Federal investment will support HHM Health’s mission to humanize healthcare by bringing comprehensive care to more Dallas families.
HHM Health, a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving communities across the Dallas Metroplex, has been selected as the only Dallas recipient of New Access Points funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The funding will help HHM Health expand access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare for underserved communities across Dallas.
Providing integrated, patient-centered care across nine locations throughout the Dallas Metroplex, HHM offers low-cost, high-quality healthcare services for men, women, and children. The organization is dedicated to reducing healthcare disparities and increasing access to care for underserved communities across Dallas.
The award is part of a $102 million national investment to expand the reach of the Health Center Program and increase access to comprehensive primary care for nearly 1 million people nationwide.
“Being selected as the only Dallas recipient of this funding is an important opportunity to expand the care we provide to the communities that need it most,” said Brian Hawkins, CEO of HHM Health. “Too many individuals and families still face barriers to receiving consistent, high-quality healthcare. This investment will help us reach more of our neighbors and continue providing compassionate, comprehensive care that meets people where they are.”
Through this investment, HHM Health will continue building on its mission to provide comprehensive care while addressing the healthcare needs of communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing medical services.
HHM Health’s integrated model brings a wide range of services together to care for the whole person, including adult and internal medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, dental, vision, pharmacy, imaging, and nutrition services. Expanding access to these services allows patients and families to receive care in a trusted healthcare setting while addressing their physical, behavioral, and preventive health needs.
Nationwide, HRSA-funded health centers serve more than 32 million people through more than 16,000 service sites. These health centers play a critical role in providing affordable, accessible care and addressing health disparities in communities across the country.
For HHM Health, the New Access Points award is an investment in the future health of Dallas. As the organization continues to grow, HHM Health remains committed to meeting communities where they are and ensuring that more individuals and families have access to the care they need with love, compassion, and respect.
New three-year initiative will expand access to evidence-based trauma and grief care by equipping local clinicians, schools and families to better support North Texas youth
Soar, the nonprofit mental health initiative of M2G Ventures dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, today announced a new partnership with the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute to launch the Tarrant County Trauma and Grief Collaborative. The three-year initiative will expand access to proven trauma- and grief-informed care for North Texas children and families. This new long-term funding collaboration marks a defining next step in Soar’s evolution to advance research, advocacy and community-based solutions.
Established in 2019, Soar’s approach begins by listening to real-world needs, identifying expert partners capable of addressing them and directing sustained funding toward solutions that can create both immediate and lasting change. Through this partnership, Soar’s investment will support a new, Tarrant County-specific program that would not otherwise move forward—bringing the Meadows Institute’s nationally recognized Trauma and Grief (TAG) Center model directly into local schools and communities.
“When we started Soar, it came from something deeply personal, the belief that no family should face a mental health crisis without the right support in place. Every partnership since has been chosen with that same conviction: find the people already doing the deepest, most important work, and give them the resources to go further. The Meadows Institute and the TAG Center represent exactly that. This partnership isn’t just an expansion of what Soar does, it’s a signal of what Soar has become: a long-term investor in the mental health of this community through research, advocacy, and community building,” said Soar Co-Founder, Jessica Miller Essl.
The search for Soar’s newest partner began after the devastating 2025 Central Texas floods underscored how urgently families need both immediate mental health support and long-term pathways to healing after trauma and loss. At the time, Soar responded with $40,000 to support trauma and grief services in our community, while widening its focus beyond a single disaster to examine how unresolved trauma affects children and families across North Texas—from bereavement and natural disasters to abuse, housing instability and other adverse experiences. The organization then sought a partner capable of pairing compassionate community care with the research, training and infrastructure required to improve outcomes over time.
According to a local needs assessment conducted by the Meadows Institute, an estimated 78,000 Tarrant County youth ages 10 to 19 experience the death of a loved one each year, while more than 58,000 are exposed to multiple traumatic events. Yet few school- and community-based treatment settings are equipped to provide evidence-based trauma and grief care.
“We are deeply grateful to Soar for its support and generosity in helping children and families across Tarrant County,” said Dr. Julie Kaplow, Executive Director of the Trauma and Grief Center. “Far too many youth in the region are struggling to overcome a pervasive but silent epidemic of childhood trauma and grief. This partnership will allow us to empower clinicians, parents, educators, and other caring adults to help children heal and lead happier, healthier lives.”
