News
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Beth Palmer
Email: bpalmer@mptx.org
Cell: 904-465-3216

MY POSSIBILITIES AND LAUNCHABILITY ANNOUNCE NEW MERGER

Plano-based nonprofits merge to increase impact in IDD community.

PLANO, Texas – Jan. 22, 2018 –The Boards of My Possibilities, a pioneer in vocational learning for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD); and LaunchAbility, the leading supported employment and job placement for adults with IDD, have announced they have merged, effective Jan. 15. After conducting a thorough assessment over the last several months, both boards believe the merger will have a greater impact on this under-served community by combining the resources of both organizations.

The merged organization will retain the name My Possibilities, and the programs of both organizations focused on the vocational training, placement and supported employment will combine and function as the LaunchAbility Career Center at My Possibilities Campus for Higher Learning.

“My Possibilities is extremely excited to have LaunchAbility join our team. LaunchAbility’s reputation, along with their highly-regarded staff, will create more possibilities for our Hugely Important People (HIPsters) and the IDD community in North Texas,” said Charmaine Solomon, board chair of My Possibilities.  “The alignment of our missions and desire to serve this extraordinary population made this decision incredibly easy.”

LaunchAbility, founded in 1963, started as the Special Care School to provide education and training to school-age students with disabilities. Now, LaunchAbility concentrates on disability hiring and strategic talent management. LaunchAbility is one of the only programs in North Texas that focuses on inclusive employment for all adults including specialized expertise with cognitive disabilities such as Autism.

“Throughout our discussions with My Possibilities, we were gratified to learn that the services of both organizations were highly complementary,” said Bill Murray, board president of LaunchAbility. “We clearly believe that the combined organization offers more resources to our clients and leads to greater independence.”

This organizational integration allows My Possibilities to serve in a more efficient and effective way, creating a broader continuum of services ranging from education and independent living skills to employment.

The Better Together fund, a coalition of foundations and organizations in North Texas that supports collaboration among nonprofit organizations is a key contributor to the successful merger. The Better Together Fund recognizes that the two organizations can serve a larger population in a greater way, and has provided the resources necessary to enable a quick and effective merger between My Possibilities and LaunchAbility. The boards of both organizations would like to thank the Better Together Fund and its partners for the support this past year.

My Possibilities’ is currently constructing a new campus, opening in April of this year. The campus will serve as an educational environment, modeled after a college campus, designed specifically for adults with IDD. Presently, My Possibilities serves more than 400 HIPsters a week. With the completion of phase one, buildings one and two of the new campus, My Possibilities will serve more than 700 HIPsters.

The LaunchAbility Career Center will open with building two of the Campus for Higher Learning. All staff will move into the My Possibilities Campus for Higher Learning in April. To learn more about My Possibilities’ new campus, visit: mypossibilities.org/campaign.

About My Possibilities:

My Possibilities is a Plano-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) that serves as a pioneering leader in vocational education for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities throughout North Texas. To learn more, visit mypossibilities.org.

About Alliance Data Corporate Match:

Alliance Data is offering a dollar-for-dollar corporate match for all corporate donations up to $500,000. The program ends April 30. For more information, visit: mypossibilities.org/corporatechallenge.

# # #

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

My Possibilities and FC Dallas Foundation in Search of 2,000 Santas for Annual Santa Run Texas

Plano-based non-profit to host annual premier holiday event presented by Dr Pepper Snapple Group

 

FRISCO, Texas – Dec. 2, 2017 –My Possibilities (MP), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adults with cognitive disabilities, along with the FC Dallas Foundation, will hold the eighth annual Santa Run Texas. This 5K race and one-mile fun walk is a family and pet-friendly event that encourages participants to dress up in a five-piece Santa suit (included with registration) and come to Toyota Stadium for the premier holiday festival of the season.

