Main Content
Parade Of Playhouses Closing Party Was Highlighted By The Reveal Of A Newly Created Award
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
While Dallas CASA‘s 2024 Parade Of Playhouses was nearing an end at NorthPark Center, there was a gathering to celebrate the builders, designers and teams who had volunteered their time, talents and materials to create the fundraising showcase of 13 munchkin-friendly houses. Taking place at the center’s Breadwinners on Thursday, June 27, the crowd included such longtime supporters as Presenting Sponsor Crest Cadillac’s Mike Brosin, Butscher Construction’s Amy Butscher and LRO Residential.
The evening also provided a special announcement about the creation of a new award that would be presented annually to the team that attracts the most raffle tickets. It was created to honor creative playhouse builder Jeff Kindig, who passed away this past May. Here’s a report from the field:
Dallas CASA celebrated the end of Parade of Playhouses with a special closing party to thank all the volunteers, builders, designers and sponsors like Yvette Hightower, Polly McKeithen, Bruce Bernbaum, Paige Langum, Jonathan Campbell, Manuel Calderon, Rafael Cordero, Ryker Wallace, Geoff Reiner, Alfredo Padilla, Zach Hill and Sophie Moss who helped make the 29th event possible.
The evening featured a mix of creative types, builders and supporters mingling together at Breadwinners at NorthPark Center for a shared purpose: to support the child victims of abuse and neglect served by Dallas CASA’s incredible child advocates.
Parade of Playhouses features custom-designed and built playhouses on display in the hallways of NorthPark Center for 17 days every summer. The event raises both funds and critical awareness for the agency, which counts more than 900 Dallasites who have been professionally trained as child advocates and are currently serving children in foster care.
Presented by Crest Cadillac and with KDC serving as Grand Marshal, this year’s event featured 13 houses built by both longtime veterans and some rookies.
Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen LaValle acknowledged two builders, Amy Butscher with Butscher Construction and LRO Residential, for each completing their 15th house for Parade of Playhouses, and thanked all participants for their dedication to the children served by Dallas CASA,
“I’ve had the honor of being CEO for ten Parade of Playhouses now, and I’ve learned one key truth in those years: just when I think the playhouses could not be any cuter, more creative, detailed, surprising or fun, there you go and do it again,” she said to laughter.
New designers and builders this year included: Stainback Construction, Jacobs, Hensel Phelps, Espedal Design Construct and Swinerton.
Dallas CASA board member Dave Kroencke announced a new award named for longtime builder and dear friend of Dallas CASA Jeff Kindig, who passed away in May. Jeff built his first playhouses with his company marketing team as a teambuilding exercise, but later he and his son, Jordan, joined forces to build some of the most creative, unique and personal houses, often based on shared travel experiences or interests. They built a playhouse based entirely on Nerf toys and ninjas, an Alaskan adventure cabin after they took a special father-son fishing trip to Alaska and so many more, including an African safari adventure and an outdoor adventure playhouse.
“In honor of Jeff’s legendary status as a master playhouse builder, we’ve created the ‘Jeff Kindig One-of-a-Kind Award’ which will be presented annually to the playhouse team who receives the most raffle ticket sales,” Kroencke said.
The first award would be announced on social media upon the close of the raffle.
Dallas CASA board members in attendance at The Closing Party included Christie Carter, Jamal Carty, Janice Z. Davis, Veree Hawkins Brown, Kroencke, LaValle, Retta A. Miller, Scott Orr, Gina Porter, Nicki Stafford and Linda M. Swartz.
* Photo credit: Ray Carlin ** Photo credit: Rosanne Lewis
MySweetOpportunity Series Is Done But The MySweetWishList Series Plans Are Early Bird Announced
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
The MySweetCharity team is in recovery mode since the MySweetOpportunity series submissions have been as overwhelming as ticket requests for a Taylor Swift free-for-all concert. (Seriously, there’s no such concert.)
But back to the land of reality.
Regretfully, we weren’t able to accommodate all the opps submitted in recent days. As a result, the MySweetCharity team is taking steps to prevent a repeat of not being able to help all.
We’re putting out an early-bird announcement that the MySweetWishList will get underway on Monday, November 11 (aka Veterans Day).
Start considering the events/programs that might fit the following requirements:
- a first-person byline article in Word format describing the one wish the organization would love to have granted during the upcoming holidays. Example: Let’s say your organization is having a 2025 fundraiser. Then the wish might be for folks to sign up for sponsorships or tickets to the event. Or, perhaps a homeless shelter’s wish is for clothing and supplies?
- the author must be a non-profit’s representative, preferably a volunteer.
- a photo of the author and/or organization’s logo in JPEG format. The less fuzzy the photo, the better its chances of being posted.
- the link to the nonprofit’s website.
