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Dallas technician Adrian Ortiz recently won first place in the Paint Competition at the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) BIG SHOTS Competition at the Irving Convention Center. 

“The best part was I got to try new products and learn new things,” said Ortiz. “These are things I can apply daily in my job. The biggest opportunity was being trusted to step into the booth to show what I had learned over the course of my career thus far.”

Ortiz has worked for Park Place Bodywerks for 18 years. He is a certified painter for Bentley, McLaren, and Mercedes-Benz automobiles. 

“It is a great honor that our Members can publicly show their strengths and represent Park Place in such a good light,” said Brandon Gillespy, Bodywerks Dallas Shop Manager. “We celebrate their accomplishments and value their commitment to excellence.”

Born and raised in East Dallas, Ortiz graduated from Woodrow Wilson High and the Autobody Tech program at Eastfield Community College. He married his high school sweetheart, Johanna, and they live on the east side of White Rock Lake with their two children. In his free time, Ortiz is restoring his high school car: a 1962 Chevy Nova.

When asked what advice he’d give someone just starting out in the business, Ortiz answered, “Be a sponge and ask questions…learn as much as possible. We have some of the best technicians in the country that reside within the walls at Park Place.” 

Other Bodywerks Dallas members representing Park Place in the annual statewide competition included Philip Glass, who placed third in the Estimating Competition out of 25 participants, and Bodywerks Estimator Davis Richards, a two-time winner in the competition. After his first place win last year, Richards volunteered to judge the 2024 estimating competition. 

Park Place Bodywerks Dallas is located at 6120 Peeler Street, near Love Field, in Dallas.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

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NEW DQ Texas Sauce

Hot off the successful launch of the Carolina Reaper Tacos, DQ® restaurants in Texas are introducing an exclusive signature sauce that will be available beginning September 1 only in Texas. This marks the first branded sauce specifically for DQ restaurants in Texas, which will join the best cream gravy in the Lone Star state.

The DQ Texas Sauce is a savory blend that perfectly complements DQ’s fan-favorite steak fingers and chicken strips. The DQ Texas Sauce combines the zesty flavors of honey mustard and BBQ, resulting in a sweet and tangy combination with a delicate smoky undertone.

Dipping sauces are growing in popularity throughout the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry. According to a recent study, over 70% of QSR customers are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers new flavors. Consumers will choose meals that include dipping sauces, with a significant increase in demand for unique and flavorful options.

“Our fans have always loved dipping their steak fingers and chicken strips into our iconic gravy or ranch dressing,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council (TDQOC). “This first branded DQ Texas Sauce at DQ restaurants in Texas is another great new way for fans to enjoy their steak fingers or chicken strips and we believe this new sauce will become a fan favorite.”

The exclusive DQ Texas Sauce underscores TDQOC’s commitment to innovation and catering to the tastes of loyal fans in Texas. It embodies the unique flavors that Texans love, providing a distinctive dipping experience. Starting September 1, guests at any of the nearly 600 DQ restaurants across Texas can order this exciting new sauce. 

This spring, DQ restaurants in Texas rolled out the Carolina Reaper Taco which combined Carolina Reaper-infused Monterey Jack cheese, seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes. The tacos were topped off with a cool cilantro lime crema sauce to complete the spicy deliciousness of the Carolina Reaper Taco. The crispy tacos were only available in Texas for a limited time. 

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about DQ Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a restaurant location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

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 nearly 600 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, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. 

 

 

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Calling all dogs! And their best friends! Hawaiian Falls is partnering with the City of Mansfield to host an end-of-season doggie swim at the Mansfield waterpark. 

The Lucky Luau will be held at Hawaiian Falls Mansfield noon – 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15th benefiting the City of Mansfield Animal Care and Control’s “Lucky” Fund, which provides medical care for stray pets.

“This might be the most fun you can have all year,” said Ron Mckenzie, Hawaiian Falls Marketing Director. “Watching the dogs gallop about in the wavepool, and the smaller dogs splashing around our Small Dog Island, will bring a smile to your face! It’s one last splash of summer before we drain the pools and start preparing for our off season.”

Registration cutoff is 8 a.m. Friday, September 13. 2024. 

Admission is $19.99 per person (or $10 per person for Hawaiian Falls season pass holders) which includes admission for up to two dogs. Everyone must pre-register online at https://www.mansfieldtexas.gov/2010/Lucky-Luau-at-Hawaiian-Falls

  • There is a maximum of two dogs per adult person
  • Dogs must be spayed or neutered (no exceptions)
  • Dogs must be current on their vaccines and have a valid City Pet License issued by Mansfield Animal Care and Control or a neighboring city's Animal Control Department. Don't have a City Pet License? Apply for one here 
  • Participants must complete an Attendee Agreement and Responsibility Waiver and register prior to admittance to the event
  • If your registration is denied for not meeting the minimum requirements, there will be no refunds for ticket(s) purchased. 
  • All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Proceeds will benefit the Mansfield Animal Care and Control Shelter Donation "Lucky" Fund.