The first Santa-themed running event in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Santa Run Texas has become a holiday tradition for those interested in helping adults with special needs.  This community-based event is a great way to bring friends, families, businesses and social groups together to celebrate the season while helping raise money to provide advanced educational opportunities for special needs adults.  This year, My Possibilities, their clients, lovingly referred to as HIPsters (Hugely Important People) and the FC Dallas Foundation have set a goal to attract more than 2,000 Santa participants in the outdoor event.  All proceeds raised at Santa Run Texas will directly benefit the FC Dallas Foundation and My Possibilities.

Both the 5K race and one-mile fun walk are presented by Dr Pepper Snapple Group, and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to noon at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.

Several sponsors have signed on to support Santa Run Texas. Sponsors include 105.3 The Fan, CineMark, Elite Care 24 Hour Emergency Room Plano, Papa John’s Pizza, Voom Group, Plano Profile, CycleBar, Athleta, Community Impact, Orange Theory Fitness, Pet Paradise Plano, Renegade Bootcamps, Dunkin Donuts, Dillas, Novoworks Color Imaging, Blue Goose Cantina, College Hunks Hauling Junk, ACrew Events, Mark Lane Entertainment, Power Crunch Protein Genius, Norma’s Café and the Observer. My Possibilities has also teamed up with Holiday Warehouse to deck out the entire event space in holiday decorations that will make “Vendor Village” a true winter wonderland. Complete with plenty of great places for holiday photos, for example in a life-sized snow globe.

Carrying on last year’s addition, nearly all DFW team mascots will join for an epic dance-off sponsored by Title Boxing Club. The Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Legends, Frisco Roughriders, and Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s mascots will come together to participate.

“In 2016 Santa Run Texas raised upward of $83,000, which helped fund many of My Possibilities’ educational programs. More than 250,000 special needs adults live in North Texas, high-quality continuing education programs are almost non-existent,” said Charmaine Solomon, founder and Chairman of the Board at My Possibilities. “Proceeds from this fundraising event directly benefit the day-to-day programming and operations of My Possibilities so that we can continue to provide educational resources and job placement for this growing population.”

Santa Run Texas provides entertainment for people and pets of all ages. This year, the Limelight Band will provide live music, along with Cory Mageors and Kevin Hageland of 105.3 The Fan as the day's emcees. There will be a designated children’s area, “Santa’s Playground,” that will house plenty of amusements, including bounce houses.  An “official” Santa Claus is on hand to hear children’s wish lists.

Following the race and walk, a number of awards and prizes will be handed out, including Best-Dressed Pet, Best-Dressed Santa, Best Sleigh, and Most Spirited Team. Get creative, and start customizing holiday costumes and sleds of all kinds from red wagons or strollers to wheelchairs.

Santa Run Texas is not complete without complimentary food and refreshments. Food vendors will serve tasty favorites, and Dr Pepper Snapple Group will provide complimentary water and other cold drinks. Dunkin Donuts will keep everyone warm with free coffee and hot cocoa.

For those interested in attending, here are the details for the event:

When:             Saturday, Dec. 2

Where:            Toyota Stadium 
9200 World Cup Way, Frisco

 Time:             8 a.m. Festivities begin

                        8:20     Welcome remarks

                        8:30     5K run begins

                        8:45     One-mile fun walk begins 

                        10        Awards presentation

                        12 p.m. Santa Run Texas ends                                                                                          
                                      After-party
                                      Blue Goose Cantina
                                      9320 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco

 

For additional information on Santa Run Texas, visit santaruntexas.org or contact Courtney Echols, special events manager at events@mptx.org.

About My Possibilities:

My Possibilities is a Plano-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) that serves as a pioneering leader in vocational education for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities throughout North Texas. To learn more, visit mypossibilities.org.

# # #

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Organization and Dealership Hold Fundraiser to Benefit Adults with Special Needs

 

PLANO, TX – October XX, 2017 - My Possibilities (MP), a Plano-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is partnering with the David McDavid Lincoln dealership to raise funds for their educational programs. As a pioneering leader in vocational education for adults with cognitive disabilities, MP provides instruction for independent living skills, culinary skills, creative expression, health and wellness, as well as a variety of other enrichment programs, all of which are designed to stimulate the cognitive and creative abilities of their clients, lovingly referred to as HIPsters – Hugely Important People.

