16 minute read
Society
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DALLAS WOMEN AT WORK
Leaders reflect on century of service, increasingly diverse future
Advertisement
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT: Junior League of Dallas Centennial Committee co-chairs Margo Goodwin and Andrea Cheek, JLD president Elizabeth Dacus, Centennial Project chair Sarah Jackson, and city of Dallas director of the Office of Arts and Culture Jennifer Scripps at the Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House. Members of Junior League of Dallas have found many
ways to serve the community through the decades while training up women leaders. (PHOTOS: COURTESY JUNIOR LEAGUE DALLAS, PEOPLE NEWSPAPERS ARCHIVES)
By Emilea McCutchan
People Newspapers
As Junior League of Dallas celebrates its Centennial, president Christa Brown-Sanford and former Brown-Sanford has been an active member with JLD for 14 years, balancing service on multiple committees like the represident Karen Shuford anticipate changes even as JLD stays focused on its central mission.
“At Junior League, we train future women leaders in Dallas, period,” Brown-Sanford said. “I think when you just look at that, there is an impact on the community that is so important because of the work that we’re doing with women.”
Established in 1922, the Junior League of Dallas started with 40 members determined to make a difference in their community and has grown to almost 5,000 PCP_Nov2021_Banner_Draft1.pdf 1 10/5/2021 1:32:59 PMmembers today.
One of the largest and oldest Junior Leagues, the organization dedicates itself to improving the Dallas community, providing over 130,000 service hours and about $1 million in funding each year. search and development team with her career as an attorney. “Every year as I’m volunteering, I think, ‘Oh, this is my favorite one,’” said Brown-Sanford. “I think I have learned something about myself, how I work with others, and how I lead that has helped me to create this skillset that is so important in every other aspect of my life.” In celebration of 100 years of service dedicated to the Dallas community, JLD exhibited historical documents, memorabilia, and photos at the Hall of State during the State Fair of Texas and is rehabilitating the Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House as a Centennial Project. JLD has raised about $1.4 million for the project so far.
“Having been a member for 46 years, I’ve seen over and over again that when a community need or an issue arises, the Junior League members step up to the plate,” Shuford said.
When abused children had to retell their story to authorities, Junior League women stepped forward and established the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Shuford said. Brown-Sanford said members helped fundraise money in the 1970s to create the Dallas Museum of Art with the city and later the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
Looking towards the future, both Brown-Sanford and Shuford hope to increase diversity within the organization.
“In 100 years, I think that the league will continue to grow to be more reflective of the community that we serve and really expand upon our diversity of membership from a racial and ethnic standpoint, from a geographic standpoint, and from a socio-economic standpoint,” Brown-Sanford said.
Shuford hopes future members visit the Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House and become inspired by the “remarkable lady who [believed] that people from all backgrounds can come together and make a difference.
She said, “[We want] to ensure that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or income, are treated with dignity and equality, and have access to things like healthcare, housing, employment, and safety.”
214.692.8200
Sandy Ammons and Michelle Mew
(PHOTOS: ROB WYTHE/WYTHE PORTRAIT STUDIO) - e Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden launched the 2021-2022 A Woman’s Garden 25th Anniversary Campaign with a Birthday Party chaired by Barbara Bigham on Oct. 4 at the chaired by Barbara Bigham on Oct. 4 at the Main Terrace Garden. e centerpiece of the celebration was a ceremonial five-tier towering birthday cake by Dallas Affaires Cake Company decorated with a colorful design by Mari Epperson of a kaleidoscope of silk butterflies in flight seeming to fly to the sky. Council members also released 240 live butterflies into the gardens.
“Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion, and commitment of women across generations coming together to support a common goal,” said Lisa Loy Laughlin, Women’s Council president.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Phase II endowment trust to provide for maintenance and improvements for A Woman’s Garden.
– Staff report Butterfly Cake
Carole Ann Brown, Claire Catrino, Venise Stuart Nancy Greenback, Barbara Brice
Shar Sutherlin, Suzanne Millet, Daphne Elizalde Pam Mattingly, Barbara Lake, Mary McDermott Cook, Mersina Stubbs
Mari Epperson, Barbara Bigham, Lisa Loy Laughlin
What is Philanthropy? Bob Hopkins’ new book defines love of humanity with scores of stories
Entering the world of philanthropy doesn’t mean having to throw exceeding amounts of money at problems. Philanthropist and former magazine publisher Bob Hopkins describes it differently SOPHIA WILSON in his book Philanthropy Misunderstood: One Hundred-Plus Stories From People Who Helped Change the World.
He clarified that although philanthropy is often associated with affluence, its bottom line is the “love of mankind.”
An abundance of experiences throughout the 40 years Hopkins has spent in the nonprofit sector led him to create the book of essays from him and others. It includes 108 stories of people Hopkins knows who abetted the gradual process of transformation in the world.
