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Planned Parenthood 34th Annual Dallas Awards

Planned Parenthood hosted its 34th Annual Dallas Awards on Wednesday, November 20th at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House honoring Cecile Richards, national leader for women’s rights and social and economic justice, and daughter of former Texas Governor Ann Richards.

Cecile received the Planned Parenthood Gertrude Shelburne Humanitarian Award presented by Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas President and CEO, Ken Lambrecht. Ellen Richards accepted the award in her sister’s honor. Cecile had received a phone call Friday before the event inviting her to the White House for President Biden to present her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. So, while she was in Washington, Cecile’s presence was felt at The Winspear by Wednesday’s attendees in spirit and through video.

Co-chairs, Jessica Bass Bolander, Missy Rogers Peck and Abby Miller Evans promised a hopeful morning and the theme was flawlessly carried out from the moment guests were greeted with an enormous floral sculpture spelling out HOPE. Audra Scott opened the presentations with a rousing performance of Brave by Sara Bareilles.

Speakers included Dr. Austin Dennard, Dallas OB-GYN who told her moving story about having to flee Texas to receive medical care. The morning featured a conversation moderated by Gloria Campos Brown with Darren Walker, President of Ford Foundation, the $16 billion international social justice philanthropy. Under his leadership, the Ford Foundation became the first non-profit in US history to issue a $1 billion designated social bond to stabilize non-profit organizations in the wake of COVID-19.care. Walker closed his comments with the morning’s message of hope.

While throughout the event, there were tears, guests left with renewed optimism that with the generosity and support of communities like Dallas, Planned Parenthood will continue to deliver quality, compassionate healthcare.

 For more than 85 years, Texans have trusted Planned Parenthood to provide healthcare from expert clinicians, medically-accurate, inclusive sex education from professional educators, and an enduring commitment to restoring and expanding access to healthcare for the communities who need it most. Planned Parenthood provides these services to everyone who needs them, no matter their income, insurance or immigration status, who they are, where they live, or who they love. While abortion services are not available at Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, health centers are open and scheduling appointments for essential reproductive healthcare.

 

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 Shamrocks and Shenanigans is the opportunity to celebrate the halfway mark to St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish tradition with Irish yummies including the Doherty family’s famous Soda bread, Irish music, and games at a fun casino night to benefit the Pat Doherty Memorial Fund for Continuing Education at Network of Community Ministries. The event takes place at Network’s headquarters, 1500 International Parkway in Richardson on Saturday, September 21st from 6:30 until 10:30 p.m. 

The fund supports Network neighbors as they work to upskill or reskill in their journey to self-sufficiency by providing scholarships for trade certifications, licensing exams, and college courses and to help by eliminating barriers that are preventing them from obtaining a steady job with a livable wage.

In setting up the Pat Doherty Memorial Fund, Pat’s family wanted to honor her many years of volunteering at Network and her passion for empowering Network’s neighbors beyond their current situations. During her lifetime, Pat donated over 3,000 hours of service and 30 years as a volunteer in Network’s reception area, helping with intake of individuals coming in for assistance. Pat was one of the original Network volunteers and an educator herself.  She tragically passed away after a courageous battle with cancer in 2023.

 “Pat’s selfless dedication to Network’s mission has impacted countless neighbors as they sought an improved quality of life. We are grateful to her commitment to our organization and honored to memorialize her legacy of service through this fund,” said Network CEO Abbie Kauffman.

Tickets to Shamrocks and Shenanigans are $50 which includes $2,000 in chips. To purchase, go to https://my.cheddarup.com/c/shamrocks-and-shenanigans/items?cartor call Colleen at (206) 290-9695.

 

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Shamrocks and Shenanigans is the opportunity to celebrate the halfway mark to St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish tradition with Irish yummies including the Doherty family’s famous Soda bread, Irish music, and games at a fun casino night to benefit the Pat Doherty Memorial Fund for Continuing Education at Network of Community Ministries. The event takes place at Network’s headquarters, 1500 International Parkway in Richardson on Saturday, September 21st from 6:30 until 10:30 p.m.

The fund supports Network neighbors as they work to upskill or reskill in their journey to self-sufficiency by providing scholarships for trade certifications, licensing exams, and college courses and to help by eliminating barriers that are preventing them from obtaining a steady job with a livable wage.

Tickets to Shamrocks and Shenanigans are $50 which includes $2,000 in chips. To purchase, go to https://my.cheddarup.com/c/shamrocks-and-shenanigans/items?cart or call Colleen at (206) 290-9695.

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Bill and Margie Golden

Network of Community Ministries is celebrating its 5th Annual Food Pantry Fork-Off on Saturday evening, October 19th at 7 p.m. at Network’s headquarters, 1500 International Parkway. Richardson restaurants and businesses will be providing delicious samplings of their best offerings. The evening is filled with dancing, live and silent auctions, an apron contest, activities, games, and more— all to benefit Network’s programs for neighbors in need! Fork-Off is definitely not your typical sit-down dinner. This year’s Honorary Chairs are Richardson residents, Margie and Bill Golden.

“We’ve been privileged to see Network of Community Ministries positively impact our community for nearly four decades, bringing help and hope to those in need. We hope you will join us at the Food Pantry Fork-Off on Saturday, October 19 for a night of great food and entertainment, all while raising funds to support families on their journey toward self-sufficiency.” –Margie and Bill Golden, Honorary Chairs.

Network’s service area encompasses all 14 zip codes of the RISD including areas of North Dallas, Lake Highlands and Garland. Network is a non-denominational, community-based organization serving over 32,000 individuals through over 241,000 units of service annually. Current programs include: Basic Needs Assistance, Mobile Food Pantries, Seniors’ Net, Stabilization Programs, and Mental Health Services.

Abbie Kauffman, Network CEO, expressed her appreciation to the Goldens who have been longtime supporters, "Margie and Bill deserve to be honored by an organization that has much benefited by their involvement and support. Plus, they bring even more fun to a high-spirited event." 

For more information on how to join in the fun at Network’s 5th Annual Food Pantry Fork-Off, go to https://thenetwork.org/fork-off/ 

For sponsorship information, contact Jillian Netherland at jnetherland@thenetwork.org