 

On Saturday, October 21st from 9:00am – 4:00pm, David McDavid Lincoln will host a “Driven to Give” event to raise up to $8,000 for MP. During this day, for every test drive taken in an eligible Lincoln vehicle, they will donate $20.00 to My Possibilities. After you have taken your first test drive, if you test drive another 2017 Lincoln, they will donate an additional $10.00. Only one test drive per household is allowed.

 

HIPsters from My Possibilities will be the focus of the day, with a HIPster Art Walk and other performances.  My Possibilities has partnered with Spectrum to promote the day and raise awareness of the MP mission.

 

“McDavid Lincoln feels privileged to work alongside such an extraordinary organization located right here in Plano,” said Will Palasota, General Manager at McDavid Lincoln.  “We can raise up to $8,000 in just one day for My Possibilities, an amount that will surely prove beneficial to their mission.”

 

The event will feature vehicles from the 2017 Lincoln collection. Dealership staff will be available to assist and provide additional information about each vehicle for test drive.

 

To learn more about My Possibilities, contact Charmaine Solomon, Founder & Chairman of the Board, at (469) 241-9100 or by email at charmaine@mptx.org.  To reach Michael Thomas, the MP Executive Director, call 469-241-9100 or email him at director@mptx.org.  Visit our website at www.MyPossibilities.org for additional information.

 

About My Possibilities:

My Possibilities is a Plano-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) that serves as a pioneering leader in vocational education for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities throughout North Texas. To learn more, please go to www.mypossibilities.org.

 

-end-

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

­­­For Immediate Release 

Contacts:       Lauren McCormick

                       214-662-8137

                       lmccormick@mptx.org 
 

H-E-B Tournament of Champions and Central Market Commit $255,000 to My Possibilities’ Operations and Capital Campaign

 

Retailer invests in the development of first college-style campus designed for adults with special needs

 

PLANO, Texas – August 15th, 2017 – Together H-E-B Tournament of Champions and Central Market have pledged a 4-year, $255,000 commitment to My Possibilities (MP), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. MP recently launched a 3-year, $25 million campaign that will expand its capacity to serve a larger percentage of the more than 250,000 individuals with a cognitive disability over the age of 5 that reside in the DFW area.  Representing a population that is roughly the size of the entire city of Plano, the educational opportunities available to adults with special needs is sadly lacking once these individuals phase out of the public education system.

 

Starting with ten clients, lovingly referred to as HIPsters (Hugely Important People), just eight years ago, today My Possibilities currently serves nearly 400 HIPsters each week. With so many people in need of these services, the demand is high, and despite their growth, MP is only able to scratch the surface in providing advanced educational opportunities for adults with special needs in North Texas.

 

With the hopes to expand and build upon its current services, My Possibilities purchased 20 acres of land in Plano, Texas to launch its Lifelong Learning Program. This will be an educational environment modeled after a college campus but designed specifically for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At its max capacity, this facility will serve 1,600 individuals with special needs per week.

 

Started in 1986, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions is one of the largest charitable events of its kind in the nation. The H-E-B Tournament of Champions was created to provide an opportunity for H-E-B’s suppliers to partner with the company to support nonprofit organizations focused on providing initiatives important to children and families across Texas.  Since its inception, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions has raised almost $100 million and has helped more than 600 nonprofit organizations throughout the state.  My Possibilities is the most recently named beneficiary.

 

“H-E-B Tournament of Champions and Central Market recognize how many more individuals in North Texas need access to the quality education that My Possibilities offers,” says Stephen Butt, President of Central Market/H-E-B division. “The My Possibilities University Campus is a bold vision that will only come to life with the support and investment from local communities. H-E-B Tournament of Champions and Central Market are proud supporters of MP and its dedication to changing the lives of their HIPsters.”

