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Wake up Call for Reverchon Roundup

Since you’re up so early on this Saturday morning, why not grab a cup of coffee and do something good. No, we don’t mean work on your tax returns. Boring!

Instead, head over to Reverchon Park for the 12th annual Reverchon Roundup.

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Faux — A Different Type of Volunteer

It was 14 years ago on March 17 that a marvelous litter of Australian Shepherds was born in our neighborhood. Six weeks later while walking my cantankerous Border Collie Chauncey, I saw the litter and immediately spotted one (pictured) out of the dozen that seemed to be the center of attention. All the others wanted to play with her because she was such a happy little soul and such a great sport. I didn’t need another dog, but there was just something about her that was magical, so I asked if I could just take her home for one night. Chauncey was not pleased, but it was for just one night.

The next morning I called our neighbors and asked how much the puppies were. They said “$250, but they would sell her to me for $200.” At that time they might as well have said a thousand, but I decided that my rainy day fund could help me out this one time and paid the full $250. I wasn’t going to treat this pick of the litter with anything but top dollar.

While Chauncey was still not very happy about our new roommate, she adjusted because the puppy hero-worshiped her. I always thought that I trained the puppy, but looking back I realize now that it was Chauncey who taught the puppy how to raise a human.

Eventually after many name tries (Clancy, Mary Posa, etc.), we settled on Faux Marble because her coat looked like fake marble. Over the years, she grew from an adorable puppy to a rather beautiful Aussie (pictured). Yet, she retained her Miss Congeniality title with everyone and every dog that she met.

She excelled in her puppy obedience, so much so that she moved up in the ranks to advanced, super duper obedience. There was talk of her competing in trials, but I decided that she wasn’t meant for that.

Then one day I read a notice in the paper that Baylor University Medical Center’s animal-assisted therapy program was testing candidates for its program. It sounded interesting and I thought it would be nice for Faux to have people pat her on the head. After all, what more does a therapy dog do, but visit people in the waiting room? So, we signed up for the test. (more…)

Honoring Dr. Bobby Lyle Was Easy and Tough

The Hearts of Texas Award Luncheon organizers knew darn well that honoring Dr. Bobby B. Lyle (pictured) with the 2010 Lifetime Award was going to be both easy and tough.

“Easy” because Bobby is the prototype for which the award was created by the Volunteer Center of North Texas — “to recognize individuals in North Texas area, who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of the community through the donation of their time, talent and resources.” To say Bobby fits the description is to understate his accomplishments. From the Salvation Army to the Boy Scouts of America to SMU, he has not just contributed his time, money, and effort. No, Bobby has taken on each task and relationship with a commitment that would stagger even the most accomplished CEO.

On the other hand, honoring Louisiana-born Bobby was going to be “tough” because he has a tricky way of shying away from accolades. Perhaps that’s why his name is unfamiliar to those who aren’t down in the trenches. As Jack Furst put it, “Bobby allows others to take the credit for what he’s done.” (more…)

Despite Stormy Weather, Wyly World Opens Its Door For “Hearts of Texas” VIP’s

Thursday night’s sweeping downpours of rain and just plain cold temperatures were reason enough to stay at home. However, 75 of Dallas’s finest ventured out for the patrons’ dinner honoring “Hearts of Texas” recipient Dr. Bobby Lyle (pictured with Lottye Brodsky) at the Dee and Charles Wyly home. Hosted by Charles, Jack Furst, Lynn McBee, and Gerald Turner, the evening was a warm-up for the fourth annual Hearts of Texas Awards lunch (February 16) benefiting the Volunteer Center of North Texas.

SIDE NOTE: Dee and Charles (pictured) may be the perfect hosts. Their home is a divine party venue blending elegance and comfort while still managing to be a home. (The mini-glass palace atrium just off the entry is the centerpiece of the partying that can handle any type of weather. Dee admits that their original tent years ago caused them to take a long stick to prevent sagging during downpours.) Their menus are masterpieces that have guests lining up for seconds and thirds. The serving staff seamlessly provides for every need. The pianist’s selection is perfectly suited for this occasion and never upstages the conversations taking place during the reception and dinner.

