Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Category: General

  • Fort Worth Botanic Garden Earns the Nation’s Highest Museum Honor 

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden Earns the Nation’s Highest Museum Honor 

    Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) has officially earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national honor a museum can receive. Accreditation from AAM places FWBG among an elite group of institutions nationwide. Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, only about 1,100 are AAM-accredited. That makes the Fort Worth Botanic Garden part of a small, elite circle of institutions recognized for excellence.

    “This accreditation is more than a credential — it’s a reflection of years of hard work, integrity, and dedication from our staff, volunteers, and board,” said Patrick Newman, FWBG President and CEO. “It tells our community, our partners, and every visitor who walks through our gates that Fort Worth Botanic Garden meets the highest standards in our field.”

    Why a Botanic Garden Counts as a Museum

    How does a garden earn a museum accreditation? The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) recognizes botanic gardens as specialized museums — institutions that meet the same rigorous professional standards as art or history museums, but with a distinct focus on living plant collections, conservation, and public education. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s work in these areas, as well as the extraordinary achievements of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), the Garden’s research arm, are what qualified it to pursue accreditation. 

    “We commend the thoughtful and successful merger of BRIT with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, bringing distinct institutional identities into a shared mission and operational framework while maintaining a strong level of cohesion across the operation,” said Lisa Tremper Hanover, Chair, Accreditation Commission Independent Professional, Former Museum Director & CEO.

    Joining an Elite National Circle

    AAM accreditation puts Fort Worth Botanic Garden in the company of some of the most respected cultural institutions in the country. Nationally, AAM accredited institutions include renowned museums such as the American Museum of Natural History, the National Air & Space Museum – Smithsonian Institution, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other major art, history, and science institutions across the country. Among public gardens specifically, accreditation is even more rare. FWBG joins the Chicago Botanic Garden — one of the largest and most-visited public gardens in the country, the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., and the New York Botanical Garden to name some of the prestigious few.

    Closer to home, FWBG also joins esteemed Fort Worth cultural institutions that have earned this same AAM distinction, including the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Sid Richardson Museum. Being named alongside these institutions places the Fort Worth Botanic Garden squarely within the city’s tradition of world-class cultural excellence.

    What Accreditation Really Means

    AAM accreditation isn’t handed out lightly. It’s the field’s gold standard for quality, accountability, and public trust — built and upheld by museum professionals for more than 50 years. Earning accreditation means an institution has proven, rigorous independent review, that it operates with excellence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the public it serves.

    The process is as demanding as the honor is meaningful. FWBG completed a full year of intensive self-study, followed by an on-site review from a team of peer experts. From there, AAM’s independent Accreditation Commission — a panel of seasoned museum professionals — evaluated every finding before making its final determination.

    A Milestone Worth Celebrating

    This recognition affirms what Fort Worth has always known: the Fort Worth Botanic Garden isn’t just a beautiful place to visit — it’s a nationally respected institution held to the same standards as the country’s leading museums. For the community, it’s a signal that the Garden is trusted, transparent, and built for longevity. For the Garden, it’s a foundation to keep growing, innovating, and serving the public for generations to come.

    In celebration of this achievement, FWBG is extending a buy-one-get-one-free admission offer to all guests during the month of August, inviting the community to come experience firsthand the collections and programs that earned the Garden this national distinction. Tickets for this offer must be purchased in person at the Garden and are not available online. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the last tickets sold at 2 p.m.

    Source: Press Release

  • Local artists help shape The Salvation Army of North Texas’ new Dallas Social Services Campus

    Local artists help shape The Salvation Army of North Texas’ new Dallas Social Services Campus

    As The Salvation Army of North Texas’ new Dallas Social Services Campus continues to rise, a group of local arts leaders is helping shape what the space will feel like from the moment clients walk through the door. The campus arts committee is curating and placing local artists’ artworks throughout the facility to create an environment rooted in dignity, comfort and hope, not an institutional setting. 

    The artwork will be integrated across the new 21-acre campus, the flagship of The Salvation Army of North Texas’s $212.7 million One Army, Many Fronts Campaign. Guided by evidence-based design principles, the committee is intentionally selecting artwork with calming colors, natural imagery and restorative themes shown to support emotional well-being, reduce stress and help foster a sense of stability and healing.   This collaboration offers a unique look at how arts and social services can intersect to support long-term recovery and care. 

