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Sandra Beach Lin The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) national chapter has selected Sandra Beach Lin to be inducted into the NACD 2013 Directorship 100.

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) national chapter has selected Sandra Beach Lin to be inducted into the NACD 2013 Directorship 100. The NACD Directorship 100 identifies the most influential people in the boardroom and corporate governance—those who participate in actual board work and those who influence how that work is done.

 

Lin, retired president and CEO of Calisolar (now Silicor Materials), is a board member of American Electric Power, Interface Biologics, PolyOne and WESCO International. Prior to Calisolar, Lin served as corporate executive vice president at Celanese. Lin serves on the board of Junior Achievement USA and is a member of Women Corporate Directors and the Women’s Leadership Council at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

About NACD:

National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is the only membership organization focused exclusively on advancing exemplary board leadership. NACD was founded in 1977 as the only national membership organization created for and by directors. Its mission is to  advance exemplary board leadership — for directors and by directors.Based on 35 years of experience, NACD identifies, interprets and provides insights and information that corporate board members rely upon to make sound strategic decisions, confidently confront complex business challenges and enhance shareowner value. To learn more about North Texas Chapter of NACD, visit http://www.directorship.com/ or call 214-363-3284.

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Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower will open at Methodist Dallas in summer 2014.
It’s an offer the Methodist Health System Foundation couldn’t refuse. If the Foundation hits its capital campaign goal of $20 million for the Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower by July 9, 2014, The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc. will generously add a $500,000 grant for the purchase of major medical equipment for Sammons Tower.
 
“We are grateful to the trustees of the Mabee Foundation for this important gift to Methodist Dallas and the patients we serve,” says April Box Chamberlain, CFRE, president and CEO, Methodist Health System Foundation. “We are confident our community will accept their challenge and come together to build a brighter future for health care for North Texas.”
 
The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Mabee Foundation has a long history of supporting the Methodist vision of improving and saving lives through compassionate quality health care. In 1975, it provided $137,260 for the purchase of pulmonary equipment at Methodist Dallas. In 2004, the Mabee Foundation supported the renovation of the Methodist Dallas NICU with a $500,000 grant. Seven years later, in 2011, it helped fund renovations of the Methodist Golden Cross Academic Clinic Life Shines Bright Pregnancy Program with a $235,000 gift.
 
The Mabee Foundation’s latest offer of support for Methodist came after the board heard a presentation on the project by Chamberlain, Stephen L. Mansfield, PhD, FACHE, president and CEO of Methodist Health System, and Robert Simonson, DO, medical director of emergency services at Methodist Dallas. Two requirements were included in the challenge grant: the money must go toward the purchase of medical equipment for the Sammons Tower, and the Foundation must meet its $20 million goal in one year. The Methodist Health System Foundation gratefully accepted the challenge.
 
Presently, the Foundation has raised more than $15 million to equip the six-story, 248,000-square-foot Sammons Tower set to open in summer 2014. The $108 million facility is dedicated and designed for advanced emergency and trauma care for the nearly 90,000 patients each year who use these services at Methodist Dallas. Sammons Tower will expand the hospital’s emergency department ten-fold with 50 new emergency room beds, five trauma suites, eight surgical suites, a 36-bed critical care unit, and the ability to expand to 11 stories for future growth.
 
Donors can maximize the impact of their year-end charitable giving by helping Methodist meet the Mabee Foundation challenge. Every contribution supporting the Sammons Tower capital campaign will make an important difference in the future health of our community. To learn more about the campaign or to donate, visit http://www.methodisthealthsystem.org/brighter. 
 

About Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower Capital Campaign

Methodist Dallas Medical Center is one of only three adult trauma centers located in Dallas County to serve the North Texas region. Along with high-level trauma and emergency care, the hospital is also a health care safety net for the community. Last year, Methodist Health System provided more than $125 million in non-reimbursed charity care. Methodist Dallas treats more than 66,000 emergency patients including 1,900 trauma patients annually in facilities designed to serve 50,000 patients a year. Committed to improving and saving lives through compassionate, quality health care, Methodist is adding a new six-story, 248,000-square-foot tower dedicated to emergency, trauma, and critical care at Methodist Dallas. Anticipated to open summer 2014 as a Level 1 facility, the $108 million Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower will allow Methodist to serve 90,000 emergency and trauma patients from across North Texas annually.

About The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc.

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc., a Private Charitable Foundation, was formed in 1948 by Mr. John E. Mabee and his wife, Lottie E. Mabee, with its office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As stated in its charter, the purposes of the Foundation are to aid Christian religious organizations, charitable organizations, institutions of higher learning, hospitals and other organizations of a general charitable nature. The activities and affairs of the Foundation are managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of Thomas R. Brett, Ed Jones, Joe Mabee, Guy Mabee, Jr., John W. Mabee, and Raymond L. Tullius, Jr. The geographical area of interest of the Foundation includes the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

From the date of its inception through the most recent fiscal year, grants paid by the Foundation to various educational, religious, and charitable institutions have totaled in excess of $1 billion. The Foundation’s giving is divided approximately: 34 percent to private, independent non-tax supported colleges; 43 percent to community activities including Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, Girl Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, children’s homes, and organization which care for handicapped, abused and neglected children and adults; 4 percent for religious-affiliated organizations including seminaries, campus ministries, Christian camps, and centers; and 19 percent for scientific, health, and medical activities including principally grants to hospitals and health care activities. On August 31, 2013, assets of the Foundation had a total value of approximately $880 million.

Mr. and Mrs. Mabee were natives of Missouri. They had no children. Mr. Mabee died in 1961 and Mrs. Mabee died in 1965, leaving a substantial portion of their personal estates to the Foundation. The Foundation continues to carry on its purposes – under the guidance of its Board of Trustees – as a tribute to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Mabee. The benevolences of this Foundation are evidenced throughout the Southwestern United States and many edifices bear its name.

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Providence Texas Trip 2013 Providence Class Seven stopped at the Alamo on their Texas trip.

On November 6-9, 2013, the seventh graders of Providence Christian School of Texas toured a few of Texas’s most famous sites in Austin, San Antonio, and the Houston area. After studying their significance earlier this year, the historical sites proved to be realistic visuals for the class.  The students first stopped in Austin, the capital of Texas. Their tour began with Texas’s elegant, 1888 Capitol building constructed of limestone and granite. They viewed the authentic courtrooms and the famous statues of Sam Houston and Davy Crocket. The class discovered interesting facts about the Texas government. In addition, the students toured the magnificent Texas State Cemetery, visiting many legendary Texans’ graves. The cemetery originated as the burial place of Edward Burleson, a general and vice-president of Texas, but expanded into a Confederate cemetery during the Civil War. The students enjoyed hearing stories about the famous Texans from the 1800s. To end the day in Austin, the seventh graders enjoyed an evening bat cruise on the Colorado River and observed thousands of bats take flight.  

On the second day, the students traveled to the Natural Bridge Caverns in the San Antonio area, which are extraordinary caverns extending hundreds of feet below the surface.  The students toured this natural phenomenon and were captivated by the unique rock formations beneath the earth’s surface. Later that day, the students visited the famous Alamo where William Barrett Travis wrote in his letter the legendary words “Victory or Death!” The seventh graders were privileged to recite Travis’s Letter in front of the Alamo and hear stories of the courageous men who fought there. Later that evening, they enjoyed the San Antonio Riverwalk cruise. 

The third day, the seventh grade class visited the Gonzales Courthouseand County Jail.  In Gonzales, they viewed the authentic “Come and Take It” cannon that began the first battle of the Texas Revolution in 1835. The class spent the remaining part of the day at the NASA Space Center in Houston. At the space center, they enjoyed the shuttle simulator and the DaVinci exhibit. 

