The YMCA motto has always been to “never turn a child away”.
To live up to that adage, the East Dallas-Lakewood Brance of the YMCA, 6220 Worth, will kick off its annual fund-raising project the third week of January.
“We hope to raise $50,000 in 1993,” says Gigi Woodruff, YMCA director.
“The monies raised under-write a variety of programs and scholarships for those children in our community who are unable to buy memberships.”
While hundreds of children are supported in programs such as swimming, gymnastics, dance and karate, the largest portion of scholarship funds addresses the needs of child care and after-school programs.
YMCA child care groups include programs for toddlers, ages 14-35 months; pre-schoolers, 3-5 years; kindergartners, 4-6 years; and after-school care for children from first to sixth grade. In addition to scheduled activities, food is prepared for day-care participants.
More than 120 volunteers will solicit YMCA gifts from community leaders, corporations and residents. Typical individual gifts range from $25 to $250, while corporate gifts begin at $1,000.
The four-week fund-raising effort will be directed by chair Nancy Montgomery, and the special gifts advance team is headed by Rex Aymond. Division leaders include Rick Bentley, Julie Gould, Chuck Sturgess and Pam Queal.
To become a campaign worker or pledge support for the East Dallas-Lakewood YMCA, call 824-8139.
Lakewood Service League Turn 10; Past Presidents Honored
The Lakewood Service League recently celebrated 10 years of community service at its Anniversary Party. Past presidents attending included Carol Hensley, Sue Trumbo, Janell Dunsworth, Cindy Sperry, Mary Pittman, Jan Worrall, Sherryl Thomas, Vickie Thompson and current president Anne Connor.
Founder Lou Alpert forwarded a congratulatory letter from her home in New York. Guests were entertained by Woodrow Wilson’s “Variations” choir. The event was chaired by Carol Hensley and Jo Barr.
Service League members also have begun solicitations for underwriters, as well as merchandise and services to be auctioned at the group’s spring fund-raiser. The “Tuxes & Tee’s” event is scheduled March 6 at the Southland Center Hotel, with entertainment provided by Linda Petty & the Main Event.
If you would like to support this event with tax-deductible donations, call 739-4139 or 733-5017. Proceeds from the event are distributed to neighborhood non-profit groups for reinvestment in their community programs.
Stonewall Art Banks on Guaranty Federal
Third-grade students at Stonewall Jackson Elementary earned a $250 donation to the school recently by drawing pictures and creating models highlighting the role of banks in our community.
Guaranty Federal Bank, F.S.B., sponsored the program in conjunction with the grand opening of the bank’s Mockingbird/Central Expressway branch says banking center manager Debbie Gray.
More than 60 children contributed artwork to the show, which is displayed in Guaranty’s bank lobby.
Guaranty also has a branch near Casa Linda Plaza.
Julie Thomas Honored by Community Council
Neighborhood resident Julie Thomas recently was named one of three Distinguished Human Service Professionals by the Community Council of Greater Dallas.
Thomas was nominated by the staff and board of directors of the Volunteer Center of Dallas County, where she serves as executive director.
During Thomas’ Volunteer Center tenure, several programs have been added or expanded, including Volunteers in Action, a service group for young professional volunteers, and Donated Goods, a program through which companies donate unused and surplus merchandise for placement in the nonprofit community.
“A distinctive trait of Julie Thomas’ leadership is that she does not back down from a challenge,” says Volunteer Center board president Regina Montoya. “Many people would avoid complex issues like volunteer liability insurance for nonprofit agencies and criminal background checks on volunteers who work with youth.
“But Julie is able to meet these continuing challenges with fresh insight, energy and determination to provide the best possible environment for nonprofits in the Dallas area.
News & Notes
GLASS HONORED: Meg Glass was honored recently as “outstanding neighbor” by the Gastonwood/Coronado Hills Neighborhood Association, says Sharron McCormic, association president. Other neighborhood officers are Thad and Bobbie Van Treese, Lana Nichols, and Alice Melton.
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT: The Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse of DFW Inc. is seeking Parent Aides to work with families affected by abuse and neglect, says group spokesman Dale Yarbrough. Volunteers will visit homes weekly and provide training, friendship and assistance to families in need. Call 644-2098 for information; bilingual volunteers are especially needed, Yarbrough says.
JUNIOR FORUM: Neighborhood residents Anne Sellers and Ann Jones recently participated in the Junior Forum, International convention hosted by the Dallas Junior Forum volunteer organization for women. Jones was convention chairman and presented the opening welcome.
COAT PARTY: Exall Recration Center, 1355 Adair, recently hosted its annual coat drive and distribution. Among neighborhood groups participating were the Lakehill Elementary School Choir, the East Dallas Police Storefront and Wolfe Nursery, says Exall program supervisor Kay Grayson.
ZARAGOZA HONORED: The Texas Recreation and Parks Society honored Zaragoza Recreation Center’s “Vacation Sensation” summer program with the Division 1-Departmental/Public Award. Rec center program supervisor Flo Temengil managed the program, which was a cooperative effort with the Tejas Girl Scout Council. More than 145 disadvantaged youth participated in the 10-week program, which offered field trips, educational programs and structured athletics. The Parks Society is a non-profit, professional organization for the leisure service industry based in Austin.
