News

Richardson Community Supports Networks 40 Years of Service At Network Fork-Off to Fight Hunger

Lou Ann York — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:00:00 Z

This years Network Fork-Off to Fight Hunger brought out the community including Richardson leadership in support of Network of Community Ministries. Powerhouse couple, Mauri and Bryan Marsh, were Honorary Chairs and were honored with a record turn-out for the event.

Fork-Off to Fight Hunger took place at Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center at UT Dallas, a hidden gem of a venue. As always, restaurants and establishments competed for the Golden Fork that was presented to Richardsons Chameli Restaurant that serves authentic Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine. Judges for the Golden Fork competition were Alika Omar and Richardson Mayor Amir Omar, President and CEO of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Kim Quirk and Richardson City Council Member Jennifer Justice. Guests were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite and Tejano Brothers took the People's Choice award There was no shortage of great food and drink as eighteen establishments brought their best offerings.

Networks Annual Fork-Off is more than just a fun gathering. Its an opportunity to come together and make a meaningful difference for our neighbors, said Mauri Marsh.

Thanks to Presenting Sponsors the like Halff Family and many others such as The City of Richardson, The Golden Gift Fund, First United Methodist Church, Methodist Richardson Medical Center, United Benefits, WDW Financial, Ginger Mayo, Saint Barnabas Presbyterian Church, Kendra Unruh & Denver Pierce, Lakepointe North Dallas, NCT, Ellis Island, Frost Bank, Texas Bank & Trust, the organization netted some $200,000.

On behalf of our neighbors in need, thank you to everyone whose generosity made this years Fork-Off such a great success, says Celeste Sneeze, President and CEO of Network of Community Ministries.

Networks Community Food Market and Mobile Food Market distributed more than 3.5 million pounds of food last year and served 25,000 individuals through programs designed to lift up its neighbors and often change the trajectory of their lives.

For more information on Network of Community Ministries, please go to www.thenetwork.org

RISD Culinary Program Students Will Participate in Network Fork-Off to Fight Hunger

Lou Ann York — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:00 Z

Competition at the upcoming Network of Community Ministries Fork-Off to Fight Hunger is heating up with favorite local restaurants and establishments competing in various challenges. Adding to the excitement, RISDs Culinary Program students will be participating in the competition while showing off their new skills prepping, cooking, plating and serving Fork-Off guests.

Network Fork-Off to Fight Hunger takes place this year on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 6 10 p.m. at the University of Texas at Dallas Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center. Honorary Chairs are Richardson luminaries, Mauri and Bryan Marsh.

Guests will enjoy delicious samplings from local restaurants, dancing, exciting live and silent auctions, interactive activities, and more. Participating establishments include Josefina's Cocina, Sweet Firefly, Porta Di Roma, Nothing Bundt Cakes. Jeng Chi Restaurant, Fanah Cafe & Pastry, Cafe Amore, Beyond the Bar, Anaya's Seafood, Cappuccino, La Casita Bakery, La Sombra Cantina, Ten50 BBQ and JJ Pearce and Richardson High School Culinary Programs.

Network is celebrating 40 years of community service. 40 years is considered a ruby anniversary, so guests are encouraged to think ruby red in dress or accessories to add fun to what is annually a festive celebration.

Red does not have to be head to toemaybe something as fun as Dorothys ruby red slippers since we are hoping for a magical evening in our new venue and with so many exciting additions to the event, says Celeste Sneeze, Network President & CEO.

Fork-Off to Fight Hunger is Network of Community Ministries annual fundraiser raising funds to support community programs such as basic needs assistance, mobile food pantries, Seniors Net, Stabilization Programs and mental health services. Network helps neighbors in need throughout the 14 zip codes of the RISD system including all of Richardson and Lake Highlands and parts of Plano, North Dallas, and Garland.

For sponsorship and ticket information, go to www.thenetwork.org/forkoff

RISD Culinary Program Students Will Participate in Network Fork-Off to Fight Hunger

Lou Ann York — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:00 Z

Competition at the upcoming Network Fork-Off to Fight Hunger is heating up with favorite local restaurants and establishments competing in various challenges. Adding to the excitement, RISDs Culinary Program students will be participating in the competition while showing off their new skills prepping, cooking, plating and serving Fork-Off guests.

