Category: General

Park Place Volvo hosted Junior League of Dallas on Oct. 21 for the launch of the new Volvo XC-60 luxury crossover SUV. The Junior League proudly kicked off its raffle. For more information on the raffle, email raffle@jld.net.

Park Place was once again the presenting sponsor of the Junior League of Dallas’ Auction and Casino Party.

Guests were treated to food from Lombardi Family Concepts; cocktails from Flor de Caña; fashions from Elements; fragrances from Parfum Houbigant Paris; and a hands-on experience with Jack Black products, a press release stated. DSQ Electric provided music.

The redesigned 2018 Volvo XC60 two-row SUV is available in three options: the 3.2 offers a 3.2-liter inline-six cylinder engine that generates a 240 horsepower; the T6 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that delivers 300 horsepower; and the R-Design pushes 325 hp. Front-wheel drive is standard on the 3.2, with all-wheel drive optional. The T6 comes with all-wheel drive standard. All XC60s feature a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. The XC60 T6 accelerates from 0-to-60 miles-per-hour in about seven seconds. There’s also a new Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid, which combines a supercharged, four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.

Standard features on the 3.2 include alloy wheels, a power driver seat, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and iPod control. The T6 adds the turbocharged engine, leather upholstery and a power passenger seat. The T6 R-Design adds 20-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass and special styling elements. Options include heated front and rear seats, a power liftgate, parking sensors, keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, a 360-degree back-up camera and Volvo’s integrated child booster seats.

The XC60 ranges from $41,500 MSRP for the base 3.2 to $48,700 for the top-of-the-line T6. The T8 Plug-in Hybrid starts at $52,900.

Located at the corner of Lemmon Avenue and Inwood Road near Dallas Love Field, Park Place Volvo has repeatedly been recognized with the Volvo President’s Club award, which recognizes the top Volvo dealers in the country for exceptional customer service and superior sales and service performance.

The Junior League of Dallas is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. More info at https://www.jld.net.

First photo: Heather Bonfield, Junior League of Dallas donor development chair; Brian Stone, Volvo Car Group market manager; Jennifer Tobin, Junior League of Dallas president; and Donald Lambrecht, Park Place Volvo general manager.

Photos by Tony Valadez

Artists for Animals, an Addison-based nonprofit organization that brings local artists, sculptors, musicians, writers and animal lovers together to support North Texas animal rescue charities, recently  named TrizCom Public Relations as it’s agency of record.

“We are pleased to partner with TrizCom Public Relations to help share our story,” stated Erin Hannigan, co-founder of Artists for Animals, in a press release. “Artists for Animals is working hard to expand the reach and impact of our organization, programs and events to support more North Texas animal rescue groups, and with the support of TrizCom PR, we are confident we can continue to do the most good.”

Co-founders professional photographer Teresa Berg and Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s principal oboist Erin Hannigan, created Artists for Animals to combine their talents with many other artists, sculptors, musicians, writers and animal lovers to support animal rescue charities in North Texas. Since the nonprofit began in 2012, it’s offered grants to assist animal groups in North Texas including Operation Kindness, Legacy Humane Society, The Street Dog Project, Sponsor Adoptions, Denison Animal Welfare Group and many more.

The nonprofit hosts special programs and events throughout the year to help raise funds for North Texas’ animal rescue charities. It’s signature event, Concert for Kindness, features a multimedia musical concert experience, treating guests to an evening filled with symphony music, photography and art while raising funds and awareness for homeless animals in North Texas.

“Every team member at TrizCom PR is a pet parent, and many of us are artists as well, which makes this partnership a perfect fit,” stated Jo Trizila, president and CEO of TrizCom PR, in the release. “We are thrilled to have Artists for Animals join our client roster. It is invigorating to see the North Texas artist community come together and support homeless pet philanthropy. Their passion for animals and giving back creates serial reciprocity; you can’t help but be energized by their passion. We look forward to sharing the Artists for Animals story, raising their awareness and actively participating in their growth.”

For more information about Artists for Animals, go to https://artistsforanimalstx.com/.

Photo: Teresa Berg and Erin Hannigan

BankPlus, a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, last week was awarded FHLB Dallas’ 2017 CARE Award. An acronym that stands for Community Area Revitalization Efforts, the CARE Award recognizes Mississippi-based BankPlus’ affordable housing achievements over the past 10 years.

The inaugural award was announced at FHLB Dallas’ annual conference.

“Our members’ work in the community is a source of great pride for us at FHLB Dallas,” stated FHLB Dallas President and CEO Sanjay K. Bhasin, in a press release “BankPlus is a valued member, and the CARE award is a representation of our appreciation for their deep commitment toward development of their community.”

BankPlus is the largest certified Community Development Financial Institution in the United States. BankPlus Senior Vice President and Director of Community Development David Johnson said  housing is one of the greatest needs in Mississippi.