But what truly is the piece de resistance of the Wylys’ entertaining talents is their own graciousness. As you enter the door, there is Charles immediately greeting you with a smile and handshake. He can recall little moments of past meetings that would challenge the greatest memory banks. There is a true sense of fellowship in his eyes.

Then there is Dee to greet you like an old, dear friend. No guest is secondary in her book. With twinkling eyes, an adorable Dutch-boy haircut, and a homecoming queen smile, she has never met a stranger.

But back to the party.

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Beauty Queen And Super Dancer Join Up To Volunteer on MLK Jr. Day

She’s a beauty queen with an incredible focus on improving the world. He’s known for winning Super Bowls and dance contests. Today they put aside their normal “day jobs,” grabbed their four kiddos, and joined Local Volunteers to Serve on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

As part of the 35 members of the AmericCorps (pictured), they started work this morning to rehabilitate and weatherize two houses in the Fair Park area. Their work included repairing the existing roofs, installing kitchen cabinets and countertops, and making improvements that will help weatherize the houses.

Who is the razzle-dazzle, hardworking twosome? Follow the jump! (more…)

Cheers for Charity Ladies Invite You To Do Some Good

It’s a going to be a beautiful day, so why are you staring at your computer screen? Why not get up and drive over to the Stephen J. McManus Family Mental Health Clinic? Now, don’t take that the wrong way. Cheers for Charity, the 15-year-old local nonprofit, is holding “Families Helping Families Service Day” at the McManus clinic between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. today. Instead of the annual women’s holiday party, the group decided to roll up their sleeves and literally get to work in the trenches. Makes sense. Their mission is to provide funding and resources for Dallas nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to enriching the lives of at-risk children.

The attire is “hands dirty and clothes stained,” and they would love it if you would bring new or gently used books and/or toys (sorry, no stuffed animals).

This one is an easy one. Just drop by, help, and feel good.

Dallas Historical Society Announces Awards of Excellence Recipients!

All right, let’s be honest. Dallas is a relatively young city compared to say Rome, Luxor, or Athens. But how lucky it is to have the members of the Dallas Historical Society record and preserve its growing history. Since 1922, Dallas’ “memory” group has been assembling, categorizing and exhibiting over three million items.

For the past 28 years, the group has put aside the dusty artifacts and historic treasures to celebrate community leaders in various fields at its “Awards of Excellence” luncheon. Somehow the DHS members manage to pick the cream of the crop each year–some well-known to the world and others unknown to most of us. Why just a couple of years ago photographer Andy Hanson, who died a year ago this week, was recognized for his capturing Dallas on film for decades.

Under the expert direction of honorary chair Erle Nye and event co-chairs Lynn and Allan McBee (pictured), the DHS’s luncheon on November 10th at the Fairmont is headed for a big success. After all with Dr. Gail Thomas (she of the Trinity Trust) supervising the selection of this year’s recipients, how can one lose? Who are the recipients? Hold on to your reading glasses–

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VHA MIAs Are Making a Difference Today

The regional office of VHA will be missing 500 associates today. Swine flu? Heck, no. They’re joining their fellow VHA-ers across the country to help make a difference in the company’s seventh annual Community Day.

In case you’re scratching your head wondering what VHA is, don’t give it a second thought. We’ve got the answer for you. Irving-based VHA is the nationwide network of community-owned health care systems and their physicians. Its family of companies includes Novation and Provista. Now you’ll be able to impress your friends with your new knowledge.

So if you see some unfamiliar folks painting, planting, sorting, and just improving

• Brighter Tomorrows,
• Buckner Children and Family Service,
• CC Young Memorial Home,
• Cornerstone Care Center and Park Manor Retirement Center,
• Goodwill in Dallas,
• Keep Irving Beautiful,
• North Texas Food Bank,
• Red Cross,
• Salvation Army in Irving,
• Texas Trees, or
• The Family Place,

don’t call security. It’s just the VHA folks helping out.