For sponsorship and ticket information, go to www.thenetwork.org/forkoff

Network of Community Ministries Celebrate 40 Years of Service

Lou Ann York — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:00:00 Z

Network of Community Ministries is celebrating 40 years of community service with the annual Network Fork-Off to Fight Hunger taking place this year on Saturday, April 18th from 6 10 p.m. at the University of Texas at Dallas Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center. Honorary Chairs are Richardson luminaries, Mauri and Bryan Marsh.

Competition at the upcoming Network Fork-Off to Fight Hunger is heating up with favorite local restaurants and establishments competing in various challenges. Adding to the excitement is this years participation of RISDs Culinary Program students who will be showing off their new skills prepping, cooking, plating and serving Fork-Off guests.

Fork-Off to Fight Hunger is Network of Community Ministries annual fundraiser raising funds to support community programs such as basic needs assistance, mobile food pantries, Seniors Net, Pampillonia Stabilization Programs and mental health services. Network helps neighbors in need throughout the 14 zip codes of the RISD system including all of Richardson and Lake Highlands and parts of Plano, North Dallas, and Garland.

For sponsorship and ticket information, go to http://www.thenetwork.org/forkoff

Network of Community Ministries Celebrates 40 Years of Service

Lou Ann York — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:00:00 Z

Competition at the upcoming Network Fork-Off to Fight Hunger is heating up with favorite local restaurants and establishments competing in various challenges. Adding to the excitement is this years participation of RISDs Culinary Program students who will be showing off their new skills prepping, cooking, plating and serving Fork-Off guests.

Guests will enjoy delicious samplings from local restaurants, dancing, exciting live and silent auctions, interactive activities, and more. Participating establishments include Josefina's Cocina, Sweet Firefly, Porta Di Roma, Nothing Bundt Cakes. Jeng Chi Restaurant, Fanah Cafe & Pastry, Cafe Amore, Beyond the Bar, Anaya's Seafood, Cappuccino, La Casita Bakery, La Sombra Cantina, Ten50 BBQ, Manny's Tex Mex and JJ Pearce and Richardson High School Culinary Programs.

Red does not have to be head to toemaybe something as fun as Dorothys ruby red slippers since we are hoping for a magical evening in our new party venue and with so many exciting additions to the event, says Celeste Sneeze, Network President & CEO.

Fork-Off to Fight Hunger is Network of Community Ministries annual fundraiser raising funds to support community programs such as basic needs assistance, mobile food pantries, Seniors Net,Stabilization Programs and mental health services. Network helps neighbors in need throughout the 14 zip codes of the RISD system including all of Richardson and Lake Highlands and parts of Plano, North Dallas, and Garland.

For sponsorship and ticket information, go to https://thenetwork.org/fork-off/

Barbara Bush Wows Planned Parenthood Audience

Lou Ann York — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:00:00 Z

Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas celebrated 90 years of trusted healthcare, education, and advocacy in a morning loaded with star power at the 35^th Annual Planned Parenthood Dallas Awards on Tuesday, December 9^th at AT&T Performing Arts Center Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. Pam and John Beckert co-chaired the milestone celebration. Barbara Bush headlined the event with both laughter and tears.

Barbara Bush was on stage in a conversation moderated by award-winning journalist, Tashara Parker, that was filled with funny remembrances about the Bush family and sweet, tearful memories of her grandmother who she described as unstoppable in her devotion to family and to the causes she felt important. Bush is now the NBA's Head of Social Responsibility where she leads the leagues social impact efforts.

This years distinguished Gertrude Shelburne Humanitarian Award recipient was Froswa' Booker-Drew, Ph.D. Froswa' who delivered a moving acceptance speech highlighting her passion for womens causes and her partnership with Planned Parenthood in new program benefiting women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. She is the author of four books including the award-winning, Empowering Charity: A New Narrative of Philanthropy Her latest book released this summer is Front Porch Wisdom: Navigating Leadership Pressures and Barriers as a Woman of Color. Dr. Froswa' is the co-founder of HERitage Giving Circle, one of the first Black Women Giving Circles in the state of Texas, and co-founder of both Power in Action-Dallas and the South Dallas Employment Project, a collaborative of 140 organizations to address those impacted by incarceration. She is the recipient of honors including the 2025 Making Democracy Work awardee by the League of Women Voters, 2024 Black Women Give Back Award, and 2023 Texas Women's Foundation Maura Women Helping Women Awards. She serves on the Board of Governors for the Antioch University System, Vice-Chair of the ACLU-Texas Board, and as Co-Chair of the Board of For Oak Cliff.