On the final day, the seventh graders toured the San Jacinto Monument. Ascending to the top of the monument, they observed the battlegrounds where the Battle of San Jacinto took place. Next, the students traveled to a World War II Battleship Texas, and surveyed the rooms inside, including kitchens, doctors’ offices, and the enlisted men’s quarters. 

For the Providence seventh graders, the trip enhanced the students’ knowledge of Texas history. While visiting the many historical sites in Texas, the students enjoyed spending time with fellow classmates and touring the beautiful state of Texas.

 

 

Sophia Love and Emma Kackley are Class Seven students at Providence Christian School of Texas.

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The Trains at NorthPark 2013 Fady Megally, Bishoy Megally (Kid Conductor) Colleen Coyle

The Trains at NorthPark, presented by Bank of Texas, opened on November 23. Celebrating its 26th year of a favorite holiday tradition, all the proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD). This year’s exhibit is located on Level Two, the Nordstrom Wing between Sephora and Free People.

 

The most elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit in Texas, The Trains at NorthPark includes trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track on a journey across America. More than 75,000 people visit The Trains at NorthPark each season as part of their holiday tradition.

 

WFAA’s Colleen Coyle welcomed 300 supporters. “I am a meteorologist with WFAA, but I promise you that I didn’t bring this cool weather, but with the Trains opening up, we want it to feel like Christmas.”

 

Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, thanked NorthPark and the trains co-chairs. “I would like to thank Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger, the wonderful staff at NorthPark, and so many others who have been our partners for the past 15 years at NorthPark. I would also like to thank our wonderful and hard-working Event Co-Chairs Claire Raggio and Courtney Westerburg.”

 

Raggio and Westerburg recruited many volunteers to sell railcars, to secure sponsorships, and to sell raffle tickets. The raffle tickets, which will be sold until Jan. 5, are $5 for one ticket, and 5 tickets for $20. The four prizes include a Thomas the Train Set (donated by Trainworks, TW Design and valued at $4,700), $1,000 in NorthPark Gold, $1,000 from Eiseman Jewels, Night in the City (Valued at $879 with a stay at The Ritz Carlton, Dallas, a gift certificate to the Ritz spa and a $200 gift certificate to Del Frisco’s Grille). Raffle tickets are sold at the exhibit.

 

Claire Raggio thanked Honorary Chairs, Lauren and Pat Arthur. “Through his company MHBT, Pat has supported The Trains at NorthPark and has also served on the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas’ board of directors. Lauren has been on the trains committee and served in various volunteer roles.”

 

Courtney Westerburg added, “We want to thank our Presenting Sponsor, Bank of Texas, as this is the fifth year for their generous support.”

 

Bob White, Bank of Texas executive vice president, said, “Bank of Texas believes in the important work that Ronald McDonald House of Dallas does caring for families whose children are getting treatment for their illnesses and injuries. The House serves as a calm place for them during this difficult time, and the trains helps raise funds to make it happen.”

 

Coyle called up Kid Conductor Bishoy Megally whose father, Adel Megally, said a few words. “Thank you for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. We stayed for one year and three months, and Bishoy has had multiple surgeries.” From Egypt, Bishoy was born with severe Kyphoscoliosis, abnormal front-to-back and side-to-side curvature of the spine. Since this surgery could not be performed in Egypt, the family searched the globe for a place to have the surgery, and they came to Dallas. The family has now relocated to the North Texas area, so they can be near the fine medical facilities.

 

Bishoy and his brother, Fady, held up their whistles and blew them to open up The Trains at NorthPark.

 

A special thanks to the following sponsors:

 

Presenting Sponsor: Bank of Texas.

 

Platinum Baron: MHBT, Inc., Moroch, NorthPark Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater North Texas, Tom Thumb.

 

Golden Spike: Randy and Alan Engstrom, Hilltop Holdings Inc./Cate and Jeremy Ford, Sparkhound Foundation, Summit Transportation/Melissa and Bart Plaskoff, TW Design/Trainworx.

