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Last Call For MySweetOpportunity Submissions
If you’re getting all types of inquiries from your non-profits leaders and supporters on just why the MySweetOpportunity series hasn’t shared the importance of their program, take heart.
There are a couple of very good reasons to relay to them.
First of all, the MySweetCharity’s fav series has been inundated with all types of submissions and the MSC team is trying its best to get them in the queue with all the breaking news of the recent days (i.e, Kit Sawer‘s closing shop and moving on over to SMU; Calvert Collins-Bratton‘s closing shop at Communities Foundation of Texas and succeeding Kit; Dallas College VP Provost Ahava Silkey-Jones‘ moving over to the Dallas Arts District as executive director and Bryan’s House’s becoming part of the Metrocare operations).
BTW, that last one developed into more than it suggested in the initial announcement. Just days later, KDFW’s Shaun Rabb reported that due to Metrocare’s financial issues amounting to millions of dollars, area leadership was trying to have Parkland rush to the rescue for the sake of mental health.
And then, there the late-breaking news of AT&T Performing Arts Center (AT&T PAC) partnering up with the Dallas Theater Center, “combining their historic organizations in a bold, forward-looking partnership designed to strengthen the future of the performing arts in Dallas while preserving the distinct artistic identities and missions of both institutions.”
But back to MSC’s Opportunity series. Inter nos [Latin: for “Between you and me”], the time of procrastinating is nearing the finish line. So hop to it!
For those who swear they provided all the elements, rest easy, read a good book or schedule a reservation for “Disclosure Day” or “The Odyssey.”
(FYI: Both of those summer blockbusters demand a very strong kidney to deal with more than two-and-a-half-hours of “Wow!” watching, with no intermission.)
* Photo credit: Skeeter Hagler
MySweetOpportunity: Equest Women’s Auxiliary 2026 Fashion Show
According to Equest Women’s Auxiliary 2026 Luncheon And Fashion Show Co-Chairs Amy Hegi and Libby Hegi,
“Two very dedicated Equest supporters will be honored by the Equest Women’s Auxiliary at the 2026 Equest Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon and Fashion Show on Tuesday, October 6, at Brook Hollow Golf Club. The organization’s longtime supporter Dian Moore is honorary chair and Equest Stalwart Peggy Sewell will receive the Equest Community Service Award. This dynamic duo, along with their families, have supported Equest for decades with their time, talent and resources.
“Equest provides hope and healing to children and adults with diverse needs through its nationally recognized equine therapy programs. The organization helps transform the lives of over 2,000 participants a year, including individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and learning difficulties, as well as veterans with adjustment challenges, giving each person an opportunity to strengthen their mind, body, and spirit.
“In the rich tradition of the event, we will showcase the latest in fall fashions from our Presenting Sponsor Highland Park Village in a fashion show which makes the annual luncheon one of the most sought-after tickets in the Fall.
“This is your opportunity to support the incredible programming provided by Equest and preview the latest fashions from Highland Park Village retailers Akris, Carolina Herrera, La DoubleJ, Lela Rose, LoveShackFancy, Market and Simkhai.
“Luncheon and Fashion Show top donors (at the time of this submission) in addition to Presenting Sponsor Highland Park Village include: Dian Moore ($29,000); Robyn and Don Conlon ($25,000); Helen and Robert McGraw ($25,000); Nancy Carter ($15,000); and Claire Emanuelson $(15,000).
“The Equest Women’s Auxiliary is incredibly grateful to Dian and Peggy, along with Auxiliary Founder Louise Griffeth, for their vision, commitment, and passion to improve lives through our equine-assisted programs. Please join us on October 6 for a special day benefiting such a worthy and life-changing cause.
“We look forward to partnering with you to support our courageous Equest children and veterans and fund life-changing equine therapy for our community. Visit equest.org.”