    Source: Press release

  • Dallas’ Form Follows Fitness 5K surpasses $2 million raised

    Dallas’ Form Follows Fitness 5K surpasses $2 million raised

    15th anniversary year generated more than $221,000 while celebrating Dallas architecture, fitness and civic pride

    On Saturday, May 16, Dallas’ signature architecture-themed race celebrated another milestone year as the Form Follows Fitness 5K, presented by Blackson Brick, gathered more than 60 runners, walkers, architects, designers, civic leaders and community supporters at Community Beer Company for a ceremonial check presentation benefiting The Architecture and Design Foundation. The brewery hosted four social runs leading up to the 2026 race and will host monthly runs on the third Saturday of each month through January 2027.

    The 2026 race season generated $221,358.07, the third-highest fundraising total in event history, helping bring the race’s lifetime charitable impact to more than $2 million raised. The event also celebrated its 15th anniversary year, setting records with 3,973 registrations, $308,000 in sponsorship revenue and 184 industry teams participating. Throughout its 15-year history, 44,588 participants have taken part in the 5K.

    The ceremonial presentation recognized the impact of a community event that has evolved far beyond a race. Form Follows Fitness has united the architecture, engineering, construction, planning and fitness communities to raise funds that create opportunities for students, support research, expand public education and connect residents to the beauty and importance of the built environment.

    The morning also spotlighted the future of architecture, design and civic innovation. Following the presentation, an air horn sounded as runners and walkers began the first official monthly social run leading into the 2027 race season.

    “The AD EX Form Follows Fitness 5K really began from a simple moment of inspiration during a Saturday morning AD EX Arts District Walking Tour in 2010,” said Patrick Glenn, AIA, LEED AP, ALEP, LE Fellow, Form Follows Fitness 5K founder. “As Briar Glenn and I were experiencing the energy of the Dallas Arts District, we started talking about how incredible it would be to create an event that connected health, community and architecture in a more visible and engaging way. What started as a meaningful idea has grown into a Dallas tradition that celebrates architecture, promotes public engagement and supports educational programs and scholarships for future generations of designers and architects.”

    Glenn said one of the event’s greatest achievements has been strengthening the connection between the public and the architecture and design community while supporting educational initiatives and scholarships.

    “Seeing the lasting impact this event has had on both our profession and the broader Dallas community is something I am incredibly proud of,” Glenn said. “I am excited to see how we can continue to grow that message and impact for the next 15 years.”

    For Briar Glenn, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Form Follows Fitness 5K co-founder, the race’s continued growth reflects the power of community collaboration.

    “Celebrating the Form Follows Fitness 5K’s 15th anniversary is a tremendous milestone,” Glenn said. “What began as an idea to bring our industry colleagues, partners and the community together around a shared commitment to wellness and the celebration of Dallas’ iconic architecture has grown into something far greater than Patrick and I ever imagined.”

    She said the race has become the Foundation’s largest single fundraising effort while helping expand programs such as Build Your City!, the Exhibition Series, Architecture and Design Exchange programming and Designing My Future Camps.

    “Beyond race day, the 5K has become a catalyst for deeper community engagement, meaningful industry partnerships and new opportunities to inspire the next generation through the power of architecture and design,” Glenn said.

    Norman Alston, FAIA, president-elect of The Architecture and Design Foundation, believes the race perfectly reflects Dallas’ architectural spirit.

    “I love that the Form Follows Fitness 5K was born out of walking through our city and looking at the architecture,” Alston said. “It’s testimony to the quality of Dallas architecture that, besides being beautiful, it can inspire people in other important aspects of their lives.”

    The race’s unique atmosphere and citywide appeal continue to resonate with participants and organizers alike, according to Eric Lindberg, race director for the Form Follows Fitness 5K.

    “Every year, the commitment and support from the architecture industry for the race blows me away,” Lindberg said. “It’s the largest industry gathering in North Texas and I pause when I call it a race because it’s truly an event for all, including architecture, the running and walking community, families, friends and coworkers.”

    Lindberg added that the course remains one of the event’s signature experiences as participants travel through the West End, Downtown, the Arts District and Uptown before finishing at Klyde Warren Park.

    Marc Blackson, president of Blackson Brick, said supporting the event aligns naturally with the company’s mission and values.

    “Supporting Form Follows Fitness is not only a commitment to giving back, it’s a strategic alignment of business objectives with meaningful impact, strengthening both the Foundation and the architecture community it serves,” Blackson said.

