With April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Dallas County’s Child Abuse Prevention Coalition (CAPCO) held a lunch donated by In-N-Out Burger at Dallas CASA on Wednesday, April 22, for child welfare workers, law enforcement and local non-profits like Family Compass‘ Griselda Gomez. It was an opportunity to honor the efforts of local organizations and encourage their efforts with a testimonial by University Of North Texas student Journey Ishmon and keynote speaker Dr. Gregory Williams‘ message of “HOPE.” Here’s a report from the field:

Members of Dallas County’s Child Abuse Prevention Coalition hosted a child abuse prevention event at Dallas CASA, on Wednesday, April 22.

“Today is about recognition, reflection and resolve,” said Dallas CASA President and CEO Kathleen LaValle. “It’s a moment to acknowledge the collective work happening across Dallas County to prevent abuse, protect children and strengthen families — work that is happening every day through collaboration, commitment and care.”

CAPCO members include Dallas CASA, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Family Compass, TexProtects, the United Way’s HOPES program and more.

University of North Texas student Journey Ishmon shared her story of coming into care at 13, followed by a series of challenging foster placements.

“I was a straight A student and known as the ‘happy girl,’ always smiling and laughing,” she said. “But inside, I was sad, angry and crying out for help and no one was listening.”

She implored audience members to look at the children in foster care and see them and hear them, offering empathy and understanding instead of judgment.

Guest speaker Dr. Gregory Williams shared his “HOPE” acronym for children in crisis: Hear their voices, Open our eyes, Protect our children and Empower through action.

“We need more shoe leather than lip service on behalf of these children,” he said. “Hope is not a feeling – it’s something we do. When we live out hope, our children will be seen, heard, valued and loved, and there’s nothing more precious than our children.”

Other speakers included Judge Audrey Moorehead, who presides over Dallas County Criminal Court 3, was present to recognize and thank prevention and child welfare advocates. Dr. Theresa Daniel of the Dallas County Commissioners Court read a proclamation declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Dallas County, while Family Compass CEO Ona Foster shared a similar proclamation from Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. CAPCO later presented the Dallas County Child Abuse Prevention Award to Ona.

* Photo provided by Dallas CASA

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When COVID filled hospitals starting in 2020, it dramatically challenged visual and performing art groups to transition to life without in-person attendance. Despite the disruption, philanthropists and organizations like TACA stepped up to support the struggling organizations.

Even with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, established and emerging arts organizations are still in recovery mode. That’s why today’s announcement by TACA that 50 arts organizations will receive $650,000, thanks to its 2026 Catalyst Grants program providing unrestricted operating support, is so significant.

According to TACA Donna Wilhelm Family President Maura Sheffler, “Arts organizations continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, creativity and impact in communities across Dallas County. Catalyst Grants are designed to meet organizations where they are and provide the flexibility they need to respond to challenges, seize opportunities and continue enriching the lives of North Texans through the arts.”

The 50 art groups include the following:

• Arts Mission Oak Cliff
• Artstillery
• AT&T Performing Arts Center
• Avant Chamber Ballet
• Basically Beethoven
• Big Heart Theater*
• Bishop Arts Theatre Center
• Bombshell Dance Project
• Broadway Dallas
• Bruce Wood Dance Dallas
• Cara Mía Theatre
• Dallas Chamber Symphony
• Dallas Children’s Theater
• Dallas Museum of Art
• Dallas Opera
• Dallas Symphony Orchestra
• Dallas Theater Center
• Dallas Winds
• Deep Vellum Publishing
• Echo Theatre
• Greater Dallas Choral Society
• Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra
• Junior Players
• Kitchen Dog Theater Company
• Lone Star Wind Orchestra
• Nasher Sculpture Center
• New Texas Symphony Orchestra
• Orpheus Chamber Singers
• OutLoud Dallas
• Over the Bridge Arts
• Pegasus Contemporary Ballet
• Prism Movement Theater
• Representa*
• Sammons Center for the Arts
• Second Thought Theatre
• Shakespeare Dallas
• Soul Rep Theatre Company
• Teatro Dallas
• Texas Ballet Theater
• Texas Winds Musical Outreach
• The Cedars Union
• The Women’s Chorus of Dallas
• The Writer’s Garret
• Theatre Three
• TITAS/Dance Unbound
• Turtle Creek Chorale
• Undermain Theatre
• Uptown Players
• Urban Arts Collective*
• Verdigris Ensemble

Over the past 59 years, TACA “has invested more than $32M in general operating support for arts organization, helping cultivate one of the nation’s most dynamic cultural communities.”