Over the three-year project, the TAG Center plans to train at least 180 school-and community-based clinicians across Tarrant County through annual learning collaboratives focused on Trauma and Grief Component Therapy and Multidimensional Grief Therapy (the nation’s only evidence-based treatment specifically designed for childhood grief). Those clinicians are expected to serve approximately 1,440 young people, creating a wider and more sustainable network of care where children already spend their time.
The collaborative will also offer workshops for parents, caregivers and educators to help them recognize signs of traumatic stress and grief, understand when a child may need additional support and make timely referrals for treatment. As clinicians deliver care, standardized outcome data will flow back to the TAG Center, allowing researchers to evaluate what is working, refine interventions and continually strengthen the model in a cycle that connects research to training, training to treatment and treatment back to better research.
“Soar began with something personal—a family’s heartbreak that became the reason we started this work in the first place. That experience opened our eyes to just how many gaps exist in mental health care, especially for children and families navigating trauma and grief,” said Katie Wharry, Director of Social Impact. “Since then, our approach has been simple: find where the need is greatest, find the experts equipped to meet it, and commit real, sustained resources to get it done. The TAG Center at the Meadows Institute is exactly that kind of partner. This is Soar showing up for Tarrant County in the way we always hoped to—not with a one-time gift, but with a three-year commitment to real, lasting change.”
Please join Soar and Meadows on September 15, 2026 for a virtual meet and greet to learn about the partnership between these two distinguished organizations and how they plan to make an impact in Tarrant County in the coming years. To join, please register HERE.
Founded by M2G Ventures co-founders Susan Miller and Jessica Miller Essl following a personal family tragedy, Soar is rooted in both personal conviction and proven business leadership. As entrepreneurs, the sisters have brought to Soar the same discipline, strategic thinking and commitment to long-term impact that have shaped M2G Ventures, building a funding model around mental health needs that are critical but often overlooked. Its inaugural partnership with UT Southwestern’s Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care helped expand youth-focused depression research and clinical resources in North Texas. Its partnership with the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation broadened that work into evidence-based suicide prevention and education. The addition of the TAG Center at the Meadows Institute completes a more holistic continuum aimed at advancing research and treatment, prevention and now trauma- and grief-informed care.
Through collaborative partnerships with mental healthcare innovators and art-centered signature events—including Muse at the Modern, an education-and advocacy-centered spring program, and Art of the Mind, its annual fall fundraiser—Soar has elevated awareness of the need for new mental health solutions, generated momentum toward change and raised more than $2 million in pursuit of new pathways to healing and wholeness.
For more information about Soar or to set up an interview, please contact Ivy Lopez ativy@hollandcollective.co.
Oak Cliff Event Offers Free School Supplies, Annual Physicals, & More August 8
To mark the start of the 2026-2027 school year, Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) is hosting a free back-to-school event to connect the communities it serves with high quality healthcare, free resources and school supplies. The Healthy Start to School Bash will take place at the organization’s Oak Cliff Health Center at 219 Sunset Avenue, Suite 116-A Saturday, August 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Each child in attendance will receive a free backpack with school supplies, and have access to free resources and services essential to a successful start to the school year:
Sports physicals
Dental screenings
Vaccine and general primary care appointment scheduling
Haircuts
Additional school supplies
Access to community partners on site with additional resources and giveaways
“We want families to know affordable healthcare is available in their neighborhood,” said Community Marketing Manager Kaitlyn Holmes. “Hosting events like the Healthy Start to School Bash allow us to meet families where they are, get familiar with neighbors, and connect the community to services throughout the year.”
For many families, preparing for a new school year means much more than shopping for school supplies. Finding time for healthcare appointments, arranging transportation, and navigating multiple providers can make back-to-school preparation challenging. The Healthy Start to School Bash brings many of those essential services together in one place, helping families check important items off their list while connecting them with healthcare providers they can rely on throughout the year.
“Building relationships with families is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” said Leslie Redden, RN, MSN, FNP-C, pediatric care provider at Prism Health North Texas. “I tell parents all the time that if it’s important to them, it’s important to me. No concern is too small. We want families to feel comfortable asking questions, getting answers, and knowing they have a trusted place to turn for care throughout the year.”
In addition to free resources, attendees can enjoy entertainment, food, music, and family-friendly activities while learning more about PHNTX’s comprehensive healthcare services.
