Event Benefits Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake

The Dairy Queen of Seven Points, Texas will host the 23rd Annual Open Auto Show on Saturday, October 11, 2025; benefiting the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake. Last year’s show raised more than $10,000 to help support their mission, including transporting animals across the country for adoption. 

"Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we’ve been able to donate over $50,000 to the Humane Society over the past 16 years," said Shirley Leone, owner of the Dairy Queen in Seven Points. "In 2022, we were honored to donate a new 'Danny Van' in memory of my late husband, whose dedication to supporting the Humane Society continues to inspire us."

Registration will open at 11 a.m. with a 2:30 p.m. awards presentation. Entry fee is $20 per car with a donation of dog or cat food. Proceeds from the event, including all the donated pet food, will go to the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake. Admission is free for two or four-legged spectators.

“It’s my favorite day of the year,” said Leone. “With live music, tasty food specials, a 50/50 raffle, an exciting silent auction, and stunning cars bringing out some friendly competition—it’s a day the whole community looks forward to.”

Awards will be presented in 28 different categories, including Model A; Best Bike; Truck; 4x4; Sports Car; Best Restored; Factory Hot Rod; Street Rod; 50s/60s; 70s/80s; Muscle Car; Project; Import; Most Unique; Most Radical; Best Patina; Kids Class; plus 10 Head Turners and Best of Show. Custom awards are created by Trey Hall, who creates a unique DQ design every year.  

“Our special Kids Class award for children 12 and under is always a winner,” said  Leone. “To participate, all that’s required is a vehicle with wheels—no engine necessary. It’s a fun and creative way to get kids involved, where imagination truly takes the driver’s seat.”  

The Dairy Queen of Seven Points is located at 110 W. Cedar Creek Parkway off Highway 334 at 274. The event is open to the public. 

For 75 years, DQ® restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. For more information about the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council, visit dqtexas.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 

There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries. 

FOR THE FIFTH YEAR, PARK PLACE DEALERSHIPS’ SEASON OF GIVING TO PROVIDE UP TO $100,000 IN GRANTS TO NORTH TEXAS NONPROFITS

Applications Can be Submitted through October 24 and Invites Greater Dallas-Fort Worth Charities to Apply

Link to 2024 Season of Giving Video

Park Place Dealerships has launched its 5th annual Season of Giving, offering up to $100,000 in grants to nonprofits making a positive impact across the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. Beginning October 1 through October 24, 2025, eligible organizations are invited to apply at ParkPlaceCares.com. Grant recipients will be announced the week of November 17, 2025.

“Season of Giving is an opportunity to lift up the organizations that are driving meaningful change across North Texas,” said Matt Woolsey, Area Vice President for Park Place Dealerships. “Beyond funding, we are committed to building lasting relationships with these nonprofits through volunteerism and collaboration. Our Members truly embrace the spirit of giving, which allows Park Place to extend its impact far beyond our dealership walls.”

To be considered, nonprofit organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

• Support one of Park Place Cares’ four pillars of giving: Education, Medical Research, Children’s Advocacy, or the Arts.

• Serve at least one of the following counties: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, Kaufman, Hunt, Wise, and Johnson.

• Not have already received donations or in-kind support from Park Place in 2025.

• Apply no later than October 24, 2025. 

“There are so many deserving organizations that often go unrecognized because they don’t have the same visibility as larger nonprofits,” said Kara Connor, Community Engagement Manager at Park Place Dealerships. “Season of Giving allows us to shine a spotlight on these groups and provide them with resources to continue their important work. We’re inspired every year by the creativity and passion these nonprofits bring to serving our community.”

Since 2021, Park Place has awarded $400,000 to 80 charities through Season of Giving, supporting causes from children’s services to medical research, the arts, and education.

In 2024, 21 nonprofits were selected from more than 700 applications. A few among them were DFW Angels, whose mission is to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support. Brown Girls Do Ballet promotes inclusivity in the arts by providing annual scholarships, a mentorship network, and community programs to empower young girls. Serving Our Seniors was also chosen for offering help, hope, and healing to their resident senior citizens. 

Park Place’s Season of Giving goes beyond simply awarding grants—it’s about fostering partnerships and leveraging Member involvement to create long-term community impact.

Park Place Dealerships, founded in 1987, has long supported the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Today, the company employs more than 1,400 Members across eight luxury automotive dealerships in North Texas, representing Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Acura, and Land Rover. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth and Dallas, and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Park Place Dealerships BOO Yard Sign Challenge returns this Halloween season to celebrate spooky fun while giving back to local pediatric patients at Children’s Health. Hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary of Children’s Medical Center, North Texas community members are encouraged to “BOO” their neighbors with 100% of proceeds benefitting Children’s Health.

Those who want to participate can join the fun by secretly leaving a “BOO” yard sign in their friends and neighbors yards along with Halloween treats at their doorsteps. The trick is to remain undetected, keeping the spooky secret alive. The challenge runs through October 31, 2025. 

Participation is simple and fun, and includes the following steps:

1. Purchase a BOO Yard Sign: Signs are available for purchase at childrens.com/boo for $25 each.

2. Pick up Your Sign: During online checkout, choose the nearest neighborhood pickup location (Park Place Lexus Plano, Park Place Motorcars Dallas, or Park Place Porsche) and select a convenient pick up date/time.

3. BOO Your Neighbors: Place the BOO Yard Sign in your neighbor’s yard, leave Halloween goodies at their doorstep, and make sure to do it without being spotted! 

