Investing In Life
Investments
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest," stated American polymath Benjamin Franklin. That's a notable sentiment.
Investment, by definition, is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in many areas, such as our relationships, finances and health with the hope our efforts will yield positive impacts.
We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools, nonprofits and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investing in future generations.
On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated, and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long-term financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives who mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.
While investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives are done with the common goal of having positive effects.
Bring on springtime!
SHARON DUFFY, PUBLISHER @MCKINNEYANDPROSPERLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Sharon Duffy Thomas | sharon.duffy@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
William Thomas | william.thomas@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Alexis Jacobs
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alexis Jacobs, Sophie Betzhold, Angela Broockerd, Angi Burns, Andrea Bugbee, Julie Brown Patton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Allison Amores Photography, Pixel Perfect Rose, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
At Jensen Orthodontic Arts, we combine ART, SCIENCE, and EXPERTISE in orthodontics to customize your smile and improve or reconstruct the function and harmony of your teeth. That alone says a lot, but Dr. Doug Jensen also uses his training in the closely-related specialty of PROSTHODONTICS and dental aesthetics to create wonderful outcomes for unusual or complex dental problems– Think VENEERS, CROWNS, IMPLANT CROWNS, and DENTURES. Dr. Jensen is one of the few dual specialists in both orthodontics and prosthodontics in America, and we are lucky to have his experience in this area. He offers clear orthodontic treatment options including CLEAR BRACES, LINGUAL BRACES, and CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY to meet your aesthetic needs. Count also on getting treatment rendered efficiently without ignoring the balance that should be present between the teeth, joints and muscles in a properly functioning bite.
Dr. Doug Jensen, DDS, MS
Board-Certified Orthodontist, Prosthodontist
Don’t wait! Come see us for an expert’s Complimentary Evaluation
Get a straightforward assessment and roadmap to the PERFECT SMILE!
Veneers
Photos & Smiles by Dr. Jensen
inside the issue
1: SugaringNYC is located at 1061 N. Coleman St., Ste. 165, in Prosper. 2: 2025 Prosper Citizens Academy participants. The program spans 10 weeks. 3: Ladies In Leadership met regarding women’s heart health, Baylor Scott & White, PGA Parkway Frisco.
PROSPER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TOWN OF PROSPER
TOWN OF PROSPER
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Census Data: McKinney Is On Path Of Population Growth, Diversity
US Census data indicates the city of McKinney’s population grew and became more diverse over the last five years. That new five-year data for 2023 was part of the American Community Survey, or ACS. The data showed that McKinney grew from approximately 192,000 people to nearly 214,000, which represents a nearly 11.4% increase, according to the ACS survey results. Over the same time frame, Collin County’s population grew by 18.9%.
Habitat For Humanity Building ‘Jimmy Carter House' In McKinney
Habitat for Humanity/Collin County representatives started a new home named “The Jimmy Carter House," continuing the former US president's decadeslong mission of providing affordable housing. The project on Green Street in McKinney will be the new home for the Guzman family, who've lived on the lot for 30 years in a house that was unrepairable as they approached retirement. Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Repairs project is in partnership with McKinney Community Development Corporation.
Prosper Police Enhance Emergency Response With Firehouse Subs Grant
Thanks to Firehouse Subs franchisee Vance Reynolds and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Manager of Development/Outreach Nancy Palmer, Prosper town officials and the Prosper Police Department staff recently celebrated a grant to the police that provided 21 automated external defibrillators valued at $49,068. Often the first on scene, officers now are better equipped to assist during cardiac emergencies, using the AEDs to help restore a victim’s heartbeat to a normal rhythm.
Photography Courtesy of Town of Prosper
HEADLINING HIGHLIGHTS
RENOWNED CHEFS
Aarón Sánchez, Stephanie Izard, Shota Nakajima, Kwame Onwuachi, Dean Fearing and more.
ENTERTAINMENT
Country sensation Midland, D. Vincent Williams and other talented artists.
CELEBRITY GOLFERS
Michael Strahan, Rob Riggle, Dennis Quad, Anthony Anderson, Nischelle Turner and more.
Scan the QR code or visit savoromnipgafrisco.com for tickets and event details.
FEATURED EVENTS
MASTERS OF TASTE DINNER
A four-course feast prepared by Antonia Lofaso and other celebrity chefs and mixologists.
FORK & FIRE RECEPTION
A live-fire culinary and musical extravaganza featuring Shota Nakajima, Stephanie Izard & Kwame Onwuachi.