The organization provides primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, dental care, HIV prevention and treatment, pharmacy services, and more for patients of all ages. PHNTX accepts patients with private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, or no insurance through a sliding fee scale based on income.
The Healthy Start to School Bash is free and open to the public. A limited number of free backpacks with school supplies will be available while supplies last. Families are encouraged to register in advance at phntx.org/backtoschool to help reserve a backpack and expedite check in.
This investment will support efforts to improve healthcare access and health literacy among uninsured adults in priority neighborhoods. Funding will help strengthen patient engagement through Salud en Tus Manos initiative while enhancing the technology and infrastructure that support care coordination and patient navigation.
Since 2011, Project Access Tarrant County has connected more than 2,500 low-income, uninsured residents with specialty and surgical care through a network of volunteer physicians, hospitals, and healthcare partners. This grant will help us build upon that foundation and continue addressing barriers that prevent patients from accessing timely care.
Multi-year funding aims to accelerate model for affordable cancer drug development
NP2, a nonprofit pharmaceutical organization and social enterprise, announces a major achievement: a seven-figure philanthropic commitment from Lyda Hill Philanthropies, with milestone-based funding provided over two years. The funding is designed to catalyze critical stages of NP2’s pipeline, including drug development, manufacturing, regulatory approval, and initial commercialization. The contribution marks a pivotal step in NP2’s growth, providing essential leverage as the organization advances toward full-scale market entry while continuing to raise additional capital to fund its first United States-manufactured, lower-priced, lifesaving oncology drug.
At the core of NP2’s mission is a simple but ambitious principle: patients over profit.According to the American Association for Cancer Research, more than half of cancer patients in the United States experience financial hardship due to the cost of care, often forcing difficult choices between treatment and basic needs. NP2 was founded to change that reality by rethinking how essential medicines are developed, manufactured, and priced.
NP2 focuses on reducing the cost of critical medicines and ensuring a safe and steady supply at a lower cost for healthcare systems and patients alike. The nonprofit’s initial pipeline will focus on high-demand cancer drugs that have experienced price fluctuations or supply chain disruptions. Unlike traditional for-profit pharmaceutical models, NP2 reinvests proceeds directly back into its mission to expand its pipeline of lower-priced life-saving generics, creating a self-sustaining engine for both affordability and innovation. NP2’s drug program is designed to reduce dependence on fragmented international supply chains and ensure a more resilient, transparent, and dependable pathway for essential medicines to reach patients.
“The landmark funding from Lyda Hill Philanthropies is a powerful validation that a different model is not only possible, but necessary,” said Terri Miller, Executive Director of NP2. “We are deeply grateful for their partnership and belief in our mission. NP2 exists to challenge the systemic issue of life-saving medicines being out of reach for too many patients. We are building a model in which affordability and a reliable supply chain are integrated from the start, and where patients come before profit. This milestone allows us to jumpstart the process, but we are just getting started.”
As a nonprofit social enterprise, NP2 brings together a small but highly strategic and dedicated network of scientists, attorneys, physicians, entrepreneurs, and pharmaceutical industry experts with over 150 years of combined experience, a majority of whom contribute their skills on a pro bono basis. The organization is actively collaborating with a growing ecosystem of partners to accelerate development while maintaining rigorous standards for safety, efficacy, and accessibility.
“NP2 represents the kind of mission-driven innovation Lyda Hill Philanthropies is committed to advancing,” said Lyda Hill, Founder of Lyda Hill Philanthropies. “We applaud NP2 for catalyzing meaningful change in drug affordability and look forward to seeing the long-term impact of this work on patients and the broader healthcare system.”
By combining scientific rigor with a nonprofit mission structure, NP2 is positioning itself at the forefront of a growing movement to rethink how essential medicines are brought to market and who ultimately benefits from them.
The Retina Foundation launches the 100 Grand Challenge, an impact investment to support current and future vision‑changing breakthroughs
The Retina Foundation, a global medical destination to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment, shared inspiration and plans for the future at its annual Visionary Luncheon, on Thursday, May 14 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
J.R. Thomas, a healthcare leader and luncheon emcee, recognized the Retina Foundation’s 50 years of impact and honored its founders’ trailblazing work in vision research and treatment.