* New Catalyst Grant awardee 
** Graphic courtesy of TACA

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Friends of the Dallas Public Library‘s 2026 Literary Lions Luncheon was a real page-turner at the Arts District Mansion on Wednesday, April 22. From acknowledging the librarians tableside to keynote speaker Eric Klinenberg‘s emphasizing the importance of libraries these days, the event raised funds for Dallas branch libraries as well as the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. Here’s a report from the field:

Literary Lions Luncheon took place on Wednesday, April 22, at the Arts District Mansion in the heart of the nationally recognized Dallas Arts District to celebrate the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in our communities. The event featured award-winning author and sociologist Eric Klinenberg as the keynote speaker, in conversation with KERA’s Think host and managing editor Krys Boyd.

The luncheon benefited Dallas’ 28 branch libraries and the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, supporting staff, educational programs, literacy initiatives, and community impact events throughout the city.

In the foyer, flutes of champagne glided effortlessly through a sea of guests dressed in vibrant florals, as golden sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a cinematic glow across the storied Arts District mansion and setting the tone for an afternoon that felt timeless and chic.

Esteemed keynote speaker Klinenberg drew a crowd during the VIP reception, signing more than 90 copies of “Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life.” Lines of fans, devoted readers, and passionate library champions wrapped through the art-lined hallway, eager for a moment with the bestselling author at the center of it all.

Friends of the Dallas Public Library Board Chair Nicole Paquette invited guests to indulge in a spring-forward entrée as vibrant as the afternoon itself: lemon-garlic grilled chicken breast, elegantly plated over delicate haricots verts and a velvety cacio e pepe risotto, all finished with a smoky roasted tomato sauce.

Guests were treated to an unexpected, heartfelt moment when Jenna Bush Hager appeared on screen with an inspiring video message celebrating the power of libraries bringing people together. She spoke warmly about how these institutions knit communities into something stronger, carrying forward the legacy championed by her mother and grandmother and reminding the room that libraries don’t just hold stories; they create them.

Jenna Bush Hager: “With this year being America’s 250th and the Dallas Public Library’s 125th anniversary, we are reminded that libraries are the cornerstone of American society.”

Dallas Public Library branch librarians Tiffany Bailey, Sara Kelley and Nadia Ysasi were met with a wave of applause after a moving video on the essential role libraries play in our communities. The moment felt electric, a collective acknowledgment of the quiet heroes who keep Dallas’ stories, curiosity, and sense of connection alive. – PHOTO 207

The room of passionate library advocates roared in celebration as Nicole presented the 2026 May Dickson Exall Award to Atmos Energy Manager of Public Affairs Susan Harris. Atmos Energy has been a steadfast supporter of the Dallas Public Library for the past 17 years, driving meaningful impact across our community.

Klinenberg joined Boyd on stage for a riveting conversation about how libraries are one of the few places in our country actively working against loneliness and isolation and can support the many communities dealing with a crisis of disconnection. With such highlights as his saying:

• “Libraries are essential social infrastructure, as essential as electricity and highways… If we invest in social infrastructure, we get civic life and a stronger sense of community.”
• “If you need a place to go, for help, for learning, for connection, you go to the library… If we want better cities, we have to invest in the spaces that bring people together… If we don’t invest in shared spaces, we shouldn’t be surprised when people stop talking to each other.”
• “As we start to have conversations about what it’s going to be like to live in an AI world, where there may be shifts in the job market, we have to ask how we’re going to find ways to care for each other, the way libraries take care of us.”

Friends of the Dallas Public Library Executive Director Denise McGovern delivered a powerful closing remark, urging supporters that “Now is the time for action and advocacy. If you believe in the power of libraries, please tell your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and especially your city officials.”

* Photo provided by Friends Of The Dallas Public Library

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The traditional Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Dallas‘ Fashion Show and Luncheon had a couple of tweaks for its 35th annual fundraiser at the Meyerson on Tuesday, April 21. Of course, SAWA President Kimber Hartmann and Luncheon Chair Katherine Coker weren’t going to change the basics that had made the event such a draw — like the Chic Boutique on the upper level lobby and the presentation of gently experienced outfits on the runway.

