25 minute read
President’s Message
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Denton Benefit League is proud to present this 2021 edition of our annual tabloid. It celebrates another year of service and shared commitment to the Denton community and also pays tribute to heroes in our lives. Although this last year has been hard on everyone, the members of DBL are continuing to support our local nonprofits by volunteering at their facilities and events as COVID-19 guidelines allow. We have also continued fundraising throughout the year. Our first annual “Fall Sip and Shop” was held in October at the Monroe Pearson event center with over 30 local artisan vendors participating. The evening was a huge success, something we will build on in years to come as another way to support the community and our grants program. Be sure to watch for this event again next fall! Traditionally, our biggest fundraiser is the annual Charity Ball. Although we were not able to host the event this spring, our wonderful theme, “Mask – for – Aide,” will be brought forward for spring 2022! Please stay in touch with DBL as we celebrate first responders, teachers, health care workers, and other heroes in the year to come! In addition to the Ball, the tabloid that you are reading is our other large fundraiser – I like to refer to it as “Denton’s Brag Book” for the year. I truly enjoy looking at it each year and seeing how the kids have grown up – many of them are now tabloid sponsors with children of their own! Over the last 48 years, Denton Benefit League has granted well over $6,000,000 to nonprofit organizations located north of Lake Lewisville. This wonderful number is because of our underwriters, tabloid sponsors, and others who support our events, together with our dedicated members, who contribute countless hours to make Denton a better place. From the bottom of my heart – I say THANK YOU to each and every one of you!
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-Ronald Reagan Laura Brewer
Denton Benefit League President
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DBL Board Members . . . . . . . 2
President’s Message . . . . . . . . 3
Underwriters . . . . . . . . . 48-49
In Remembrance . . . . . . . 50-51
Hero Stories . . . . . . . 52-54
DBL Grant Recipients . . . 56-61
DBL Members . . . . . . . . . 62-69
DBL New Members . . . . . . . 70
DBL Photographers . . . . . . . 71
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-73
Caring • Helping • Giving
Denton Benefit League was founded 48 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 249 members, all of whom are active volunteers in local organizations. Collectively, the members volunteer thousands of hours each year throughout the community.
Our Mission
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.
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TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD A BETTER COMMUNITY
Volunteering in the Community
For over 48 years, DBL members have donated their time, energy, and expertise to nonprofit organizations throughout the Denton area.
Last year, DBL members reported thousands of volunteer hours. In total, more than one million service hours have been contributed by members since DBL was founded in 1973.
Each active and associate member is required to contribute a minimum of 25 volunteer hours annually for community programs and services that are nonprofit, nonpolitical, and nonsectarian.
In addition to their individual volunteer efforts, members support group projects where DBL partners with local nonprofit organizations on specific volunteer opportunities.
Group projects for 2020-2021 include:
• Adopt-A-Spot
• Denton Arts & Jazz Festival
• Denton Christian Preschool Mexican Supper
• Salvation Army Angel Tree
• Ann’s Haven Hospice
Bereavement Luncheon
• Monsignor King Outreach Center/The
Junction Dinner
Raising Funds for Community Service
To Support Our Activities
Since its founding in 1973, DBL has raised and distributed over $6 million to support community needs.
All profits from DBL’s fundraising activities are returned to the community through grants to local nonprofit organizations that are devoted to social services, arts and culture, education, or historic preservation. The major fundraising activities include the annual Charity Ball, Charity Ball Underwriting, and the Tabloid. The Tabloid traditionally is distributed at the Charity Ball. This year the Tabloid is being distributed in print and digital format via the Denton Record Chronicle. Member dues cover all administrative expenses incurred by DBL.
DBL has no paid staff. All work is done strictly by dedicated volunteers.
In January 2021, DBL distributed $248,093.10 to 39 local organizations.
• Become a member of DBL
• Be a Charity Ball Underwriter
• Attend the Charity Ball
• Sponsor a photo in the Tabloid
• Attend the fall fundraising event
• Bid on auction items at DBL events
• Purchase raffle tickets for DBL events
• Attend the Spring Tea
Becoming a DBL Member
Membership in DBL is open to women who live in the general vicinity of Denton, Texas, and agree to support and participate in the work of DBL. Currently there are 249 members.
DBL does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, or national origin, and reaches out to women of all ages who are committed to volunteerism.
The women of DBL serve Denton by raising funds and donating time for activities that improve the quality of life in the community.