    Source: Press release

  • The Leadership Academy brings Girl Scout volunteers together in partnership with Junior League of Dallas

    The Leadership Academy brings Girl Scout volunteers together in partnership with Junior League of Dallas

    On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Junior League of Dallas members and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas leaders and caregivers gathered together at the Dallas County Girl Scout DreamLab powered by Eddie Bernice Johnson in South Dallas for the Leadership Academy, an exclusive, hands-on leadership development workshop designed for Girl Scout volunteers. This national pilot program is led by the Association of Junior Leagues International and Girl Scouts of the USA and has been implemented in just three leagues across the country so far. It is designed to strengthen the leadership skills of Girl Scout volunteers, helping them build confidence, improve communication, and develop values-based leadership while modeling those behaviors for the girls they lead. Facilitated by Junior League of Dallas members, the workshop fostered meaningful collaboration between local Girl Scout councils and the Junior League of Dallas, reinforcing a shared commitment to leadership training, community impact and volunteer development.
    “We are honored to lead this pilot program on behalf of Junior Leagues everywhere in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas,” said Dr. Lindsay Davis, president of the Junior League of Dallas. “Our mission has always been to cultivate women leaders who address critical community needs through trained volunteer service, strategic funding and principled leadership. As the mom of a current Girl Scout who has already benefitted greatly from the organization’s incredible curriculum and inspiring troop leaders, this collaboration feels especially meaningful. We cannot imagine a better partner than Girl Scouts to help equip and inspire the next generation of women leaders.”

    ABOUT JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DALLAS
    The Junior League of Dallas cultivates women leaders who collectively address the critical needs of the community. Founded in 1922, JLD is one of the largest Junior Leagues in the world, as well as the largest and oldest training organization for women in Dallas. Active members range in age from 22 to 49 with approximately 85% percent of women employed outside of the home. The JLD provides leadership opportunities to nearly 4,000 women each year through more than 17,000 cumulative hours of experiential and formal training. Uniquely member-run, JLD provides approximately 100,000 hours in volunteer service and more than $1 million in funding to area nonprofits each year. For more information, please visit www.jldallas.org or Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Source: Press release

  • New statue exhibit capturing how STEM powers sports to debut at 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival™ in Dallas

    New statue exhibit capturing how STEM powers sports to debut at 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival™ in Dallas

    Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ IF/THEN® Initiative Presents #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit: Game Changers, Showcasing Contemporary STEM Innovators in Sports

    For the first time, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival™ at Fair Park in Dallas, Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ IF/THEN® Initiative will debut #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit: Game Changers, a monumental display of 26 life-size, 3-D printed statues celebrating leaders whose work demonstrates how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fuel the world of sports.

    In collaboration with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, the interactive exhibit will be on public display from Thursday, June 11, through Sunday, July 19, at the Fan Festival at Dallas’ Fair Park, located at 3809 Grand Avenue. Coinciding with the full World Cup tournament, fans can enjoy free live match screenings, food, music, and entertainment. Entry to the Fan Festival and the exhibit is free.

    The Game Changers include sports professionals like Julie Foudy and Lucy Li, along with Cynt Marshall, Dr. Colleen M. Hacker, and others whose work spans fields ranging from elite athletic performance and sports medicine to data analytics, stadium engineering, biomechanics, and fan technology. The installation shines a light on the STEM careers that shape and power today’s global sports industry.  

    “The World Cup is one of the most watched sporting events on the planet, making it a powerful moment to showcase the STEM behind the sports we love,” said Nicole Small, CEO of Lyda Hill Philanthropies, LH Capital, Inc. and Co-Founder of IF/THEN®. “This exhibit highlights the innovators transforming sports and helps the next generation see how science and technology open doors on and off the field.”

    Each statue includes a QR code that unlocks videos and images that bring these women’s journeys to life. Through these stories and videos in the IF/THEN® Collection, audiences can explore how technology improves performance, how biomedical science primes athletes for the field, how data informs sports strategy on and off the field, and how engineering and innovation elevate the game for athletes and fans alike.

    The lime green statues, made of a UV-cured acrylic gel, will be 3D printed in Dallas, TX. Each statue is a life-sized depiction of a Game Changer, complete with tools that reflect her work from soccer balls, to surf boards, ski helmets, microscopes, and drawing boards.  