BEST OF TEXAS RECEPTION
Immerse yourself in Texas’ rich culinary traditions featuring Chefs Dean Fearing and John Tesar and enjoy an electric musical performance by Midland.
MARGARITAS & MARIACHIS BRUNCH
Aarón Sánchez hosts this brunch featuring Tex-Mex delicacies and premium margaritas.
CELEBRITY GOLF INVITATIONAL
Tee off with celebrities at Fields Ranch West in Frisco, Texas, designed by Beau Welling.
Improving Mind-Body Health For Pregnancy
Investing In Holistic Approaches To Starting Families Makes Clear Differences, Affirms CCRM Fertility Frisco Co-Founder
National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is acknowledged every year in April to raise awareness and reduce stigmas around infertility. One person who considers each and every day a time for this specific type of awareness and assistance is Dorette Noorhasan, M.D., a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility physician who serves as CCRM Fertility Dallas-Fort Worth’s medical director and co-founder. Her clinic is in Frisco at 8380 Warren Parkway, Ste. 201.
NIAW is observed annually to highlight that infertility is an issue that affects as many as one in six people globally at some point in their lives, according to World Health Organization representatives. For 2025, the week will be observed April 20-26.
Because CCRM has its own state-of-the-art IV lab and quality testing, Dr. Noorhasan says the clinic's pregnancy success rate is high, and that the team leads many scientific studies. CCRM Fertility Dallas-Fort Worth Main Center is part of the CCRM Fertility network. She adds that CCRM offers its patients bestin-class patient care and access to a network of award-winning physicians, a full suite of fertility services, innovative technology and cutting-edge labs.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
The 8,000-square-foot CCRM facility in Frisco houses an all-inclusive fertility treatment center with a dedicated on-site physician team, IVF laboratory, procedures area, on-site lab embryologist and comprehensive diagnostic services.
Dr. Noorhasan says their all-inclusive fertility treatment center specializes in the most-advanced fertility treatments, including expertise in in-vitro fertilization, fertility assessment, fertility preservation, genetic testing, third-party reproduction and human egg donation.
Other health factors can be involved with preparing to begin a family. The hormone cortisol is automatically triggered in human bodies when they're threatened, causing an increase in heart rate and breathing rate to enable either a fight or flee response. In a truly dangerous situation, such as a threatened assault or a car accident, this response is highly functional. Dr. Noorhasan says the problem is many people react in this same way to situations that
are only perceived to be dangerous, and some are in a constant state of high anxiety that keeps their heart rates, blood pressure and respiration rates at very high levels. This may contribute to conceiving a baby more difficult or unpredictable.
"Several studies have shown mindbody interventions for fertility may improve a wide variety of physical symptoms, coping and mood," says Dr. Noorhasan. "To the extent that stress may have a negative impact on outcomes, if you can remove any of those factors, it enhances the chances for success."
Dr. Noorhasan says after addressing the mind-body connection, most
people feel they leave CCRM with a set of skills they can draw upon to better cope with treatments, outcomes and choices regarding their own journey to parenthood. "For some, the programs can be life-changing," she adds.
Dr. Noorhasan received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from the University of the Virgin Islands and attended medical school at Boston University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Texas, Houston, and her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at New Jersey Medical School. She regularly attends continuing education classes and seminars.
CCRM Fertility Dallas-Fort Worth is designated as a Center for Excellence. This accreditation is awarded to medical programs that treat complex medical conditions while meeting the most rigorous quality, safety and patient experience standards.
Another related observance during April is The National Month of Hope, which is dedicated to celebrating resilience and finding strength during tough times.
972.377.2625
CCRMivf.com/DallasFortworth
Dorette Noorshasan, M.D. / Photo by Allison Amores
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER
ARTICLE BY ALEXIS JACOBS
Investing in one’s local community goes beyond financial contributions. It’s about dedicating time, skills and passion to create lasting impacts. Volunteer McKinney supporters have been at the forefront of this mission for 27 years, serving as Collin County’s central hub for volunteerism and nonprofit support.
Through its Volunteer Platform, Volunteer McKinney connects individuals, families and businesses with nonprofits in need. “Our platform makes it easy for community members to search for opportunities that align with their skills and passions,” says Nayeli Macias, project manager
at Volunteer McKinney. “Nonprofits list their needs, and volunteers can find ways to give back, whether it’s through time, talent or resources. The goal is to remove barriers and make community involvement accessible for everyone.”
