Planned Parenthood supporters gathered at the annual Cocktails for a Cause on November 12^th in Fort Worth. The event was held at the Victory Arts Center and was chaired by Elizabeth Beck-Johnson who gathered a big committee of pals to help bring the largest attendance ever. Over 250 guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails, entertainment and an auction filled with terrific items. The event raised $66,000 to help Planned Parenthood provide essential healthcare and education services to women, men, and young people in Central and North Texas

A Night to Remember is always memorable featuring stars like Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Steve Martin, Jay Leno and Lyle Lovett in the past. This year's artists, Hall & Oates, put on a show in September that will not soon be forgotten by the attendees turned revelers dancing in the venerable old aisles of the Majestic. Hall & Oates and their band seemed to be having just as much fun and did not quit until they had delivered all of their hits to a crowd on their feet and screaming for more after every song.

Event co-chairmen Cindy and Scott Collier and Kara and Ross Miller along with host committee co-chairs Wendy and Boyd Messmann and Tiffany and Brandon Hawkins delivered another sell-out for CitySquare. This year's proceeds of $ 900,000 exceeded all past years. Next year promises to do the same. Ross and Scott's announcement that the 2016 A Night to Remember artist will be Jerry Seinfeld drew more cheers and enthusiasm from an already revved audience.

CitySquare has been fighting the causes and effects of poverty in Dallas for over 25 years. Proceeds from A Night to Remember benefit 14 unique programs that serve in excess of 50,000 individuals annually. For more information about CitySquare and A Night to Remember, go to www.CitySquare.org.

CitySquare honored sponsors of A Night to Remember, the organization's annual fundraiser, at The Joule on September 10th. Guests were treated to nibbles from the Joule including their yummy mini-sliders and macaroons and a signature drink called "Rich Girl"  to celebrate this year’s  A Night to Remember performers, 80's rock icons Hall & Oates. The much anticipated concert takes place on Friday, September 25th at the Majestic and, while it has been sold out since June, planners have withheld a handful of seats for last-minute sponsors. Proceeds from A Night to Remember benefit CitySquare’s poverty fighting programs. For information on A Night to Remember, go to www.CitySquare.org/HallandOates or call Jill Williams at 214.303.2138.

Photographs by JBeck Photography

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The growing demand for faith-based online graduate programs has prompted Abilene Christian University (ACU), a national leader in Christian higher education, to bring a campus and expanded degree offerings to North Texas. The new location will provide a broad group of adult, non-traditional students and the university's sizable alumni base in DFW with convenient access to high-quality graduate degrees such as a new doctorate (Ed.D.) in organizational leadership and an MBA. 

After an extensive search, ACU leaders have leased 25,000 square feet at One Hanover Park, 16633 N. Dallas Parkway in Addison. The new location is highly visible from the North Dallas Tollway and centrally located for students throughout the Metroplex. ACU Dallas will be the first and only university in Addison.

“We are excited to be expanding our presence in the Metroplex and so appreciative of the enthusiasm we already are receiving from students in the region," said ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert. “By offering ACU's distinctive brand of Christian higher education, we will fill an important need in the marketplace and become a real asset to the community.”

The new campus will provide a home base for an expanded selection of online degrees but also allow for evening, weekend and short courses to be taught on site. Leaders of the ACU Dallas campus will be vice president for academic affairs Dr. Stephen Johnson and executive vice president Jay Goin.

Since 2013, Abilene Christian has had a presence in the Metroplex through an award-winning partnership with nonprofit CitySquare. ACU at CitySquare on North Akard Street in downtown Dallas will continue to offer unique opportunities for undergraduate students who study and serve alongside CitySquare staff to help fight poverty in an urban setting.

Online classes have already started for several graduate degree programs and the ACU Dallas location will open this fall. For more information, go to acu.edu/grad.

A Night to Remember featuring 80’s rock icons Hall & Oates on Friday, September 25th at The Majestic Theatre is sold out to the public with only sponsorship seating still available. Sponsorships range from $500 to $100,000 to benefit CitySquare. Depending on sponsorship levels, sponsors can receive tickets, valet parking passes, attendance at the September Sponsor Celebration, passes to the post-concert dessert reception,recognition as Event Sponsor on the event website, event program, and signage.

CitySquare has been fighting the causes and effects of poverty since 1988. From its beginning as Central Dallas Food Pantry, CitySquare has grown to be one of the largest, most effective social service organizations in Texas, serving more than 50,000 unduplicated neighbors annually through 14 different programs. In 2014, CitySquare opened the long-awaited Opportunity Center, a gateway of opportunity for the underserved communities of south and east Dallas.

For sponsorship information on A Night to Remember featuring Hall & Oates, go to CitySquare.org/HallandOates or contact Jill Williams, CitySquare Director of Development, at jwilliams@CitySquare.org.