 

The need for these services in North Texas is tremendous, and both MP and Central Market invite everyone to join the 3-year campaign to raise $25 million for the first phase of construction of the new campus. With the help of the community, thousands of lives within North Texas can be changed. Inquiries can be sent to campaign@mptx.org, or contact Executive Director, Michael Thomas at 469-241-9100.

 

About My Possibilities: My Possibilities is a Plano, Texas-based non-profit, charity - 501(c)(3), for adults with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. Started in June 2008, this organization is a full-day, full-year program in Collin County for Texans who have "aged out" of secondary education. My Possibilities helps special needs adults build independence and vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment.  To learn more, please go to www.mypossibilities.org.

 

About Central Market: Central Market’s open, serpentine-flow, full view European-style layout offers a completely new food shopping experience. A bountiful produce department with unmatched quality and variety, an 80-foot seafood case with selections from throughout the world, hundreds of cheeses, 2,500 wine labels, stupendous specialty grocery aisles with delights from every continent, and a world class cooking school featuring hands-on instruction are among the features that make the Central Market experience unique. http://www.centralmarket.com.

 

About H-E-B Tournament of Champions: An annual tradition since 1986, The H-E-B Tournament of Champions is one of the largest charitable events of its kind in the nation. The H-E-B Tournament of Champions was created to provide an opportunity for H-E-B’s suppliers to partner with the company to support nonprofit organizations focused on providing initiatives important to children and families across Texas.  Since its inception, the H-E-B Tournament of Champions has raised almost $100 million and has helped more than 600 nonprofit organizations throughout the state.  

 

 

 

-end-

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

My Possibilities Announces Plans for Expansion and Launches Capital Campaign of $25 Million 

Plano-based non-profit purchases 20 acres of land in Plano to develop college-style campus for adults with special needs

 

PLANO, Texas – May 1, 2017 – My Possibilities (MP), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, revealed Phase 1 of its capital campaign at their annual gala on Saturday, April 29th. The 3-year $25 million campaign will expand its capacity to serve a larger percentage of the more than 250,000 individuals with a cognitive disability over the age of 5 that reside in the DFW area.  Representing a population that is roughly the size of the entire city of Plano, the educational opportunities available to adults with special needs is sadly lacking once these individuals phase out of the public education system.

Starting with twelve clients, lovingly referred to as HIPsters (Hugely Important People), just eight years ago, today My Possibilities currently serves nearly 400 HIPsters each week. With so many people in need of these services, the demand is high, and despite their growth, MP is only able to scratch the surface in providing advanced educational opportunities for adults with special needs in North Texas.

With the hopes to expand and build upon its current services, My Possibilities purchased 20 acres of land in Plano, Texas to launch its Lifelong Learning Program. This will be an educational environment modeled after a college campus but designed specifically for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At its max capacity, this facility will serve close to 1,600 individuals with special needs per week.

To date, My Possibilities has raised over $12,500,000 for the new campus.  After a private ground breaking on Friday, April 28th the Campus plans were revealed during the agency’s largest fundraiser, the Community Ball, to over 1,200 attendees.  The Capital Campaign was officially kicked off after the Big Reveal.

Corporate Support

Already supporting the Campus Capital Campaign are corporate partners Alliance Data, who is a foundational supporter that has committed $1 million to the project, and they also announced a $500,000 corporate challenge grant at the Community Ball on April 29th. Dr Pepper Snapple Group is also a foundational supporter who committed $500,000 towards the Culinary Arts program. Additionally, Rodney Strong, a family-owned winery distributed by Republic National Distributing Company, has named My Possibilities its charity of choice for 2017 and will have HIPster-made displays in forty locations throughout DFW to benefit the campus.

Foundation and Individual Support

Additional support for the Campaign has come from The Meadows Foundation who has committed $250,000, The Eugene McDermott Foundation made a $1 million contribution towards a future Residential Training Program, AMP Foundation has given $1.52 million in total, Communities Foundation of Texas gave $100,000, Zale Foundation has committed $25,000, Gates of Chai has given $60,000, and lastly the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation has given $178,000 to support the future of MP. Additionally, numerous individuals have made donations to the campaign who wish to remain anonymous.