MySweetSchoolDaze: Community Partners Of Dallas’ Back-To-School Drive
According to Community Partners of Dallas Developmental and Communications Vice-President Samantha Eppler,
“Think back to the excitement of heading into the school year with a new backpack, fresh supplies and everything you needed to feel prepared for the year ahead. For many of the children served by Community Partners of Dallas, abuse and neglect make that experience far from guaranteed.
“Children entering protective care often face significant uncertainty and disruption. As they prepare for a new school year, many are doing so without basic necessities such as school supplies, backpacks and well-fitting uniforms. Through our annual Back-to-School Drive, our community comes together to ensure these children can start the school year with confidence, dignity and a sense of belonging.
“Each year, Community Partners of Dallas provides backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies and new uniforms to thousands of children impacted by abuse and neglect. This support helps remove barriers to learning and allows kids to focus on what matters most: safety and opportunity in the classroom.
“There are several ways to get involved:
- ”Organize a Supply Drive. Gather coworkers, friends, neighbors, members of your faith community or other groups to collect much-needed school supplies. Every drive helps ensure children receive the tools they need to be successful.
- “Make a Donation. Donate school supplies directly or make a financial contribution. Thanks to our bulk purchasing power, every $1 donated provides the equivalent of $6 in school supplies for the children we serve.
- “Hold a Virtual Drive. Support our Back-to-School Drive from anywhere by creating a customized online fundraising page for your company, organization or community group.
“We ask that all supplies and donations be delivered to our building at 7950 Elmbrook Drive, Dallas, Texas 75247 by Friday, August 28. For a list of our most-needed items or to learn more, visit cpdtx.org or contact Ashley Davis, Corporate Relations Director.
“Thank you for helping Dallas County children begin the school year prepared, confident and ready to learn.”
* Graphic/photo provided by Community Partners Of Dallas
JUST IN: Timely Grants Enable Dallas CASA To Recruit Additional Advocates
Dallas CASA has received two grants that will boost its ability to secure more volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children—and not a moment too soon.
The awards, totaling $142,693, came from the National CASA/GAL Association for Children, a Seattle-based non-profit that supports court-appointed advocates for children experiencing abuse or neglect.
One grant, for $100,000, will help Dallas CASA recruit, screen, train and support additional advocates serving Dallas County children in the state’s protective care. The award will be applied toward Dallas CASA’s $260,000 annual budget for “marketing and recruiting” new volunteers, a spokeswoman said.
The second grant, for $42,693, is a flexible grant that will help the organization meet critical needs and continue providing high-quality advocacy.
Because of rising caseloads—during this year’s first six months, Dallas CASA served 260 more children than in the first half of 2025—the organization says it could use another 100 volunteers right away.
Last year, 1,133 Dallas CASA advocates served 2,350 children in Dallas County.
The grants come at a critical time for children and families enmeshed in the North Texas child welfare system.
Last month, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services abruptly terminated its contract with Empower, a private contractor that had been the main foster care provider in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Two children had died since Empower took over Child Protective Services cases two years ago and, according to reports, the nonprofit consistently had trouble hiring and retaining caseworkers and supervisors.
That turmoil in the system has made the work of Dallas CASA even more critical, President and CEO Kathleen LaValle told FOX 4 recently.
Dallas CASA is trying “to be the constant,” she said, taking on more caseworker responsibility lately and “filling the gap” on behalf of children and families navigating the system.
“Every child who enters foster care deserves a dedicated advocate and a caring, consistent adult focused solely on that child’s best interests,” LaValle said in a news release announcing the two grants. “We are grateful to the National CASA/GAL Association for investing in our ability to recruit additional volunteers and strengthen the services we provide to vulnerable children in Dallas County.”
* Graphic/photo provided by Dallas CASA
MySweetOpportunity: Catch Up And Read
According to Catch Up And Read Board Member Suzy Gekiere,
“One of the things that drew me to Catch Up And Read was a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader. And what I love most about the Catch Up And Read program is that it invests in the students’ teachers as the #1 lever of change.