Working together, members build leadership skills, discover new volunteer opportunities, and through their combined talents, strengthen all of DBL’s endeavors.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A MEMBER, VISIT THE DBL WEBSITE AT WWW.DENTONBENEFITLEAGUE.ORG
INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL
Independent Financial is proud to continue to support the Denton Benefit League.
IMPRESS GRAPHICS
IMPress Graphics is honored to support the Denton Benefit League and the “You’re Beautiful” Campaign for their charitable activities.
FISHER59 - DENTON
The team at Fisher59 is proud to continue to serve our communities that have supported our brands since 1959.
SHARON HARRIS DRAPER
Dedicated to my heroes and parents, Pauline and Lindy Harris, who have been married for 72 years and are the best parents in the world.
THE HONORABLE ANDY EADS
The Eads Family - Everett, Addison, Andy, Caroline and Ginger.
FIRST UNITED BANK
First United Bank congratulates DBL on a great year! Even through the pandemic, DBL still made a big impact. (Front) Jami Langdon, Penelope Dallal; (middle) Maric Fulton, Sheryl Elrod, Marla Salerno, Kimberly Crain; (standing) Andrew Lee-Crittendon, Andy Braack, Jay Ross, Zach Steward, Brock McKnight, Randy Suddereth.
ALLISON ENGINEERING
On behalf of all Allison Engineering employees, Lee Allison and Jason Faigle appreciate the support that DBL provides in the Denton community.
STEVEN R. ALSPACH, DDS, MS
Steven Alspach is delighted to recognize DBL grant recipient Explorium - Denton Children’s Museum and all that it has to offer.
SHELLEY & DEAN ANTHONY
Shelley and Dean appreciate the educational opportunities that Denton Christian Preschool provides for children in the Denton community.
ADAMS EXTERMINATING COMPANY INC.
Courtney and Dustin Adams, along with their son August and daughter Parker, are happy to support DBL and the local community.
LYNNE R. BARGA, PHD.
Helping you to recognize your gifts and transform life’s obstacles into assets, following the tradition of DBL.
ARTISTIC GOURMET ADVENTURES - WALTER & KIM EAGLETON
Owners Kim and Walter and assistant/host Glenda Lemmons send greetings from France as international travel resumes and congratulate DBL on a job well done.
Vada Bree Crider, daughter of Jordan and Megan Crider, great-grandaughter of Oleta Trapp, and grandaughter of Terry and Marty Crider.
C BAR T PROPERTIES
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.
ACCESS BANK
Standing strong with the DHS players of the 2020 football team are AccessBank teammates Shelby Woods, Mikayla Woods, Michael Page, Reid Sanders, Daric Parent, Jack Patton, Stephanie Carrington, Weston Thaggard, Brady Anderson, Debbie Crumb, Licett Almaraz, and Michelle Houston.
Congratulations to DBL for another great year. We are especially proud of Laura Brewer serving as DBL President 2020-2021.
EBBY HALLIDAY REALTORS, DENTON
GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY - DENTON COMMUNITIES
Life at Good Samaritan Society - Denton Communities looked a bit different in 2020, but we are thankful for all the support that the Denton Benefit League provided. 2020 brought a new wheelchair accessible van, outdoor picnics, parades, and masked gatherings within our community walls.
Annette Ehrhart, owner, and Ashley Staples, store manager, proudly celebrate over 45 years in business and support of the Denton Benefit League. Congratulations Captain Ron Guthrie on your retirement with Delta Air Lines and for flying people around the world safely for 33 years!
EHRHART’S JEWELERS TERRI & RON GUTHRIE
MERKI & ASSOCIATES P.C.
Dezrick and his parents, Jacob & Cacey Maich, are excited to represent Merki & Associates in congratulating DBL on another successful year.
SUZANNE FICKEY
Jules and Zac Lawson are Sue’s adorable grandchildren. Sue supports the Denton Benefit League.
DEHART CHIROPRACTIC
Hayden, Haleigh, and Blake are the grandchildren of Sue Nelle and Blake DeHart.
BRINDA & JERRY HACKLER
Jerry, Brinda, Haley, and Alex Hackler appreciate the valuable work of DBL and the nonprofit organizations in the community.
DEHART CHIROPRACTIC
Haleigh Hurst, daughter of Sara and Troy Hurst, holds the national title of Miss High School America.
VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA, CHAPTER 920
Vietnam Veterans of 2021 are proud to continue to serve Denton county. (Front) Dan Washburn, “Robbie” Garrold Roberts, Jerry Anderson; (back) Eric Harman, Sharon Balsley.
STEVE’S WINE BAR
Steve’s Wine Bar proudly joins the many generous members of the Denton community who support the vital work of DBL. Through volunteering and fundraising, DBL helps those in need. Karen and Steve salute all who seek to serve.
CAROL & WAYNE ROGERS
Our Daily Bread and Monsignor King Outreach Center combined forces in 2020 to serve Denton’s most vulnerable populations. Through the combined efforts of devoted employees, volunteers, and the city of Denton, 175,000+ meals were provided, 183 people were sheltered, and 88 of our homeless moved into permanent housing.
JOHN O’DONNELL & MARIE SNIDER
John and Marie appreciate all that DBL grant recipient Serve Denton does for the Denton community.
THE RICHTERS
The Gregory and Richter families appreciate the great work done by DBL in support of our community.
NORTH TEXAS CELTIC FUTBOL CLUB
NTX Celtic Futbol Club proudly supports Denton Benefit League. We are so appreciative of all the work they do for our community!
JT CLOTHIERS
Thank you to JT Clothiers for supporting the American Cancer Society and the “You’re Beautiful” Luncheon and Style Show for eighteen years as our retail sponsor. Modeling the clothes for the 2021 event are cancer survivors Marilyn Barnett and John Baines.
TEXAS HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL - DENTON
As we recognize our 2020 employees for their dedication and commitment to improving the health of the people in the communities we serve, we also honor Denton Benefit League for their continuing commitment. (Photography courtesy of Tom Judd)
BILL DEBERRY FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Bill, Andrew, and Justin DeBerry at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors proudly support the Denton Benefit League.
Emily and Audrey Lamb, nieces of DBL member Rebecca Jackson, look forward to joining DBL one day to support the Denton community.
REBECCA JACKSON
MYRA CROWNOVER
Myra Crownover and Terral Smith applaud the Denton Benefit League for years of service to our community.
Minor & Jester, P.C., Attorneys & Counselors, celebrate the good works of Denton Benefit League. Minor & Jester partner Chris Henry is shown with wife Meghan, daughter Olivia, and introducing son Liam!
MINOR & JESTER, P.C.
BELLA NAIL BAR
Bella Nail Bar of Unicorn Lake appreciates the hard work of the Denton Benefit League members.
Gohlke Pools commends the Denton Benefit League for its continuous efforts to impact our community.
GOHLKE POOLS THE de OLIVEIRA FAMILY
The de Oliveira family commends DBL for accomplishing its mission of caring. Jude 1:22 “And of some have compassion, making a difference.”
WENDY MARTINEZ
Wendy and her sons are grateful for the work of DBL.
LUX CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Andy Lux, along with his wife Melissa and sons Austin, Ben, and Christian, are grateful to DBL for being the SPINE of Denton!
REID HEATING & AIR
Owners Linda and Randy DeGraffenreid treasure the time they have with their grandchildren, Ryder Payne Wilkerson, Scarlett Reid Teague, and Haley Elizabeth Wilkerson. The DeGraffenreid family appreciates the valuable work of DBL.
EASTSIDE & OAK STREET DRAFT HOUSE
East Oak Angeline’s family photo!
COLEMAN LAW FIRM
The Coleman Law Firm wishes to congratulate Benjamin Coleman and the Denton High School Class of 2021! Henry and Sammy Johnson are grandsons of Karen and Rick Wick, general manager of Classic Chrysler Jeep Dodge Mazda.
CLASSIC CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE MAZDA
NTX AESTHETICS MEDICAL SPA
Kristie Brooks and our entire team are excited to be of service to DBL and the Denton community!
THE CROUCH GROUP
The Crouch Group thanks Serve Denton for their contributions to the Denton community and for their leadership in caring for people so they can find help in time of need.
MAYOR GERARD HUDSPETH
I am honored to serve as the Mayor of Denton. Thank you, DBL, from Olalla (O-lie-ya), Gerard, Alice, and Diane Hudspeth. Eddie Lane enjoys his grandchildren, Maylin and Saige Soell, along with Hutch, Bose, Penny, and Tobin Lane.