 

Silver Express: Children’s Medical Center, ISI Commercial Refrigeration.

 

Chief Engineer: American Contractors Insurance Group, The Cain Foundation, Corner Bakery Café, The Enrico Family, Gaedeke Group, Cecilie and Ronnie Holman, Cynthia and Kevin O’Brien, Prescott Pailet Benefits, a Marsh & McLennan Agency, Primrose School of Bedford, Stuart Hose & Pipe Co., Thompson and Knight Foundation, Grant Williams' Family.

 

Media sponsors include CBS Radio, WFAA/Channel 8, The Park Cities News/Waters Family, neighborsgo, Travelhost, The Coulter Group.

 

It’s not too late to purchase a hand-painted personalized railcar, a standard railcar is $175, a caboose is $225, a limited edition RMHD rail car is $275, and an engine is $325. Visit http://www.rmhdallas.org/railcar/ to place an online order.

 

Hours and times are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The early closing dates are as follows: November 27, Thanksgiving Eve, at 6 p.m.; December 24, Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m.; December 31, New Years Eve, at 6 p.m.; January 1, New Years Day, at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it will be open on New Year's Day.

The cost is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children (ages 2 to 12) and senior citizens (65 and older). Children under 2 admitted free. Discount tickets are available at Tom Thumb ($1.00 off regular admission). NorthPark Center is located at North Central Expressway at Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225.

For those interested in volunteering as individuals or as a group for three-hour shifts, visit calendar.yahoo.com/rmhtrains to view availabilities, and email rmhtrains@yahoo.com to confirm your shift. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old without a parent, or 12-14 years old and accompanied by a parent.

 

About the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas:

Established in 1981, the House has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 33,000 families of seriously ill or injured children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. It also provides families with the opportunity to share their concerns with other families in similar circumstances. For more information or to order a railcar contact Carrie Arnot, Special Events Manager, at 214-624-5363 or visit http://www.rmhdallas.org/.

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Holiday at the Arboretum Holiday at the Arboretum features Angels in DeGolyer, a special collection of angels, courtesy of Dallas Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club.

The Dallas Arboretum is excited to present Angels in DeGolyer, a collection of 500 angels presented in the lavishly decorated DeGolyer Mansion. Holiday Tea, family fun weekends with Santa and his live reindeer, festive music and tasty treats round out the holiday activities. It will also be the last opportunity to visit the houses of The Adventures of Great Explorers, a tribute to the newly opened 8-acre Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.

 

When:     

Angels in DeGolyer:

November 29–December 31, 2013

10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily

 

Pictures with Santa Claus:

November 29-December 22, 2013

Friday, November 29: 12-4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays: 12-4 p.m.

 

Live Reindeer and Costumed Characters:

November 30-December 22, 2013

Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4 p.m.

 

Holiday Tea:

November 29-December 31, 2013

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. seatings

 

The Adventures of Great Explorers:

November 29-December 31, 2013

 

Where:    

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.

 

Details:   

Angels in DeGolyer:

Angels of all sizes and shapes are decking the halls of the DeGolyer Mansion this holiday season. More than 500 angels have been shared by the Dallas Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club. Their curatorial team received their inspiration from the Annual Christmas Tree and the Neapolitan Baroque Crèche on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, so the DeGolyer display is sure to be exquisite. Angels in DeGolyer is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed on Dec. 17.

 

Pictures with Santa:

Give the children a chance to sit on Santa's knee and go over their wish lists before Christmas. A visit with Santa also makes for a great photo opportunity and usually ends with free candy canes and other goodies. Santa is available on weekends from 12-4 p.m. from Thanksgiving weekend through Dec. 22 before he returns to the North Pole to load up his sleigh. Bring a camera to capture timeless photos of those children with Santa.

 

Live Reindeer:

An essential part of the magic of Christmas, Santa would be lost without his trusty reindeer—Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Meet one of Santa's reindeer as they take turns visiting the Arboretum each week. The live reindeer visit the Dallas Arboretum, but like Santa, will return to the North Pole on Dec. 22.

