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Hiren Patel, Chairman of the Board, SPCA of Texas; Dr. Valarie V. Tynes, DVM, DACVB, DACAW; SPCA of Texas Shelter Veterinary Behaviorist; Tony Carimi, Managing Director, Park Place Dealerships - Photos by Brandon Wade

Members from several local Park Place Dealerships recently volunteered to build a Sensory Garden at the SPCA’s Animal Care Center in Dallas to provide shelter dogs an environment to use their natural senses to relieve stress, and in some cases, to aid in rehabilitation.

“Enrichment is what we use to improve our dog’s quality of life by providing them things in their environment that stimulate them mentally and physically,” said Dr. Valarie Tynes, SPCA of Texas Shelter Veterinary Behaviorist. “Ultimately, when you provide environmental enrichment, you are attempting to give an animal the ability to utilize as many of its natural behaviors as you possibly can. Olfactory enrichment is good at doing that, simply because dogs love using their nose to investigate their world.”

The Sensory Garden’s different textures, scents and materials stimulate a dog's brain, activate their natural canine instincts, and build their confidence. 

“We had some dogs coming in who were high-arousal and high energy like Django, a German Shepherd,” said Rebecca Woodward, SPCA of Texas Behavior Program Manager. “He had some kennel stress, so we started agility training using the Sensory Garden. It completely de-compressed him. Django became a different dog and was adopted right away. We developed a program we call the ‘Django Treatment’ in the Sensory Garden. Some dogs just want to do Zoomies (running around at top speed to burn off energy) so we use the Garden in many ways. But it’s already been extremely useful in our Behavior Program.”

In addition to Park Place providing the supplies for the Sensory Garden, the company’s generous VTO (Volunteer Time Off) program allowed Park Place Members paid time off to donate their time and energy to build the Sensory Garden.

“When we look to give back to North Texas communities where we live and serve, there’s no better advocate for our four-legged friends than the SPCA,” said Park Place Managing Director Tony Carimi. “To start with a pile of boards and some tires and see this end result is very exciting! It’s easy to write a check, and that’s very beneficial, too. But our Members also enjoy giving their time and talents to such a worthy cause.”

The SPCA of Texas plans to rotate dogs in and out of the Sensory Garden three times per day.

Park Place Dealerships has supported the SPCA of Texas financially for many years, but when polled about which causes Park Place Members wanted to personally volunteer their time for, SPCA of Texas ranked very high. 

About SPCA of Texas 

SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare organization in North Texas. Founded in 1938, the non-profit operates two shelters, two spay/neuter clinics, two mobile spay/neuter and wellness vehicles, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas and Ellis Counties, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who respond to thousands of calls in North Texas counties. The organization does not euthanize animals for time or space. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.  

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.

About Park Place Dealerships 

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and employs more than 1,400 members. Park Place Dealership operates three collision centers, an auto auction, and nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. Asbury is one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S. For more information, visit parkplace.com. 

 

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Event features 5k Glow Run, One-Mile Walk, & Live Music Experience 

from the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

 

Walk. Run. And Glow on Saturday, March 25th on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas for the 29th Annual The Dash Experience benefiting U & I, a 72-year-old nonprofit that works to build opportunities of inclusion for veterans, adults and youth with disabilities. 

“This is a unique event as we celebrate those who are often overlooked in our community including our veterans and people with disabilities,” said Hugh Breland, CEO of U&I. “Our organization focuses on providing employment, housing, transportation and education for veterans, adults, and youth with disabilities. This family-friendly event will help us fund important programs to assist the most vulnerable in North Texas.”  

The Dash 2023 includes a certified 5k glow-run, a one-mile walk, shop small market, kids zone, food trucks and live music experience featuring Paul Wall & The Chris Perez Band. Registration is now open at TheDash23.Com or participants can register the day of the event. The 5k is $30 per person and the one-mile walk is $20 per person. On-site registration and pre-race activities begin at 4:30 p.m. Registration increases to $35 for the 5k and $25 for the one-mile walk on race day. 

There will be fun for the whole family with DJ Throwdown Sam from Majic 94.5 mixing live alongside a full line-up of amazing musicians, a Kid Zone featuring games, face painting and interactive activities; scrumptious eats at the Food Truck Alley; spirits at the Beer Garden; and local vendors in the Shop Small Market. 

The 5k race, one-mile walk and glow experience kicks off at sunset. U&I will invite participants to light up Trinity Groves with glow paint, glow sticks and other glowing surprises.

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 North Texas, 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 about U&I is available at uandispreadthelight.com.