LANE REAL ESTATE
FRENCHY’S LAWN & TREE SERVICE - TERI & FRENCHY RHEAULT LEA HAMILTON
Frenchy and wife Teri, a proud DBL member, celebrate DBL’s accomplishments. They also appreciate 36 years of community support for their business. Christie A. Wood, president of Artists Enclave of Denton County, stands next to her favorite public art: “Pops” Carter glass sculpture.
DENTON COUNTRY CLUB
. . . still the best kept secret in Denton County. Kristen Hollinger, Lindsey Martin, Chef Rick Neal, Travis East, Guy Sanders, Hannah Corral, Lindsey Kirby (not pictured: Jonathan Castan, Willie Wallace)
THEATRE DENTON
Director Brad Speck and actors Melissa Sims and Sharon Barnhill will welcome back audiences this summer with a production of Always. . .Patsy Cline.
UNT ATHLETICS - CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM 2019-2020
The Mean Green applaud the great work in the community by DBL. Together, we build champions and prepare leaders.
RED DOOR OPERATIONS
The help that DBL grant recipient Denton Community Food Center provides for those in need, especially during the pandemic, is greatly appreciated by Red Door Operations and the King family.
DR. RICK & LOYCE WILSON
“These are a few of our favorite things!” Dr. Rick and Loyce Wilson applaud the successes of DBL.
EDENE & CHARLES RIGGS
Edene and Charles congratulate their grandson, Taylor Riggs, upon his graduation from Oklahoma State University this spring. Taylor is the son of Caryn and Clay Riggs. Caryn and Clay Riggs celebrate their son, Taylor, on his graduation from Oklahoma State University and DBL on another succesful year!
CARYN & CLAY RIGGS
DATCU
The credit union proudly supports the Denton Benefit League. Officers are (standing) President/CEO, Glen McKenzie and EVP-Chief Operations Officer, Jon Madsen; (seated) EVP-Chief Technology Officer, James Henderson, and EVP-Chief Financial Officer, Melanie Vest.
LIMERICK PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC
The Denton community truly has the luck of the Irish with the excellent work of DBL.
MEADOR’S NURSERY
Think outside the boxwood this spring. The Meador’s crew appreciates DBL and its work in our community.
BETH & BILL PATTERSON, DENTON MEDIA COMPANY
Georgia and Mollie Springer, granddaughters of Beth and Bill, love to spend time together and are giddy about Denton Benefit League’s success!
DARLENE & MICHAEL WHITTEN
Darlene Whitten with son Scott and two of his daughters, Olivia (14) and Amelia (8).
JACKIE & GREG JACKSON
Eli and Owen join their grandparents in thanking DBL for its continuing commitment to our community through volunteerism and grant support.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS - OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, DR. NEAL & DEBBIE SMATRESK
WILLIAMS & WILLIAMS REALTORS, LLC
Virginia and W.E. “Ed” Williams Jr. proudly support their grandsons W.E. “Cort” and Knox Williams as well as DBL for its community service.
SMITTY’S FLOOR COVERING
Kamdyn Lane Rogers is the son of Lane and Emery Rogers and the great-grandson of Alvin and Darlene Rogers. Stella, Mila, and Jak, grandchildren of John Whaley of the Sticker Station X-tra Lube, support DBL.
Dr. Norm and Dana Pomerance congratulate the Denton Benefit League on another year of outstanding support of our community.
STICKER STATION X-TRA LUBE
DR. NORMAN POMERANCE
ROB, KIM & EVELYN SEAY
CACDC acknowledges DBL for its generous support of its Denton office located at the Serve Denton campus. The Center appreciates the dedication of our partners in fighting for safety, justice, and healing for victims of child abuse.
Pam and David Arthur present their daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Chase Stauffer, and applaud the work of DBL in our community.
SOUTHERN STRETCH FORMING - PAM & DAVID ARTHUR
VELOCITY PHYSICAL THERAPY
Saige and Maylin Soell are the daughters of Maegan and Doug Soell.
CAROL S. ROWLEY
Many thanks to all essential workers in Denton County. Your heroic work is greatly appreciated! Find your purrfect match at the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center! These charming kittens and other pets need loving homes.
LINDA & JIM MCNATT
KYLE NAYFA - EDWARD JONES
DARIEN ORR, EBBY HALLIDAY REALTORS
Kyle congratulates DBL for another successful year. Bill and Darien toast all our Denton heroes!
JAMIE & JEFF MCCORMICK
The entire McCormick family congratulates DBL for its great work in Denton County. Josh, Kandace and Ollie, Jeff and Jamie, Jacob, Carey, and Layton.
