18 minute read
President’s Message
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Denton Benefit League is proud to present the 2022 edition of our annual tabloid. Every year this document celebrates the people of our community and this year continues that great tradition! These past two years have been challenging for so many. The needs in our community continue to grow and our members have risen to the challenge. Thousands of hours have been spent volunteering with local nonprofit organizations.
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We held our second annual Sip N’ Shop in November at the Monroe Pearson Event Center. This event featured local artists, bakers, crafters, and more. Guests were able to do their holiday shopping early while enjoying fabulous music and raffle items provided by our vendors.
Our annual charity ball will be held this spring at the newly remodeled TWU’s Hubbard Hall. This event has been held annually since 1973 with the exception of 2020 and 2021. This year’s theme is Celebrate Denton - A Tribute to Denton Heroes! All kinds of personal and community heroes will be honored, whether they are military heroes, teachers, first responders, or have two legs or four!
As we wrap up our 49th year, I am honored to report that Denton Benefit League has given out over $6.2 million in grants to local nonprofits! This would not be possible without the support of our amazing underwriters, our members, and the Denton community.
The Denton community is strong, resilient, and awe inspiring. I am so grateful to Denton Benefit League for allowing me the opportunity to serve this year as president. I am so grateful to my wonderful husband, Clay, and our two amazing children, Taylor and Kenzie, for their support this past year.
With Gratitude!
Caring • Helping • Giving
Denton Benefit League was founded 49 years ago by a group of outstanding and caring ladies who wanted to make the Denton County community a better place to live and work. What started out as a small group of women has grown to over 237 members, all of whom are active volunteers in local organizations. Collectively, the members volunteer thousands of hours each year throughout the community.
The mission of this organization shall be to raise funds for local philanthropic purposes and to promote volunteerism in the community. This organization shall be nonpolitical, nonsectarian, and nonprofit in all of its policies and activities. Visit www.DentonBenefitLeague.org for more details.
Our Mission Caryn Riggs
Denton Benefit League President
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message 3
Underwriters 38-39
Hero Stories 55-57
DBL Grant Recipients 58-62
DBL Committees 63-71
In Remembrance 71
DBL Members 72
DBL Photographers 73
Index 74
Denton Benefit League Tabloid is Published by Murray Media Group. Murray-Media.com
DATCU CREDIT UNION
Glen McKenzie, chief executive officer, and Melanie Vest, president, applaud the valuable work and generous contributions of Denton Benefit League.
Jackie and Greg Jackson are always happy to spend time with grandsons Eli and Owen and granddaughters Emilie and Alexis. The Jackson family is proud to salute DBL’s many years of good work in our community.
JACKIE & GREG JACKSON
IMPRESS GRAPHICS
IMPress Graphics appreciates the work of Health Services of North Texas as they served 16,583 patients in 2021. Pictured are Doreen Rue, Pam Barnes, and Teri Johnson celebrating the recognition of Pam Barnes, CFO, for her part in helping to create a sustainable nonprofit healthcare organization.
FISHER59 - DENTON
The Fisher59 team is proud to serve the communities that have supported our brands since 1959.
ALAGOOD CARTWRIGHT BURKE PC
The attorneys and staff at Alagood Cartwright Burke thank Denton Benefit League for its contributions to our community. Keep up the good work!
We are excited for 2022; we want to thank our First United Bank Denton teams for their hard work and dedication. Success is the ability to live your life the way you want to live it. We invite you to live life the First United Way, “Spend Life Wisely."
FIRST UNITED BANK & TRUST
ALLISON ENGINEERING
Allison Engineering Group is proud to support Denton Benefit League. Here are some of our future DBL members and supporters!
THE HONORABLE ANDY EADS
The Eads family - Andy, Ginger, Everett, Addison, and Caroline.
MCNEILL'S APPLIANCE
Introducing Camden Leighann Hale, the newest addition to our family. Great-granddaughter of the late Virginia McNeill.
AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK & TRUST
American National Bank & Trust is proud to support DBL!
LYNNE BARGA, PHD, CONSULTING
Turn transitions into triumphs using your strengths, in the tradition of DBL.
ADAMS EXTERMINATING COMPANY INC.
Spunky and Cheryl Adams, along with their eight grandchildren, are proud to support DBL.
THE M GROUP
Bill Merritt and other members of The M Group would like to thank DBL for its commitment to our community and for another great year of helping people! A special thanks goes to Bill’s sister, Melinda Merritt King, who is a third generation DBL member and past president.