One of Volunteer McKinney’s initiatives is Make A Difference Day, a citywide service event where volunteers support nonprofits. In 2024, the event mobilized 550 volunteers across 32 service projects. Another key initiative is the Spirit of Volunteerism Awards, an annual ceremony recognizing individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions to the community.
Volunteer McKinney: Connecting People With Meaningful Opportunities To Create Positive Results In Collin County
Volunteer McKinney also plays a crucial role in supporting local nonprofits by offering marketing exposure, training, networking and volunteer management software, helping these organizations maximize their impact and reach.
“Volunteering doesn’t just benefit those receiving help, it enriches the lives of volunteers, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging,” shares Nayeli. “We’re here to make it easier for everyone to find their place in community service. When people invest in their community, they invest in a brighter future for everyone.”
For those looking to make a difference, Volunteer McKinney offers individual volunteering, corporate partnerships or nonprofit support, all for the goal of continuing to build a stronger, more connected Collin County.
how
to get involved
Volunteer McKinney offers a variety of ways to make a meaningful impact:
• Search the Volunteer Platform: Look through options located online at VolunteerMcKinney.org to find opportunities that match one's interests and abilities.
• Join Make A Difference Day: Participate in a citywide service project where volunteers support nonprofits.
• Attend the Spirit of Volunteerism Awards: Celebrate local changemakers and recognize those who go above and beyond for community causes.
• Support Nonprofit Resource Guides: Help raise awareness about critical, local issues and connect people to organizations making a difference.
• Form Corporate Partnerships: Connect a business with important community projects to make a difference.
• Donate time, skills or money: Volunteer, share expertise or make financial contributions.
Benefits From Investing In Homes
ENHANCE VALUE, SECURITY AND COMFORT WITH TIMBER CREEK CARPENTRY
ARTICLE BY ALEXIS JACOBS
A home is more than just a place to live: it’s an investment in comfort, security and future value. William Thomas, founder of Timber Creek Carpentry, understands the importance of thoughtful, high-quality renovations that enhance aesthetics while also providing practical benefits.
William and his colleagues specialize in custom cabinetry, crown molding, secret doors, wine cellars and custom furniture with hidden compartments. With more than a decade of experience, he affirms that the team is dedicated to helping homeowners maximize their living spaces in unique and innovative ways.
For many, a house is their most significant financial asset. Investing in home upgrades can improve daily living while also increasing resale value. William emphasizes that every home has underutilized spaces, such as inside walls, under stairs or hidden areas, which can be transformed into functional storage, security features or entertainment spaces.
“People are spending more time at home than ever before,” William says. “From an investment perspective, your house is where you should be putting your money. You want to enjoy it now and leverage its value when it’s time to sell.”
Secret rooms, gun safes, bookcases that open into hidden spaces, and wine cellars built under staircases are just some of the creative solutions Timber Creek Carpentry offers. "These features add novelty, security and an element of luxury that enhances both the function and appeal of a home," he says.
For those looking to increase their home’s market value, William recommends architectural trim, such as crown molding, coffered ceilings and panel molding. He says these additions provide a return on investment typically yielding 65%-80%.
“Trim work doesn’t have to be overly formal. It can be modern, classic or a blend of styles,” he says. “It’s about balance and proportion rather than just adding more wood to a space.”
Timber Creek Carpentry's team tailors each project to match the unique character of a home, William assures. Whether preserving a home’s historical charm or modernizing its features, William says every design choice complements the existing space.
“We consider the home’s layout, the homeowners' style preferences, and design principles to create something harmonious,” William says. “The goal is to enhance, not overwhelm.”
One specialty of the Timber Creek Carpentry crew is designing custom hidden doors. Unlike standard doors bought off the shelf, these secret entrances require strategic placement to blend seamlessly into the space. Collaborating with Jo Gifford, owner and designer of Jo Gifford Designs, William ensures each hidden feature is as functional as it is discreet.
“The challenge isn’t just making the door; it’s knowing where to put it so it makes sense,” he explains. “That’s where design expertise is crucial.”
For those looking to make smart, lasting investments in their homes, Timber Creek Carpentry’s team offers expert craftsmanship that blends security, elegance and innovation.
469.406.6064 TimberCreekCarpentry.com
The Importance of Regular Maintenance:
Beyond major renovations, routine home maintenance is essential to protecting property value. Neglecting small issues, such as foundation moisture control or cleaning overflow lines, can lead to costly repairs.