Hawaiian Falls 2025 Season Passes are on sale now for the lowest price of the season, which come with three 2025 Buddy Passes per season pass, each good for one free visit for a friend when accompanied by the pass holder. Other 2025 season pass perks include: one pass – three parks: enjoy unlimited visits to Hawaiian Falls waterparks in Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco; a 2025 souvenir bottle; 20 percent discount on all food and beverage purchases; and 20 percent off all cabana rentals. Season pass holders also can enter the park 30 minutes before the gates open to the public.

More information about special events, operating hours, directions, tickets and season passes, are at hfalls.com.

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Park Place Land Rover DFW was one of only 12 dealerships in the United States to receive the coveted Land Rover Pinnacle Retailer Excellence Award. In addition, the Grapevine dealership also received the Wilks Elite designation for being the top in sales in the largest volume group nationwide.

“Achieving the Pinnacle Award is a testament to the dedication and performance of our entire team,” said Matt Woolsey, Land Rover DFW General Manager.  “We are all committed to delivering unparalleled service to our clients and I am incredibly proud of the team’s hard work and relentless pursuit of excellence.”

The Land Rover dealerships which received the Pinnacle Award were selected based on their performance in core business categories including exceptional sales, service and customer satisfaction. Park Place Land Rover DFW has earned the Pinnacle Awards multiple times over the years.

Park Place Land Rover DFW is located at 1300 E. State Highway 114, just West of Main Street, in Grapevine.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

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“MIRACLE TREAT DAY” SLATED FOR THURSDAY, JULY 25 AT DQ RESTAURANTS IN TEXAS, BENEFITING CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK

 

DFW Restaurants to Support Children’s Health and Cook Children's Medical Center

 

Miracle Treat Day, the one-day event at participating DQ restaurants across Texas, will support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® in Dallas benefiting Children’s Health and Fort Worth benefiting Cook Children’s Medical Center on Thursday, July 25.

For each Blizzard® Treat purchased, $1 or more will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Fans can enjoy any flavor including the Salted Caramel Truffle Blizzard Treat, available through the end of July, while supplies last. This delicious treat includes salted caramel truffles, sweet and salty toffee pieces, decadent cocoa fudge, rich choco chunks, and the DQ signature vanilla soft serve, making it the perfect way to beat the summer heat.

Participating in Miracle Treat Day is an easy and tasty way to help provide critical lifesaving equipment and pediatric healthcare resources for local hospitals to treat sick and injured children throughout Texas.

Fans need only to purchase a Blizzard Treat (any size or flavor) at a participating DQ restaurant in Texas and $1 or more will be donated to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for each Blizzard Treat purchased.

Fundraising has never been so easy or deliciously satisfying. Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 25, and support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals by visiting a DQ dining room or using the convenient drive-thru. Miracle Treat Day is an annual event held by Dairy Queen to raise funds and awareness for 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. 

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 nearly 600 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, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. 

For more information about the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council, visit dqtexas.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

 About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

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Remember the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that swept the nation? The challenge inspired more than 17 million people worldwide and raised more than $115 million for ALS a decade ago.

Southlake resident Ashley Burnett is currently raising awareness and funds for ALS research in honor of her dad, Todd, who is currently fighting this disease. She issued a challenge online and has already surpassed her goal of raising $4000 by more than $1,000. Hawaiian Falls Roanoke is hosting her 2024 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at 10 a.m. Monday, July 15 ay their wavepool. One of Todd’s best friends is San Francisco 49ers Superbowl Champion tight end Brent Jones, who will also be there in support of Todd and those fighting ALS. 

“One year ago my Dad was diagnosed with ALS,” said Ashley. “I wanted to do something to help raise money and awareness in the fight against this awful disease! July 15th is the official 10-year anniversary of the original Ice Bucket Challenge that raised over one hundred million dollars. I had an idea to gather a bunch of people and do a big Ice Bucket Challenge in honor of both my dad and the anniversary. Texas is so hot in July! So I came up with the idea to do an event at a water park. I am so grateful that Hawaiian Falls jumped on board to partner with me in throwing this awesome fundraiser! With a disease that is full of the unknown and often feels so hopeless, raising money through this event gives my family back a little bit of that hope.  We would love to see you there, or you can still make a donation even if you can’t make it! Thanks so much for your support!”