Not only have these supporters been instrumental in the development of My Possibilities’ current program offerings, but each also recognizes how many more individuals in North Texas need access to the quality education that My Possibilities offering. The My Possibilities University Campus is a bold vision that will only come to life with the support and investment from local communities. The need for these services in North Texas is tremendous, and MP invites everyone to join the 3-year campaign to raise $25 million for the first phase of construction of the new campus. With the help of the community, thousands of lives within North Texas can be changed. Inquiries can be sent to campaign@mptx.org, or contact Executive Director, Michael Thomas at 469-241-9100.

 

About My Possibilities:

My Possibilities is a Plano, Texas-based non-profit, charity - 501(c)(3), for adults with disabilities (Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger’s, Prader-Willi, Head Injuries, etc.). Started in June 2008, this organization is the FIRST full-day, full-year program in Collin County for Texans who have "aged out" of secondary education. My Possibilities helps special needs adults build independence and vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment.  To learn more, please go to www.mypossibilities.org.

 

Gravatar

PLANO, Texas – March 24, 2017 – My Possibilities (MP), a Plano-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adults with special needs, is hosting the fourth annual Community Ball on Saturday, April 29 to raise funds for their educational programs. As a pioneering leader in vocational education for adults with cognitive disabilities, MP provides instruction in independent living, culinary skills, creative expression, health and wellness, as well as a variety of other enriching programs. These unique programs  are designed to stimulate the cognitive and creative abilities of our students whom we  lovingly refer to as HIPsters – Hugely Important People.

 

From the beginning, the Community Ball has been and remains a collaborative effort between My Possibilities and many North Texas businesses, families and individuals that support advanced education for adults with special needs.  For the fourth year, MP is proud to announce that Alliance Data is returning as the Community Ball’s Presenting Sponsor.  This year, the cocktail-attire event will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco. 

 

The theme of this year’s event is “The Big Reveal,” and local magician, Trigg Watson will be the evening’s emcee. Watson will reveal some very exciting news regarding the future of My Possibilities and the entire North Texas special needs community. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m.  Tickets for the event start at $125, and can be purchased online at www.MyPossibilities.org/CommunityBall. 

 

The Community Ball raises funds for the education-based programming offered at MP, and provides an opportunity to celebrate the HIPsters and their accomplishments. Guests get to interact first-hand with the HIPsters they are raising money and advocating for, and witness the joy that the HIPsters create as they dance to live music provided by the Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra. In addition to live entertainment, event guests will be treated to formal dinner and dancing in addition to a silent and live auction.  The HIPsters’ creative efforts are always highlighted, and there will be artwork, jewelry and other objects of interest available for purchase. Talent of the HIPsters will also be showcased with some live musical performances.

 

“Alliance Data is committed to empowering individuals to live an independent life, and My Possibilities is a proven driver of lasting achievement for adults with a cognitive disability in North Texas. Through a foundational model of continued education and vocational training My Possibilities’ impact on their HIPsters, families, and our community makes them a cornerstone partner for Alliance Data,” said Dana Beckman, Director of Corporate Affairs for Alliance Data.  “For the fourth year, we are proud to yet again serve as the presenting sponsor of the Community Ball.”

In addition to Alliance Data, Berry Family Services is another long-time partner of My Possibilities, and they are the HIPster Sponsor this year.  Other organizations and individuals are contributing to the success of this year’s Community Ball.  Republic National Distributing Company will be a Beverage Sponsor this year.  Gold Sponsors underwriting the Ball include: Liz & Tim McHugh, GCATS, Service First Mortgage, and The Weeks Law Firm. First Texas Homes, Chase’s Place, and Doreen & Joe Piellucci are also participating as Silver Sponsors.  Their ongoing support shows the level of commitment that North Texans have for providing educational programs for the special needs community.  