    #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit: Game Changers marks the second IF/THEN® statue exhibit, following the historic debut of #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit, which featured 120 statues of contemporary women in STEM. That first exhibit made history as the largest assembly of statues of real women ever displayed at one time, inspired by a study that found the ten largest U.S. cities displayed fewer than a half-dozen statues of real women in publicly accessible places. It was shown at ten pop-up installations, including the Central Park Zoo, Cambridge, Massachusetts’ Kendall Square, Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas’ NorthPark Center, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, reaching more than five million visitors since 2021. 

    The IF/THEN® Initiative was launched in 2019 to empower current STEM innovators and inspire the next generation of pioneers by elevating women in STEM as role models. While rooted in the same mission of visibility and inspiration, #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit: Game Changers expands the initiative’s reach into sports, one of the world’s most influential cultural platforms, during the largest sporting event on the planet.

    “It is an honor to display these incredible statues of influential women who have achieved remarkable accomplishments in sports during FIFA Fan Festival Dallas,” said Monica Paul, President of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee. “Dallas and the North Texas region will be on full display during the FIFA World Cup 2026, and FIFA Fan Festival Dallas will be a perfect place for guests to enjoy the matches while also observing and learning about the great achievements of these inspirational women in sports.”

    “When we invest in STEM talent, we invest in solutions for our future,” said Lyda Hill, founder of Lyda Hill Philanthropies. “We hope these statues spark inspiration, conversation, and lasting impact on the next generation long after the final match. If they can see it, then they can be it!”

    The exhibit is free and open to the public throughout the World Cup Fan Festival. More information, including the complete list of Game Changers, will be published at ifthenshecan.org. The full IF/THEN® Collection may be viewed at ifthencollection.org.

    The Exhibit
    Lydia Hill at North Park Center Debut 2021

    Source: Press release

  • Zelle® and Bank of America partner to accelerate delivery of charitable donations to nonprofits

    Zelle® and Bank of America partner to accelerate delivery of charitable donations to nonprofits

    Zelle® and Bank of America announce a first-of-its-kind application of Zelle to enable charitable disbursements from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). The new capability allows nonprofits to receive charitable grant funding in near real time, replacing the traditional multi-week, paper-based process with fast and reliable digital payments using the Zelle network.

    This new capability is part of Zelle® Forward, the network’s innovation agenda. Zelle is working with financial institutions to explore ways to expand into new, practical use cases. Americans now send more than $1.2 trillion annually using Zelle and increasingly rely on it for everyday needs like rent and childcare.

    The new DAF proof of concept is being introduced through Bank of America’s Charitable Gift Fund, the bank’s donor advised fund, allowing donors to send charitable grants to a select group of nonprofit organizations via Zelle. The speed and security of this delivery could help transform how charitable dollars flow from routine, planned donations to urgent situations like natural disasters and community‑level crises, helping nonprofits access resources more quickly when they are needed most.

    While the initial proof of concept is with Bank of America’s Charitable Gift Fund, the goal is to support broader use by financial institutions that offer Zelle and have donor advised fund programs.

    “Zelle is a staple of the American economy and Americans are ready for it to do more,” said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle. “Through Zelle® Forward, we are advancing practical new applications of the Zelle network, and this charitable grant delivery capability represents the first of many ways Zelle will continue to innovate and grow. By bringing the speed and reliability of Zelle to charitable grant delivery, we are helping funds reach nonprofits faster so organizations can stay focused on their missions.”

    Bank of America’s Charitable Gift Fund provides clients with an organized, flexible, and tax-efficient way to support the causes they care about. Donors can contribute a variety of assets, invest for potential long-term impact, and involve family members. In 2025 alone, the Charitable Gift Fund distributed more than 100,000 grants, totaling over $1.3 billion to nonprofits.

    “For nonprofits, deploying their resources quickly and effectively matters – whether responding to community needs or scaling vital services,” said Donald Greene, Donor-advised Fund Executive, Bank of America Private Bank. “By partnering with Zelle to develop this innovation, we’re giving both donors and nonprofits a more modern and responsive way to take in and make use of charitable contributions. This advancement strengthens our clients’ ability to support the causes they care about and accelerates the impact of nonprofits.”

    Throughout 2026, Zelle will continue to explore additional innovations to help bring new capabilities to Zelle and deliver additional value across the American economy. Each program considers the evolving roadmap of the Zelle platform — ensuring innovation remains continuous, responsible, and aligned with real-world consumer needs.