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It’s not too late to ring in the New Year – or restart the whole thing entirely – by celebrating with two new great tastes, only at DQ restaurants in Texas. Say hello to the Triple Truffle Blizzard® Treat and the deliciously colorful Under the Rainbow shake.

The NEW Triple Truffle Blizzard brings the best of a box of chocolates, blending peanut butter-, fudge-, and caramel-filled truffles with chocolatey topping and world-famous DQ soft serve to Blizzard perfection, no unboxing required. The Triple Truffle Blizzard treat is sure to please even those with the most discerning sweet palates. 

DQ fans of all ages also will adore the NEW Under the Rainbow shake. A mixture of magically fruity flavors and rainbow sprinkles, the Under the Rainbow shake is blended with creamy DQ vanilla soft serve and garnished with whipped topping and more rainbow sprinkles. This colorful treat is most definitely the pot of gold at the end of every rainbow … and a perfect way to get 2023 off to a fresh, new start. 

Both the Triple Truffle Blizzard Treat and the Under the Rainbow shake are available while supplies last.

Order your favorite cravings on the DQ Texas mobile app for the “Best Treats & Eats in Texas” while earning rewards and learning about great deals. New users receive a free mini Blizzard Treat just for signing up.

DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots for more than 75 years where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. 

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.

 

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Ah, tacos. Glorious hand-held bursts of spicy, crunchy wonderfulness. Tacos are so beloved they even have their own day. But in Texas, you can get tacos every day at one of the nearly 600 participating DQ® restaurants in Texas. 

The Texas T-Brand Tacos® — three classic-style crunchy corn shells packed with high-quality beef, shredded cheese, crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes, served with just-right spicy taco sauce on the side. Through the end of February, grab three Texas T-brand tacos for only $5.

“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 justifiably proud of our tacos high quality served at DQ restaurants. Fans tell us our tacos are hearty and delicious, and that’s music to our ears.”  

Tacos aren’t just for Tuesday anymore. So, grab a bag of Texas T-Brand Tacos and settle in for some great treats and eats any day of the week. 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.

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Jim Park winner of Marque of Distinction for Parts Professional of the Year for 2022

Park Place Jaguar DFW Parts Specialist Jim Park won the Marque of Distinction for Parts Professional of the Year for all Jaguar dealers nationwide. Jaguar Land Rover North America recently announced 14 Marque of Distinction winners for 2022. The Marque of Distinction is the highest individual honor within the Journey to Excellence program, JLRNA’s reward and recognition program for individuals.

“It is a great honor for Jim to be named the top parts professional out of nearly 200 Jaguar dealerships across the country,” said Park Place Jaguar-Land Rover DFW General Manager Matt Woolsey. “Jim is a valued member of our team.”

The Marque of Distinction winners were announced by Joe Eberhardt, Paul Cooke and Tori Morandi at the Unico Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico. 

According to Paul Cooke, Jaguar Land Rover Training, Development and Recognition Director, “Programs such as this allow us to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in their role. This year’s winners represent individuals who demonstrate success in their everyday role, training achievement, customer feedback, as well as high achievement in both online and in-person assessments.”

Park Place Jaguar-Land Rover is located on the south side of East State Highway 114 in Grapevine. The dealership has been the recipient of the Pride of Jaguar Retailer Excellence Award for the past three years in a row. Park Place Dealerships has been named among the "Top 100 Places to Work" by the Dallas Morning News for nine consecutive years. Park Place Dealerships also ranked in the top 10 for corporations in Dallas/Fort Worth and was named the best company for training.

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 eight full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Acura, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, 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. 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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Country Music star Josh Abbott poses with a patient at Cook Children’s

Texas Country artist Josh Abbott knows a thing or two about music, and he took his expertise to Cook Children’s in Fort Worth on January 6 to share his joy with kids, nurses, doctors, and staff.

“I loved visiting Cook Children’s to meet the kids and the team caring for these incredible human beings,” said Abbott. “It was great to sing, laugh, and learn about the Life Zones where the kids can forget about why they are in the hospital for a moment. It also was fun to be interviewed for Cook Children’s internal television station, CLZ TV.”

While at the children’s hospital, Abbott talked about his partnership with the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. In June 2022, Abbott was chosen 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.”  

Abbott sang the iconic jingle as well as several of his songs for the kids and team. He talked about his music journey, the band and his family, which includes his wife Taylor, daughter Emery and son Luck.

“I love what I do, and I get to entertain people because I have a very supportive family,” said Abbott. “This visit was a wonderful opportunity to share music which can be therapeutic and healing.”

Before his departure, Abbott handed out DQ DILLY® Bars for the kids and staff.

