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Photo (Left to right): Dr. Theresa Williams; Superintendent Plano ISD, Bryan Martin; Lexus Plano Service Manager, Meghann Sciples; Elementary Teacher of the Year, Mitch Stobee; Secondary Teacher of the Year, Gabe Delgado; Lexus Plano Pre-owned Sales Manager, Nancy Humphrey; PISD Board of Trustees President 2021-2025

Park Place Lexus Plano recognized Plano Independent School District Teachers of the Year, Meghann Sciples and Mitch Stobee. Sciples was named Elementary Teacher of the Year and Stobee was recognized as Secondary Teacher of the Year for PISD.

The two Plano ISD teachers were offered their choice to drive a Lexus IS or NX for the 2024 summer, deluxe detail and tank of gas for the winner’s vehicle, 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.

“We celebrate the teachers who commit their time, energy and resources to building the next generation of leaders,” said Chris Brunner, Park Place Lexus Plano General Manager. “We recognize the long hours our teachers work in their selfless drive to educate our children. Park Place Lexus has supported the Teachers of the Year program in Plano ISD for many years, and we applaud all the teachers for 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 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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This summer, DQ restaurants in Texas are turning up the heat with an irresistible summer Blizzard® Treat menu, featuring six yummy flavors designed to delight taste buds and cool down the hottest days. From classic favorites to new creations, DQ fans will savor this season’s lineup with promising bursts of flavor in each bite.

The new Picnic Peach Cobbler Blizzard® Treat delivers a refreshing summertime escape with the world-famous DQ® soft serve, peach topping and buttery cobbler pieces, blended to absolute Blizzard® Treat perfection. 

For peanut butter connoisseurs, the New Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Party Blizzard® Treat is a delectable blend of world-famous DQ soft serve, rich chocolate chip cookie dough, and smooth peanut brittle crunch with sprinkles. 

Indulge in the New! Ultimate Cookie Blizzard® Treat where cookie lovers’ dreams come true. This decadent delight is a cookie extravaganza, featuring a medley of OREO®, CHIPS AHOY!® and NUTTER BUTTER® all blended to Blizzard perfection.

DQ restaurants in Texas also will feature several fan favorites this summer including the Frosted Animal Cookie Blizzard® Treat topped with pink confetti frosting and blended with the DQ vanilla soft serve. Fans also can experience the whimsical wonder of the Cotton Candy Blizzard® Treat with cotton candy sprinkles and the iconic world-famous soft serve. The always popular Brownie Batter Blizzard® Treat is back and rounds out the 2024 summer Blizzard Treat menu. 

Fans can order all their favorite Treats and Eats through the DQ Texas mobile app. Sign up for the “Best Treats & Eats in Texas,” learn about great deals and earn rewards. New users receive a free Blizzard Treat (any size) or a Hungr-Buster® just for signing up.

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 Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store 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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Dads provide a special kind of love and support to those around them, so they deserve an equally special day of recognition. They are known to work hard, but sometimes they need time to relax as well. The ultimate gift for Dad this Father’s Day is time spent with those he loves, and Hawaiian falls is the perfect place to do so. 

To celebrate Father’s Day, Dads get free admission at Hawaiian Falls waterparks in Mansfield, Roanoke, and Waco Sunday, June 16. 

“We want Dads to use this time to take a break and just relax,” said Hawaiian Falls Marketing Director Ron McKenzie. “Dads can kick their feet up, ride water slides and splash around in the wavepool with their family. Hawaiian Falls is the perfect spot to celebrate and make memories with the people you love this Father’s Day.”

Whether it’s the lazy river or a water slide, Hawaiian Falls has something for everyone to enjoy! On Father’s Day, Hawaiian Falls want to make Dad feel celebrated while creating an environment that Dad will love. All Dads are welcome to participate in Olympic-style games with special prizes. Dads can also enjoy special prices on Craft beers, cocktails and snacks. 