 

Meet Frosty and Rudolph:

Frosty and Rudolph, costumed characters, also join the fun at the Arboretum this holiday season. Bring a camera to capture these festive moments.

 

Holiday Tea:

Enjoy an elegant, three-course holiday tea for a special Christmas memory for those 12 and older. Prices range between $47 and $57 and include parking, admission to the Garden and access to the display of the Angels in DeGolyer. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 214.515.6511 or purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org.

 

Adventure of Great Explorers:

This playhouse exhibit features the destinations traveled by Admiral Byrd, Capt. James Cook, Hernán Cortés, Ponce de León, Lewis & Clark and Marco Polo. 

 

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden:

Also, just opened is the one-of-a-kind Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden where visitors can learn about science and nature in nature in 17 indoor/outdoor galleries with more than 150 interactive exhibits. Acclaimed across the nation, it is a must visit for families coming to Dallas.

Hours:     TheDallas Arboretum andthe newly opened Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, a part of the Arboretum, are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. The days closed include Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28), Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1). Angels in DeGolyer is closed on Dec. 17.

Admission: Dallas Arboretum: $15 for adults (13-64 years old), $12 for senior citizens, $10 for children (3-12 years old). Parking is $10.

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden: There is an additional fee of $3 each for non-members to enter the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, and members receive a number of free passes based upon their membership level. Timed tickets are suggested to enhance the enjoyment for guests. Advanced ticket purchases are available online, in-person at the ticketing locations, or at the time of admission to the Arboretum.

 

Discounts:    

-Buy One Get One Free Wednesdays | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

-C.C. Young Senior Thursdays | General admission tickets for $11 and a 20% discount at the Hoffman Family Gift Store to those 65 and older.
-Discounted parking available online for $5.00.

-Buy One Get One Free Adult or Senior Ticket to the Children's Adventure Garden, Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

 

Information: 214.515.6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org

 

Sponsors:      Holiday at the Arboretum is presented by Amegy Bank of Texas.

 

About the Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.  General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under.  On-site parking is $10.  The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.    

 

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Providence Patriots Providence Patriots win SVAA Super Bowl.

The Providence Patriots Class Three football team, led by Coach Jeff Pennington and Coach Bryan Wilburn, went undefeated this season with an 11-0 record, including the playoff wins. In the November 23rd Spring Valley Athletic Association (SVAA) Super Bowl, in 35 degree and rainy conditions, Providence defeated Parish 14-6. Congratulations for two straight Super Bowl appearances and for bringing home the Super Bowl trophy this year!


Back Row Left to Right: Flag bearers Sydney Cox and Ryan Graham
Coaches Jeff Pennington and Bryan Wilburn
Second Row: John Henry Jordan, JJ Pennington, Michael Graham, Asher Wilburn, Jay Cox
Front Row: Robert Hamman, William Coulter, Carson Runnels, Hayden Heflin, Mitchell Dixon

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Providence Golf Tournament Justin Leonard demonstrates golf techniques at Providence's golf tournament.

On October 29, Providence Christian School of Texas parents, friends, and alumni competed in Providence’s first annual golf tournament at The Old American Golf Club. The course, designed by Tripp Davis and Justin Leonard, is located on the shores of Lake Lewisville. Leonard and his wife, Amanda, have children who attend Providence. The event was tied to Providence’s 25th anniversary celebration.

 

After enjoying lunch, the group headed to the driving range for a stroke clinic from Justin Leonard before beginning the tournament.  Providence father, John Miller shared his love of golf history by hosting a “Heritage Hole.” Each golfer played hole #17 using an antique hickory stick driver and putter—the perfect complement to the Old American course whose layout pays homage to the “Golden Age” of golf course architecture.  