COMMUNITY PHARMACY
Congratulations to Denton Benefit League on another successful year. Kelly Selby, Nancy Selby, Erin Broadhead, Bren Broadhead, Emily Selby.
ACCESSBANK TEXAS
Your AccessBank Texas team is proud to support all the efforts of Denton Benefit League and the charitable organizations they award.
GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY - DENTON COMMUNITIES
Thank you Denton Benefit League for providing golf carts for our expansive Lake Forest Village community, allowing us to serve existing residents and tour future residents. Wayne Goin, maintenance; Freddie Martinez, senior director; Janet Sever Hull, senior living manager; Jerry Statham, maintenance supervisor.
In memory of Diane Gallivan, 1944-2020.
PHIL GALLIVAN SUZANNE FICKEY
Zachary and Julia are Sue’s adorable grandchildren. Sue proudly supports Denton Benefit League.
MERKI & ASSOCIATES P.C.
(Top) Adelynn, daughter of Mike and Robin Dixon, is excited to represent Merki & Associates. (Bottom) Daniel and Viviana, children of Misael and Anabel Tamayo, are excited to represent Merki & Associates.
GUARANTY BANK & TRUST
Guaranty Bank & Trust's experienced team of bankers proudly supports the work of Denton Benefit League. (front) Jeremy Fykes, Debbie Irby-Rhoads, (back) Kathy Kelly, Brayden Ruthart, Michele Barber, Matt Sharp, and Jason Stewart.
DEHART CHIROPRACTIC
The grandchildren of Blake and Sue Nelle DeHart, Hayden Hurst is a junior at Oklahoma State University and Haleigh Hurst is a freshman at the University of Oklahoma. Blake DeHart is in middle school and still has time to decide. . . .
BUSBY/HOUDEK
Walker Houdek, son of Amy and Scott Houdek, will graduate from Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas this spring. While in high school, Walker played football and baseball and actively served in YMSL and Watermark Community Church. Walker is thankful for his Denton roots.
BUSBY/HOUDEK
Allan Busby, son of Kelli and Aaron Busby, will graduate from Lewisville High School this spring. During his time at LHS, Allan was a varsity swimmer and member of the cheer squad, and is currently pursuing his Eagle Scout rank.
THE GREGORY & RICHTER FAMILIES
The Gregory and Richter families are thankful for the important work of DBL in the Denton community.
KYLE NAYFA
Kyle congratulates DBL for another successful year.
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
#ENDALZ One in three seniors is impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and we are proud to partner alongside the many organizations serving Denton County to provide education and support to area families.
Texas Health Denton
Proudly honors these 2021 distinguished employees.
Employee of the Year
Lisa Benton
Joe Schindler Jameel Connelly Samantha Oliver Tisha Dill
Amber Harrison Lisa Benton Will Jones Brad Reilly
Jessica Milne Camille Torralba Michelle Murray Amy Cukr
Non Clinical Employees
Clinical Employees
Leaders
TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL DENTON As we recognize and honor our 2021 employees for their dedication and commitment to improving the health of the people in the communities we serve, we also admire Denton Benefit League for their ongoing commitment to the Denton community. (Photos courtesy of Tom Judd Photography)
TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL - DENTON
BILL DEBERRY FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Andrew, Bill, and Justin DeBerry at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors proudly support Denton Benefit League.
Stocker Woods Financial is now Athlon Advisors! Athlon Managing Partner Mike Woods and wife Dorothy celebrated Megan’s graduation with her bachelor’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech in December 2021. Rachel will graduate from Guyer High School in May.
ATHLON ADVISORS
DIANA & PAUL DUNKLAU
The Servis-Dunklau family wishes DBL another wonderful year. Diana, Paul, Noah, Amanda, Tate, Devin, and Mandalynn.
Minor & Jester, P.C., proudly supports Denton Benefit League. Pictured are attorney Chis Henry with wife Meghan, daughter (and future DBL member), Olivia, and son, Liam. Attorneys not pictured: Jill Jester and Dianne Landry.
MINOR & JESTER, P.C.
LISA & GLÊNISSON DE OLIVEIRA
The de Oliveira family commends DBL for accomplishing its mission of caring. Jude 1:22 "And of some have compassion, making a difference."
GOHLKE POOLS
Gohlke Pools and its staff support DBL.
THE NUSBAUM GROUP
Stacey and Walter Nusbaum enjoy providing leadership development and executive coaching and supporting Denton Benefit League.
VICKI & BRAD OLSON
Granddaughters of Vicki and Brad Olson, Sarah, Rachel, and Lucy, congratulate DBL on all they do for the community. The girls love visiting Denton!
KATRINIA MCBRIDE, DDS, FAGD
The McBride family would like to thank DBL for its hard work in the Denton community.
Owners Linda and Randy DeGraffenreid treasure the time spent with family. (Left) Daughter Natalie Teague, APRN FNP-BC, her husband Cory, and their newest grandchildren, Brett Hagen and Scarlett Reid Teague. (Right) Grandson Ryder Payne Wilkerson, son Rev. Brad Wilkerson and his wife Sarah, and granddaughter Haley Elizabeth Wilkerson. The DeGraffenreid family appreciates the valuable work of Denton Benefit League.
UNLIMITED CARE OF NORTH TEXAS
KOONSFULLER FAMILY LAW
Law firm members Regan Donnenfield, Jonathan Bailey, Sean Abeyta, Charla Bradshaw, James Logue, and Sarah Cary thank DBL for supporting the Denton community.
JANET & JOHN SHELTON
Asa Hampton, along with his grandparents, John and Janet Shelton, and parents, Drake and Emily Hampton, appreciate the good works done by DBL. Kris and Lauren Johnson, daughter and son-in-law of Karen and Rick Wick, with grandsons Henry and Sammy Johnson.
DENTON DODGE MAZDA
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY DENTON COUNTY
We will be as successful as DBL in helping Denton become a better place to live for those suffering with dementia and Alzheimer's. Cathy Bryce, Jack Atkins, and their grandchildren congratulate Denton Benefit League on another great year of service to the Denton community.
CATHY BRYCE & JACK ATKINS
POINTBANK
PointBank President Ray David announces the nuptials of his daughter, Rachel David, to Matthew Wilson, on September 24th, 2021. We wish them a lifetime of happiness and love. Mattie, Belle, Liam, and Teddy Phillips; Heidi and Ray David; Rachel and Matthew Wilson; Raymond and Ann David; Linda and Bill Brady.
CARMEN & VIRGIL STRANGE
Thank you Denton Benefit League for the support given to our Denton community through volunteering and fundraising. The pandemic made the last two years challenging but DBL members persevered to both give and support. Carmen is proud to be a part of this group of caring women.
SHERRY & L. DEE SHIPMAN
Sherry and L. Dee appreciate DBL members for having such big hearts for service to the community. NTX Celtic Futbol proudly supports the Denton Benefit League. We are so appreciative of all their work they do for our community!
NORTH TEXAS CELTIC FUTBOL CLUB
THE VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS
The VNA congratulates DBL for another great year of service to the Denton community.
INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL
Independent Financial is proud to support Denton Benefit League. (Front) Megan Poeschl, Elizabeth Reeves; (back) Tracey Long.
STEPPING STONES
The quilt is a work in progress by Stepping Stones, an activity peer support program for persons with dementia and their care partners.
MEADOR’S NURSERY
Think outside the boxwood this spring. The Meador's crew appreciates DBL and its work in our community. Kimberly and Stan applaud the wonderful contribution that Theatre Denton adds to the arts in our community.
JUNE BERRY
Emalyn Grace, daughter of Erin and Eric Trahan, granddaughter of Phyllis and Bob Eames, and greatgranddaughter of June and the late Wilkes Berry.
KIMBERLY KARL & STAN HADDOCK
LINDA & JIM MCNATT
This tabby cat and many other kitties, as well as delightful dogs, are at the Linda McNatt Care and Adoption Center looking for loving homes.
DARLENE & MICHAEL WHITTEN
Leila (10), Tyler (16), and Hudson (13) Whitten, grandchildren of Michael and Darlene Whitten, promote Denton’s art scenes.
EDENE & CHARLES RIGGS
Madison, Grayson, and Luna Riggs are proud of their Aunt Caryn, president of DBL this year. They are the children of Chris and Sarah and the grandchildren of Edene and Charles Riggs.
SERVE DENTON
Serve Denton partners with nonprofits to help make their services more accessible to people in need. Our wonderful staff makes it happen.
Granddaughter Scarlett Reid Teague, son-in-law Cory Teague, daughter Natalie Teague, APRN FNP-BC, and newest grandson Brett Hagen Teague, Randy and Linda DeGraffenreid, Suri, granddaughter Haley Elizabeth Wilkerson, and her fiancé Levi Cox, daughter-in-law Sarah Wilkerson, son Rev. Brad Wilkerson, grandson Ryder Payne Wilkerson and his fiancé Lauren Tucker.