Each sign has instructions on how recipients can continue the challenge to keep the spooky spirit alive in their neighborhood. Participants can begin “BOO”ing their neighbors starting October 1.

“We look forward to this challenge because it is a chance for our team to spread some spooky fun all across North Texas,” said Kara Connor, Community Engagement Manager of Park Place Dealerships. “Our goal is to see a BOO yard sign in every neighborhood, with every dollar raised supporting the children and families at Children’s Health.”

Park Place Dealerships, founded in 1987, has long supported the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Today, the company employs more than 1,400 Members across eight luxury automotive dealerships in North Texas, representing Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Acura, and Land Rover. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth and Dallas, and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

City Center Fort Worth hosted the Fourth Annual 9/11 Memorial Tower Climb today, Saturday, September 13 in downtown Fort Worth. The event commemorated the lives lost on September 11, 2001, as hundreds of first responders ascended the Bank of America Tower at 301 Commerce Street.

The climb began at 8:47 am, followed by a moment of silence at 8:46 am, marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. 

Participants from City Center Security, local law enforcement and fire departments climbed to the 30th floor in the tower three times, then on the fourth round stopped at level 20, replicating the 110-story climb of the World Trade Center. Each climber wore a lanyard bearing the photo and name of a first responder who was lost in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.

The community showed up and participated in the day's festivities. Fort Worth Police Department displayed their Lenco BearCat armored vehicle used by its SWAT team and the Fort Worth PD Recruiter truck. Dogs from their Critical Incident team were also onsite allowing attendees to interact with the dogs for a source of comfort and companionship throughout the event.

The Fort Worth Fire Department had their Fire Safety House onsite for families to experience and even try to get out of a room with ‘smoke’. In addition, the North Richland Hills Fire Department had a fire truck on display. 

Attendees enjoyed complimentary ice cream from La’ Creamian and Starbucks coffee during the event. 

City Center displayed a 20x20 quilt featuring the American flag comprised of individual photos of those who perished on 9/11.

The timeline of the day’s events included:

8:10 am Participant Group Photo

8:15 am Opening Ceremony

8:46 am Moment of Silence – All Pause

• North Tower Hit by American Airlines Flight 11

9:03 am Moment of Silence – All Pause   

• South Tower Hit by United Airlines Flight 175

9:37 am   Moment of Silence – All Pause   

• Pentagon hit by American Airlines Flight 77

9:59 am  Moment of Silence – All Pause   

• South Tower Collapses

10:03 am   Moment of Silence – All Pause   

• United Airlines Flight 93 Crashes in Shanksville, PA

10:28 am   Moment of Silence – All Pause   

• North Tower Collapses

12:00 pm  First responders finish and the event concludes.

Photos from previous Tower Climbs can be found here: 2024, 2023, and 2022.

Of the 2,977 victims killed in the 2001 attacks, 415 were first responders, including 343 firefighters; 37 Port Authority and New Jersey police officers; 23 New York City police officers; eight private EMTs and paramedics; three New York State Court Officers; one New York Fire Patrol officer and one FBI Special Agent.

Over the course of three hours in 2001, 121 engine companies, 62 ladder companies and 27 fire officers were deployed to the scene. All off-duty firefighters were recalled—the first time the FDNY issued a total recall in more than 30 years.

City Center is the premier business address with Class A office space in downtown Fort Worth. Comprised of the Bank of America Tower and the Wells Fargo Tower, the two iconic towers offer stunning views of Fort Worth, connected parking and an on-site private club with fitness center. More info atcitycenterfw.com/.

Cerulean Blue Coffee House is leaning into a classic comfort flavor this season with the debut of its September Cookie of the Month: Peanut Butter. 

The Peanut Butter cookie strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty, featuring a crumbly base blended with plenty of peanut butter. Each cookie is golden on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with rich, nutty flavor. It’s the ultimate treat for those who love all things peanut butter – satisfying, indulgent, and only available through the end of September.

“Peanut butter is a perfect addition to any creation when it comes to baking,” said Jessica Dietzler, Chief Baker at Cerulean Blue Coffee House. “Our Peanut Butter cookie is all about enjoying those craveable sweet-and-salty flavors wrapped up into one perfect bite.”

Along with the limited-time cookie of the month offerings, customers can enjoy two other Cerulean Blue staples: the Chocolate Chunk and The Caramel White Chocolate cookie. New food offerings are also joining the menu this month, including the crispy chicken biscuit sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, and acai bowl.

Located at 420 Parker Square Road in Flower Mound, Cerulean Blue is a family-owned coffee house featuring breakfast and lunch including sandwiches and salads in a spacious, yet warm and cozy environment. 

Cerulean Blue features comfortable seating, soft lighting, two fireplaces, and a calming ambiance for conversations, relaxation or productivity. Beyond serving excellent coffee, Cerulean Blue’s mission is to be a cornerstone of the Flower Mound Community by hosting events and fostering relationships.

Cerulean Blue Coffee House provides a water filtration system to a family in Central America for every 10 pounds of coffee sold. Each system produces 100,000 gallons of clean water, and is deployed by Serve Hope International.

About Cerulean Blue

Cerulean Blue is a community-focused coffee house in Flower Mound’s Parker Square. It offers a welcoming ambiance, a variety of high-quality beverages and pastries, and a space designed to foster connections within the community. Cerulean Blue is owned by Paul and Jackie Dietzler, owners of Expo Home. For more information, visit CeruleanBlue.com, or on the social media platforms Instagram and Facebook.