- the contact information for readers to respond.
- only one wish per non-profit.
- When you submit the article and photo to [email protected], please put the “MySweetWishList for [the organization’s name]” (Example: MySweetWishList for Narcissists In Search Of Appreciation) in the subject line. If you don’t, the infamous MySweetCharity filters will probably send your submission into the great unknown.
If you need an example of past MySweetWish posts, check them out here.
But please hold off on submitting while the MSC team tries to muddle through the next few weeks. Geez, have you checked out the MSC Calendar’s fall fundraising? We’ve already ordered a couple of defibrillators for the office.
Hey, that’s a thought! If you haven’t submitted your event for the MSC Calendar, here’s a link to the submission form.
The gates for MySweetWish submissions will open on Monday, October 28, with the last one posting New Year’s Eve (aka Tuesday, December 31). So, put those brain cells in overdrive and come up with some wonderful wishes as you prepare for trick-or-treaters.
* Photo credit: Skeeter Hagler
2024 North Texas Giving Day Booster: Foundation For The Callier Center And Communication Disorders
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
According to Foundation for the Callier Center and Communication Disorders’ Director of Development Communications Donna Wylie,
“Imagine a world without sound or language to communicate. Picture yourself walking down a busy street, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of people going about their day. But what if that street was completely silent? And let’s not forget the power of language. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to express ourselves or connect with others. Sound and language are threads that weave a community together. They connect us through a web of communication and understanding. Patients at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders are seeking to connect with the world around them. Their ability to engage with friends and family has been limited by their difficulty in communicating.
“The Callier Center for Communication Disorders is a place of hope for those facing barriers due to hearing loss and communication disorders. Expert clinical staff at the Callier Center deliver leading-edge treatment, providing services for patients of all ages in a supportive and compassionate environment. Regardless of insurance coverage, patients receive the treatment they need. This past year, the Callier Center offered over 35,000 clinical services, including evaluation and treatment, to over 5,000 children and adults in the DFW Metroplex and beyond.
“Support from Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day plays a critical role in enabling the Callier Center for Communication Disorders to provide life-changing treatment to our patients. Last year, 133 donors helped Callier raise $118,523.40, which went to the Callier Care Fund. This fund provides financial support to families who cannot afford treatment. By donating to the Callier Center on North Texas Giving Day, you can help us continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
“One of the programs that benefits from the Callier Care Fund is the Children’s Hearing Aid Trust. The Children’s Hearing Aid Trust was created by Callier Audiology Clinical Operations Director Dr. Andrea Gohmert.
“’Since 2019, the Callier Children’s Hearing Aid Trust (CHAT) has fit 33 infants and children with hearing devices. These children have documented hearing loss in one ear or minimal hearing loss in both ears that impact speech and language development, brain development, and place children at risk for reaching their educational milestones. However, such developmentally significant hearing loss does not qualify for coverage under some plans, including Texas Medicaid. Through generous donors the Callier CHAT program has been able to help these children and put them on the pathway to success!’ – Dr. Andrea Gohmert, Director of Audiology Clinical Operations at Callier
“This year, Nancy Wiener Marcus has generously donated $10,000 to the Callier Children’s Hearing Aid Trust to provide hearing aids for children who cannot afford devices. Please match her generosity today!
“Have a heart for the Callier Center on North Texas Giving Day and help patients ‘to hear and be heard, to understand and be understood.’”
* Photo credit: Pedro Morales ** Graphic provided by Foundation for the Callier Center and Communication Disorders ** Photo credit: Luke Gaie
In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support Callier Center by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024
MySweetOpportunity: Rainbow Days’ Lunch And Learn On North Texas Giving Day
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
According to Rainbow Days Development And Events Manager Ayanna Adams,
“Join Us for a Lunch and Learn on North Texas Giving Day!
“Are you looking for a unique way to give back for North Texas Giving Day? Rainbow Days is excited to invite community members and interested volunteers to our special Lunch and Learn event! This engaging mid-day gathering will take place on Thursday, September 19, from 11:30 a.m. -1:00 PM.
“During the Lunch and Learn, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the vital work Rainbow Days does to support children and youth facing adversity. Our programs help empower these children with essential social and emotional skills, fostering resilience and self-esteem. Your contribution to Rainbow Days is vital as it allows us to provide essential resources, safe spaces, and supportive relationships that help children rise above their situations and thrive.
“After lunch is served, guests will have the chance to roll up their sleeves and contribute by creating activity kits and engaging in other small projects for the children we serve. Together, we aim to empower and uplift our community, helping to ensure that every child has the resources and support they need to thrive.
“We encourage new volunteers to join us for this meaningful event and to come prepared to #HelpKidsRise!
“For more information, please contact Sunni Roaten at 214.271.3833 or [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there!”