“With the help of Dallas community leaders, a legacy of pioneering research, life-changing discoveries, and an enduring commitment to preserving vision the foundation has flourished,” said J.R. Thomas. “Today, we honor the founders and the scientists, donors, clinicians and patients who have carried their mission forward.”
The Retina Foundation set at a record-breaking 2026 fundraising goal of $1.3 million, fueled by the ongoing 100 Grand Challenge led by Mason Brown to make impact investment a catalyst for vision‑changing breakthroughs. Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Judy and Harold Kaye, and Helen and Bob McGraw accepted the challenge and donated $100,000 each. Proceeds support the Retina Foundation’s work in age‑related macular degeneration (AMD), inherited retinal diseases (IRD), and pediatric eye conditions, accelerating research to save vision and helping ensure patients are provided care at no cost. As of May 14, the Retina Foundation has raised $923,300 and continues to build momentum toward its record 2026 goal.
Dr. Karl Csaky, Chief Strategy Officer for the Retina Foundation, chaired the event, with Retina Foundation co-founder Dr. William L. Hutton serving as honorary chair. Both are pioneering ophthalmologists whose work has advanced clinical research and treatment, including breakthroughs in AMD and vitreoretinal surgery.
“Our discoveries have changed lives across the globe, bringing groundbreaking research from the laboratory directly to patients and families,” said Dr. Csaky. “To save vision for those battling retinal degeneration, we need significant impact investments to continue. A great vision deserves a grand investment.”
Following the 50th anniversary video tribute, Libby Hunt Allred presented this year’s Hunt Family Visionary Award to Delta Gamma for its steadfast commitment to improving the lives of people with visual impairments through their fraternity-wide philanthropy, Service for Sight. Each year, the Retina Foundation presents the honor to an individual, family or organization who has helped to advance vision-saving research. The award was named to honor multiple generations of the Hunt Family for their unwavering support of the Foundation’s mission to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment. Delta Gamma has been a valued partner of the Retina Foundation for more than 26 years and has granted more than $100,000 in direct support to the Retina Foundation.
“Thank you to the Retina Foundation and its scientists for the incredible work being done to prevent and restore sight. Through our philanthropy Service for Sight, we are honored to support the foundation”, said Tricia Loe, award recipient representative from Delta Gamma Foundation.
Thomas moderated a Business Impact Panel featuring Doug Hawthorne, LFACHE, and Jay Rosser on the economic and societal return of investing in vision health and vision-saving research. Together, the panelists brought decades of leadership experience spanning healthcare, finance, and civic organizations. The conversation underscored how the Retina Foundation’s world-class scientific rigor is matched by its highly effective business model, allowing investments to be exponentially leveraged. Blindness and low vision cost the United States an estimated $139 billion annually in direct medical expenses, lost productivity and long-term care.
“The Retina Foundation is a gift to Dallas for their expertise and on-the-ground efforts to save sight. The doctors at the Foundation are sought out across the globe for their innovative and transformative research,” Hawthorne said.
In a grand finale, Dr. Karl Csaky presented an AI visual depiction of the future and how the Retina Foundation’s innovative accomplishments and plans will the set the course to find solutions to vision loss faced by patients with retinal degeneration.
“The mission remains as vital as ever to push the boundaries of discovery, accelerate new treatments and continue bringing hope backed by science to all those facing vision loss,” said Dr. Csaky. “Our goal is to expand our patient and research facility in Dallas and provide mobile vision care clinics that can access patients across the state, especially in rural communities.”
Supporters for the 2026 Visionary Luncheon include:
100 GRAND CHALLENGERS
Mason Brown
Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Judy & Harold Kaye
Helen & Robert G. McGraw
SPONSORS
Accelerator Sponsor
Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Judy & Harold Kaye
Inventor Sponsors Jill & Grant Henderson
Innovator Sponsors
Margot Perot
Transformer Sponsor Helen & Robert G. McGraw
Milestone Message Sponsors
Doug & Laurie Dotter
J.R. Thomas Family Foundation
Trisha Wilson Foundation
Patron Party Sponsor
Jennifer & Bill Voss
VIP Reception Sponsor Sue & William Hutton Susanna & James Merritt
Explorer Sponsors
Eva & Karl Csaky Frank Fletcher Donna & Lou Grabowsky Martha & Doug Hawthorne Nancy & Herbert Hunt Family Foundation Richard Massman Oncor
Turning 75 is cause for celebration, and Texas Rangers Hall of Fame radio broadcaster and longtime mental health advocate Eric Nadel marked the milestone May 14 with a packed night of music and community at the historic Longhorn Ballroom, featuring Brooklyn-based headliner Sammy Rae & The Friends and special guest Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes.