By the way, this very pro-active program wouldn’t be happening if it didn’t have the support of Curt Nonomaque (president/CEO of VHA) and Jody Hatcher (president/CEO of Novation).

Thanks, Curt and Jody, for creating and continuing a program that allows your associates to make a difference for good.

Bigs Gather at the Cartys for Big Black Tie Ball Prelude

Last night Big Brothers/Big Sisters of North Texas  pulled off a rather wonderful, small gathering of the “Bigs” at the charming estate of Ana and Don Carty (pictured). It was billed as a prelude to the “Big Black Tie Ball,” but it was actually sorta marvelous. From the perfect weather for the Cartys to take full advantage of their dreamland backyard to the camaraderie of the guests, there was no need for big-name entertainment, NFL football players, or even fireworks.

The energy, determination, and belief in BB/BS were positively contagious. If you need someone to blame, let’s all point fingers at Don. Without hesitation he championed the belief that unlike many of the party guests, an important part of our society does not have the family or mentors in place to help them. Time and time again, he extolled the importance of individuals stepping up and making a difference for these young people.

He also admitted that funding was an important part of a successful nonprofit organization like BB/BS, but added, if “you haven’t got money, you can give your time. That’s invaluable.”

Don ‘fessed up that one area where BB/BS is in great need is adult members of the African-American community. “We’re working with fraternities and other organizations to get them involved.”

Then he turned his attention to another area facing nonprofits nowadays. The days of nonprofits using a picture of a needy child or an abused animal are oh-so past tense. Today fundraising is a full-blown business and must rely on the same standards, practices, and accountability as any successful corporation. Don pointed with pride to Charles Pierson (pictured), BB/BS of North Texas CEO, who left the for-profit sector to head up BB/BS here, as the key to BB/BS becoming a leader within the national organization.  By the way, Charles started out as a “Big” volunteer in 1993 and became CEO 10 years later.

And since the BB/BS organization is expertly skilled in doing the right thing, they presented their hosts with gifts of thanks. For Don, it was a bottle of 1988 Dominus Estate, Napa Valley. And for Ana, it was a one-of-a-kind hand-signed glass vase from the Molinari Standard collection.

Okay, so you want names? Other Bigs included white-haired standouts like Norm Green and Herb Weitzman with Donna Arp. . . . Kelly Green (pictured) compared notes with Myrna Schlegel about Little Sister Azalea’s lovely violin performance as a sneak preview of the November 14 ball. . . .Kimberly Schlegel-Whitman and hubby Justin Whitman toured the new addition of the Carty house. . . . BB/BS of America CEO Karen Mathis just happened to drop in to congratulate the Dallas bunch for their work. Karen, who just came on board this month, has been in the friendly skies since taking her position. The Dallas stop for the Carty gathering was a must-attend item on her agenda. She couldn’t even stay ‘til the end of the party. Had to be whisked away in a waiting vehicle to catch her flight at D/FW Airport.

 Can’t wait to see what the Bigs pull off for the ball at the Fairmont. It should be very, very big.

Bruce Willis and His Friends Need Help

There are definite benefits to volunteering and the AT&T Performing Arts Center grand-zilla  opening year is a perfect example. For instance, Bruce “Die Hard” Willis has just been announced to host the Act III fundraising gala in the Wyly Theatre. But wait it gets better. Performing that night will be Alan Menken and Debra Monk in a series of vignettes directed by James Lapine. 

Folks, that just one of the activities that the organizers have in store for the opening year. 

If you have the $$ to buy a ticket, you’re oh-so lucky. But if you want to save some cash and do a very good deed, volunteer to help out. There’s a shout out for volunters. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll be asked to help Bruce offstage?

Interested? Check with Kelly.Mccracken@attpac.org. Hey, Kelly, did you know that you’ve just become the most popular person in town?