The Katherine Ripley Print Media Award recipient was The Dallas Morning News for The Standard of Fear, a powerful investigative series amplifying Texans voices and exposing the impact of restrictive reproductive care. The Award was presented at a VIP reception on December 8^th at a private Bluffview home.

After the event, guests were encouraged to dine at one of the upscale restaurants that shared the days proceeds with Planned Parenthood including Le Bilboquet, Nonna Teak Tearoom, Mirador and Lovers Seafood and Market.

For information about Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, please go to http://www.ppgt.org

Network of Community Ministries Announces CEO

Lou Ann York — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:00:00 Z

December 2, 2025

The Board of Directors of Network of Community Ministries is today announcing the unanimous approval of Celeste Sneeze as permanent president and CEO, effective immediately.

Ms. Sneeze has been serving in an acting capacity for three months, where she has shown outstanding leadership, deep organizational understanding, and strong momentum during the interim period.

The entire organization is excited to see Celeste at the helm of Network, said Lindsay Turman, chair of the Network board. Her deep expertise and forward-looking vision, along with her collaborative approach and ability to bring people together, will be invaluable as we strengthen our reach. Celestes energy and insight make her uniquely suited to guide us into the next chapter.

During her short tenure, Ms. Sneeze has made significant strides in enhancing workplace culture, created plans to expand food pantry options, secured a third-party maintenance contract to improve the facility, navigated the suspension of SNAP benefits and successfully managed budgetary constraints to name a few.

Prior to being named the interim leader, Ms. Sneeze was Networks Chief Program Officer where she led volunteer services, facilities operations and all program related activities.

It is a profound honor to be selected to lead Network, said Ms. Sneeze. While I have long respected this organization, seeing its mission and exceptional services up close has only deepened my admiration. I look forward to building on Networks legacy and advancing the work that makes such a difference in our community.

Richardson-based Network of Community Ministries is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization with a service area that encompasses the entirety of the 14 zip codes within RISD including Lake Highlands and parts of Garland and North Dallas.

For more information on Network of Community Ministries, please go to http://www.thenetwork.org.

Planned Parenthood Hosts Hundreds of Supporters at The Winspear

Lou Ann York — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:00:00 Z

Planned Parenthood hosted its 34^th Annual Dallas Awards on Wednesday, November 20^th at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House honoring Cecile Richards, national leader for womens 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 sisters 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, Ceciles presence was felt at The Winspear by Wednesdays 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 mornings 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.

Shamrocks and Shenanigans honoring Pat Doherty

Lou Ann York — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:00:00 Z

Shamrocks and Shenanigans is the opportunity to celebrate the halfway mark to St. Patricks Day in true Irish tradition with Irish yummies including the Doherty familys 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 Networks headquarters, 1500 International Parkway in Richardson on Saturday, September 21^st 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, Pats family wanted to honor her many years of volunteering at Network and her passion for empowering Networks neighbors beyond their current situations. During her lifetime, Pat donated over 3,000 hours of service and 30 years as a volunteer in Networks 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.

Pats selfless dedication to Networks 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.

Shamrocks and Shenanigans benefiting Network of Community Ministries

Lou Ann York — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:20:24 Z

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.

Margie and Bill Golden are named as Honorary Chairs of Networks 5th Annual Food Pantry Fork Off

Lou Ann York — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:00:00 Z

Network of Community Ministries is celebrating its 5th Annual Food Pantry Fork-Off on Saturday evening, October 19^th at 7 p.m. at Networks 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 Networks programs for neighbors in need! Fork-Off is definitely not your typical sit-down dinner. This years Honorary Chairs are Richardson residents, Margie and Bill Golden.

Weve 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.

Networks 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 Networks 5^th Annual Food Pantry Fork-Off, go to https://thenetwork.org/fork-off/

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