Nadel hosted his 14th annual Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit concert, with proceeds benefiting Grant Halliburton Foundation, a Dallas-based nonprofit marking its 20th anniversary in 2026. The Foundation provides mental health education, resources and support to children, teens and their families across North Texas. The event was presented by Haynes Boone, with KXT 91.7 serving as media sponsor.
The baseball-themed evening featured a silent auction filled with autographed sports memorabilia, celebrity dinners at some of Dallas’ most beloved restaurants and other one-of-a-kind offerings. Volunteers, dressed in Texas Rangers T-shirts, passed out baseball-inspired snacks as guests visited with one another and took in the iconic Longhorn Ballroom’s memorabilia-filled setting.
As the show began, Nadel was surprised with a birthday video tribute featuring messages from many of his family and friends before taking the stage.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 75th birthday than by bringing people together for great music and an even greater cause,” Nadel said. “Grant Halliburton Foundation is doing critical work to give young people and families the mental health resources and support they need, and I’m grateful to everyone who came out to help make that work possible.”
Nadel then introduced Bay Area favorite Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes, who opened the evening with a lively set. Prophet’s music has been described as intoxicatingly rhythmic, with flashes of rock ’n’ roll, punk, surf and soul.
Following the performance, Nadel welcomed Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, to the stage.
“Tonight, we celebrate two meaningful milestones: Eric’s 75th birthday and Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year,” Hall said. “Eric is a great friend to the Foundation and a powerful voice for mental health. We’re grateful for his continued support to help bring hope and help to young people and families across North Texas.”
After a special 20th anniversary video highlighting the Foundation’s mission and impact, auctioneer Dean McCurry invited guests who purchased beads to stand for a spirited game of heads or tails. He then led the live auction, which included a Texas Rangers suite for 12, a Napa Valley getaway, dinner with Texas Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young and more.
Brooklyn-based headliner Sammy Rae & The Friends closed the evening with an energetic performance blending classic rock, folk and funk with soul and jazz influences. As the band took the stage, guests rushed forward to dance near the stage, creating a lively and joyful finale to the birthday celebration.
Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer’s (WOKC) 45th Anniversary Gala raised $4 million Saturday, April 25, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, in a powerful evening celebrating children with cancer (Warriors), the families who love them, and the supporters helping advance research in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Tatiana and Peter Cancro, founder of Jersey Mike’s Subs, served as Honorary Chairs for the milestone gala with Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer founder Cindy Brinker Simmons and long-time board member Karee H. Sampson serving as Gala Co-Chairs.
“Everything we do is for the kids,” said Cindy Brinker Simmons. “For 45 years, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer has remained committed to providing hope and support as we stand firmly anchored with these courageous and inspiring young heroes and resilient families facing their challenging cancer journeys. I am profoundly humbled, touched, and thankful for the dedication and kindness lavished on WOKC these last four-and-a-half decades by so many gracious people.”
“Our hearts are full of gratitude for the enormous generosity and unwavering support from WOKC’s long-time faithful donors, sponsors, and many new friends who made this milestone gala so victorious and impactful in the lives of these precious kids battling cancer. It is an honor and pleasure to help plan and execute this momentous celebration,” said Karee Sampson.
Centered on the theme “Cancer Does NOT Define ME!”, the gala brought together community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates for a memorable night filled with moving stories, tremendous generosity, and high-energy entertainment. Of the $4 million raised at the gala, WOKC will dedicate $2 million to co-fund innovative pediatric cancer research grants in partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation will match this funding with an additional $2 million, bringing the total investment to $4 million for game-changing pediatric cancer research projects across North America.
The remaining $2 million raised from the gala will support WOKC’s relentless mission to fund year-round programs including its signature Buddy Bags, Warrior Family events, and international podcast that provide comfort and hope during these uncertain and stressful times. “Medicine for the soul” is how parents describe the benefit of these programs.
