Break With The Usual: MySweetCharity Published The 10,000th Post This Morning

Today was a big day for MySweetCharity. It was what some would say was a milestone occasion. This morning at 11:30, MSC published its 10,000^th post.

While there were no champagne toasts nor celebratory luncheons, there were people and organizations that deserve recognition for this feat.

One of the first businesses to support this “orphan blog” was Ebby Halliday. Despite the roller coaster ride of area real estate and the change of leadership over the years, Ebby has been front and center.

And during the two-and-a-half years of the pandemic, when businesses were suffering, advertisers like NorthPark Center, Baylor Scott and White Dallas Foundation and Children’s Medical Center never faltered in staying with MSC. Each said that, more than ever, North Texas charities needed to keep news and communication going.

Speaking of valued relationships, before MSC had even published its first post, Crystal Charity Ball and Cattle Baron’s Ball stepped up as partner sponsorships and have only continued to this very day and have been joined by countless others.

Then there are the people. Two of them are truly behind the scenes. To be honest, they probably didn’t know what they were getting into back in 2010, but they made the website shine and have kept it going through all types of challenges.

Servously website designer Shauna Callaghan managed to create a design that was easy on the eyes and not all convoluted with extraneous bells and whistles. It has been amazing how she’s adjusted to every whim put forward. “What if we created a calendar of events?” She did that. “Could we have a gallery for photos from big events?” She did that. And when she suggested a bit of refreshing might be in order, she gingerly did it in such a way that MSC was improved without being upsetting to the routine.

Dallas Pro IT mastermind Jimmie Catravas has been the powerhouse that has kept MSC going through internet threats, power outages and dumb questions. Because of his round-the-clock understanding of the ever-changing high tech world, he has grown the MSC capabilities to handle the massive materials. His only complaint has been, “Do we have to keep all these photos?” As MSC approaches the 50,000 mark, his complaint is understandable. But his patience is remarkable.

There is an unsung hero by the name of Glenn Hunter, who has never wavered in supporting MSC. Over the years, he’s grown in ways he probably never imagined. He covers events, proofreads copy and on occasion grudgingly will inquire, “Who are you wearing?” But he has also sacrificed weekends and holidays to keep the engine going. His reward has been to have a greater understanding and appreciation for the people and businesses that have drawn so many newcomers to North Texas.

Finally — and most importantly — sincere thanks and gratitude go to the members of the MSC world, who check in throughout the day and get the 6 a.m. e-blast. It is because of you that we “cover the people, organizations and activities that make the North Texas area unique thanks to philanthropic and non-profit endeavors.”

Thank you for being part of the journey to 10,000 posts. Now, let’s get on to the next 10,000.

* Photo credit: Skeeter Hagler