*Graphic/photo provided by Rainbow Days
2024 North Texas Giving Day Booster: Econautics Sustainability Institute
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
According to Econautics Sustainability Institute (Econautics) CEO Talia McAllister,
“Do you remember the last time you went outside and walked barefoot on a grassy patch of land? Or taking a dip in a crystal-clear river or lake to cool off on a hot summer day? Have you ever tasted fresh fruit right off a tree?
“Joyful moments like these become cherished memories. But today’s kids have fewer chances for these experiences because climate change, pollution and other issues are forcing them to spend more time indoors. Sadly, this also means health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and obesity are on the rise.
“These same problems are interrupting the global food supply chain, and lower food supply drives up prices at grocery stores. For families already surviving paycheck to paycheck, increased expenses may mean skipping meals, medicines or other basic needs just to make ends meet.
“Econautics is here to change that, and we need your help!
“Our Mission: To plant the seeds of healthier, more resilient communities by creating Living Laboratories for exploring, studying, and teaching sustainable agriculture.
“Our Focus: To tackle environmental, health, and economic disparities in under-resourced areas through Living Laboratories and partnerships with trusted community organizations.
“Our Vision: To ensure all kids have access to diverse, nutritious foods and the knowledge to care for our planet.
“We’re joining Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day for the first time this year because we need your help to Grow Food, Grow Minds and Grow Community. We’re raising funds to secure land for our first Living Laboratory which will consist of an Urban Farm, Educational Corridor, and Community Center. This isn’t just about growing crops; it’s about growing a healthier, more connected community.
- “Growing Food: Our Urban Farm will provide fresh, nutritious produce, tackling food insecurity and promoting healthy eating. It will offer hands-on learning opportunities, teaching sustainable farming practices.
- “Growing Minds: The Educational Corridor is a pathway through the farm where visitors will walk, run or bike with stops along the way for learning at outdoor classrooms and informational displays. Econautics will offer workshops and programs on environmental science, nutrition, and wellness, inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious individuals.
- “Growing Community: The Community Center will be a hub for connection and collaboration, fostering a sense of belonging through events, recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, and shared meals. An onsite restaurant will encourage social gatherings and, along with a planned community market, create new income-earning opportunities for residents.
“Support us on North Texas Giving Day to help us launch our initial programs and progress toward securing the land and facilities we need to make our vision a reality. Together, we can create a space where kids can enjoy nature, families can access healthy food, and our community can thrive.
“Let’s Grow Food, Grow Minds and Grow Community. Every contribution brings us closer to our goal. Thank you for being part of this journey with Econautics.”
* Photo credit: David McAllister ** Graphic/photo provided by Econautics
In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support Econautics by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024
Children’s Medical Center Auxiliary Past Presidents Celebrate Its $5M Gift For New Pediatric Hospital
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Sometimes it pays to be the only fella at a ladies luncheon and that proved very true Wednesday at Park House. The gathering was for past presidents of the Women's Auxiliary of Children Medical Center Foundation Dallas. As for the lone gent, it was the Foundation President Brent … Read More...
MySweetOpportunity: After-School All-Stars North Texas
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
According to After-School All-Stars North Texas (ASASNT) Advocate Gina Betts, “After-School All-Stars presence continues to grow in North Texas. As a former board member, advocate of the charity, I, along with the dedicated community leaders who have been honored by the organization, are eager to … Read More...
2024 North Texas Giving Day Booster: North Texas Wildlife Center
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
According to North Texas Wildlife Center President Rebecca Hamlin, “Each year, hundreds of north Texas residents encounter the unexpected - a wildlife emergency. Ranging from walking to your car and finding an injured, pink baby squirrel, an opossum attacked by a dog with babies in her … Read More...
MySweetOpportunity: Housing Crisis Center
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
According to Housing Crisis Center Board Chair Carolyn Goelzer, “The mission of the Housing Crisis Center is to prevent homelessness, respond to the immediate needs of those facing crisis, and sustain their stability in safe, affordable, and permanent housing while empowering them to solve their … Read More...
2024 North Texas Giving Day Booster: Dwell With Dignity
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
According to Dwell with Dignity’s Interim Executive Director Teresa Charnock, “Imagine yourself in Jessica’s [Name has been changed.] shoes. Surviving abuse from her husband, she decided to escape with her children and was forced to live out of her car for a year. She eventually found one of … Read More...
JUST IN: 2024 La Fiesta De Las Seis Banderas Results In $408,445 To 18 Non-Profits
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Highland Park Village just oozes with big buck spending for couture creations, works of art accessories and fabulous jewelry. But last night more than $408,000 was scored there, but nary a retailer received a cent. Rather the recipients were the 18 non-profits that benefited from the 2023-2024 La … Read More...