During the evening, WOKC Warriors shared their personal stories of perseverance and hope. Haylie Geraci shared her frightening experience of being diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 11 and the joy of ringing the bell in 2020 to mark the end of two-and-a-half years of grueling treatment and being declared cancer-free. Today, she is a freshman at Texas A&M University. Niko Tacey spoke about being diagnosed with cancer at 13 years old. Today, he is a sophomore at Texas A&M University studying oceanography and will be commissioned into the Navy upon graduation. Both young speakers reflected on the ways WOKC stood beside them and their families throughout their cancer journeys.
Geraci introduced five-time Emmy-award winner and ESPN sports journalist Holly Rowe who served as emcee for the evening, bringing both warmth and candor as she shared her own story of being diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma. Her personal remarks added another layer of perspective and encouragement to a night focused on perseverance, hope, and the importance of continued progress in cancer research.
The evening featured a dynamic live auction led by Yve Rojas, a professional auctioneer and past contestant on Survivor, with guests bidding on experiential packages curated by WOKC and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Honorary Chairs Tatiana and Peter Cancro, two of the nation’s most genuinely benevolent servant leaders, were presented with WOKC’s Philanthropic Impact Award. Their deep compassion for children battling cancer, along with their steadfast financial support and that of Jersey Mike’s which now totals over $7 million in funding to WOKC throughout the past 16 years, continues to make an enormous lasting impact on WOKC’s critical mission.
Accepting WOKC’s Scientific Research Impact Award was Dr. Andrew Koh, Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children’s Health and Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center have been recipients of WOKC’s novel, cutting-edge research funding over the past 45 years.
Another standout moment came during the evening’s paddle raise, which generated nearly $500,000 in donations from supporters committed to helping children with cancer and their families.
Guests were treated to musical performances by the popular Little River Band during dinner and concluded with a dessert and dance party featuring the Emerald City All-Stars, whose fun and lively performance kept the celebration going late into the night.
The Fort Worth community came together on Saturday, April 18, at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel for the 2026 Breakthrough T1D Gala, “A Night of Hope,” raising $925,000 to accelerate life-changing research for type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Chaired by Dabney and Kelly Poorter, the event welcomed more than 400 supporters, community leaders, and families impacted by T1D for a powerful program that blended personal storytelling with philanthropy. “My brother was diagnosed at the age of 6, and I began experiencing the same symptoms at the age of 26 while caring for my 7-month-old,” said Dabney Poorter. “This experience deepened my appreciation for Breakthrough T1D and its life-changing work in early detection, prevention, and treatment.”
CBS Texas anchor Karen Borta served as emcee, sharing her family’s personal connection to T1D, while auctioneer Wes Poole energized the room throughout the evening’s live auction.
Throughout the evening, Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassadors–children living with type 1 diabetes and their siblings – greeted guests as they helped drive donations. Their enthusiasm not only supported the night’s fundraising success, but it also served as a reminder of the lives directly impacted by every dollar raised.
The program featured heartfelt remarks from Fort Worth board president David Muckleroy and Breakthrough T1D leaders Amy Camp, territory executive director, and Kristen Pool, Fort Worth chapter director, who highlighted the momentum in research and the tangible progress being made toward improved treatments and cures. “We must continue to fund the research until we can turn type 1 into type none,” concluded Amy Camp.
A highlight of the evening came from the Honoree Family – Gloria Moncrief, Erich Holmsten, and Monty Holmsten – who shared their personal journey with T1D. With no prior family history, Monty was diagnosed at age 11 after experiencing extreme thirst. Her diabetic alert dog, Holly, stole the show as she stood proudly beside Monty on stage while Monty shared a heartfelt letter she had prepared as an application to a new school —a powerful reminder of the daily realities of living with type 1 diabetes and the importance of continued support.
Guests also heard from the Fund A Cure Family, the Shuman family – Brooke and Kris Shuman along with their son Tyler– whose story underscored the impact of early screening and advancements like teplizumab, which can delay the onset of T1D. Kris was diagnosed at age 24, and when the family decided to test their children, they discovered their 12-year-old, Tyler, had antibodies linked to T1D. Their experience illustrated how donor support is directly changing lives and creating new possibilities for families.
Lexie Peterson, community relations & corporate giving coordinator at American Airlines, also known in the diabetes community as “The Divabetic” – a prominent T1D advocate, content creator, and influencer – kicked off the live auction experience, with American Airlines contributing miles to enhance packages and drive fundraising momentum. She encouraged the crowd to “let good take flight!”