“As a board member, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand what happens when students receive the right support at the right time. I’ve watched teachers gain new instructional tools, students grow in confidence, and families celebrate reading milestones that once felt out of reach. What sets Catch Up And Read apart is its commitment to equipping both teachers and students with evidence-based literacy practices that lead to lasting success. None of this happens by chance. It happens because our community chooses to invest in children.
“As Catch Up And Read prepares for the 2026-2027 school year, we’re inviting our North Texas community to help make that impact possible once again.
Your donation will help provide teacher training, instructional coaching, books, and classroom resources to support students working to read on grade level by the end of third grade. By equipping teachers with evidence-based literacy practices, we’re creating lasting change that extends far beyond a single classroom.
“There are many ways to get involved. Throughout the year, volunteers help make our work possible by supporting community events, organizing books, and assisting with special projects. I hope you’ll also make Catch Up And Read part of your North Texas Giving Day plans. Your gift, no matter the size, will help provide the teacher training, instructional coaching, books, and classroom resources that make our work possible. By supporting Catch Up And Read on North Texas Giving Day, you’ll help more children build the strong reading foundation they need for lifelong success.
“Third grade is a pivotal milestone in a child’s educational journey. When students become confident readers by the end of third grade, they are better prepared for future learning and the opportunities that follow. Together, we can help ensure more children begin the school year with the support they need to succeed.
“I hope you’ll consider joining me in supporting Catch Up And Read, whether by making a gift, volunteering your time, or sharing our mission with others. Every act of generosity helps create brighter futures for children across North Texas.
“To learn more, visit www.catchupandread.org.”
* Photo provided by Catch Up And Read
CenterStage 42 Was A Real Showstopper For Both OnStage Talents And Devoted Angels
As the Day At The Races crowd cheered on the winner of the hat competition and the 2026 Kentucky Derby winner, the Dallas Theater Center (DTC) held a night that was so poignant. In honoring their recently deceased, longtime supporters Linda Custard and Sarah Warnecke, the CenterStage 42 … Read More...
MySweetOpportunity: Vogel’s Dodge For A Cause
According to King & Spalding Senior Officer Manager Cyndi Phelps, “King & Spalding law firm has long been a supporter of Vogel for the amazing work they do to help children and families overcome homelessness and poverty. Last year, we gathered a team to participate in their corporate … Read More...
Teens “Saddled Up For Success” At The Boys and Girls Club Of Greater Dallas Youth Of The Year Finals
In co-chairing this year's Boys And Girls Club Of Greater Dallas Youth Of The Year finals at the Arts District Mansion on Friday, May 1, Lauren and Jeremy Gott opted for a western theme: "Saddle Up For Success." And the herd of young people vying to win didn't disappoint one bit as they addressed … Read More...
Healing Hands Luncheon Letters Are Signed, Sealed And Headed To Area Snailboxes
While it seems that your letter carrier only seems to deliver pieces of mail touting walk-in showers, clothes donations and fabulous offers for your home, there's a new one coming that you'll want to open up right away. HHM Health's 6th annual Healing Hands Luncheon Co-Chairs Kristi and Bill … Read More...
MySweetSchoolDaze: Girls Inc. Of Metropolitan Dallas
According to Girls Inc. Of Metropolitan Dallas Executive Director Erin Chupka, “Every afternoon around 3:15 p.m., one of our Girls Inc. staff members pulls into the parking lot of a nearby elementary school. Within minutes, girls climb aboard, chatting about spelling tests, volleyball tryouts, … Read More...
JUST IN: 2026 Equest Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show Runway Fashion Retailers Revealed
With August just around the corner, this sizzling summer has had a real workout for shorts, sundresses and sandals. But take heart! Dig back in those brain cells when your outdoor thermometer could hardly reach above 60? Now, rest easy. The promise of way cooler times is up ahead. And, of … Read More...