    Zelle®
    Zelle® powers fast, reliable person-to-person digital payments, moving more than $1 trillion between millions of consumer and small business accounts at United States banks and credit unions. Available through a network of more than 2,300 financial institutions, Zelle® enables people to send and receive money directly – without cash, checks or third-party apps. Zelle® is owned and operated by Early Warning Services, LLC, which works with America’s banks, credit unions and government agencies to drive prosperity, deliver bold innovation and improve how payments are made. Learn more at www.zelle.com.

    Bank of America

    Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

    Source: Press release

  • United Way Tarrant launches “United Way Institute” powered by Dell Technologies

    United Way Tarrant launches “United Way Institute” powered by Dell Technologies

    With 42% of Tarrant County households struggling to afford basic needs and nonprofits facing unprecedented demand, United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) announced the launch of the United Way Institute, a new regional hub for research, innovation and nonprofit capacity building designed to transform how the community understands need, designs solutions and delivers impact. The initiative, made possible by technology leader Dell Technologies, is scheduled to open this spring in Fort Worth.

    By integrating countywide data, fostering collaborative innovation and equipping nonprofits with access to critical technology and tools, the Institute will accelerate program development aimed at Tarrant County’s complex social challenges affecting its residents, particularly ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

    In addition to Dell Technologies, AT&T is a strategic collaborator on the project bringing its Connected Learning Center to the space. The United Way Institute has additional support from GXA Technologies and the Sid Richardson Foundation.

    The United Way Institute will bring together subject matter experts, data specialists and community partners to strengthen the organizational capacity of nonprofits, launch innovative pilot programs and build shared solutions that improve workforce mobility, financial stability, literacy, health access and resilience for thousands of North Texas residents.

    “At United Way of Tarrant County, we know that isolated efforts cannot solve systemic challenges,” said Adam D. Powell, president and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County. “The United Way Institute represents a transformational leap forward. Research shows leaders should embed innovation and encourage new ideas, yet this often conflicts with the urgent operational demands of running a nonprofit. We want to foster a nonprofit ecosystem that embraces creativity, experimentation and adaptability, while providing resources to strengthen program management and evaluation. We then create a multiplier effect that strengthens the entire community by ensuring every family is supported and every resident is seen.”

    Through the United Way Institute, Tarrant County will have unified, accessible data dashboards and research products that highlight service gaps and emerging needs. The Institute’s staff will produce research briefs and integrate United Way ALICE data with open-source and community-level datasets. This will provide nonprofits, funders, policymakers and regional partners with information to align investments around what works strategically.

    “Access to advanced technology, skills and innovation is critical for communities to accelerate impact and human progress,” said Carly Tatum, head of Giving & Impact, Dell Technologies. “As a Texas born company, we want to strengthen the backbone of the places we call home while also driving impact and progress around the world. By supporting the United Way Institute’s technology infrastructure and innovation efforts, we’re equipping nonprofit leaders across Tarrant County with the tools, expertise and insights they need to accelerate their important work and close opportunity gaps.” 

    Beginning in April, the Institute will offer labs, workshops, cohort-based collaboration sessions and individualized technical assistance. Participants will have access to tools to evaluate real data, explore new technologies and receive peer and expert feedback. 

    “Connectivity, accessibility and innovation are essential to expanding opportunity,” said Linda Caram, AT&T External Affairs. “We’re excited about this collaboration with United Way of Tarrant County and Dell Technologies and look forward to seeing our technology used in ways that will have real impact in the community.”

    To learn more about the United Way Institute visit unitedwaytarrant.org/institute.

    Source: Press release

  • Grant Halliburton Foundation kicks off 20th Anniversary with Luncheon fundraising success

    Grant Halliburton Foundation kicks off 20th Anniversary with Luncheon fundraising success

    More than 500 guests attend 17th annual luncheon, raising $335,000 for
    youth mental health and suicide prevention programs in North Texas

    Grant Halliburton Foundation hosted its 17th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on Friday, March 13 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, kicking off the organization’s 20th anniversary year. More than 500 guests gathered in support of the Foundation’s mission, helping to raise $335,000 for youth mental health and suicide prevention programs across North Texas.

    The event featured keynote speaker Steve Burns, best known as the original host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” along with remarks from Foundation leaders and Co-chairs Meredith and David Camp and Amy and Michael Roseman.