Other upcoming Hawaiian Falls 2024 special events include: 

  • Champions Day – July 23 Champions (individuals with special needs) and their families will have exclusive access to the parks from 9 AM – 10 AM. Champions tickets are FREE, and family companion tickets are only $10 (limit for four) for the whole day. 
  • World’s Largest Swimming Lesson – June 20
  • Sunsets @ Hawaiian Falls (Mansfield & Roanoke Locations Only) – June 21 is the first ever after-hour Date Night event with exclusive park access including food and special prices on drinks. 
  • Half-way to Christmas – June 25 has Christmas-themed activities all day long, including visits with Santa, holiday food and drink, plus, guests will receive a FREE one-day return admission ticket for our Thanksgiving weekend holiday celebration. 
  • Independence Day – On July 4th all Active and retired service members receive FREE admission (with valid Military ID) all day long. 
  • National Waterpark Day – July 28 daily admission will be half price and 

Season Pass Holders can bring a friend for just $10. 

For information about special events, operating hours, directions, tickets, and season passes, visit hfalls.com. 

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Cerulean Blue, a new coffee house dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming space for the Flower Mound community, has opened in the heart of Parker Square. Owned by Paul and Jackie Dietzler, also owners of Expo Home Improvement, Cerulean Blue promises to be more than just a coffee shop – it aims to be a hub for community connection and vibrant conversations.

Cerulean Blue offers a unique ambiance designed to provide an inviting and cozy environment. With comfortable seating, soft lighting, two fireplaces, and a beautifully curated selection of art, the coffee house is the perfect spot for both relaxation and productivity. 

Patrons can enjoy a wide variety of handcrafted coffees, espressos, teas, smoothies, and freshly baked pastries, quiche, homemade biscuits, sandwiches and salads.

Dietzler expressed his excitement about the new venture, stating, “Cerulean Blue is more than just a place to grab your morning coffee or a bite to eat. It’s the place where people can come together, share ideas, and build lasting relationships. We’ve designed this space with the community in mind, and we can’t wait to see how it brings people together.”

The mission of Cerulean Blue extends beyond serving excellent coffee. It aims to be a cornerstone of the Flower Mound community by hosting events. The coffee house also will feature a dedicated community board where local organizations can post about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

The family-run business includes Jessica Dietzler who will be at the helm of creating the sweet treats, biscuits and quiches. Her sister Samantha will oversee social media and marketing. Paul and Jackie will oversee the day-to-day operations. 

“This is the ideal situation for our family to work together,” said Paul Dietzler. “We have a heart to serve others and Cerulean Blue gives each of us the opportunity to use our individual talents for the common goal of creating an experience for our guests that brings people together for great food, a calming ambiance, and the knowledge that everyone is welcome here.”  

Cerulean Blue is located at Parker Square, Flower Mound, TX. The grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, featuring cookie decorating for kids, complimentary samples, and special giveaways.

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, and his family. For more information, visit CeruleanBlue.com, or on the social media platforms Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

 

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U&I is known for providing training and job opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities. But it is also a creative resource for companies and individuals who need professional quality screen printing. 

“Our press has six heads and can print up to six colors,” explains Marcos Vargas, U&I senior screen printer and designer. “We can print on many different fabrics, including cotton tee-shirts, uniforms and even Quick-Dry materials. We pride ourselves in our quality and attention to detail.”

The U&I Print Shop uses state-of-the-art technology to achieve the highest level of detail and color. Whether a client is looking to create eye-catching promotional materials, personalized team uniforms or trendy fashions.

The print shop also offers employment opportunities for U&I clients. “Our concept of inclusion extends throughout U&I,” continues Vargas. “There are many levels of disability…even invisible disabilities that are not apparent at a glance. Our mission is to fit the job around the person. When you find the right person, you want to empower them.”

“Ultimately, we want to be the largest supplier in Dallas for socially conscious buyers,” concluded Vargas. “With our messaging and mission, we’re looking for companies and individuals who want to partner with our cause.”

In 1951, Jean Walker Bentley overcame cultural barriers and spoke out for disabled children and their families. She started the Children’s Development Center to meet the scholastic and socialization needs of children with special needs. In 1981, the federal government mandated that public schools had the responsibility to educate children with disabilities. The organization evolved help veterans find employment and provide vocational training for special education students preparing to transition out of high school.

Today, as one of the largest workforce development centers in DFW, U&I continues to meet the needs of disabled individuals by providing vocational training, job readiness training, paid work opportunities and community placement to more than 1000 youth and adults with severe intellectual, physical and/or mental health disabilities. More information regarding the print shop is available at uandispreadthelight.com/print-shop.