Anyone can participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge before the waterpark opens to the public. Guests who donate $15 to the cause receive their own ice bucket as well as a FREE Hawaiian Falls ticket. The person with the highest donation will receive a complimentary cabana rental for the day and four Hawaiian Falls Season Passes. People can also donate at

 https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20094b?team_id=415898&fr_id=16211&pg=team&NONCE_TOKEN=D1AE55FD60E0BAF21910E734281DE015

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke is located at 290 W Byron Nelson Blvd. in Roanoke, Texas.

The schedule for Monday, July 15, 2024 includes:

9:30 – Final Registration and families enter park

10 am – ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at the wavepool 

10:30 am Park opens to public.              

Hawaiian Falls Waterparks are located in Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco. More information about special events, operating hours, directions, tickets and season passes, are at hfalls.com.

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In a stunning display of precision, Gregory Speer of Grandview achieved every golfer's dream by hitting a hole-in-one at the Tangle Ridge Golf Course in Grand Prairie. This remarkable achievement was even more memorable as it earned Speer a brand-new Mercedes-Benz E-class, courtesy of Park Place Motorcars Arlington.
 
The hole-in-one occurred June 6 on the 17th hole during the Southern Star Scramble Golf Tournament benefiting the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce. With a shot at a brand new luxury vehicle on the line, Speer executed a flawless shot that landed on the green before rolling directly into the cup.
 
Every year, the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce hosts the Southern Scramble Golf Tournament as a means of fostering community spirit and offering networking opportunities. Park Place Motorcars Arlington has been a sponsor of the event since 2020.
 
Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.
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Sometimes an ordinary day at the office turns into a rescue mission with a happy ending. 

Sebastian Jimenez, a service valet at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, greeted a client on the service drive who was returning a loan car to the dealership. The client expressed concern about a faint "meow" coming from the car while stopped at a red light. He told Sebastian he had noticed several cats were hiding under the car during a recent rainstorm and wondered if one of them had become trapped. 

Though he couldn't pinpoint the exact location of the sound, he wanted to alert Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth in case a cat had gotten stuck somewhere under the vehicle.

Sebastian informed the service manager, Mauricio Zenon, about the situation, so they quickly gathered several service technicians including Jacob Munoz, Mark Hawkins, Josh Brunk and Josh Chandler to assist. Armed with tools, they headed to the service drive, opting to remove some panels there instead of driving the loaner into the shop and risking harm to the kitten.

Jacob, Mark, and Josh crawled under the vehicle and began removing the belly pans. Soon after, they discovered the little guy hiding under the belly pan on the passenger front side of the vehicle. The kitten was unharmed and in good spirits. 

Mark Hawkins decided to take the kitten home and has decided to adopt the kitten.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

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Photo (Left to right): Jane Richards; Executive Director Grapevine Colleyville Education Foundation, Secondary Teacher of the Year; Aaron Greer, Collegiate Academy Elementary Teacher of the Year; Laura Jean Couch

Park Place Lexus Grapevine recognized Grapevine Colleyville Independent School District Teachers of the Year, Laura Jean Couch and Aaron Greer. Couch was named Collegiate Academy Elementary Teacher of the Year and Greer was recognized as Secondary Teacher of the Year for GCISD.

The two Grapevine Colleyville ISD teachers were offered their choice to drive a Lexus IS or NX for the 2024 summer, two tickets to a Texas Rangers game with a parking pass and access to the Lexus Lounge that includes an “all you can eat” buffet and drinks of choice. The teachers also received four passes to the Dallas Arboretum, $100 gift card to Southlake Town Square and other Park Place swag.

“We believe in the transformative power of education,” said Charles Owen, Park Place Lexus Grapevine General Manager. “Supporting the dedicated teachers at Grapevine Colleyville ISD is our way of investing in the future of our community.”

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

 

 

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Allen ISD Solomon:Sarah TOY.jpg Photo (Left to right): Solomon Boatfield; Elementary Teacher of the Year and Sarah Twedt; Secondary Teacher of the Year for Allen Independent School District

Park Place Lexus Plano recognized Allen Independent School District Teachers of the Year, Solomon Boatfield and Sarah Twedt. Boatfield was named Elementary Teacher of the Year and Twedt was recognized as Secondary Teacher of the Year for AISD. 

The two Allen ISD teachers were offered their choice to drive a Lexus IS or NX for the 2024 summer, two tickets to a Texas Rangers game with a parking pass and access to the Lexus Lounge that includes an “all you can eat” buffet and drinks of choice. The teachers also received four passes to the Dallas Arboretum, and other Park Place swag.

“Teachers should be celebrated as they commit their time, energy and resources to building the next generation of leaders,” said Chris Brunner, Park Place Lexus Plano General Manager. “Park Place has supported the Teachers of the Year program in Allen ISD for several years, and we love to continue to recognize their passion and dedication to educate.” 

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.