“A house is like a car,” Timber Creek Carpentry Founder William Thomas explains. “Every part affects another, and if you don’t maintain it, problems will compound over time.”
It helps to focus on proactive repairs to prevent structural damage and avoid unexpected expenses. William recommends performing regular maintenance on both the interior and exterior of properties on a monthly, seasonal, biennial and five-year basis.
Defending The Home
ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BETZHOLD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PIXEL PERFECT ROSE Truly Nolen Pest Control Puts Relationships First
As winter frost begins to thaw, the world slowly welcomes the transition to spring. Flowers will bud, days will grow longer and birds will return, but unfortunately they aren’t the only creatures to arrive home this time of year. Insects, rodents and a multitude of other pests can become unwanted guests that make houses feel less like homes.
This season, experts at Truly Nolen Pest Control say they can solve homeowners’ problems quickly and permanently with quality customer service, sustainable practices and a heart for customers and community. With more than 85 years of experience, the Truly Nolen staff has become a nationwide company known for quality service to its customers and their communities.
After working for his father’s pest control company for 17 years, Truly David Nolen began his own successful business in 1955 and later merged the two becoming one of the largest family-owned corporations in the country.
For generations, the Nolens have kept the business in the family as well as their promise to customers: “For you to be protected by proactive pest control that you’re proud of and see as a sign of good housekeeping, done in an environmentally responsible way, made affordable by serving neighbors.”
Though the corporation has more than 80 locations across the country and states that they have the largest international footprint of any pest control company in the world, the company’s impact is most notable through the team’s work in the community. They are involved with various Rotary Clubs, nonprofit organizations and schools around the United States, raising money to support the communities in which each serves.
“We’re not here just to make a quick buck. We’re here for the long run.”
The three Truly Nolen Pest Control locations that cover DFW follow suit by participating in local events, such as the Keller Crawfish Krawl and joining charitable organizations such as the Metroport Chamber of Commerce among other engagements.
“It really comes down to our people and the company’s core values,” says Tom Larabee, branch manager of Truly Nolen Keller.
He emphasizes the importance of the golden rule: having integrity, being proud and humble and ending with having fun on the job. “We want our employees to enjoy coming to work.”
He adds that the passion and work of their employees and partners lead to positive growth in customer relationships. “We really encourage our employees to create a relationship with their customers, to get to know them and what their needs are so that we can build a long-term relationship with them,” Tom says. By investing in the company’s employees and those served by them, Truly Nolen has grown exponentially over the years, bolstered by high-quality training, environmentally-friendly products and carefully selected professionals with a heart for community.
“We’re not here just to make a quick buck. We’re here for the long run,” Tom states.
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LOVE YOUR LAZY LAWN
An easy way to help the ecosystem
Give some thought to this. Almost all US fruit and grain crops depend on pollination, yet our insect population has declined by 75% in the last 25 years - and most pollinators are insects. Fortunately, keeping pollinators (and our local farms) alive couldn’t be easier. Just get lazy about your lawn!
Lawns mowed every two weeks offer more food for pollinators than lawns mowed weekly. So, while you’re lounging on the couch every other Saturday, your longer grass will be supporting American food systems. As a bonus, longer lawns also need less water, so being lazy saves you money, too.
Perfect lawns are literally the empty calories of the ecosystem. By letting go of that green-carpet ideal, you’ll add color to your landscape by allowing dandelions, violets, and white clover to decorate your grass. More important, these “weeds” feed pollinators which, in turn, feed us.
Here’s one more way being lazy can save the world: skip the pesticides. Pesticides kill pollinators, and they’re hardly health food for humans, birds, and pets, either. In fact, research shows that when bees visit plants treated with neonicotinoids (a chemical in most pesticides), even small amounts can build up over time and kill the hive. Neonicotinoids disorient bees and disrupt their fertility. Worse, they can linger in plants and pollen for 2-4 years.
So be a hero. Stay in bed this weekend and stop fussing over your lawn.
For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/ treesearch/pubs/55816
ARTICLE BY ANDREA BUGBEE
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INVEST IN YOUR GREENS
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANIE JONES
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
INDOOR PLANT GUIDE
Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits
Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.
