what gives?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for nonprofits

Have a nice dinner … and help fight hunger in North Texas. Several neighborhood restaurants are participating in the 2012 KRLD Restaurant Week, benefitting the North Texas Food Bank. Enjoy a three-course dinner for $35 per person, and $7 will be donated to the food bank. Restaurants participating from Aug. 13-19 include Hibiscus, 2927 N. Henderson, 214.827.2927, and Central 214, 5680 N. Central, 214.443.9339. The Grape, 2808 Greenville, 214.828.1981, is participating Aug. 13-26. And Woodfire Kirby’s, 3525 Greenville, 214.821.2122, and St. Martin’s Wine Bistro, 3020 Greenville, 214.826.0940, from Aug. 13-Sept. 2. Call the restaurants to make reservations.

Enter to win a custom-built playhouse … and help an abused or neglected child. The Parade of Playhouses at NorthPark Center, from Aug. 10-19, benefits Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocates. Buy a $5 raffle ticket for a chance to win one of more than 20 playhouses. All proceeds from the raffle help the group recruit, train and supervise volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system. More information is available at dallascasa.org or by calling 214.827.9603, ext. 272.

Volunteer one day a week and help an adult learn to read. The Aberg Center for Literacy, which operates from St. Matthew’s Cathedral at 5100 Ross, seeks volunteers to teach English, tutor students in reading and writing, and provide childcare. More information is available at abergcenter.org or by calling 214.826.6501.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.

Danger On The Water

On an otherwise typical sunny Sunday afternoon, a sudden gust swept over White Rock Lake. Paddleboarder Joe Cunningham, 57, along with his 21-year-old son and his wife, couldn’t stay upright. After falling into the lake, the younger man and his mom swam to shore, but Cunningham struggled, witnesses say, for about five minutes before going under. He didn’t resurface until the next morning, when rescue workers pulled his muscular body from the murky water. It wasn’t long before the comments sections of news sites filled with variations of the same question: “Why wasn’t he wearing a life jacket?” By law, only those under age 13 are required to wear a personal floatation device (PFD), but Mariner Sails staffer Mike Stovall, who frequently gives boat demonstrations at White Rock Lake, feels strongly about their use: “You should be wearing them.” There are dangers in any body of water, including White Rock. He says it would be easy even for a strong swimmer to become snagged in an old fishing line — the lake is full of a hundred years’ worth, he says — or to have something unforeseen happen. “People think, ‘I can swim. That’s not going to happen to me.’ ” Some argue that drownings at White Rock are so rare, there’s no need to panic. “I don’t remember any boater, kayaker or rower drowning, ever. So [the Cunningham case is] sad, but there isn’t any need to over-react,” Advocate reader Bob Loblaw notes. Stovall counters that a surge in the popularity of water sports puts more people at risk than ever before. White Rock Paddle Company, which rents watercraft on White Rock Lake, requires customers to wear PFDs. Stovall adds that it’s important, especially for parents of young children, to check that life jackets fit properly. “When someone buys a boat from us, I say there are two things you are going to need with this: a paddle and a life jacket, which I pray you will use.”

—Christina Hughes Babb

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The T Shop

Dream Big ... The T Shop.

1911 Abrams Parkway 214.821.8314

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Yoga Mart

Slipping during yoga practice? Get a super absorbent, quick drying, lightweight towel. Many styles/colors available. 6039 Oram (at Skillman) 214.534.4469 yogamartusa.com

Brumley Gardens

Whether by the pool or at the beach, the right accessories are a must! Drop by and see our variety of hats, bags and flip flops that will keep you in style. 10540 Church Road. 214.343.4900 brumleygardens.com Shop Local

The Hospitality Sweet

Now open in the London Café inside Timothy Oulton at Potter Square. 4500 N. Central Expressway. 214.534.2241 thehospitalitysweet.com

BEL AIR STUDIO & DESIGN

Neon Leather Bucket Bag $265 (other colors available). Stop by for Home Fashion, Gifts, Fashion Accessories. OPEN Tuesday-Friday 12-5 and Saturday 12-4 2802 Greenville Ave. 214.827.7420

PINOT’S PALETTE

Yahoo the kids are back in school! Painting and Brunch, Aug. 27th 9:30 am. Check it out at PinotsPalette.com/Lakewood