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Forbes Business Council is an Invitation-Only Community for 

Successful Business Owners and Leaders

 

Hugh Breland, CEO of U&I, a Dallas nonprofit that empowers individuals with disabilities and those with barriers to employment, has been accepted into the Forbes Business Council, the foremost growth and networking organization for successful business owners and leaders worldwide.

Breland was selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience in the disability community. Criteria for acceptance includes a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors.

“It’s a profound honor to be selected to participate in the Forbes Business Council,” said Breland. “Veterans and the disabled community deserve a strong voice to highlight their struggles, aspirations, talents, and achievements. Every veteran and individual with disabilities has immense value, and through the Forbes Business Council, I aim to educate the business community and beyond about the significant and transformative contributions veterans and the disabled can make with the right support.”

As a member of the Council, Breland has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence. He will connect and collaborate with other respected leaders in a private forum. Breland also will have the opportunity to share his expert insights in original articles and contribute to published Expert Panels alongside other experts on Forbes.com.

ABOUT FORBES COUNCILS

Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC).  In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive. To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit https://councils.forbes.com.

ABOUT U&I

In 1951, Jean Walker Bentley overcame cultural barriers and spoke out for disabled children and their families. She started the Children’s Development Center to meet the scholastic and socialization needs of children with special needs. In 1981, the federal government mandated that public schools had the responsibility to educate children with disabilities. The organization evolved to help veterans find employment and provide vocational training for special education students preparing to transition out of high school.

Today, as one of the largest workforce development centers in DFW, U&I continues to meet the needs of disabled individuals by providing vocational training, job readiness training, paid work opportunities and community placement to more than 1000 youth and adults with severe intellectual, physical and/or mental health disabilities. More information is available at uandispreadthelight.com.

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TEXAS COUNTRY ARTIST JOSH ABBOTT AND DQ RESTAURANTS IN TEXAS DO IT AGAIN WITH A NEW COLLABORATION

 

Josh Abbott and DQ® restaurants in Texas do it again with another exciting collaboration. The two Texas icons have come together with the Josh Abbott Meal featuring the country singer’s favorite childhood meal which kicks off April 29 and runs through May 26 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas. 

“I am from a little town called Idalou outside of Lubbock, Texas and Dairy Queen was always my go to spot growing up,” reminisced Josh Abbott, lead singer of the Josh Abbott Band. “Whether I was heading to Dairy Queen after a basketball or football game, or going to Dairy Queen with my Grandpa, I have a lot of great memories with the brand.” 

The Josh Abbott Meal features a 4-piece Steak Finger Country Basket, a mini M&M’s® Milk Chocolate Blizzard® Treat, a refreshing Iced Tea, and a collectible limited-edition Josh Abbott cup, available at participating restaurants while supplies last.   

When it comes DQ, Josh said he gravitated to the steak finger basket growing up because it was unique. “You can go to a lot of places with burgers or chicken, but Dairy Queen has the variety, and I loved the steak fingers.”

“Texans work hard and play hard, and when they are hungry, they come to DQ restaurants in Texas for their favorite Treats & Eats,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “We have enjoyed working with Josh the last couple of years who brings his nostalgia and passion for Dairy Queen into this new initiative.” 

The two Texas icons joined forces in 2022 to create a fresh new sound for DQ restaurants in Texas with one of the most recognizable jingles in the Lone Star State, “That’s What I like About Texas.”  The country music star brought his distinctive style to the jingle which has been a staple for the past two decades. 

Today, Josh is building DQ memories with his own kids. He and his family recently visited a DQ location where he introduced his children to the Blizzard Treat. “Watching their faces, that sugar rush and the joy was a really cool moment! We filmed it and I am so glad we have that on camera now,” said Josh. 

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 store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Josh Abbott

Josh Abbott founded the Josh Abbott Band (JAB) in 2006 while attending Texas Tech University. The seven-piece group cut its teeth as a hard-touring act with hooky melodies that deliver real-world stories. The Josh Abbott Band released their seventh studio LP Somewhere Down The Road in January 2024. Produced by Dwight A. Baker (Flatland Cavalry), the new album is their first full-length since 2020 and is the first featuring a newly reconfigured lineup. The band is currently on tour across the country. Visit joshabbottband.com for tour dates. 