But the first touch of change took place in the lobby as guests arrived. There was a silent auction being held on shelves of donated handbags, like Louise Griffeth‘s Judith Leiber Snakeskin purse and her Edie Parker Pink Box clutch.

Among the 700 guests were SAWA Founder Margot Perot, Kathie King, Gina Betts, Janie Condon, Betsey Urschel, Betsy Waggoner, Stacey Walker, Kim Hext and longtime SAWA fashion producer Jan Strimple, who had turned the reins over to Robyn Chauvin a couple of years ago.

Soon the doors opened to the McDermott Concert Hall for the big show. It opened with a presentation in the right choral terrace by the Highland Park Presbyterian Church Elliott Handbell Ensemble and Army staffers walking up the two aisle on the floor ringing bells to kick off the 40-minute program that would lead up to the fashion presentation.

Taking her place at the podium, Major Carolynn Webb welcomed the guests and introduced SAWA Chaplin Paige Locke to provide the invocation, Kimber to briefly tell about SAWA’s support of The Salvation Army North Texas and Katherine, who invited Honorary Chair Lisa Troutt to the podium.

Having just returned from a trip to Prague, Lisa recalled how, “As I walked through the magnificent cathedrals, the palaces and the monasteries, I was struck by the incredible biblical imagery everywhere — the artwork, the murals, the tapestries, the soaring ceiling, the stained glass windows that tell so many biblical stories and intricate carvings that all point to God in such a powerful way, and masterpieces echoing the genius of composers whose works still stir out souls. You can see that faith was once central to their culture. It shaped their art, their identity and their history. And yet, today much of that faith is no long living. For most, it’s simply a part of the past, something to admire but not to practice. The churches remain, but the pews are often empty on Sundays. They are used primarily for concerts, tours and events. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for what we have. Here in America, we area blessed that faith is not just something we look back on. It’s something that we live out daily. It shapes how we love, how we give and how we serve others. It compels us to step in where there is a need to extend compassion and to take responsibility for caring for our neighbors. And that’s exactly what the Salvation Army represents — a living, active faith in action. It’s people like you gathered here today who ensure that hope is not just remembered but lived out. You remind us that generosity, service and love are not just ideas.”

In closing she said, “Thank you for being here, for your generosity and for your commitment to supporting this great mission. Together we are making a lasting and eternal difference.”

Returning to the podium, Katherine recognized the committee members and key supporters and noted that the event had been sold out.

Carolynn then returned to the podium and introduced a video testimonial by clients and staff members.

As the video came to a close, the onstage presentations of awards took place, including the Margot Perot Service Award to Margaret Hancock and the Love In Action Award to Marilyn Spencer. Preferring to stay seated in the orchestra terrace, Gene Jones was honored with the Legacy Award.

Then it was announced that the newly created Emerging Designer Contest had tapped the talents resulting in three being on the runway and up for sale — including Salvadore Medina‘s winning the two top places and Miguel Becerra taking the third place.

It was then time for Highland Park Village’s Victoria Snee and Reed Robertson to chat about the trends of the day and tomorrow.

Next it was time for the show of 100 new and masterfully reconfigured outfits, concluding with a lineup of poppy-red outfits to commemorate the Army’s embracing the memorial symbol for those who died in war.

As the hall emptied, the guests headed to tables for lunch and/or the Chic Boutique and the silent auction for just one more look over.

In the days that followed, the clothes not purchased would be available for purchase at the SAWA’s Warehouse Sale.

For a full look of the fashions of the day and the program, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

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Southwestern Medical Foundation Board Of Trustees Chair Jere Thompson has not only announced that Catherine Rose will serve as the “first-ever vice chair,” but he has also revealed new board members including Lydia Addy, Anne Cary Bush, Hilda C. Galvan, Lee Hobson, Anurag Jain, James Litinsky, Cindy McClain and Sherri Patton.

Having served as a board members for 18 years, Catherine “has served on the Personnel, Executive and Nominating committees.”

