KidLinks announces 16th Annual Symphony of Chefs

Kristi Bare — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:03:57 Z

KidLinks a nonprofit organization committed to linking kids to healing, hope and happiness through music and media announces its 16^th Annual Symphony of Chefs, an evening of culinary composition and the ultimate chef-driven dinner experience. The event will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 6:00 9:15 p.m. at Astoria Event Venue in Irving, Texas.

Lisa Sides and Eric Peters will serve as 2026 Symphony of Chefs chairs. Sides has been a longstanding supporter of KidLinks alongside husband and board chair Stuart Sides, including co-chairing Symphony of Chefs in 2022 and 2023. Peters, with his wife Tracy, has supported the event for many years, including serving on the event committee. As well, the 2026 honorary chef chairs are Jennie Kelley and Brandon Moore. As chefs and co-owners of Fond, the dynamic duo brings multiple years of support and energy to the culinary-focused fundraiser.

We are so honored to have such an incredible leadership team for our 2026 Symphony of Chefs. Co-chairs Lisa and Eric both bring enthusiasm, expertise, experience and a true passion for the mission of KidLinks to this important fundraiser, remarked Paul Pass, KidLinks director of development. In addition, we are thrilled to have chefs Jennie Kelley and Brandon Moore as our honorary chef chairs, and are so grateful for their continued support of KidLinks. And, of course, Symphony of Chefs would not be celebrating its 16^th year without the vision of our founding event chairs Bonnie and Nathan Shea and honorary chef chair emeritus, Salvatore Gisellu, chef partner of Urban Family Restaurants.

Guests of Symphony of Chefs will indulge in an interactive, chef-prepared four-course dinner with wine pairings from some of the worlds finest vineyards, while enjoying opportunities to win unforgettable prizes through the silent auction and raffle. The evening begins with cocktails and inventive canapés from a featured hors doeuvres chef, followed by a seated dinner showcasing the creative talents of the featured dinner chefs. Each chef will prepare a tableside, four-course menu with wine pairings for ten guests, culminating in a specially crafted dessert by the featured pastry chef. A chef announcement will be made at a later date.

Symphony of Chefs table sponsorships are available now. Or for more information, visit our website or contact Paul Pass at paul@kidlinks.org.

The DEC Network Announces 2024 State of Entrepreneurship Award Recipients

Kristi Bare — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:31:25 Z

The DEC Network - a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses through education, mentorship, and resource access - hosted its 9^th annual State of Entrepreneurship presented by Bank of America on Thursday, March 7, at Vouv in Addison.

The State of Entrepreneurship, which kicks off a series of events leading up to Dallas Startup Week sponsored by Capital One in August, has become a tradition for celebrating the people, places and passions that keep the North Texas startup ecosystem thriving.

"The DEC Network was honored to convene the local entrepreneurial community to recognize the best of the best within our ecosystem," said Bill Chinn, CEO, The DEC Network. "All nominees were community-nominated and community-voted, with record-breaking numbers this year."

With votes from more than 4000 community members, the 2024 award recipients are:

Corporate Supporter of the Year, celebrates an organization actively supporting entrepreneurship across DFW through mentoring, funding and resources: Texas Woman's University Center for Women Entrepreneurs

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: Kirstins 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:

The DEC Network is a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses through education, mentorship, and resource access. With a mission to foster innovation and economic growth, The DEC Network empowers individuals to turn their ideas into reality and build thriving businesses that positively impact their communities.

For more information, visit www.thedec.co.

News

KidLinks announces 16th Annual Symphony of Chefs

The DEC Network Announces 2024 State of Entrepreneurship Award Recipients