000 volunteers who gave 1.6 million hours to 3,500 local nonprofits, driving a $46 million economic impact.  

 

Richards built VolunteerNow’s growth and strategic plan around the VOLY.org platform, tying technology to volunteer recruitment, management and reporting. The platform also brings in a new revenue stream from municipalities, independent school districts and other large organizations that license the software to manage their internal volunteer needs.

 

Richards credits her earlier career at Texas Instruments with instilling a drive to support the community and providing her with opportunities to serve. During her time at VolunteerNow, Richards received the 2021 Dallas Business Journal Women in Technology Award. 

 

“I am immensely proud of the work we have been able to accomplish at VolunteerNow during my tenure,” Richards said. “This role has allowed me to combine three of my passions – technology, volunteerism and education. We introduced easy-to-use technology that has allowed VolunteerNow to mobilize critically needed volunteers to serve the important missions of both nonprofits and schools. I look forward to continuing my service to the community as a volunteer.”

 

Upon her retirement from VolunteerNow, Richards plans to continue serving on nonprofit boards, particularly in education and family services, as well as on corporate and advisory boards in the educational technology space. 

 

VolunteerNow has engaged FSP Leaders as its launches a national search for the organization’s next CEO. FSP Leaders consultants bring over 100 years of combined executive search experience to clients seeking leaders with a deep alignment to organizational values and culture.

 

“We are now looking for a leader that can build on the foundation that Tammy and the leaders at VolunteerNow have built that will take the organization to the next level,” Braxton said. 

 

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About VolunteerNow®
With 50 years of experience, VolunteerNow transforms lives through volunteerism and community engagement. In a typical year, VolunteerNow mobilizes more than 310,000 volunteers who give 1.6 million hours to 3,500 local nonprofits, driving a $46 million economic impact. VOLY.org, powered by VolunteerNow, is the 24/7 connection between volunteers and local service opportunities. As a national thought leader in volunteerism and one of the largest volunteer centers in the country, VolunteerNow provides a wide range of programs and services that build capacity for school districts, nonprofits, and municipalities. volnow.org