Here’s a tasty tip for National Taco Day: DQ® restaurants in Texas have the best tacos in the state. And, more importantly they’re offering the perfect deal exclusively via the DQ Texas mobile app.

On Tuesday, October 1, fans can receive a FREE Texas T-Brand Taco® at participating DQ locations exclusively in the Lone Star State when they use the DQ Texas mobile app. Not valid with any other offers and is limited to a one-time use per app user only. Not available on delivery orders.

The beloved T-Brand Tacos feature a classic crunchy corn shell packed with high-quality beef, shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomatoes, served with a side of spicy taco sauce. Texans know there's nothing quite like biting into a perfectly crafted Texas T-Brand Taco®, and this year’s National Taco Day celebration promises to be tastier than ever.

“Our tacos are a menu staple as well as a Texas tradition,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “We’re proud of our quality. Fans tell us our tacos are hearty and delicious.”   

The Texas T-Brand Tacos pair beautifully with the popular DQ Blizzards® Treat, floats, shakes and other scrumptious treats. Fans can keep up with all the innovative ways to quench their cravings with “The Best Treats & Eats in Texas” in the DQ Texas mobile app.

Celebrating 75 years in the Lone Star state, DQ restaurants in Texas are friendly gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. 

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.

Noah McGough’s Kicking for A Cause has already raised more than $12,000 to benefit Men of Nehemiah

Noah McGough, a senior at Jesuit Preparatory High School in Dallas and a kicker on the football team, has many eyes on him to play at the college level, but this season he is concentrating his efforts on giving back to his community.

McGough is bringing awareness to Men of Nehemiah, a faith-based, nine-month residential addiction recovery program in Dallas. During the 2024 football season, he is kicking for a cause and asking for the community’s support with donations and pledges. For every point he scores, the funds raised will go to scholarships and support counseling for the men’s families at Men of Nehemiah. The community can learn more or donate at menofnehemiah.org/kick.

“Two years ago, I participated in a Men of Nehemiah worship service," explained McGough. "I thought it was amazing how these men were praising Jesus, but I did not know their stories.  Now, I try and go every Tuesday night and Sunday morning. I absolutely love getting to worship with these men and learn from their testimonies. It is life changing!”

After three games this season, McGough has scored 15 total points (two field goals and nine extra points) for Jesuit Dallas. At $561 per point pledged so far, and $4,325 in onetime donations McGough has already raised $12,740.

McGough is not just kicking for the Men of Nehemiah. He is also investing his time with the men. “Every Tuesday night the Men of Nehemiah gather for All City Worship, a spirit-filled service that is powerful and transformative,” said McGough. “You must experience it to understand the power that’s present in that room. I can feel the love of God in and around these men.” 

All City Worship is open to the public. It is held from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Men of Nehemiah, 2010 Al Lipscomb Way in Dallas.

“The men see God’s love through Noah and they respond to him,” said Jim Ramsey, Men of Nehemiah CEO, who had retired after a successful 30-year consulting career when he came to a worship service at Men of Nehemiah. He was drawn in to how he could help the organization be more successful. 

“We’re very thankful Noah is drawing attention to our program and raising much needed funds,” continued Ramsey. “But, more importantly, he’s demonstrating to our men that he really cares about them. Many of these men have long been estranged from their families. Some have been incarcerated. More than a few lived on the streets while some come to us from gated communities in affluent neighborhoods. Addiction respects no zip code.”

Jesuit Dallas’ next home football game will be Friday, September 27 against Irving High School at the Ranger Stadium on the Jesuit Dallas campus at 12345 Inwood Road. McGough says he will continue to ‘kick for a cause’ as long as Jesuit Dallas advances, including into the playoffs.

“God blessed me with the gift to kick a football, and kick it really accurately," continued McGough. "I want to use my gift to help others. But I am not alone out there on the field. My snapper, Phoenix Dericksweiler starts it all with a great snap. Our holder, Jaeger Krauss, must catch the ball and place it in just the right spot. Our entire line must block the attackers in order for me to be successful. We all need a team to win. I am grateful to be able to support the team at Men of Nehemiah. They are winning a second chance at Life.” 

In 2023, McGough was recognized as one of the best kickers in the nation. He was the top kicker in Texas, making 17 out of 21 field goal attempts, and ranked number six in the United States. His achievements include being named to the Texas Sports Writers Association's Class 6A All-State First Team Kicker and Player of the Year for All District 7-6A Special Teams. He finished last season scoring 96 total points for Jesuit Dallas.

Men of Nehemiah is a unique program that combines Biblical discipleship with professional counseling and military discipline to restore lives that have been derailed by drug and alcohol addiction. The objective is to help each man become the person God intended him to be and reunite him with his loved ones and community. 

In 1994, Pastor Louis Harrell, a former US Army Colonel, founded Men of Nehemiah in New Orleans to deliver his wayward son, Louis Harrell, Jr., from the grip of addiction. Louis Jr. relocated to North Texas, where he launched Men of Nehemiah in South Dallas with the help of Roger McCasland, President and CEO of Operation Relief Center.

Today, Men of Nehemiah has helped more than 1,500 men find paths to recovery. Research compiled in 2022 affirmed that 61% of men who graduated from Men of Nehemiah prior to 2020 stayed sober for at least two years. More information is available at menofnehemiah.org.

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. 

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.

“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.