Established in 1939, Southwestern Medical Foundation was created “to rally citizens in support of the highest quality health care possible in the Southwestern U.S.” It has based its mission on “four core principles: Service to Community, Vision of Excellence, Mindful Stewardship and Best Outcomes.” As a result, Southwestern Medical Center has emerged and continues to partner with the Foundation “to bring the gift of better health to the Southwest and the world beyond.”

* Photo provided by Southwestern Medical Foundation

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In honoring the legacy of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Dallas Fashion Show and Luncheon that started back 35 years ago, the mega-fashion extravaganza on Tuesday, April 21, had an interesting twist and nod to the future of talented up-and-comers at the Meyerson Symphony Center.

As Legacy Awardee Gene Jones acknowledged her honor from her place in the orchestra terrace and others like Fashion Show Honorary Chair Lisa Troutt, Margot Perot Service Awardee Margaret Hancock and Love In Action Awardee Marilyn Spencer were recognized on stage, it was the work of renowned local designers like Michael Faircloth and Patti Flowers as well as promising fashion designers like Salvador Medina, Miguel Becerra, Margaret Tipton and Nerissa Von Helpenstill who wowed the hundreds of guests in the McDermott Concert Hall.

As the loads of fashions on the runway and on the guests in attendance are being touched up, check out more than 100 pictures at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

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With showers and even thunderstorms in this weekend’s forecast, there is no need to pull out those boring board games to keep the kids occupied. Instead, there’s a perfect way to have free fun without rain woes.

The occasion is the final days of Dallas CASA‘s 2026 Parade Of Playhouses presented by Crest Auto Group. The playhouses are marching in place at NorthPark Center from the Macy’s Court to the East Court adjacent to the Dillard’s Court.

The awesome eight mini-houses are real eye-catchers, ranging from delightful Dibleck and a Pegasus Petroleum station to a Hawaiian Beach House and a Great Day Cafe.

What’s more, one of them might just find a permanent place at your home, if  your raffle ticket wins.

The tickets are going for $5 each or five for $20 and are available both at NorthPark and online.

Also, if you’re living in a condo and don’t have a backyard for a playhouse, why not try for the ninth item on the raffle list — a $1,000 NorthPark gift card?

But better not waste time, because the parade and raffle close down on Sunday, June 7, at 3 p.m. The drawing for the new homeowners or gifted shoppers will take place at 5 p.m., with the winners being notified by phone.

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It’s not every day that a non-profit’s guest speaker makes her entrance from the back of the room before taking the stage and delivering her talk wearing an oversized plastic trash bag.

But that’s what happened on Friday, April 17, at Dallas’ Arts District Mansion, where guest speaker Aliscia Brorman addressed 400 guests at Dallas CASA‘s sold-out Cherish the Children Luncheon.

To be fair, the dark plastic bag was arranged as fashionably as possible on Aliscia, a former foster youth who now advocates for transforming the child welfare system.

“Trash bag after trash bag,” she said, explaining the pertinence of her unusual outfit as she began recounting her foster experience. “With each new home came one more trash bag. The perception of this place in my mind is one that I’ve battled to this day to overcome — a narrative written long before I even knew how to write my own name: trash, disposable weight, tossed out onto the curb to become someone else’s mess.”

Aliscia’s featured talk — more on it later — was the highlight of the annual luncheon, which raises money for the CASA non-profit that provides volunteer advocates for Dallas County children who’ve been abused or neglected and are living in the protective care of the state.

Barbara Cervin and Margaret Cervin were the event’s co-chairs.

Prior to the luncheon and formal program, a VIP reception attracted guests including Christie Carter, Terry Lendecker, Cynt Marshall, Ramsey and Judge Clay and Ramsey Jenkins, Sandra Walsh, Jennifer Chandler, Nicki Stafford, Sharonda Roberson, Sarah and Alan Losinger and Laura and John Losinger. and Dallas CASA Board Chair Janice Z. Davis.

Laura and her mother-in-law Sarah, a prominent Dallas philanthropist, would later receive the luncheon’s coveted Caroline Rose Hunt Cherish the Children Award. The award recognizes an individual or organization for helping children who’ve been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.

During the reception, Dallas CASA President and CEO Kathleen LaValle was concerned that she and Laura had “inadvertently worn coordinating dresses.” She needn’t have worried. Both their frocks were indeed fashioned of winter white tweed, but they were of different styles and made by different designers, Kathleen was relieved to find out.