“Nobody loves ice cream more than kids. So, the partnership between Cook Children’s and Dairy Queen is a perfect match,” said Grant Harris, Senior Vice President at Cook Children’s. “Add Josh Abbott and his music, and that makes it even sweeter. Our patient families really enjoyed connecting with him and we are thankful to Dairy Queen for making that happen.”

Cook Children’s is a member of American Dairy Queen Corporation’s longtime charitable partner, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). ADQ has partnered with CMN Hospitals for 39 years and donates millions of dollars to support kids and families across the U.S. through a variety of programs at DQ restaurants, including Miracle Treat Day and Round Up for Kids. 

The Josh Abbott Band played at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth on January 6 & 7. 

About Josh Abbott

Josh Abbott founded the Josh Abbott Band 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. Led by the true-to-life cycles in Abbott’s life, JAB explored new territory with its last two albums – in Front Row and adding strings and a horn section to Until My Voice Goes Out. The extended play Catching Fire captures a sense of personal renewal. Visit joshabbottband.com for tour dates. 

About Cook’s Children’s Health Care System 

Cook Children’s Health Care System embraces an inspiring Promise – to improve the health of every child through the prevention and treatment of illness, disease and injury. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, we’re proud of our long and rich tradition of serving our community. 

We’ve worked to improve the health of children from across our primary service area of Denton, Hood, Johnson, Parker, Tarrant and Wise counties for more than 100 years. Based on the exceptional care we provide, patients travel to Cook Children’s from around the country and the globe to receive life-saving pediatric care built on leading technology, extraordinary collaboration and the art of caring. For more information, visit cookchildrens.org. 

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.

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Dee Brown Inc. (DBI) recently completed stone and masonry work on the Veterans Tribute Memorial in the Midlothian Community Park, just south of Dallas. 

Dedicated on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7, 2022, the Memorial combines colored concrete walks with four large black cubic granite benches that are set within the landscape leading up to the memorial. At the end of the walkway is a large black granite star set in the foundation of a single flagpole. An outer rim of granite contains a quote from U.S. Army General John J. Pershing, “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds,” spoken in remembrance of American soldiers who died in World War 1.

Within a granite band behind the flagpole are six 2-foot-2-inches wide by 7-foot-tall granite monoliths featuring cast bronze seals representing the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force, each weighing 2,200 lbs.

Behind the star and monoliths is a radial bench forming an arc of black granite with carved and painted inscriptions on either end. Facing the flag, on the left is a quote by Elmer Davis, Director of the U.S. Office of War Information during World War II: “This Nation will remain the Land of the Free only so long as it is the Home of the Brave.” On the right is a poignant quote from an unknown source: “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” 

“We’re very proud to help create meaningful memorials to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms,” said DBI CEO Robert V. “Rob” Barnes III. “Last year we were entrusted with building the Chosin Few Memorial at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, a 12-foot-tall black granite wall with engravings on both sides that tell the stories of the 18,000 U.N. forces, including U.S. Marines and Army soldiers, who battled 120,000 Chinese troops in North Korea at the Chosin Reservoir. It’s important to remember those who protect us every day from forces who would deny us our freedom.”

Barnes has served on many community and industry boards and committees such as TEXO – Association of General Contractors, Texas Masonry Council, Masonry Contractors Association of America, Marble Institute of America, Building Stone Institute, Natural Stone Institute, the University of Texas at Dallas Center for Brain Health and the Salesmanship Club of Dallas. 

Founded in Dallas circa 1955, Dee Brown Inc. has been entrusted with iconic projects such as the American Airlines Center; Nasher Sculpture Center; George W. Bush Presidential Center; Dallas’ Old Red Courthouse; The Getty Center in Los Angeles; Meyerson Symphony Center; Houston Museum of Natural Science; Dallas Country Club; Hunt Oil Headquarters; Trammel Crow Center; AT&T Stadium and many others. More information about the company can be found at deebrowncompanies.com. 

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Park Place Jaguar Land Rover recently presented Grapevine AMBUCS with AmTrykes to the organization and several local children. Grapevine AMBUCS was one of 23 DFW non-profits to receive a total of $100,000 in the 2nd Annual Park Place Dealerships Season of Giving campaign. 

 

“We were thrilled to host Grapevine AMBUCS,” said Matt Woolsey, Park Place Jaguar Land Rover General Manager. “Children with disabilities often feel left out. The innovative AmTryke is a therapeutic tricycle that gives a child freedom of movement and builds their self-esteem. With the AmTryke, kids with disabilities can have freedom of movement just like family and friends.”