“Unfortunately, many people in Mississippi don’t see home ownership as a viable option,” Johnson stated. “Our job as community bankers is to ensure that Mississippians are aware of their options when it comes to affordable home ownership. FHLB Dallas has been an excellent partner in helping us carry out that mission.”

Since 2007, BankPlus has invested more than $10.6 million in Mississippi communities in partnership with Irving-based FHLB Dallas using the Affordable Housing Program, as well as other grant programs offered by FHLB Dallas that focus on promoting and strengthening relationships between community-based organizations, small business development, home rehab for special-needs and elderly residents and down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time home buyers. Video

“I enjoy working in the community. I enjoy working with organizations that are making an impact in the community. FHLB Dallas provides us with programs that allow us to go out, work with those organizations and make an impact on the community,” stated Mark Ouellette, first vice president and director of the Affordable Housing Program at BankPlus.

As part of the award, FHLB Dallas will donate $7,500 to a nonprofit of BankPlus’ choice, Center for Social Entrepreneurship. The nonprofit’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for community residents through education, economic business development, affordable housing and community engagement. BankPlus has worked with CSE for the past two years by providing funds to sponsor an intern who assists the organization in carrying out its mission.

“We are dedicated to addressing the diverse issues affecting affordable housing and community engagement,” stated CSE Executive Director Shante Crockett. “Many people in the community will benefit from this generous donation and we are so thankful to BankPlus.”

FHLB Dallas annually returns 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP grants to the communities served by its member institutions. AHP funding is utilized for a variety of projects, including home rehabilitation and modifications for low-income, elderly and special-needs residents; down payment and closing-cost assistance for qualified first-time homebuyers; and the construction of low-income, multifamily rental communities and single-family homes.

Jack Webb, BankPlus senior executive vice president and chief community banking officer, stated BankPlus is honored to receive the CARE award.

“BankPlus’ core purpose is enriching lives and building stronger communities,” he stated “Through the grants that we receive from FHLB Dallas, we’re able to improve the lives of many.”

The Legacy Senior Communities, a Plano-based nonprofit, will welcome real estate mogul and “Shark Tank” star Barbara Corcoran on Thursday at The Legacy Senior Communities’ annual The Yes! Event fundraiser.

The fundraiser begins at 11:30 a.m. at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. It will benefit The Legacy Senior Communities Financial Assistance Fund, which will provide charitable support to future residents of The Legacy Midtown Park, the organization’s rental continuing care retirement community currently under development in Dallas.

Specifically, the fund will help supplement the cost of their care and provide the extra amenities to enrich the quality of their life. In addition, the fund will assist seniors using personal assistance services that include help with bathing, grooming, dressing, transportation, recovery from illness and transition from a hospital stay back home, through The Legacy at Home, the organization’s Medicare-certified, not-for-profit home health agency. The Legacy Senior Communities has provided care to seniors and their families in the Greater Dallas area for more than 60 years.

The event committee consists of co-chairs Carol Aaron, Dawn Aaron, Sandy Donsky, Linda Garner, Zona Pidgeon, Jody Stein and Karla Steinberg.

Corcoran became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country after borrowing $1,000, quitting her job as a waitress and starting a tiny real estate company in New York. That company grew into a $5 billion dollar real estate business. Today, best known as one of the “Sharks” on ABC’s hit TV show, “Shark Tank,” Corcoran uses her finances and business acumen to invest in start-up companies and guide them to success.

Guests will hear her personal story.

“A community is judged by the way it cares for its elders, and I feel it is our collective responsibility to provide a wonderful lifestyle and exemplary care to seniors in Greater Dallas,” stated Carol Aaron, co-chair of The Yes! Event committee, in a press release. “We encourage everyone to step up and help us continue to not just meet but exceed the needs of seniors and their families now and in the future.”

“Our Financial Assistance Fund provides charitable support for residents who rely on us for care or extra services that enrich their lives,” stated Andrea Statman, director of development for The Legacy Senior Communities. “We are appreciative for the community’s continued support, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to hear from a dynamic individual like Barbara Corcoran while raising funds to support our mission.”

The Yes! Event also will include the presentation of the third annual Carmen Miller Michael – Legacy Senior Communities award. The award pays tribute to Carmen Miller Michael, who was dedicated to improving the quality of life for people dealing with the issues of aging, mental health and cognitive challenges. The award was created to pay tribute to a member of the Greater Dallas community who displays the special qualities which Carmen Miller Michael possessed: a pioneering spirit and an unshakeable sense of justice and compassion.

“We will honor a truly inspirational individual and trailblazer who shares our commitment to serving others, and we will hear from a motivational entrepreneur during this captivating event,” stated Marc R. Stanley, chair of the Board of Trustees of The Legacy Senior Communities. “We are thankful to all of our donors whose support assists us in providing thriving communities and high-quality care. We find it truly rewarding to provide seniors with dynamic and enriched lives.”