 

A special thanks to Justin Leonard and The Old American Golf Club for hosting Providence, Cindy Sloan, alumni parent golf chairman, as well as the host committee: Blake Bozman, Chuck Griege, Bill McClung, Nick Merrick, Chris Messick, John Miller, Patrick Nugent, Bill Sharp, Cindy and John Sloan, Chris Thomason, and Ray Washburne.

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The Trains at NorthPark

On November 23, The Trains at NorthPark, presented by Bank of Texas, celebrates its 26th year of a favorite holiday tradition and rolls through January 5, 2014. This year’s exhibit is located on Level Two, the Nordstrom Wing between Sephora and Free People.

 

The most elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit in Texas, The Trains at NorthPark includes trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track on a journey across America. Cityscapes include downtown Dallas, with the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the State Fair of Texas and the Cotton Bowl; New York City’s Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Washington, D.C. with The White House; New England’s fall foliage; the Grand Canyon, Route 66, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and the Albuquerque hot air balloons.

 

The exhibit encompasses more than 3,800 square feet of train themed environments, with all the trimmings of the holiday train travel experience—steam engine and coach cars, a ticket booth and a train station. More than 75,000 people visit The Trains at NorthPark each season as part of their holiday tradition.

 

Hours and times are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The early closing dates are as follows: November 27, Thanksgiving Eve, at 6 p.m.; December 24, Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m.; December 31, New Years Eve, at 6 p.m.; January 1, New Years Day, at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it will be open on New Year's Day.

The cost is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children (ages 2 to 12) and senior citizens (65 and older). Children under 2 admitted free. Discount tickets are available at Tom Thumb ($1.00 off regular admission). NorthPark Center is located at North Central Expressway at Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75225.

Event Co-Chairs are Claire Raggio and Courtney Westerburg. Both have been on the trains committee and have been involved in the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Young Friends. Honorary Co-Chairs are community leaders Lauren and Pat Arthur. Through his company MHBT, Pat has supported The Trains at NorthPark and has also served on its board of directors. Lauren has been on the trains committee and served in various volunteer roles.

 

This year’s Honorary Kid Conductor is Bishoy Megally, originally from Egypt. He was born with severe Kyphoscoliosis, abnormal front-to-back and side-to-side curvature of the spine. Since this surgery could not be performed in Egypt, the family searched the globe for a place to have the surgery, and they came to Dallas. They stayed at the House for quite a while during which time Bishoy had three surgeries. The family has now relocated to the North Texas area, so they can be near the fine medical facilities. Bishoy will blow the train whistle on Nov. 23 to open the exhibit.

 

For those who want to purchase hand-painted personalized railcars, a standard railcar is $175, a caboose is $225, a limited edition RMHD rail car is $275, and an engine is $325. Visit www.rmhdallas.org to place an online order.

 

For those interested in volunteering as individuals or as a group for three-hour shifts, visit www.rmhdallas.org. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old without a parent, or 12-14 years old and accompanied by a parent.

 

Established in 1981, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 33,000 families of seriously ill or injured children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. It also provides families with the opportunity to share their concerns with other families in similar circumstances.

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Methodist BrightER Campaign Chris Kleinert, BrightER Capital Campaign chairman, April Box Chamberlain, president and CEO of Methodist Health System Foundation, Jeff Staubach, a member of Methodist Health System Foundation’s BrightER Capital Campaign steering committee

On October 15, Jeff Staubach, a member of Methodist Health System Foundation’s BrightER Capital Campaign steering committee, and his wife Jenny hosted a reception in their home to introduce friends and colleagues to Methodist Dallas Medical Center and the Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower’s BrightER Campaign. The BrightER campaign, a historic $20 million campaign for the Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower at Methodist Dallas, has been the most ambitious in Methodist’s history. The BrightER Campaign Chairman is Chris Kleinert, and Honorary Chairs are Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt.

 

April Box Chamberlain, president and CEO of Methodist Health System Foundation, said, “We are grateful to Jeff and Jenny for sharing their home and their relationship with Methodist. It is important to tell the story of the critical need for trauma and emergency care for Dallas.”

