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Friday, April 19, 2024

Mayor John Huffman talks Nonprofits with Call A Ride of Southlake

This week on Minute with the Mayor, Mayor John Huffman meets with Erik Phelps, Executive Director of Call A Ride of Southlake to learn about the program and its need for volunteers.

A local nonprofit by the name of Call A Ride of Southlake (CARS) has changed lives over the last 23 years by providing non-emergency rides to senior citizens and disabled adults in and around the city.

“Really, when you think about it, CARS helps give back some of the independence that seniors and disabled adults lost when they gave up driving,” said Phelps. Such an incredible service with such important work could not function without volunteers to drive the vehicles; however, lately, volunteers are becoming harder to find. “We desperately need more drivers because we constantly are having unmet needs out there for seniors and disabled adults,” Phelps noted.

Residents and others interested can apply to be volunteers. Minimum requirements include a valid license, a background check, and more.

With flexible schedules and no minimum time commitment, CARS makes it easy to volunteer when it is convenient for you. Mayor Huffman has pledged to donate some of his time to helping those that need a lift.

To watch the full episode of Minute with the Mayor, click below.

Support a Local Nonprofit Through North Texas Giving Day

Start the season of giving a bit early this year on North Texas Giving Day!

Founded in 2009, North Texas Giving Day is an online event organized by the Communities Foundation of Texas. Donors can contribute to this 18-hour event regardless of their physical ability or volunteer status.

More than 3,000 nonprofits will participate in North Texas Giving Day. Organizers describe it as “the largest community-wide giving event in the nation,” encouraging nonprofits to get involved.

Since its start, North Texas Giving Day has raised more than $441 million for nonprofits.

The giving season began early for the Southlake Chamber of Commerce. The organization previewed the North Texas Giving Day event during its August luncheon. A drawing for $1,000 was held for 17 local nonprofit organizations that spoke about their missions. John Fletcher of Fletcher Consulting Public Relations donated the $1,000 giveaway award.

Nonprofits in attendance included:

  • Swim 4 Elise Foundation
  • Southlake Kiwanis
  • Carroll Education Foundation
  • Catholic Charities Diocese of Ft. Worth, Inc.
  • Southlake Lions Club
  • Me Squared Cancer Foundation
  • Call a Ride Southlake
  • Kids Matter International
  • Metroport Meals on Wheels Inc.
  • I Can Still Shine Program
  • GRACE
  • Southlake Rotary Club – District 5790
  • Miracle League Southlake
  • Kelly Sawyer Ministries
  • TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) One Love
  • American Legion Post 114
  • XO Marriage

GRACE was presented with the $1,000 grand prize from a random drawing.

For more information about North Texas Giving Day, how to contribute to your community, or to donate, visit the North Texas Giving Day website.

City of Southlake CFO Named Finalist for CFO of the Year

The Dallas Business Journal (DBJ) has released the list of finalists for the 2018 CFO of the Year awards, including Southlake’s very own Chief Financial Officer, Sharen Jackson.

The CFO of the Year Awards recognizes North Texas financial professionals for their superb performance as financial stewards. The nominees were evaluated for their effect on their respective organizations and were selected across eight categories, including, Large Companies, Upper Middle Market, Core Middle Market, Closely held, Non-profit/501( c )(3), Not-for-profit/501( c )(6) and Government.

“Sharen’s superior financial management and leadership have helped to ensure the long-term health and wellness of Southlake, benefitting citizens, businesses and visitors in the community,” said City Manager, Shana Yelverton.

Yelverton also noted how Jackson worked with the City Council to reduce property tax-supported debt from over $100 million in 2002 to $50.5 million in 2018 and decrease property tax obligations for residential property owners. She has also implemented the open OpenGov portal in order to improve financial transparency.

The DBJ’s CFO of the Year criteria include:
• Demonstrated financial growth during the year
• Success in overcoming significant business challenges or barriers
• Examples of team leadership and superior management
• Other factors may include a chief financial officer’s contributions to the community (such as social, nonprofit or charitable giving)
• Demonstrated commitment to the company’s financial best practices and accounting standards, or success as a strategic visionary for the enterprise

The winners will be announced at the CFO of the Year Awards luncheon on Tuesday, November 13.

Visit the Dallas Business Journal for more information about the award and the luncheon.