“Please help me in thanking them again and encourage them to keep up the work that changes behaviors, the passions that grow into ideas, and causes that make a difference,” Hopkins wrote.
Many years ago, Hopkins was beginning to open Philanthropy in Texas magazine when he met Debbie Makrazek, the CEO and founder of the Sales Company.
She taught him how to network and create a circle of influence “made up of people who need people to succeed in life and business.”
Other stories in the book include Dr. Ken and Deborah Adams and their three children, who Hopkins met in 2013 while teaching a children’s class about philanthropy.
Six years later, the Adams family raised over $1.6 million to build water wells in about 20 countries and traveled internationally for eight months fueled on “faith, trust, and experience.”
Opus Keyes, the former sweet puppy of Margo and Jim Keyes, played a significant role in three philanthropy projects.
Opus was auctioned off to the couple to raise money for children’s musical instruments at the Dallas Symphony Gala.
Later, after Opus swallowed a golf ball and had to have surgery, Hopkins convinced the ball’s owner, an executive with Republic Title, to make a $2,000 donation to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
But it doesn’t stop there: Opus became a little boy’s hero by serving as a stand-in for “Air Bud” during a Make a Wish Foundation experience based on the Disney movie series.
Despite the troubles of our world, people
FROM LEFT: Bob Hopkins has spent four
decades in the nonprofit sector. (PHOTOS:
PHILANTHROPYMISUNDERSTOOD.ORG); Book cover. still care for the wellbeing of others, said Hopkins, who sees philanthropy as not necessarily about the cause.
Donors seek gratification by helping to improve society and strengthen the community, he said, adding “they are able to express their appreciation by giving to good causes.”
Sophia Wilson is a senior at Highland Park High School who likes to write and dance.
Se ing the standard for Holiday Tables!
Two leading companies joining forces to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth and N. Central TX area.
Feed your TREES AND LAWN
Learn more about our Eco-friendly programs on our website.
214.528.2266 | savatree.com
Bank of America partnership promotes homeownership, pride
By William Taylor
willliam.taylor@peoplenewspapers.com
What’s Nekemia Brown’s favorite space in the Habitat for Humanity home she bought in 2020? “My closet, because I have a lot of shoes,” she told representatives of Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity in July of that year as she stood outside with a rental moving truck in her new driveway.
“For me, owning a home, it makes me feel more family-oriented,” she said, holding the flowers they brought. “I can relax and spend family time with my daughters and my dogs.” e Browns and nine other families can credit, in part, their houses to a 20-year-old partnership between the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity and Bank of America Dallas.
“Bank of America has been especially meaningful to us because they’ve graciously given to Habitat’s mission for two decades,” said Dallas Habitat CEO Dave Crawford. “ is type of commitment of an entire organization of people has allowed us to make real progress in transforming lives and communities in Dallas/Fort Worth.”
While sponsoring the 10 Habitat home builds, the bank has provided countless hours of HUD-certified financial education courses to hundreds of Dallas families, nearly 12,000 volunteer hours, and more than $750,000 to the agency. “It has been an honor to work with Habitat to advance economic mobility in our community through financial literacy education and advance our shared mission of increasing access to affordable housing,” said bank president Jennifer Chandler. “And we look forward to our continued partnership.” Dallas Habitat serves families making between 25% and 60% of the area’s median income who demonstrate need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner with the agency, according to dallasareahabitat.org. Partnering includes taking advantage of Habitat’s educational programs that cover such topics as finances, budgeting, and home maintenance. Clients also contribute “sweat equity” to the construction of their homes and the homes of their neighbors. e model allows Habitat to guarantee mortgage payments won’t exceed 30% of a family’s monthly income at the time of closing. Brown managed to complete that project during the pandemic and thanked Habitat leaders and volunteers for that. “You were always rooting for me.” She described homeownership as life-changing for her
I can relax and family. It has allowed spend family time them to host New Year’s with loved ones, with my daughters dedicate space for exerand my dogs. cise, and plant a flower garden – all in the West Nekemia Brown Dallas neighborhood where she grew up. “It means so much for me to grow up in this neighborhood and to see how much you guys invest to make it safer, nicer,” she told her friends from Dallas Habitat. “To me, it changed some of the people who live in the neighborhood because it makes it calmer.”
TOP, FROM LEFT: Kathy Hilton, Dogs Matter alumni client Camille Cox and her dog Harley, Stephen Knight and his dog Jayde, and Kelly Clarkson.
(PHOTO: EMILY CAMPBELL/NBC)
Taylor Stensrud with his rescue dog, Belle, a black mouth cur.
(PHOTO: COURTESY DOGS LIKE ME)
Dogs Matter Eases Foster Care Dilemma
Addicts don’t need to fret about beloved pets during treatment
By Kara Conway Love
Special Contributor
When Taylor Stensrud faced a life-altering dilemma, Dogs Matter was there. “In early 2018, I was finally ready to accept my truth and willing to begin an alcohol treatment program after nearly two decades of abuse,” the Highland Park resident said. “But what was I supposed to do with my dog, Belle, for 60 to 90 days?”