 

The new six-story $108 million Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower at Methodist Dallas Medical Center is currently under construction. When open in fall 2014, this one-of-a-kind 248,000-square-foot trauma and critical care center will expand the hospital’s emergency department ten-fold and include: 58 new emergency room beds, six trauma suites, eight surgical suites, a 36-bed critical care unit, and the ability to expand to 11 stories for future growth.

 

Chris Kleinert, BrightER Capital Campaign chairman, said, “Our theme for this historic campaign is:  BrightER -- Saving lives, Serving Dallas. It is my honor to announce that we have raised $13.7 million toward our goal. Together with Methodist Dallas Medical Center, each of us in this room has the opportunity to be a lifesaver, and make a lasting mark on our community and help create a city that is a safer, healthier, and better than any of us could ever dream.”

 

Kleinert then introduced Dr. Bob Simonson, Methodist Dallas Medical Center’s medical director of emergency medicine, and invited guests to personally tour the Methodist Dallas emergency department to get a first-hand look at the need for expanded trauma care. 

 

Jeff Staubach added, “After touring Methodist Dallas, I realized that if you are in an accident, or a family member falls down the stairs, or slips from a ladder putting up Christmas lights – there is a one in three chance they will come to Methodist. As one of only three adult trauma centers in Dallas there is a 30 percent chance I or someone I love will need the specialized care Methodist provides. They are a critical safety-net hospital for all of Dallas. I hope you’ll join me and Jenny in supporting this important campaign.”

 

Gifts to date have included a $5 million lead gift from the Sammons Dallas Foundation. Other significant gifts include support from Pat and Pete Schenkel, the Robert S. Folsom family, John and Nita Ford, Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, and the Hillcrest Foundation.

 

For those interested in learning more about the campaign and/or giving, visit Foundation.MethodistHealthSystem.org, or contact Melissa Ogden, vice president of development of Methodist Health System Foundation, melissaogden@mhd.com or call 214-947-4596.

 

About Methodist Health System

Guided by the founding principles of life, learning and compassion, Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated care to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Methodist Midlothian Health Center, and Methodist Family Health Centers are part of the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. In 2012 Methodist Health System provided more than $125 million in unreimbursed charity care. Additional information is available at www.methodisthealthsystem.org. Connect with them through Facebook, YouTube and Twitter at www.methodisthealthsystem.org/socialmedia.

 

About Methodist Dallas

Methodist Dallas Medical Center is a 515-bed hospital located just south of downtown Dallas. The medical center serves as the teaching and referral center for Methodist Health System. Physicians trained at medical schools from across the United States and all over the world participate in Methodist Dallas’ residency programs in internal medicine, general surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. Designated as a Level II trauma center, Methodist Dallas is a crucial part of the Dallas County trauma plan. The hospital provides a high level of tertiary-care services, including adult trauma care, multi-organ transplant services, nationally rated high-risk infant care, and neuro-critical care. The hospital is a primary recipient of trauma occurring within southwest Dallas and the surrounding region, treating more than 1,500 trauma patients and over 60,000 emergency patients each year from a 150-mile radius. The hospital’s existing 25,000-square-foot Emergency/Trauma Center was last renovated in 1999.  

Note to Editor: Renderings available at http://www.methodisthealthsystem.org/BrightER

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Salvation Army Luncheon Speaker Wynonna

The Salvation Army DFW Metroplex Command has announced that Wynonna, award-winning country music icon, will be the featured guest speaker at its 2013 Doing The Most Good Luncheon on Friday, November 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, Chantilly Ballroom. Jan Pickens, Salvation Army Advisory Board Member, is this year’s luncheon chair.