SNAKE PLANT:
This plant goes by many names such as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is one of the most popular indoor plants. The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light. Snake Plants are great for countertops and tabletops because they grow tall, not
wide. They are great bedside plants because they help purify the air as they go through photosynthesis at night. They only need to be watered about once a month. These plants can also be outdoor plants and can acclimate during the summer months. Be sure to spray the plants three to five times before bringing them back indoors to get rid of any bugs that could have made the plant their home.
ANTHURIUM:
Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.
HOPE PEPEROMIA:
This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.
“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of purifying the air.”
DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA:
This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Protip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.
events
APRIL 5TH
Downtown Prosper Block Party Hosted By Uncle Bekah
116 Broadway St. | 12:00 PM
Presented by the Town of Prosper, it includes Inappropriate Trucker Hats, The Gin, Brown & Griffin, Moritz Dealerships, Four Rivers Pools, and CH Lonestar Promo. Live music will be provided by Adam Hood and Taylor Hunnicutt, along with vendors and food trucks. This is a free event but will require an RSVP on Eventbrite.com
APRIL 5TH
McKinney Asian Festival
Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park, 300 W. Louisiana St. | 11:00 AM
Explore the rich tapestry of Asian Culture in and near McKinney. Indulge taste buds with authentic Asian street food. Immerse into traditional dance and music. Witness the Spectacle of Lion and Dragon Dances. Shop Till You Drop in the park. Engage in interactive workshops and have fun through tailored children's activities.
APRIL 11TH, 12TH, 13TH
Arts In Bloom Art & Wine Festival
Historic Downtown McKinney | 11:00 AM
Experience a weekend of artistic enchantment and sensory delight as Arts In Bloom returns to Historic Downtown McKinney. Immerse oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of creativity and culture as 120-plus handpicked artists surround the magnificent McKinney Performing Arts Center. Indulge senses as downtown McKinney comes alive with a symphony of sights, sounds and flavors during this three-day celebration (times vary).
APRIL 12TH
Run For Hope Walk In Unity
Towne Lake Park, McKinney | 8:00 AM
Support the Collin County NeighborHub of McKinney. This event benefits the most vulnerable neighbors and the essential services they need in one central location. Enjoy family fun activities for all ages at 8 a.m., a 5K Run for all ages and fitness levels at 9 a.m.; 1-Mile multicultural/Interfaith Unity Walk at 10 a.m. Tickets: Run for Hope! Walk in Unity
APRIL 21ST
McKinney Aggie Muster
Way Back Barn | 6:00 PM
Join an evening of Aggie traditions, food and comradery. Special Guest Speaker: Mr. Pedro Luna '91. Pedro and his team call the Spanish broadcast for every Texas A&M game to share the Aggie Spirit with Spanish speakers around the world. Gate opens at 6 p.m., and the Muster ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. For questions call 214.280.9184 or email courtneyhugghins@sbcglobal.net.
APRIL 24TH
Empty Bowls McKinney
111 N. Tennessee St. | 6:00 PM
Join one of the best nights of the year in support of the mission of Empty Bowls McKinney: Raising awareness of hunger in the local community and funds for organizations fighting food insecurity. Empty Bowls is an annual community event featuring local artisans and restaurants that raise money for Community Lifeline Center, Community Garden Kitchen, and The Little Free Pantry.
EMPTY BOWLS PROJECT
Fighting Hunger One Bowl At A Time In McKinney
The mission of Empty Bowls is to hold an annual community event featuring local artisans and food purveyors that raises money and awareness to support nonprofit organizations that directly address hunger in our community. This annual McKinney event showcases handcrafted bowls made and decorated by professional and amateur artists. There also are larger bowls that are part of the silent auction and raffle. Each bowl has a card inside that reads: “This bowl is a reminder to pray for those in the world with empty bowls due to hunger.”
Guests enjoy a sampling of gourmet soups and light bites prepared by chefs from a variety of local food purveyors
The 2025 event will take place April 25 from 6-8 p.m. in Downtown McKinney.
• The event proceeds go to curbing hunger. In 2024, Empty Bowls McKinney raised and donated $85,000 to fight hunger in the area.
• 1 In 4 MISD students are food insecure, and 45% of food stamp recipients are children.
• 140,000 Collin County residents are food insecure.
and restaurants. Each guest takes home an artisan bowl as a reminder of those who are hungry in the local community.
Proceeds of the event go to Community Lifeline Center to help provide food for their Community Lifeline Market and mobile food distributions, to Community Garden Kitchen to serve hot meals to anyone in need with no questions asked, and to The Little Free Pantry of McKinney, where people can find food anonymously as they need.
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