 

“It is heart-warming to see the community rally around My Possibilities,” said Charmaine Solomon, Chairman of the Board at MP. “Once again, our friends from Alliance Data have honored our HIPsters by agreeing to be the event’s Presenting Sponsor.  We also want to recognize Berry Family Services, who has underwritten our HIPsters for the evening, Men’s Wearhouse, the Prom Closet from St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, and other organizations too numerous to mention. 

 

“There is no way to thank all of the businesses, donors, parents and volunteers that have spent countless hours working to make the Community Ball possible,” Solomon added.  “With the support of our friends within the community, My Possibilities continues to grow and offer an unprecedented array of educational programs that make a real difference in the lives of the special needs adults who live in North Texas.” 

 

To learn more about My Possibilities, contact Charmaine Solomon, Founder & Chairman of the Board, at (469) 631-1372 or by email at charmaine@mptx.org.  To reach Michael Thomas, the MP Executive Director, call 469-241-9100 or email him at director@mptx.org.  Additional information is also available on the website at www.mypossibilities.org.  For information regarding Alliance Data, contact Danielle Ricketts at danielle.ricketts@alliancedata.com, or visit www.alliancedata.com.

 

About Alliance Data
Alliance Data® (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, Alliance Data consists of three businesses that together employ more than 16,000 associates at approximately 100 locations worldwide.

 

Alliance Data's card services business is a leading provider of marketing-driven branded credit card programs. Epsilon® is a leading provider of multichannel, data-driven technologies and marketing services, and also includes Conversant®, a leader in personalized digital marketing. LoyaltyOne® owns and operates the AIR MILES® Reward Program, Canada's premier coalition loyalty program, and holds a majority interest in Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers.

Follow Alliance Data on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

 

About My Possibilities:

My Possibilities is a Plano, Texas-based non-profit, charity - 501(c)(3), for adults with disabilities (Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger’s, Prader-Willi, Head Injuries, etc.). Started in June 2008, this organization is the FIRST full-day, full-year program in Collin County for Texans who have "aged out" of secondary education. My Possibilities helps special needs adults build independence and vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment.  To learn more, please go to www.mypossibilities.org.

 

-end-

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

My Possibilities Looking for 3,000 Santas to Attend 5K Family and Pet-Friendly Holiday Festival­­­!

 Plano-based non-profit to hold 6th Annual Santa Run Texas presented by Dr Pepper Snapple Group;

U.S. Marines and HIPsters will be on Hand to Collect Toys for Tots

 

PLANO, Texas – Nov. 11, 2016 – My Possibilities, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is holding its sixth annual Santa Run Texas. This 5K Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk is a family and pet-friendly event that allows participants to dress up in a five-piece Santa suit (included with your registration). Santa Run Texas will be held at the Dr Pepper Snapple Group Headquarters. Come join us for the premier holiday festival of the season! One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go back to the programs at My Possibilities. As a pioneering leader in vocational education for adults with cognitive disabilities, MP provides instruction for independent living skills, culinary skills, creative expression, health and wellness, as well as a variety of other enrichment programs, all of which are designed to stimulate the cognitive and creative abilities of their clients, lovingly referred to as HIPsters – Hugely Important People.

 

The first Santa-themed running event in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Santa Run Texas has become a holiday tradition for those interested in helping adults with special needs and underprivileged children.  This community-based event is a great way to bring friends, families, businesses and social groups together to celebrate the season while helping raise money to provide advanced educational opportunities for special needs adults.  This year, My Possibilities and their students, lovingly referred to as HIPsters (Hugely Important People), have set a goal of attracting more than 3,000 Santas to participate in the outdoor event.  And most importantly, 100 percent of the proceeds from this fundraiser are used to benefit the organization.  

 

Both the 5K Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk are presented by Dr Pepper Snapple Group, and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10th from 8 a.m. to noon at the company’s headquarters located at 5301 Legacy Drive in Plano. Park Place Jaguar Plano is bringing out two sleighs – luxury convertibles for Santa and his entourage of North Texas-based dignitaries – to lead the procession of Santas to the starting line.