    Ahead of the program, DJ Lucy Wrubel set an upbeat tone at the Welcome Reception, where attendees enjoyed champagne and sparkling water from a 20th anniversary-themed champagne wall. Over coffee from Another Sunrise Coffee Company, guests connected and recorded messages of hope at the Hope Hotline telephone booth, an installation marking the Foundation’s milestone year.

    Another activation featured an oversized “Blue’s Clues”-inspired purple mailbox inviting attendees to take an encouraging letter of hope. Guests also stopped at a 20th anniversary photo wall and browsed raffle packages that included luxury travel, high-end shopping experiences, sporting events and more.

    The luncheon opened with the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy Singers performing “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway musical “Rent.”

    Steve Noviello, FOX 4 News host, welcomed guests, followed by an invocation from Cantor Vicky Glikin, senior cantor at Temple Emanu-El. Guests then enjoyed lunch while connecting with fellow supporters.

    The Rosemans thanked sponsors, donors, committee members and volunteers, along with Founding Luncheon Chair Barb Farmer.

    The Camps then presented the 2026 Vanita Halliburton Beacon Award to Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, founder of No More Victims and executive director of the Phillips Foundation.

    Phillips was recognized for her advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse and for leading the passage of Trey’s Law in Texas and Missouri, which prohibits the misuse of nondisclosure agreements against survivors, in memory of her late brother, Trey Carlock, who died by suicide.

    “We refuse to let the end of their story be the whole story,” Carlock Phillips said. “We invite joy and sorrow to coexist. Keep fighting for the unseen and the hurting.”

    Following a mission video, Foundation President Kevin Hall reflected on the organization’s 20 years of impact.

    “As the video showed, the story of Grant Halliburton Foundation is the story of a community that has shown up over the past 20 years to make sure young people know they are not alone,” Hall said. “The Foundation has reached more than 375,000 students, educators, parents and professionals with life-saving mental health and suicide prevention training because of you.”

    Amy McCloskey, co-founder of the Foundation and Grant Halliburton’s sister, spoke about the organization’s ongoing work.

    “Because of this community, there are young people who are alive and well today who might not have been otherwise,” McCloskey said. “Continue this legacy with us by bringing help, hope and peace of mind to young people and their families.”

    David shared how he and his wife became involved after five friends lost children within five years and encouraged attendees to connect with young people in their lives.

    “I realized it only takes five minutes to start a conversation that could change the trajectory of a struggling youth’s future,” he said.

    David and Michael led the paddle raise, joined on stage by Amy Roseman and Meredith.

    Burns delivered a personal message about his experience with depression during his talk, “The Cost of Showing Up Happy: Burnout and the Wisdom of Asking for Help.”

    He now shares his story as a speaker, podcast host, musician and actor, continuing conversations about mental health with audiences of all ages.

    “What made the show work was the idea that I needed [help from] the home viewer,” Burns said. “‘Will you help me?’ I would ask [on the show]. It’s OK to ask for help. Make asking for help seem ordinary.”

    Burns said that while he appeared joyful to millions of “Blue’s Clues” viewers, he was living with undiagnosed depression.

    Burns’ experience reflects the challenges many young people face, a focus of the Foundation’s work as it marks its 20th anniversary year and continues expanding youth mental health education and resources across North Texas.

    That focus was echoed earlier in the program.

    “Because the future we are working toward is one where young people feel safe asking for help, where parents know what to look for and where to turn, and where suicide prevention is proactive, not reactive,” Hall said.

    David & Meredith Camp, Steve Burns, Amy & Michael Roseman, Barb Farmer
    Beacon of Hope Luncheon

    Source: Press release

  • KERA breaks ground on new headquarters

    KERA breaks ground on new headquarters

    KERA broke ground on its new 56,000 square-foot headquarters in uptown Dallas. Made possible through its Ground Breaking Capital Campaign, the new building will be located on the Katy Trail and feature a unique design that puts community first, physically and conceptually, via live performance spaces, shared podcasting and studio resources, and in-person arts and learning experiences.

    The new headquarters will be named after The Addy Foundation following its $15M gift to KERA’s capital campaign. In addition to being a central destination for North Texans to convene and create, the new headquarters will be the home for all of KERA’s radio and TV properties, as well as the national programs “Think” with Krys Boyd and KERA’s newly acquired “From the Top.”