Housing a pet during a rehabilitation stay is an issue that gets overlooked and holds many people back from getting the help they need on their journey toward recovery.
Addiction can strip away almost everything. One by one, people around an addict often find they have no choice but to leave, and pet owners don’t want to lose the only one who stays and loves unconditionally. at’s where Dogs Matter, headquartered near Midway Road and Northwest Highway, runs to help. e Dallas nonprofit founded in 2014 by Stephen Knight provides temporary dog foster care placement and supportive services specifically for addicts and alcoholics
seeking treatment and transitioning to recovery. Knight recently appeared on e Kelly Clarkson Show. e donor-supported agency takes care of the food and veterinarian services, provides status updates to clients, and includes free aftercare follow-ups for up to 12 months. “ ey truly do ‘take care of your best friend while you take care of yourself,’” Stensrud said. “Dogs Matter found the perfect DOGS MATTER foster family and relieved me of the added stress and anxiety over the care of my dog when I needed to focus on myself and my sobriety.” Dogs can help reduce loneliness, create social opportunities, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of purpose in a seemingly hopeless situation. “Belle has been my loyal companion throughout my journey,” Stensrud said. “We were successfully reunited after my treatment in the summer But what was I of 2018 and have been living in a safe, sosupposed to do ber environment ever with my dog, Belle, since.” Stensrud also now for 60 to 90 days? works for Dogs MatTaylor Stensrud ter, heading up the marketing and foster operations team. “I’m extremely grateful to the Dogs Matter organization and its amazing volunteers,” he said. “ ey were such an integral part in my journey towards a new life in recovery.” Kara Conway Love writes for doglikeme. com, which seeks to connect and inspire dog lovers while advocating for a better life with dogs.
INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE
Beauty is just the beginning at
The Tradition-Lovers Lane and The Tradition-Prestonwood Assisted Living and Memory Care communities.
• Locally owned and managed • “Quiet Care” – cutting-edge technology • Innovative memory care: therapy intervention • 24-hour licensed nursing • Seamless medication management • Restaurant-style dining with exquisite menu • Outpatient rehab and underwater treadmill • Secured with access control and cameras • Beautiful antiques and abundant natural light
THE TRADITION – LOVERS LANE
ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE Entrance at 5855 Milton Street Dallas, Texas 75206 214-361-2219
TX ID# 106147
THE TRADITION – PRESTONWOOD
ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE Entrance at 5555 Arapaho Road Dallas, Texas 75248 972-661-1880
TX ID# 106306
Elizabeth Keckeisen and Mary Keckeisen Virginia Do, Mark Hoglander, Dhruva Patel, Frances Ethus, Kerri Lin, and Hiren Patel
Ted Kincaid and Steve Atkinson Mark Soto and Amy Brightwell
Karen Froehlich and Mandy Strauss Anthony and Amber Sims Julie Eenigenburg and Leo the dog
(PHOTOS: THOMAS GARZA)
North Texas animal lovers celebrated the bond between people and their pets during SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2021 on Oct. 2 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. e gala led by chairs Hiren and Dhruva Patel helps fund the important mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home.
Guests cuddled with adorable puppies and lit up the photo booth, before heading into the ballroom for the program. into the ballroom for the program.
Dazzling purple dominated everywhere including gorgeous florals and columns sporting bright, cheerful photos and heartfelt stories about animals the SPCA of Texas has recently helped. e ballroom glittered with purple drapes, sparkling lights and stunning floral centerpieces
Rubi Solano, the director of community outreach for the SPCA of Texas, and Mark Romick, with Duck Team 6, talked about the critical work the organizations do to keep pets in homes and unchain dogs. – Staff report
Shawn Wills and Jessica Nowitzski Cecile Richards and Sally Dunning
JoAnn Jenkins and Judge Clay Jenkins
(PHOTOS: KRISTINA BOWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY)
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas hosted the 31st annual Dallas Awards in unique style on Sept. 23.
It raised a record-breaking $3.3 million during what organizers described as a challenging year for women’s health in Texas.
Rather than the usual luncheon, the event co-chaired by Katherine Perot Reeves and Anne Clayton Vroom was held in the morning in person at the Winspear Opera House and virtually. Guests heard a conversation with women’s rights icon Cecile Richards, moderated by Matrice Ellis Kirk.
Sponsors and loyal supporters had gathered the evening before in the home of Anne Clayton and Bunky Vroom for a VIP reception where Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas CEO Ken Lambrecht presented Sally Dunning with the 2021 Gertrude Shelburne Humanitarian Award.
– Staff report
Cecile Richards, Katherine Perot Reeves, Matrice Ellis Kirk, Anne Clayton Vroom Eric and Katherine Perot Reeves, Anne Clayton and Bunky Vroom Melissa Gendason and Selwyn Razor
