The annual Parade of Playhouses at NorthPark Center is a parade in reverse. Instead of the parade highlights floating by, it’s the viewers that are in motion. And this year’s crop of 17 custom-designed mini-cottages and activities benefiting Dallas CASA will have NorthParkers in motion checking out the entries from Friday, July 12, thru Sunday, July 28. But there have been some new bells and whistles added this year.
Presented by Crest Cadillac/Crest Infiniti/Crest Volvo, the parade is going to have a grand marshal. No, it’s not going to be a person atop the roof of one of the playhouses. It’s KDC, “a leading national real estate development and investment company.”
“According to KDC CEO Steve Van Amburgh, “Building big is what we do, but these little playhouses and the hopes they represent really captured our hearts and imaginations. Values are the heart and soul of any great organization. KDC really admires what Dallas CASA is doing to help families and kids here in our city. This is why we’re jumping in to help raise awareness and funds for Dallas CASA. We’re excited to be a small part.”
In addition to its support, KDC has “invited many of their friends to join them. It’s an exciting partnership and has really increased participation this year.”
As for the 2019 collection of houses, they include “a food truck, lemonade stand, a playhouse shaped like a bull and one designed specifically to appeal to children with autism.”
But the most delicious addition this year has got to be Whataburger’s participation. Each raffle winner will receive a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” bag that includes “an exclusive orange play grill, Whataburger T-Rex plush, spicy and fancy ketchup, sunglasses and other outdoor Whataburger swag.”
And there’s still more Whataburger treats! In the swag bag will be a “Justaburger for a Year” that provides 52 coupons for Justaburger kids meals.
Talk about a win-win situation. An indoor, G-rated activity that’s free for the viewing and the chance to land a one-of-a-kind playhouse plus Whataburger delights.
Raffle tickets are going for $5 each or five for $20 at NorthPark and online.
The indoor parade will reach its grand finale with the drawing of the raffle winners at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 28.
Funds raised from the 17-day parade will benefit Dallas CASA’s advocacy for children.
According to Dallas CASA President/CEO Kathleen LaValle, “Child abuse isn’t something that happens somewhere else to someone else’s children. It happens every day in our city to our children, and our incredible volunteers stand up day after day for children. Our volunteers are in foster homes, doctor’s offices and courtrooms making sure children have the best chance to reach their full potentials. These 17 adorable houses represent what our volunteers dream of for the children they serve – safety, permanency, warmth and a place to call their forever home.”
* Graphic and photo provided by Dallas CASA