    “KERA has been an established and trusted community pillar for more than 65 years, and we are entering a new era in which we will connect, inform and inspire North Texas communities to an even greater extent,” said KERA President and CEO Nico Leone. “Thanks to the generosity of our members, listeners and everyone who has supported our Ground Breaking Capital Campaign, KERA is looking forward to a long and impactful future.”

    The first floor will house a 3,500-square-foot performance space with a capacity of approximately 300 guests. It also will feature a podcasting studio on the main floor as a space for North Texas creators to learn the craft of podcasting in an educational space with the necessary technology.

    KERA is the largest investor in its own capital campaign, following the sale of 2/3 of its land in 2025. The new building will be located on the remaining 1/3 of the land, adjacent to the Katy Trail. A new headquarters is not the only way KERA is investing in its future. KERA’s capital campaign is also investing in the future of its core areas of service — including local journalism; early childhood education; and music, arts and culture. This includes launching a local news show on KERA News 90.1 FM.

    The project is scheduled for completion in Spring 2028.

    Source: Press release

  • Junior Achievement of Dallas announces 2026 Dallas Business Hall of Fame Laureates

    Junior Achievement of Dallas announces 2026 Dallas Business Hall of Fame Laureates

    Event on March 28, 2026, will honor Susan Adzick, Phillip Huffines, Allen Nye, and Steven Williams, and raise funds to prepare young people for the global economy.

    Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) will honor four visionary leaders at the annual Dallas Business Hall of Fame, to be held March 28, 2026, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This prestigious fundraising gala will recognize the significant contributions of Allen Nye, Phillip Huffines, Steven Williams and Susan Adzick to the Dallas business community and beyond.

    The Dallas Business Hall of Fame benefiting Junior Achievement of Dallas celebrates the best and brightest in the business community, recognizing leaders who have made an enduring impact on our region. Now in its 28th year, the event also raises critical funds to support JA Dallas’ mission of preparing the next generation for success in a global economy.

    “Each of these honorees is an outstanding leader in their field and a powerful example of how business can be a force for good,” said Chris LaTurno, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas. “Their stories of innovation, leadership and service will inspire our students to dream big and build strong futures.”

    Susan Adzick, President of McLane Restaurant, leads one of the largest food service systems distribution companies in the country, with 45 distribution centers delivering to more than 34,000 restaurants. A respected leader in food service and supply chain management, she has held executive roles at McLane and previously at PepsiCo Food Systems. Adzick is active in industry associations, having served in leadership roles on boards including the International Foodservice Distributors Association, National Restaurant Association and Women’s Foodservice Forum. A champion for community engagement, she’s also been involved with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and the Dallas Arboretum Women’s Council.

    Phillip Huffines, Co-founder and Co-owner of Huffines Communities, has spent more than four decades transforming the North Texas landscape through visionary real estate development. His firm has developed more than 20,000 single-family homesites and 2,500 multifamily units, generating billions in value and supporting regional growth. Beyond business, Huffines is a dedicated mentor and philanthropist, supporting STEM education and entrepreneurship through the Huffines Foundation. He is a longtime Junior Achievement of Dallas board member and was named the organization’s Philanthropist of the Year in 2018.

    Allen Nye is CEO of Oncor, Texas’ largest electric delivery company. Under his leadership since 2018, Oncor has emphasized safety, reliability and innovation while serving more than 13 million customers. A former partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP and Vinson & Elkins LLP, Nye brings a strong legal and regulatory background to his role, guiding Oncor through an era of rapid growth and modernization. He is also active in civic and industry organizations, supporting causes related to public service, economic development and education.

    Steven Williams, Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman of PepsiCo, is focused on building a unified PepsiCo selling organization, shaping a global strategy to accelerate growth in the company’s away‑from‑home business, and engaging stakeholders to support growth across the U.S. and around the world. A PepsiCo veteran since 2001, Williams previously served as CEO of PepsiCo North America, overseeing both the Foods and Beverages operating units. He has strengthened PepsiCo’s commercial capabilities and long‑term growth agenda while serving on boards including State Farm, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and UT Southwestern, and is widely recognized for pairing strategic leadership with a deep commitment to community impact.

    Since its inception, the Dallas Business Hall of Fame has raised more than $7 million. Those funds have helped JA Dallas bring nearly 800,000 local students learning experiences in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship, plus 3 million hours with corporate and community volunteers. These experiences are designed to empower today’s students to become the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to thrive. 

    Source: Press release