DIANE DUNCAN MAYER
Mr. and Mrs. John Mayer celebrate the marriage of their daughter, Madeline Mayer, and Nathan Blue.
REID HEATING & AIR
TERRI & RON GUTHRIE
Introducing. . . Archer Geister with big brothers, Baker and Major. These boys bring their Pippa and Poppa so much joy! Congratulations to Maddy Hill, daughter of DBL member Gina Brock. Maddy is graduating from Aubrey High School, class of 2022.
THE LAW OFFICE OF GINA ELLEN BROCK
KIRKPATRICK ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
Kirkpatrick Architecture Studio and their staff salute Denton Benefit League on another successful year.
REBECCA JACKSON
Audrey and Emily Lamb, nieces of DBL member Rebecca Jackson, love living in a community that supports our local nonprofit organizations. Norm and Dana compliment DBL on its continued accomplishments within the community.
NORMAN J. POMERANCE, DDS
JT CLOTHIERS
Celebrating the season and the great work of DBL. Brody, a 2021 recipient of his Eagle Scout award, and Skylar, a May '22 graduate of Auburn University, are the children of Jimmy Tritt and grandchildren of Nancy and James Tritt.
MARGARET B. (SAM) BAYS & JAMES C. BAYS
Sam and Jim Bays want to thank the Medical City Denton's entire staff and Denton's EMS team for their excellent and compassionate care! Nurses: Mildred Reedy, Maria Robles, and Chantal Gonzalez. EMS Team: Michael Thomas and Mark Hall.
Sharon honors the Denton Animal Support Foundation’s Endowment Committee for raising funds to help so many Denton animals in need. (Front) Dr. Jerry and Shirley Watson, Bette and Bob Sherman; (Middle) Keith Henderson, Rosemary Grose, Sharon Harris, Blanton Stogdill; (Back) Kiara Hunter, Thomas Muir.
SHARON HARRIS DRAPER
LUX CHIROPRACTIC, PA
Dr. Andy, Melissa, Austin, Ben, and Christian Lux thank DBL for being the SPINE of Denton! (Back row, left to right, clockwise). Georgia and Mollie Springer, granddaughters of Beth and Bill Patterson, celebrate the success of Denton Benefit League.
BETH & BILL PATTERSON, DENTON MEDIA COMPANY
STEVE'S WINE BAR
Steve and Karen Severance and the staff at Steve’s Wine Bar proudly join the community in honoring Denton Benefit League. We look forward to partnering with DBL and its friends to bring to fruition the vital work they do in our community.
VERUS COMMERCIAL Here's to you, Denton!
Presley Frazier, the first granddaughter, is all smiles when she supports Denton Benefit League! Our entire team at Frazier Commercial Real Estate is proud of the hard work done by DBL.
FRAZIER COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
FRENCHY'S LAWN & TREE SERVICE, TERI & FRENCHY RHEAULT
Frenchy and Teri and their fabulous poodles, Rose, Jasmine, Chewy, Mr. Sunshine, and Zoe, thank DBL for everything they have done for the community. We wish DBL success on their future committment to Denton. Frenchy is celebrating his 75th birthday this year.
MAYOR GERARD HUDSPETH & FAMILY
We are grateful for the support DBL provides the Denton community. Gratefully, Mayor Gerard Hudspeth and family. Alice (Daughter 11), Gerard (Dad), Olalla (O-Lie-Ya - Daughter 5), Diane (Mom) Hudspeth.
The family of Mike and Vicki Smith salute Denton Benefit League for their amazing work in the community. Jared and Emily Smith, Melody Collins, Jerry Collins, Vicki and Mike Smith, Chelsea and Ty Muse, and grandchildren, Evan, Logan, and Connor.
VICKI & MIKE SMITH
ROB, KIM, & EVELYN SEAY
Rob, Kim, and Evelyn Seay proudly support the UNT PUSH and TWU Frontiers programs! The PUSH and Frontiers programs provide a structured, campus-wide network of support to assist students with personal experience in foster care who are enrolled at our local universities.
DONNA & LAURENCE MCCLENDON
Camden and Karsyn Kelso, children of Alyssa and Brendon Kelso, and grandchildren of Laurence and Donna McClendon. Congratulations to Guyer HS grad, Brynn Langford! You’re going to smash it at Tech! Our love for you is unyielding!