Kathleen said it was Sarah who had introduced her to Laura, who’s now a longtime Dallas CASA board member and volunteer child advocate as well as senior director of clinical programs at Children’s Health.

Supporting Laura at the event was Children’s Medical Center Foundation President Brent Christopher, who was excited about attending an upcoming conference at the Oxford University business school in Oxford, England.

Following the lunch — spring mix salad, lemon-garlic grilled chicken breast, risotto and roasted artichoke and asparagus — there was a call for cash called Fund the Need conducted by Dallas CASA Supervisor Ryan Higgins before Aliscia took the stage.

During a riveting, 30-minute presentation, the best-selling author recalled her years trying to navigate Texas’ child welfare system. After being removed from her mother, and the death of her grandmother, Aliscia said that at age 6 she became the caretaker of her siblings, including a younger sister.

Placed later with a family, she said she endured sexual abuse from the age of 9 to 13, hoping that staying quiet and enduring the abuse would protect her little sister.

Finally, though, she realized that her sister would be the next abuse victim — and that intervention was the only way forward.

After speaking out and entering the child welfare system, she was assigned a CASA volunteer who she says changed the course of her life.

“My CASA made me feel seen heard and validated,” Aliscia said. “In every way possible, she was there for me.

“I experienced the system without a CASA volunteer and with one,” she said. “And I know my CASA saved me life.”

Today, she is one of the 3 percent of former foster youth who have graduated from college.

Currently completing her MBA degree at Texas Tech University, Aliscia punctuated her dramatic transformation story at one point by tearing away the garbage bag to reveal a blue silk gown underneath.

The Rosewood Corporation, Barbara Cervin and Margaret Cervin and an anonymous donor were the luncheon’s Presenting Sponsors. Laura Losinger and Sarah Losinger and Deri and Doug Hartman were among the other top underwriters.

* Photo credit: Kristina Bowman Photography

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The weather on Thursday, April 16, couldn’t have been more perfect for a poolside party. And DIFFA Dallas lucked out holding its 2026 House Of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique Patron Preview Party poolside at the Warwick Melrose Hotel. The big draw was the sneak peak of  jackets that would be up for bids at the major fundraiser on Saturday, May 9, at the Sheraton Dallas. Here’s a report from the field:

The Warwick Melrose Hotel’s pool deck set an unexpected stage Thursday, April 16, as DIFFA Dallas opened its 2026 Patron Preview Party to patrons, philanthropists, and the city’s fashion community. The annual event offered an early look at the DIFFA Jacket Collection ahead of the House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique runway show.

Jackets were displayed throughout the poolside space, giving the preview a more intimate register than a traditional static showcase. Models moved through the crowd rather than down a runway, letting guests engage directly with the craftsmanship and character of each piece. The collection — more than 50 jackets from a cross-section of Dallas designers, artists, and independent makers — ranged from boldly conceptual to quietly precise, a preview of what’s set to take the House of DIFFA stage on Saturday, May 9, at the Sheraton Dallas.

Guests, including Tori Kunz, Robyn Chauvin and Payton Martin, mingled across Dallas’ philanthropic and creative circles while OneBarUSA’s signature cocktail experience anchored the evening at the bar. As the night progressed, bidding opened on the jackets — giving attendees first access to secure a piece before its runway debut.

Midway through the evening, DIFFA Dallas leadership recognized the sponsors who make the work possible and reminded the room of its stakes. Proceeds from House of DIFFA support HIV/AIDS service organizations throughout North Texas.

Co-Chair Steve Lopez opened with thanks to the sponsors anchoring the evening. Board Chair Rhiannon Bolen followed — recognizing the community’s continued support, acknowledging Jacket Collection Chair Gabrielle Monte for pulling together this year’s auction, and thanking the board for the care they bring to the mission.

The 34th annual House of DIFFA Co-Chair David Chadd closed out the evening, offering a preview of what’s ahead and a reminder of why it matters. “Since 2010, DIFFA Dallas has distributed over five million dollars, and since 1984, the Dallas chapter has given over 58 million dollars to organizations in need, and we are excited to add to those numbers this year,” Chadd said. He reminded guests, including LeeAnne Locken and Brad Pritchett, that bidding was open on all jackets and that House of DIFFA tickets are available now.

