There are so many families in our area this holiday season that will struggle to provide gifts for their children. Angels of Care is teaming up with a local radio station – 97.5 KLAK – with your assistance, to help as many area families as we can to have a Merry Christmas! We ask you to open your hearts and help us make this the best year yet! To read more about these families and view their wish lists, please visit www.975klak.com. #HALO

H.E.R.O.E.S Gala

The H.E.R.O.E.S Gala is an annual event, hosted by the founder and director of the organization, to raise money for their programs. H.E.R.O.E.S serves all people with different abilities from birth through adulthood. They strive to support all families through connections to resources as well as facilitating life-long learning and long-term successes. They accomplish these goals by teaching the skills that are necessary for all individuals to become contributing members of society.

The gala is a night to dress up, socialize, donate and show support for all of the hard work done by the staff at H.E.R.O.E.S. Held at the Marriott in Plano, TX, this event was exactly what the name implies – a HEROES themed night of fun! After entering through the comic-colored balloon arch, we were greeted with smiles and fun music. Table after table was lined with items for a silent auction, with a cityscape silhouette and superhero figures as the background décor. They even had a photo booth with tons of fun superhero themed props where you could snag a complimentary group photo.

The real treat began during dinner. As hundreds dined at their sponsored tables, students from HEROES Academy stood in front of the large crowd and gave their testimonies. During his speech, one of the young men brought the crowd to tears as he said, “At HEROES we learn that we have purpose.” One by one, these amazing young adults stood and told us about how much they enjoy meeting their friends at HEROES for yoga class, Summer Camp and delivering Meals on Wheels. One young lady spoke about her appreciation of one of her teachers at the HEROES Academy that helped her prepare for job interviews – she is now an assistant teacher in the two year old room at a local daycare.

Every student spoke about a feeling of acceptance and how everyone is important here. One of the board members took the mic and explained that what started with two people in a hallway, is now five hundred people in a ballroom on this night. The director of HEROES said it best, “I dreamed that one day there would be a place so special, that those kids couldn’t wait to go back the next day. These kids that God created in His perfect plan.” He went on to say how these special children have taught them so much about awareness, inclusion and joy. To hear the testimonials and get the chance to meet some of the children from HEROES was something so special, it is hard to find the right words. We would like to thank Erin Mathers, Business Development Associate, Eric McInnis, Recruiting Manager and Natalie Garrison, Social Media Manager for attending and representing Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health.

To learn more, visit www.heroesdfw.org

Angels of Care is not only an advocate for the medically fragile pediatric community, we also support many programs and organizations that aid in making life better for those who need it. Last month, some of our representatives attended the Starfish Benefit for the Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma in Sherman, TX. The Child & Family Guidance Center (CFGC) is a nonprofit agency that exists to strengthen, improve, and empower the lives of hurting Texoma children and families, through compassionate and restorative mental healthcare. CFGC envisions a future in which all people throughout Texoma, especially those who are low income, have immediate access to quality mental health care at the right time. Because of the generous financial support from the community partners, no uninsured client is refused treatment due to financial limitations. This organization offers programs and services such as individual, family and group therapy, family empowerment programs, parent education, Kids Hurt Too co-parenting education seminars, mental health training and much more.

To support their programs, each year they host the Starfish Benefit at the Sherman Municipal Ballroom– a night of elegance, fellowship, dancing, live music and auctions. Upon entering the ballroom, it felt as if you had been transported to an underwater palace! The walls were draped in white, flowing linens while sheer blue and purple orbs were suspended from the ceiling. Small candles flickered at each table giving the ballroom an almost angelic ambiance. Despite the torrential downpour outside, hundreds showed up to enjoy the festivities and help raise money for this great organization. Many of Texoma’s local doctors, providers and medical professionals were also in attendance. This was a great way for AOC to stay connected to the community and show our support as a sponsor. We would like to thank Sophia Reyna, Intake Supervisor, Maegen Powell, Executive Assistant to CCO, Kendra Sikes, Director of Recruiting and Staffing and Natalie Garrison, Social Media Manager for representing Angels of Care at this special event.

To learn more, visit www.cfgcenter.org