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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A total solar eclipse will cross Texas on April 8 and for many Texans, the skies will go completely dark as the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth blocking the face of the Sun. During this celestial event, which occurs only once every 375 years in any given place, Dairy Queen restaurants in Texas will celebrate by offering a free DQ® Sandwich Treat while supplies last at participating restaurants. 

The offer is only available through the DQ Texas mobile app on Monday, April 8 for new and existing DQ Texas app users. DQ fans can enjoy the cool sensation of the world-famous soft serve, nestled between two chocolate flavored wafers.

“The total solar eclipse is a significant event in Texas,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “There is no better way to celebrate with family and friends on the day of the eclipse than enjoying a DQ Sandwich, which happens to be lunar shaped.”

The total eclipse enters Texas at Eagle Pass at 1:27 pm (CST) and will travel 480 miles through the Lone Star state in about 25 minutes, leaving Texas at 1:52 pm (CST). There are hundreds of Texas cities who will experience the solar eclipse from South Texas to Central and North Texas. 

When watching the total solar eclipse, viewers must always look through safe solar viewing glasses. The DQ Sandwich or regular sunglasses are not appropriate safety glasses.

Fans also can enjoy the Blizzard of the Month fan favorite flavors, Brownie Batter and Frosted Animal Cookie. 

The Frosted Animal Cookie Blizzard will bring back childhood nostalgia as you indulge in vanilla soft serve, pink confetti frosting, and animal cookies. The Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat features the world-famous vanilla soft serve, blended with rich brownie batter and chewy brownie dough pieces. 

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 Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store 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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Photo Credit: Monica Carpenter

Annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival Set for April 19-21, 2024

 

The 72nd Annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, presented by the Ennis Garden Club, is returning to the heart of historic downtown Ennis beginning on Friday, April 19 and continuing through Sunday, April 21. Throughout the weekend, the festival will feature an array of events and live music, in addition to a breathtaking display of Texas bluebonnets across 40 miles of pathways. 

Daily admission for the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival is $5 per person with children 12 and under free. During the month of April, there is no charge to enjoy the 40 miles of driving trails. The Railroad and Cultural History Museum will be open for guests to enjoy along with arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, and a wide selection of cuisine.

Entertainment on the Main Stage Friday, April 19 includes Magen Miller, Katrina Cain Trio, Brad Thompson Trio and Disco Cowgirl. 

Saturday’s lineup features Chant Duplantier, Ginny Mac Duo, Jon Christopher Davis Trio, Fleetwood Journey and headliner, Reputation: The Eras of Taylor Swift. 

Suzy & Woodrow along with Midnight Thirty and Monte Montgomery round out the Main Stage entertainment on Sunday, April 21.  A complete lineup of entertainment and activities is online at bluebonnettrail.org/.

Spring into Art, an art exhibit housed at the Ennis Welcome Center, will feature The Garden Woven, a celebration of the imagery, familiarity and passion for gardening and weaving. The art show highlights the creative Fiberography works of artist Christine Guernsey through Friday, May 3, 2024. The artist’s intricate process includes printing on cotton fabric, cutting into strips and meticulously weaving them together with a warp of 800 plus individual sewing threads on a simple four harness floor loom. 

The Ennis Welcome Center will be open seven days a week in April to help guide bluebonnet seekers to get the most out of their visit.  For daily bluebonnet updates, contact the Ennis Welcome Center at (972) 878-4748 or follow Visit Ennis, Texas on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Bluebonnet fans can also follow Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival on Facebook.

Visitors are encouraged to download the free Ennis Y’all app to get the best route for the specific day of their visit or check online at bluebonnettrail.org. The app also provides recommendations on the best places to shop, dine and stay. A current map and information will also be located at the Ennis Welcome Center, located at 201 NW Main. 

While in Ennis, make plans to visit the Downtown Ennis Bluebonnet Market, located on N. Dallas Street, open every Saturday from 8am to noon April through October.  The market features fresh produce, baked goods, hand-spun pottery, jewelry, clothing, artisan gifts and family-friendly live entertainment.   

