The Salvation Army DFW Blog: April 2013

Dear Friends,

We’re four months into 2013 and have plenty to report:

North Texas Tornadoes -- One Year Later

In April 2012, the DFW Metroplex was hit by 17 severely damaging tornadoes, affecting thousands of residents in our local communities.

The Salvation Army was on site in the affected areas, including Lancaster, Forney, and Arlington. We assisted 89 different households, distributing 100 sets of furniture donated by jcpenney, as well as providing mattress vouchers, home repairs, Walmart gift cards, food, temporary lodging, and other household goods. This assistance is valued at $315,254.

We also purchased and donated a replacement manufactured home to a family in need. Here’s a video of Tina and Fred on the day their home was delivered.

As this year's tornado season begins, we urge you to take the necessary precautions to be ready. Learn how you can be prepared at The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services website: http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

2013 Doing the Most Good Annual Luncheon

Elizabeth Smart giving her keynote address
at the 2013 Annual Doing The Most Good
Luncheon in Fort Worth.

On April 3, Elizabeth Smart was the keynote speaker for our 2013 Annual Doing The Most Good Luncheon in Fort Worth. Elizabeth shared how she overcame the trauma of being kidnapped at age 14 and held captive for nine months. She told the crowd of 600 how she held onto the memory of her mother's love to help her cope with everything she went though during the traumatic experience.

Thank you to everyone who attended. We greatly appreciate the support of presenting sponsor BNSF Railway Company. We’re also grateful for the efforts of the luncheon committee led by honorary chair Kelsey Patterson and event chairs Pat and Doug Lorimer. The luncheon raised $210,000 to support our programs in Fort Worth that bring hope and deliverance for local citizens who are homeless, hungry, or addicted.

Here's coverage of the luncheon by CBS 11:

Thank you to everyone who attended
this year's garage sale in Fort Worth!

Texas-Size Garage Sale

What an incredible turnout for this year’s Texas-Size Garage Sale in Fort Worth, organized by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Tarrant County!

Hundreds of shoppers found bargains on electronics, furniture, antiques, framed pictures, clothing, and more, raising nearly $30,000! Proceeds from the sale will help us continue to provide programs and services to people in need in Fort Worth.

Thank you to The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary for a wonderful job organizing the event. Can’t wait till next year!


Emmitt Smith addressing the media during the tour of the North Texas Youth Education Town

Youth Education Town Hard Hat Tour

Emmitt Smith, chairman of the North Texas Youth Education Town located at our community center in Arlington, led a media tour of the new facility, set to open later this year. Salvation Army donors and supporters also enjoyed going on the hard hat tour of the new facility currently under construction, as well as learning of the programs that will be offered to help local children.

A legacy project of Super Bowl XLV, the North Texas Youth Education Town will host programs in music, art, computers, fitness, and education.

Albertsons All-Star Gala

Albertsons hosted its All-Star Gala at Cowboys Stadium on April 9. The gala featured Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys, former Dallas Stars hockey player Mike Modano, Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck, former Dallas Cowboys star Charles Haley, and TV personality Scott Murray.

The gala benefited local charities, including The Salvation Army.

Upcoming Events

Coming soon!

Echelon Inaugural 30M Gala

Echelon, our young professionals group, is hosting its inaugural 30M Gala Weekend on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 in Dallas. The gala is a great opportunity to bring together a new generation of supporters to celebrate the compassionate work of The Salvation Army.

Echelon named their event the 30M Gala to spotlight the significant fact that The Salvation Army serves 30 million people across the USA annually.

Learn more about Echelon and its gala at Salvationarmyechelon.org.

Annual Doing The Most Good Luncheon - Denton

The Annual Doing The Most Good Luncheon in Denton will be on Wednesday, May 1 at the Apogee Stadium at the University of North Texas. This year’s guest speaker will be former Air Force pilot, Scott O’Grady. Scott will share his riveting experience of being shot down over Bosnia where he survived six grueling days against harsh weather before being rescued.

Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Dallas Fashion Show

We’re weeks away from this year’s fashion show on Monday, May 6 at Brook Hollow Golf Club, organized by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary of Dallas. In addition to the runway show, this year’s event will include a silent auction and the Chic Boutique, where hundreds of designer items will be available for purchase.

Learn more about the fashion show at the Dallas Women’s Auxiliary’s website.

There’s more news and upcoming events on the horizon. Keep up to date by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter.