Rainbow Days Saturday with Santa
For over 28 years, Rainbow Days has hosted its annual Saturday with Santa Christmas event for families experiencing homelessness in the Dallas community. Led by over 200 volunteers and all Rainbow Days staff, families enjoyed this bonding experience away from the shelter with outdoor carnival games, holiday activities, pictures with Santa and a delicious lunch. More than 1,300 stockings filled with toys, treats and essential tangible items were distributed to families in need.
S.M. Wright Foundation 26th Annual Christmas in the Park
Christmas in the Park has grown from serving fewer than 200 underprivileged kids in 1998 to assisting more than 32,000 less fortunate Dallas residents in 2022. Given the current economic climate, continually rising inflation, and increasing income inequality, even more families lined up this year in hopes of receiving services from the S.M. Wright Foundation. This special event plays host to nearly 1,800 volunteers who share the holiday season with their community.
Business Leaders Drive the Spirit of Philanthropy
Scottish Rite for Children is a world-renowned leader in the treatment of orthopedic conditions. It treats scoliosis, clubfoot, hand differences, hip disorders, sports injuries and fractures. And it leads in therapy for related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. Scottish Rite recently received a gift of $10,000 from CAPTRUST Community Foundation (CCF) Dallas locations (Sherry Lane and Dallas Parkway).
John Pickett, Senior Vice President, CAPTRUST Dallas said, “CCF’s Giving Day is our way of giving a face to our mission to enrich the lives of children in the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with Scottish Rite for Children to help its young patients receive the very best care with orthopedic conditions and learning disorders.” In addition to the $10,000, CAPTRUST Dallas donated LEGOs, puzzles and 50 backpacks filled with crayons, coloring books and other art supplies.
The gift to Scottish Rite was part of CCF’s $10,000 donations to 75 charities across the country, totaling $750,000. The gifts were as part of the nonprofit’s fifth annual Giving Day. CAPTRUST is an independent registered investment advisor. It established its CAPTRUST Community Foundation in 2007 to provide CAPTRUST employees with opportunities to participate as a group in community outreach efforts.
Photo courtesy of Scottish Rite for Children.
The Gingerbread Stroll
Rainbow Rooms are 24/7 resource centers for CPS caseworkers. There, they can get supplies for children who are victims of abuse or neglect. Rainbow Rooms offer clothing, school supplies, diapers, and much more.
Each November, shoppers at Highland Park Village, stroll and bid on elaborate gingerbread houses. Displayed by various retailers, the proceeds raised benefit Community Partners of Dallas (CPD).
History of CPD: A committed group of Dallas County individuals set out in 1989 to determine how the community could support Child Protective Services. Since its inception, CPD’s programs have been replicated across the state. Its “Rainbow Rooms” currently exist in more than 155 cities in Texas.
Community Partners of Dallas provides for the immediate and urgent needs of over 20,000 abused and neglected children each year, so that they can take their first steps to healing. It also supports their caseworkers with appreciation and wellness programs.
Christmas Lighting in Dallas is a Beloved and Festive Aspect of A City’s Holiday Season
For some, tree lighting service opportunities lead to seasonal work. And the seasonal work brings requests from happy clients that blossoms into year-round business. Bob Doviak says Anglo Star Christmas Lights was started by accident.
This article appeared in the Holiday 2024 Issue of The Savvy Life. For our many newcomers to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this issue is designed to inspire them to get involved and explore all that the North Texas community has to offer. And if you’re a native or longtime resident, the content inside will remind you how fortunate we are to be part of a community that embraces humility, passion and kindness. North Texans place a high value on preserving and promoting our history, architectural treasures and culture. We encourage you to spread the word about it.
If you’re already receiving our emails or following us on social media, confirming your free subscription to The Savvy Life there will earn you VIP status to receive bonus content and special event invitations. And you can request the publication in print, too, if you desire.