Ennis was named the Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas and the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas by the 1997 State Legislature. Visitors can experience 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet trails during the entire month of April. These trails are the oldest known trails in the state of Texas. Along the route, visitors will enjoy tree-lined country roads, longhorn cows, horses and, of course, bountiful fields resplendent with colorful wildflowers. 

The staff encourages visitors to call, email, or visit the website for the latest status of the bluebonnets before driving out to the trails. Status updates are available online at bluebonnettrail.org and on the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails FestivalFacebook page. 

Ennis is located 25 miles south of downtown Dallas on Interstate 45. For everything Ennis, download the free Ennis Y’all app or go to VisitEnnis.org.  

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The artwork is being auctioned off through Give Butter at the U&I website, uandispreadthelight.com/auction.

14 Pieces of Artwork from Dallas Artists Were Donated with the Mission of Reshaping Perception and Fostering Inclusivity for People with Disabilities

  

Artwork from The 30th Annual U&I Dash that was revealed at the nonprofit’s event in Klyde Warren Park Saturday, March 23 is now up for auction. There are 14 pieces of artwork available to the highest bidder that were featured in two distinct areas of the event - the Redefining Disabilities Experience, an immersive art experience, and the Rise Up Live Art Show featuring local muralists who created their pieces onsite. Proceeds from the sale of the artwork benefits U&I’s mission, meeting the needs of disabled individuals in our community. 

Eight distinguished Dallas artists paired up with eight U&I clients - youth and adults with disabilities as well as disabled veterans - to create artwork that redefines what it means to create and collaborate. The artwork is being auctioned off through Give Butter at the U&I website uandispreadthelight.com/auction. The auction will close at 1 pm CST on Wednesday April 3. All sales are final. To learn more about the story of why the artists partnered with U&I, visit U&I’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com/@ui4715

The Redefining Disabilities Experience featured the following artists with U&I clients:

“We brought these eight prominent Dallas artists together with eight of our clients,” said Bobby Cerda, U&I Creative Director. “They got to know each other, and each artist created an original piece of artwork that was featured at The U&I Dash in Klyde Warren Park. The goal was to tell the clients’ story and help put the viewer in their shoes… to feel what it’s like to be an underdog.”

This year’s event theme, Underdogs Run Faster, honored each person's innate creative potential. Each piece of art conveys a message about resiliency, self-expression, and the strength of human connection via vivid colors, complex textures, and distinctive forms.

“We aren’t as different from each other as we might think,” said Dallas artist Kyle Steed, a U.S. Air Force veteran who was paired up with Army veteran Ellington Rucker. “My goal is to interpret El’s life and the embodiment of who he is. Working with a fellow Veteran was a draw. Giving back to the undervalued and helping give a voice to those with disabilities made me want to participate.”

The Rise Up Live Art Show, curated by Ray Butler and powered by The Box Co, featured local muralists Daniel Yanez, JD Moore, Patricia Rodriguez, Hatziel Flores, and Eliana Miranda who created murals inspired by U&I clients and their daily challenges. Artists Raul Rodriguez and Christopher Machorro, known as Bestu Friendo, teamed up for a joint collaboration and invited the community to participate in the creation of their live mural on the day of the event. 

"Art reflects a world that we don't understand, so to be given this opportunity to collaborate with someone that cannot typically express their creativity has been truly amazing,” said Dora Reynosa, one of the featured artists. “These pieces show how being different can be great and how art forces you to examine things differently.” 

Each artist has given freely of their time, skills, and creations. All of the auction's proceeds—100% go straight to U&I—supporting the organization’s purpose of empowering people with disabilities, encouraging inclusivity in our community, and advancing the idea of redefining disabilities.

In 1951, Jean Walker Bentley overcame cultural barriers and spoke out for disabled children and their families. She started the Children’s Development Center to meet the scholastic and socialization needs of children with special needs. In 1981, the federal government mandated that public schools had the responsibility to educate children with disabilities. The organization evolved to help veterans find employment and provide vocational training for special education students preparing to transition out of high school.

Today, as one of the largest workforce development centers in DFW, U&I continues to meet the needs of disabled individuals by providing vocational training, job readiness training, paid work opportunities and community placement to more than 1000 youth and adults with severe intellectual, physical and/or mental health disabilities. More information is available at uandispreadthelight.com.