The evening featured an exciting silent auction, chaired by Adelaide and Charlie Royer, and a high-energy live auction, chaired by Kate and Sonny Dykes, which offered one-of-a-kind experiences ranging from luxury travel and exclusive entertainment packages to private dining experiences. The live auction was followed by a Fund A Cure paddle raise, where 100 percent of donations go directly to research.
A highlight of the auction featured a one-of-a-kind canvas created by Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors. In a powerful moment, 30 Youth Ambassadors gathered at the front of the stage alongside the artwork – created using their individual fingerprints to form a beta cell, the insulin-producing cell destroyed in type 1 diabetes.
“This is why we are here tonight,” said auctioneer Wes Poole. “This is more than art. It represents the lives we are fighting for and the future we are working to change.”
Throughout the night, sponsors were recognized for their vital role in making the event possible, reinforcing the strong community commitment behind Breakthrough T1D’s mission.
The gala concluded with a celebration on the dance floor to the music of Manhattan, but the impact of the evening will extend far beyond, helping to fund critical research, advance breakthroughs, and bring hope to the millions of people living with type 1 diabetes.
Key sponsors included The Moncrief Family, Bonnie & Alan Petsche, GM Financial, TTI, Inc., Raider Express, Stacy Yates, Vista Bank, Sendera Title, Restore + Revive, Klein Tools, AquaRock, Lise & Tom Bessant, Higginbotham, Danielle & Josh McNamara, Type 1 Telehealth, and D&M Leasing.
Jewish Family Service of Dallas (JFS Dallas) celebrated the grand opening of its new 100,000-square-foot campus in Addison with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and mezuzah ceremony, marking a major milestone for one of North Texas’ longest serving nonprofit organizations.
The new campus, including The Karla and Larry Steinberg Building, is the result of the successful $40 million “Meeting the Moment” campaign, led by 13 donors of $1 million or more and supported by more than 1,400 individual, foundation and corporate donors.
The event brought together 300 JFS Dallas leadership, board members, donors, community partners and elected officials to mark the opening of a campus thadt brings the full scope of JFS Dallas’ work into one centralized location for the first time. The new campus integrates medical, mental health, nutritional and social services under one roof, expanding access to coordinated, whole-person care for individuals and families across North Texas.
“For more than 75 years, JFS Dallas has evolved alongside the needs of our community,” said Cathy Barker, president and chief executive officer of JFS Dallas.“This new campus brings our services together in one place, allowing us to care for the whole person and serve more North Texans in a way that reflects the true scale and impact of our work. Rooted in Jewish values, we are proud to serve people of all religions and backgrounds, regardless of ability to pay.”
The new JFS Dallas campus brings together a broad range of programs and services, including:
Primary medical care, including JFS Dallas’ second medical clinic
Mental and behavioral health counseling
Nutritional support, including a food pantry and kosher home-delivered meals
Case management and social services
Services for older adults and Holocaust survivors
Play therapy rooms and a sensory gym for children with special needs
Workforce, financial and career coaching programs
The JFS PLAN Clubhouse for adults living with serious mental illness
This new location will expand access to comprehensive primary and preventative care in a medically underserved area. The organization expects to meet federal requirements to operate under the Federally Qualified Health Center model, strengthening long-term sustainability and access to affordable medical services. A dental clinic is planned for 2028 as part of this broader medical expansion.
Speakers at the ceremony included:
Cathy Barker, president and CEO, JFS Dallas
Julie Gothard, board chair, JFS Dallas
Reuben Rotman, president, Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies
Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins, Dallas County judge
Donald Zale, JFS Dallas campaign leadership
Deizel Sarte, COO, JFS Dallas
Rabbi Mordechai Harris, chief impact officer and rabbi in residence, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
Rabbi Harris led the mezuzah blessing—a Jewish dedication in which a sacred prayer scroll is affixed to a doorpost to bless a new residence—prior to the official ribbon cutting. Guests then toured the campus and learned more about the programs now operating from the new location.
Located off the Dallas North Tollway and Keller Springs Road, the Addison campus expands JFS Dallas’ presence into the Metrocrest area of northwest Dallas County, an area with limited access to integrated physical and mental health services. The campus serves communities including Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Far North Dallas, Plano and beyond.
Jewish Family Service of Dallas Grand OpeningCeremony SpeakersRibbon Cutting CeremonyKarla and Larry Steinberg Building
