The Dallas Morning News Robert Miller Column: Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Get Challenge Grant
By Robert Miller, The Dallas Morning News
Feb. 22–The Meadows Foundation has pledged a $100,000 challenge grant to Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to help strengthen the infrastructure and resources at all levels of the organization.
The results will be radical improvements to the delivery of Girl Scout programs and services for girls and volunteers, said Colleen Walker, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ chief executive.
The Girl Scouts program is 96 years old and has a 90-year legacy in Northeast Texas.
“Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas operates almost entirely self-funded through our signature business and economic literacy initiative — the Girl Scout cookie program,” she said.
“The time has come to move forward decisively to align leadership programs with what today’s girl needs and wants while honoring our rich history and traditions.”
Ms. Walker said the group “must build capacity within our organization, investing in human capital and financial assets, while building a solid business strategy to move Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas forward.”
The Scouts are looking for philanthropic investors — corporations, foundations and individuals — that understand the need to help shape girls in the community into future leaders, she said.
The Meadows Foundation decided to support the organization’s request after reviewing the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ capacity-building initiatives.
The Girl Scouts will get $100,000 from the Meadows Foundation if it raises $200,000 in pledges and gifts by Nov. 30.
For more information or to donate by credit card, call Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ fund development administrator, Leone Lain, at 972-349-2426 or mail donations to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Office of Development, 6001 Summerside Drive, Dallas, TX 75252.
Center to host Knight
The Vogel Alcove Childcare Center for the Homeless has announced that Grammy Award-winning singer Gladys Knight will be the featured performer at its 2008 Vogel Alcove Arts Performance Event at 8 p.m. April 28 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
She replaces Aretha Franklin, who had a scheduling conflict.
Tickets are now on sale for $50 to $200. There is a waiting list for sponsor seats in the orchestra, which begin at $450. Call the TITAS Box Office at 214-528-5576.
Gala to help school
The Fairhill School of Dallas, a private school for students with learning differences, will hold its Lone Star Gala and Auction at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Embassy Suites in Frisco.
The event includes live and silent auctions, a raffle drawing, dinner and dancing to the Mile 21 band.
Proceeds will fund the school’s technology program.
Co-chairs are Carolyn Cheatum, Vickie McCandless, Jennifer Martinez and Renee Pryor.
Live auction items include luxury trips from Hilton Head to Maui.
Tickets range from $75 to $1,500 for a table of 10. Call 972-233-1026.
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