The evening closed the way a good preview should — guests energized, jackets on their radar, and May 9 circled on the calendar. House of DIFFA: Hotel Mystique takes the Sheraton Dallas stage in three weeks.

* Photo credit: Celeste Cass 
** Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron

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Unbeknownst to most folks, 2026 Crystal Charity Ball Chair Jennifer Dix is all on board for happiness. In her campaign to provide $7,875,644 for the 2026 Dallas County children’s non-profit beneficiaries (Baylor Scott & White Foundation Dallas, Catch Up & Read, Dallas LIFE, Equest, Jubilee Park & Community Center, Mercy street, St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic Academy and To Be Like Me), her working theme was “Be Happy.” And happy it was on the evening of Wednesday, April 15, at Kathy and Harlan Crow’s library for the reveal of the 2026 CCB theme.

But before the big announcement was made, 120 guests, including new members (Wasan Alfalahi with husband Kasim Alfalahi, Annika Cail, Meredith Camp with husband David Camp and Catherine Susser), former CCB chairs (Caren Kline with husband Pete Kline, Pam Perella, Claire Emanuelson, Tucker Enthoven,  Leslie Diers with husband Bryan Diers and Susan Farris with husband John Farris), Christi and Hal Urschel, Katherine and Austin Wyker, Sally and George Dutton, Andrea and Heath Cheek, Marybeth and Kevin Conlon, Lisa Cooley, Lora Farris, Katie and Allan Oster, Catherine and Greg Jaynes, Kristi and Ron Hoyl and Alison and Mike Malone, arriving at the Crow’s nest were surprised to be directed to the underground garage that seemed to be big enough for a football field and as pristine as an operating room. Once stepping from their vehicles, guests were directed to the hallway leading up to the library on the ground floor.

As if perfectly planned, the crowd slowly moved from the foyer to the two-story library with its stage for the night’s presentation.

Taking her place at the podium on one side of the stage, a cloth covering an easel across the way, Jennifer invited the evening’s underwriter Forvis Mazars Partner Kerry Fitzgerald to the podium. Kerry explained that Forvis is one of the top global firms in public accounting, a firm whose “core services are tax audit and consulting.”

Then he told how thrilled the Forvis team was to be a part of the CCB that has benefited the children of the Dallas County. To bring the importance of children home, he told how “my wife and I met at a church camp, got married and thought we’d have a great big family, maybe four kids. We ended up with five, but it wasn’t the story that we wanted. We struggled with having kids, so we went the adoption route. We adopted our first child when she was seven months old, and it was an awesome experience. What I learned from that experience is that I can love a child as much as I love my own child — that is, a biological child for me and my wife. But my love for that girl is no different than the love I have for my own. A few years later, we decided we wanted to foster and we became foster parents. But it was a difficult time in my life. I had just lost my twin brother and it was the first birthday that I celebrated without him. We were gifted a five-day-old baby. What an awesome testament. But we go to love that baby for three months. Then a month later we had to give her away to her maternal grandmother. Still we got two foster wins right after that. We ended up adopting those twins, and then adopted their little brother.”

In closing, he said, “I’m excited about groups that serve those children. I have a passion for those children and I thank all of you for supporting organizations because, without organizations like this, my wife and I may have never met our children. So, thank you for all you do.”

Returning to the podium, Jennifer thanked Kerry and explained, “As many of you know, this year’s international theme is ‘Be Happy.’ I chose this theme because research shows us — and out arts tell us — that happiness grows when we serve others. That same idea inspired this year’s Ball theme.”

Before revealing that theme, Jennifer told why the butterfly had become a symbol for the year. “You may be wondering, why the butterfly. For me, the butterfly has always represented hope, renewal and joy and that is exactly what we are working to be for the children of Dallas County — hope, renewal and joy ….”

As CCB Reveal Theme Chair Tanya Foster stood by the easel, Jennifer said, “And that is why this year’s theme is … Joy For The World.”

With that announcement, Tanya pulled the drop cloth to reveal the oversized canvas with the theme and its logo.

Right on cue, the Marquinn Middleton & Miracle Chorale entered through the back of the stage singing “Joy for The World,” which had been written especially for the occasion. No sooner had they wowed the crowd with that song than they followed up with “Happy” and “Oh Happy Day.”

For more looks of the joyful crowd, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.

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