KOONSFULLER FAMILY LAW
Law firm members Regan Donnenfield, Jonathan Bailey, Sean Abeyta, Charla Bradshaw, and James Logue thank DBL for supporting the Denton community.
KATRINIA MCBRIDE D.D.S.
Dr. McBride at Krum Dental Associates is proud to support the mission of DBL.
PROPERTY SEARCH ASSOCIATES
The Bomar family is DBL proud and supports another year of amazing work!
MARILYN WILEY
Marilyn Wiley and Terry Skantz are proud to support the Denton Benefit League in memory of her mother, Kathie Wiley, (shown with her husband Ray), who believed in the importance of giving back to your community.
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. #somethingblue - DBL member Diane Duncan Mayer and husband John are celebrating the May marriage of daughter Madeline Marie and Nathan Robert Blue!
JOHN & DIANE (DUNCAN) MAYER
KIMBERLY KARL & STAN HADDOCK
Kimberly and her daughter, Lisa D’Long, stand together to support many worthy causes.
PATRICE & JACK FRISBY
Joseph Frisby attends and plays baseball for Ranger College and will receive his second Associates Degree in May 2021.
UNLIMITED CARE OF NORTH TEXAS
Owners Linda and Randy DeGraffenreid and their newest grandchild, Scarlett Reid Teague, along with Scarlett’s fur babies, Suri and Roscoe, are honored to support the Denton Benefit League. Thanks for all you do for Denton!
MARGARET (SAM) & JAMES C. BAYS
Sam and Jim appreciate the care that DBL grant recipient Kiwanis Children’s Clinic provides for the children of Denton.
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.
ROB, KIM, & EVELYN SEAY
Rob, Kim, and Evelyn Seay congratulate the UNT Rotaract Club on its many service successes and accomplishments in both the Denton and international communities. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Denton, Rotaractors work side by side with all three of the Denton area Rotary Clubs to take action through service.
STOCKER WOODS FINANCIAL
The Woods family of Stocker Woods Financial wishes DBL another successful year! Dorothy, Rachel, Megan, and Mike Woods.
LAURA & LAYNE BREWER
Laura and Layne say thank you to the 2020-2021 DBL Board of Directors for a job well done! RSVP gives seniors a purpose through volunteering. And just like DBL volunteers, they provide Denton with expertise and heart.
TANYA & JOEL BLIXT
UNITED WAY OF DENTON COUNTY
United Way of Denton County proudly salutes DBL. The UWDC Executive Committe includes (top) Greg Sawko, Brandon McCleskey, Finley Graves, Mary Curtis; (middle) Pat Sherman, Gary Henderson, Micah Tannery-Pazoureck, Ann Pomykal; (bottom): Laura Behrens, Mike Thomson, Sharon Garrett, Ellen M. Painter.
SERVE DENTON
Serve Denton thanks our partner agencies for their contributions to the Denton community and for their leadership in caring for people every day. Enjoying sun and fun on the beach in Florida are Carter (5), Harris (9), and Grayson (5), grandchildren of Lynn and Charlie Davis.
LYNN & CHARLIE DAVIS
CARRIE & LEE LANGFORD
Congratulations to Madison Langford for making the 2020 Dean’s List at LeTourneau University. Next goal, The President’s List in the spring!
THE BRIGGS FAMILY
The Briggs family appreciates the valuable work of DBL and nonprofit organizations in the community.
SCOTT BROWN GROUP
Grandchildren of Shari and Scott Brown are Blakely and Bentley, daughter and son of Kristin and Garret Ashworth, and Reagan and Leighton, daughters of Paige and Bailee Brown, and Everest, son of Kelly and Rylee Brown.
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 and Jack Atkins and their grandchildren celebrate another great year for DBL.
CATHY BRYCE & JACK ATKINS
POINTBANK
PointBank congratulates Sandra and Randy Robinson, recipients of the prestigious Denton Chamber of Commerce Otis Fowler Award! We celebrate this acknowledgement of Randy and Sandra’s tireless commitment to nurturing the growth of Denton, Texas. Congratulations!
GREEN VALLEY SCHOOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
(Front) Dan Washburn, Lena Pennington, Jerry Anderson, Robin Meyer; (back) Mike Ward, Leo Perez, Ron Swain, Hal Reed, Alan Lessard. Gary Raines is not pictured.
MARITZA & CARY CATES
The Cates family is proud to support DBL and the Denton community.
