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Roll Out The Red Carpet For Promise House Tonight

Since 1984, Promise House has been accomplishing amazing success stories in its work to help homeless, runaway, and at-risk teenagers. Its earliest “clients” are pushing 40.  Celebrating its 25th anniversary and its serving over 50,000 teens and families in North Texas, it will hold “Dining for Dollars” to present its 25th Anniversary Community Champion award tonight at Cuba Libre.

The two community champions should be absolutely no surprise to anyone — the Junior League of Dallas is the group honoree and Bud Callahan is the individual honoree. Oh, you know the JLD, but Bud’s name is new on your contact list? Well, he a successful DFW realtor and liaison between Promise House and the Duncanville, Desoto, and Oak Cliff MLS and the Women’s Council of Realtors.

Tickets are $20 per person via online pre-event and $25 at the door. But besides being part of the action, guests will also enjoy lite-bits and appetizers from Cuba Libre (they’re pretty stellar) and specialty cocktails by Pama Liqueur.

If you’re one of those who avoid the paparazzi on the red carpet, pull a Jack Nicholson and just slip on your shades. That’ll drive the photogs crazy.

A Friend In Need

You’ve got precious pooches and chatty kitties. You’ve shopped for your four-legged children at PetsMart, PetCo, and Canine Commissary like you were on a binge at Neiman’s or Tiffany’s. Your critters are spoiled. They have the heated beds, the hi-tech fountains, and even the cutest critter couture around.

But all four-legged creatures don’t have it as good as yours. There are animals like Dido (pictured) at the Dallas Animal Shelter that if not adopted are destined for death row.

Your SweetCharity staff has checked out the new facilities on Westmoreland at I-30. After all you would expect us to. Forget that Oliver Twist facility that used to be next to the Dallas Zoo. The new facility is really rather spectacular and the staff is doing a yeoman’s job. But they need to get the critters out of there. Each day dogs and cats are killed (let’s not pussyfoot around with euthanize, put to sleep, etc.) because of the surplus.

Did you know that quality animals are being turned in hourly? You don’t believe it? How could you doubt us??? We’ve seen everything from Chinese Crested to Labs available for adoption because of the economy. And what a bargain. For less than the price of a Wii Fit Plus, you get a life-long bud that is spade/neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, and had its first round of shots.

Ah, come on, you know you have room or you know someone who is in need of being loved. Now, head over to the shelter.

Let’s Cover The Blanket Problem

The upcoming week is going to hit some interesting lows. The temperatures will dip into the 20′s and 30′s. Ah, but you can just turn up the thermostat and snuggle under your electric blanket. Oh, you’re a duvet type? Sorry, should have guessed.

Want to have sweet dreams to go with that comfy slumber? Why not gather up your old blankets and donate them to those in need? Homeless shelters, like The Bridge, can really use them.

What’s that? You’ve got a blanket, but it’s pretty ratty? Then animal organizations have just the place for it. They could also use your old newspapers. Seriously.

Kill Two Birds With One Buy

Here’s a thought: If you’re thinking about donating a coat or a blanket to an organization providing such needs to the homeless, you can certainly clean out your closet. Ah, come on. Do you really need that 1970′s ex-boyfriend’s letter jacket? Hey, you dumped him back then. It’s time to toss the jacket.

ShopTalk gals, heads up on this one. Here’s a real deal: Think about heading to the Salvation Army Thrift Stores and Goodwill stores. You’ll be amazed what bargains can be had! (Please note: we rarely use exclamation points.) Yes, everything from baby blankets to duvets can be had for a pittance, but they can invaluable to someone who is facing a very chilly Christmas Eve and winter. Plus you’ll be supporting two non-profit organizations that are year-round heroes.