 

A number of other sponsors have signed on to support Santa Run Texas.  Sponsors include 105.3 The Fan, Bank of Texas, EliteCare, Frost Bank, Luke’s Locker, Novoworks, Voom Group, Whole Foods Market, in addition to many others. My Possibilities has also teamed up with Holiday Warehouse to deck out the entire event space in holiday decorations that will make “Vendors Village” a true winter wonderland. There will be plenty of great places to make holiday photos, for example in a life-sized snow globe!

 

A new and exciting addition is being made this year to the event. Nearly all of the team mascots from the DFW area will be joining for an epic dance-off sponsored by Title Boxing Club. The Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Legends, Frisco Roughriders, and Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s mascots will all be coming together to participate.

 

“Last year, we raised over $106,000 which helped fund many of My Possibilities educational programs. With more than 200,000 special needs adults living in North Texas, high-quality programs are almost non-existent,” said Charmaine Solomon, founder and Chairman of the Board at My Possibilities. “Proceeds from this fundraiser go directly towards the ongoing operations of My Possibilities so that we can continue to help this large and growing population.”

 

More than a running event, Santa Run Texas is a holiday happening that provides entertainment for people and pets of all ages. This year, the Jordan Kahn Music Company will provide live music, along with Cory Mageors and Kevin Hageland of 105.3 The Fan as the day's emcees. There will also be a designated area called “Santa’s Playland” that will include plenty of other amusements for children, including the world’s largest snowman bounce-house. An “official” Santa Claus is on hand to hear children’s wish lists, and other family-friendly entertainment includes a balloon artist and face-painter. For adults with a sense of humor, a Jimmy Kimmel-featured “The Original Butt Sketch®” will also be on hand to create one-of-a kind art to entertain the crowd!

 

In addition to the recognition given to the winning runners, a number of other awards and prizes will be handed out following the run and walk events. The Best-Dressed Pet, Best-Dressed Santa, Best Sleigh, Largest Team and other prizes will be handed out to the Santa Run Texas participants in these and other categories.  So, get creative, and start customizing holiday costumes and sleds of all kinds from red wagons or strollers to wheelchairs.

 

No celebration would be complete without food and refreshments.  Food vendors will be handing out finger-licking favorites, and Dr Pepper Snapple Group will provide complimentary water and other cold drinks. Dunkin Donuts will keep everyone warm with free coffee and hot cocoa.

 

To help other North Texas families, all festival participants are requested to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event for the HIPster’s annual Toys for Tots drive.  Following Santa Run Texas, U.S. Marines will collect and distribute toys to underprivileged children throughout the Metroplex.

 

For those interested in attending, here are the details for the event:

When: Saturday, Dec. 10th, 2016

Where: Dr Pepper Snapple Group Headquarters

             5301 Legacy Drive

             Plano, TX 75024

 Time: 8 a.m. to 12 noon – Festival Activities

           9 a.m. – 5K Fun Run Kickoff

           9:15 a.m. – One Mile Walk Kickoff

                                                                                        
For additional information on Santa Run Texas, contact Jana Pugh, Special Events Manager by phone at 469-241-9100 or email at events@mptx.org. For information about My Possibilities, contact Jeanine Alpert, Director of Community Engagement at jdalpert@mptx.org. More information is also available on the website at www.SantaRunTexas.org or www.MyPossibilities.org.

 

About My Possibilities:

My Possibilities is a Plano, Texas-based non-profit, charity - 501(c)(3), for adults with disabilities (Autism, Down Syndrome, Asperger’s, Prader-Willi, Head Injuries, etc.). Started in June 2008, this organization is the FIRST full-day, full-year program in Collin County for Texans, who have "aged out" of secondary education. My Possibilities helps special needs adults build independence and vocational skills in a safe and nurturing environment.  To learn more, please go to www.MyPossibilities.org.

 

# # #