The award will go to Adlene Harrison, the first Jewish and first female mayor of Dallas, who is a fiercely independent individual and whose perseverance and dedication to others continues to inspire those around her. Harrison, like Miller Michael, works as an advocate for the underserved by helping to challenge the status quo and improve their lives. Harrison was selected by a committee chaired by Maddy Unterberg and which included Andrea Statman, Shirley Tobolowsky, Julie Lowenberg and Hanne Klein, as well as Freda Gail Stern, of memory.

“Adlene is an incredible resource and has helped so many people over the years,” Unterberg stated. “Carmen was her dear friend, and like Carmen, she is a woman with a pioneering spirit who is always at the forefront of making a difference for others. From the very beginning, Adlene has been a constant presence for The Legacy Senior Communities and instrumental in the organization’s early success.”

Harrison has been an integral component of The Legacy Senior Communities since she became a part of the Friends of Golden Acres auxiliary board, which was responsible for raising money and providing special programs during the 1960s.

A single ticket for the event is $200. Various sponsorship opportunities also are available. For more information about the Yes! Event and sponsorship opportunities, please visit The Legacy Senior Communities Yes! Event page http://www.theyesevent.com.

Children ages 2-5 and their parents are welcome to attend the Let’s Build a Scarecrow event 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 3, at Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano. Attendees will plow, plant and water seeds in the children’s garden and then make a scarecrow to watch over the crops. Children also will go on a wagon ride.

Ticket information is available at https://www.heritagefarmstead.org/events/. Space is limited. Registration will close end of business day Wednesday as long as there is still availability.

The museum is at 1900 W. 15th St.

Volunteers from several churches in North Texas worked together and with nonprofit Samaritan’s Feet on Oct. 21 to put shoes and socks on the feet of 2,000 children in need.

Volunteers met at St. Philip’s School & Community Center in Dallas. They washed the children’s feet before providing them with socks and shoes.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Samaritan’s aims to inspire hope through the gift of shoes, the act of washing feet, and encouragement to those who need it most. People without shoes face dangers such as laceration, fungus, and insect bites that can lead to infection, disease, and even death.

“It was such a joy to see one kid, much less 2,000 of them, receiving one-on-one attention from the Reconcile Dallas volunteers who came to wash their feet, put new socks and shoes on them,” said Kelly Kitchens Wickersham, one of the volunteers. “I saw kids as young as 3 and as old as 14 jumping for joy and dancing in their new sneakers. Several of them told me they had only ever worn hand-me-down shoes from their brothers and sisters.”

First photo: Founder Manny Ohonme washes the feet of a young girl who attended the Samaritan’s Feet event Oct. 21 in Dallas. Photos were taken by Armando M. Lopez.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden celebrated the opening of A Tasteful Place with A Gala Garden Party on Oct. 15, co-chaired by Barbara Bigham and Robin Carreker and honorary co-chairs Diane and Hal Brierley.

Nearly 400 guests dressed in “garden gorgeous” attire sipped cocktails, including signature ones named The Brierley and the “Ruthie Jay – two specialty drinks to honor major gala donors The Brierleys and Ruthie and Jay Pack.

Welcoming guests to the new vegetable, herb and fruit garden was Bigham in an original skirt fashioned out of vegetables—lettuces, Brussels sprouts, carrots and artichokes—with a kale train. Created by Dr. Delphinium Design + Events, the floral shop also designed the elegant Lady Nancy, centerpiece as a tribute to Nancy Rutchik, presenting patron and gala sponsor of  A Tasteful Place.

“A Tasteful Place is more than a 3.5-acre display garden of fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. It’s a wonderful garden with a pavilion that will have cooking demonstrations, daily tastings, special events and gardening guides to give advice, ” Carreker said. “One person that is helping with the garden’s scheduling is program consultant P. Allen Smith, who is also a lifestyle and gardening expert and television host.”

Dallas Arboretum Board Chairman J. Mark Wolf  thanked Bigham and Carreker for planning the lovely gala.

“We have been so fortunate to have this great new addition that completes the south end of the garden, and it would not be possible without the collective effort of our generous donors, great board, talented design team and hard-working staff, all working together to build and create A Tasteful Place.”

He personally thanked the major donors and table friends represented by name.

Guests walked back to A Tasteful Place’s Charlotte and Donald Test Pavilion for a champagne toast and desserts.

Gala supporters:

Presenting Patrons: Ruthie & Jay Pack and Nancy Rutchik

Patrons: Diane and Hal Brierley

Supporters: Connie and Denny Carreker, Robin and Jim Carreker, Crow Holdings, Gail and Cliff Fischer and The Rosewood Foundation.

First photo: Barbara and Bob Bigham and Jene Bigham

Photo credit: Dallas Arboretum/Steve Foxall