 

More than 400 charities applied for the 2022 Season of Giving grants, representing Park Place Cares’ four pillars. The local non-profits who received grants included:

Advocacy

  •       Assistance League of Greater Collin County
  •       Emily’s Smile Boxes
  •       Alliance for Children
  •       Seniors’ Pet Assistance Network (SPAN)
  •       Amy’s Wish with Wings
  •       Carson’s Crusaders Foundation
  •       Operation Once in a Lifetim
  •       Just Because, Inc.
  •       C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation
  •       Christmas Wish Project of Tarrant County
  •       Dallas Leadership Foundation
  •       AUsome Moms
  •       Dallas Hope Charities

 

Arts

  •        Art House Dallas
  •        Texas Girls’ Choir

Medical

  •        Black Heart Association
  •        Cancer Care Services
  •        Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer

Education

  •        It’s a Sensory World Inc.
  •        City House
  •        Tarrant County Samaritan Housing Inc.
  •        Dallas Furniture Bank

 

Grapevine AMBUCS is dedicated to creating mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities through weekly meetings; performing community service projects; providing AmTryke therapeutic tricycles to people with disabilities; awarding scholarships to therapy and vocational students; and building wheelchair ramps. More information about Grapevine AMBUCS is available at https://grapevineambucs.wildapricot.org.

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 eight full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, 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. 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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It’s beginning to feel a lot like the holidays, and DQ® Restaurants in Texas are celebrating with two Blizzard® treats for December – the classically cheerful Candy Cane Chill Blizzard Treat and the all-new Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat.

Peppermint purists will adore the Candy Cane Chill Blizzard Treat, which takes peppermint flavor to the next level by blending candy cane pieces and choco chunks with world-famous DQ soft serve. It’s a mix of minty, chocolatey flavors perfect for the most wonderful time of the year. 

Home bakers’ hearts, and everyone else’s, will melt when they taste the new Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard® Treat. Soft sugar cookie pieces and icing with festive sprinkles are blended to perfection with DQ vanilla soft serve – it’s a mouthwatering new sensation sure to become a favorite this season.  

The Candy Cane Chill Blizzard Treat and new Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat are available through the end of December while supplies last. 

Order your favorite cravings on the DQ Texas mobile app for the “Best Treats & Eats in Texas” while earning rewards and learning about great deals. New users receive a free mini Blizzard Treat just for signing up. 

For 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. 

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.

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Toby Slough, Founder of Goby International

 “Not Alone” to Bring People Together from Across the Country During Holidays

 

In 1998, Toby Slough hit rock bottom. He couldn’t eat or sleep and his mind raced throughout the day. He tried to conceal his struggle to everyone around him, including his wife and children. It was a near encounter with ending his life that he realized he needed help. Since that day, Toby has been on a mission. First, it was to get well and then to identify tools to stay on the right side of his mental wellness journey. What Slough, a speaker and author, has learned is that isolation leads to more challenging mental health problems.

This holiday season, Slough will host a one-hour live event on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day to connect with people across the country who may feel alone and to give them tools and resources to help in their mental wellness battle. 

“Not Alone is the result of my struggles for the past 24 years,” said Slough, the founder of Goby International, an organization with a mission to reframe conversations regarding mental wellness. “I isolated myself from the people who cared about me most which took me down a dark road. We are meant for community, not to be alone in our thoughts and fears. Not Alone is meant to connect people to each other on these particular two days of the year that can be extremely isolating.” 

Anyone who is looking for encouragement and to get connected to others who are pursuing a healthy life can join Not Alone on Sunday, December 25 and Sunday, January 1 at 11:00 am CST. The live events will be hosted on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

During the Not Alone broadcast, Toby Slough will talk about the energy it takes to fight for mental wellness; how isolation fuels the imagination and battling through negative thoughts. Slough will address the days ahead and provide tools to help overcome anxiety as well as invite guests to share their story. 

“We must have more conversations about mental wellness in our communities,” states Slough. “Not Alone is a great way to start to dialogue. When we empower people to talk about mental wellness, we create a new normal.”

Information regarding the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) will be available during both broadcasts to support people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.  

A 2021 survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays.Approximately 60 percent of people report an increase in anxiety and 52 percent feel an increase in depression during the same time frame.

“Mental illness does not have to have power over our lives,” Slough continues. “It should not tear down the identities and hopes of future generations. Not Alone is meant to be another strategy in dealing with anxiety and depression. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, which can be very isolating, we will have a conversation with people who want to be a part of a community.”

Goby International was established to globally provide comfort, hope, and community by empowering those who are battling for their mental wellness. Goby is a community of real people helping one another swim upstream, much like the goby fish swims up mountainous Hawaiian streams.