The 2013 luncheon also serves as the kickoff of The Salvation Army’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, which commemorates the 125 years the organization has served in Texas. The Anniversary Celebration will feature special events designed to expand the organization’s support base locally to include a new, younger demographic. Charlotte Jones Anderson, executive vice president and chief brand officer for the Dallas Cowboys, is chairing the 125th Anniversary Celebration in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Pickens said, “Of all The Salvation Army fundraisers, this local luncheon is the #1 Salvation Army fund-raising event in the world. With the kickoff of The Salvation Army’s 125th Anniversary Celebration and Wynonna as our guest speaker, we look forward to a compelling and memorable event that will raise much needed funds for our mission to serve unmet needs in our community.”

Wynonna’s career began in the 1980s in the singing duo The Judds alongside her mother, Naomi.  According to TIME magazine, The Judds were credited with “single-handedly saving country music.” They received praise and accolades, including five Grammy Awards, seven Country Music Awards and 20 million records sold, making them one of the most successful duos in country music history. After The Judds disbanded in 1991, Wynonna began a solo career, and Rolling Stone magazine once referred to her as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline.”

Wynonna has always pushed the boundaries of the country music repertoire. Impressive credentials such as more than 10 million albums sold, 6 platinum-plus/gold-plus albums, 16 Top Ten hits, a Top Female Vocalist Of The Year Award from the Academy of Country Music, and many sold-out tours—all come in second to her amazing ability to resonate with fans from all walks of life. Wynonna is also a New York Times bestselling author with her 2005 memoir, Coming Home To Myself. In 2012 she wrote a fictional book called Restless Heart drawing on her personal experience as a country music superstar. She also released an autobiographical musical journey, Her Story: Scenes From A Lifetime, a double-live gold-plus certified CD and DVD, which hit #2 on the Top Country Album charts. Whether she's touring, writing music or being a mom, Wynonna remains one of country's most recognizable and beloved music icons.

The Doing the Most Good luncheon is a fundraiser to support The Salvation Army's 70 programs and services in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton and Ellis Counties.  The programs address human needs in seven key areas: (1) homeless men, women and children; (2) families in crisis; (3) addiction recovery; (4) senior citizens; (5) children and youth; (6) veterans programs; and (7) disaster response.

Past luncheon speakers have included Former First Lady Barbara Bush, Former President George W. Bush, Amy Grant, J.C. Watts, Blake Mycoskie, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Karen Hughes, Tony Evans, Edsel Ford, Chuck Norris and Scott O’Grady.

Thanks to the generosity of the North Texas community, in 2012 The Salvation Army provided assistance to nearly one out of every 50 people in the DFW Metroplex and returned 87 cents of every dollar donated to services to our community.  “Because of the tremendous generosity of those who contribute to this luncheon, The Salvation Army is able to support more than 70 programs that care for the poor, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, love the unlovable, and befriend the friendless,” said Major Ward Matthews of the Dallas Salvation Army. 

In 2012, The Salvation Army provided the following to those in need:

* 999,802 meals for the hungry

* 155,826 nights of care at its homeless shelters

* $422,267 of emergency financial assistance

* 190,080 days of care for adults struggling with substance abuse

* 282,250 Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree Program

* 59,199 individuals assisted during Christmas alone

* $4.8 million of donated Christmas gifts

* 31,451 individual room visits at nursing homes

Tickets to the luncheon are $300, and sponsor levels range from $5,000 to $250,000. For more information on purchasing tickets, visit salvationarmydfw.org, call 214-637-8254, or email dfwmc_events@uss.salvationarmy.org.

ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY:

The Salvation Army is a worldwide Christian organization that in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex provides more than 70 different programs and services to help make life better for individuals and families. Services include: substance abuse treatment, homeless shelters, life-skills classes, nonperishable food, Christmas gifts for children, disaster relief, domestic violence programs, emergency financial assistance, after-school programs, summer day camps, computer training, senior citizens services, and low-cost youth sports leagues.

The Salvation Army’s religious and social service activities serve millions of men, women and children in more than 100 nations around the world. Volunteers, contributors, and other supporters make the services possible in local communities across the country. For more information, go to salvationarmydfw.org.