From The Family Place: The holiday season is here and our Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-the-Shelter programs are well underway! However, we do still have families and clients on Safe Campus and in our Outreach Programs who have not been adopted. Help us help them by considering to adopt with one of these two programs!

Your generosity to these families is a wonderful gift that will give back to you in many ways. We thank you so much for your help. This program would not succeed without your support!

For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Greg Bosworth at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 214.443.7718.

Visit the web site for details on both programs here:

http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=b10792fa7df9363f8d04c60b3&id=230f2e6e4d&e=79ae22ab3b

The Bobby Norris Roundup for Autism, one of Texas’ largest fundraisers for autism is a three day event spanning the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, to be held September 6, 7 and 8, 2012.

Help us kick-off the event with a VIP/media Party in the heart of Fort Worth’s Historical Stockyards on Thursday night.

Friday night, experience the excitement of a parade and the thrill of the country’s top cowboys and cowgirls competing in a rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum.  One of the highlights of this event is when Lynn Thrower, Founder of Lone Star Pony Express; Mel and Lynda Newsom, Chairmen, Lone Star Pony Express Riders and deputies and riders of “Audra’s Posse,” who come from Montgomery, Harris, Galveston and Waller Counties, present Roundup for Autism Founder, Bobby Norris, a hand-tooled saddlebag filled with donations from events they had held over the past year. In 2011, the donation totaled $32,000! 

Weekend events conclude in Dallas with the black tie Pegasus Ball at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel on Saturday. 

 In the Fall, golf tournaments in Dallas and San Antonio wind down the year and raise dollars for our outstanding programs and services. 

We hope you join us at this celebrated event! 

WHO:

Roundup for Autism Founder: Bobby Norris
Honorary Chairs: Amie and David Simpson
Overall Event Chairmen: Gina Marx & Brooke Hayes
Pegasus Ball Chairs: Dawn and Ryan Neufeld
Trail Boss: Tracy Rowlett              
Celebrity Host: Barry Corbin
Parade Grand Marshall: TBA
Rodeo Master of Ceremonies: Larry Mahan                
Dallas Celebrity Golf Hosts: Doug Dunbar & Garry Seith  
San Antonio Celebrity Golf Host: Steve Spriester

BENEFITTING:

Autism Treatment Centers of Texas - Celebrating Over 36 Years of Service

The Roundup for Autism was founded in 1988 by Bobby Norris in honor of his daughter who has autism.  This renowned event is designed to raise funds for the Autism Treatment Centers of Texas (ATC), a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation that serves both children and adults with autism, and those who are multi-handicapped.  ATC provides its services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Services include diagnostic, research, residential, educational, training, therapeutic, and occupational opportunities.

Visit the web site for details on these fun events: http://www.roundupforautism.org/ 

TICKETS:

Pegasus Ball Tickets - 972-644-2076 x 106 (Table Sponsor (10 seats) - $2,000; Individual - $200)

Rodeo Box Seats - 817-545-7248 (6 Seats - $300)   Rodeo Tickets - 817-625-1025
(General Admission - $15/adult, $10/child)                       

CONTACT:

Neil Massey, ATC Development Director, 972-644-2076 ext. 104 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Most Recently Executive Director of Charlotte Symphony

Previous Leadership Post at the Cleveland Orchestra

Dallas, TX (July 23, 2012) – The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) announces the appointment of Jonathan Martin as its President and CEO.

Mr. Martin, a seasoned orchestra executive with two decades of leadership experience, arrives at the DSO from the Charlotte Symphony. Martin previously served nine years as General Manager of the Cleveland Orchestra, recognized as one of the world’s most esteemed symphonic ensembles, and was Executive Director of the Spokane Symphony from 1995 until 1999. He began his career at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 

In his four years with the Charlotte Symphony, Martin is credited with initiating a transformational organizational turnaround, creating new programs and increased community engagement activities, and launching a $40 million comprehensive recapitalization initiative.

“Jonathan brings extraordinary experience, a pleasant personality and an inspirational vision to the position of President and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra,” says Blaine L. Nelson, Chairman of the DSO Board of Governors. “He is the ideal individual to lead the DSO and Dallas Symphony Association as we build on our commitment of continuing the artistic achievements attained by Music Director Jaap van Zweden. Jonathan will be instrumental in securing for the DSO its long-term stability and sustainability.”

“I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and making our new home in Dallas,” Martin says. “I believe strongly in this orchestra, and I join its musicians, staff, volunteers, generous patrons and passionate supporters at a time of unparalleled excitement and opportunity. I am particularly excited to begin working with Maestro van Zweden, Blaine Nelson, and the Board of Governors as well as everyone involved with the DSO to continue the organization’s transformation into a model for the 21^st century.”

Martin will begin his duties as DSO President and CEO in early September, 2012, with an initial employment contract of five years. David Hyslop, who has served as DSO Interim President and CEO since May, 2011, will stay on in an advisory capacity as needed to ensure a smooth transition.

Nelson commended Hyslop by saying, “We are profoundly grateful to David, one of the deans of the orchestra field and whose leadership over the past year has been crucial in helping us attain greater stability throughout this transition.”

Martin was the unanimous selection of the DSO Executive Board and of its Search Committee, chaired by executive board member Cece Smith, who over the search process interviewed a number of potential candidates, each with exceptional industry pedigrees.

“Jonathan was the clear choice for this position”, Nelson says. “He is a great fit for the Dallas community, soft-spoken and thoughtful, and possessing a strong set of guiding principles for the creation of the new American orchestra model that has been honed through 33 years of experience in the field.

 “The DSO has had virtually all the assets needed to achieve its vision: a blazingly talented, internationally celebrated artistic leader in Maestro van Zweden; a fabulous concert hall in which he can burnish an already great ensemble; a greatly improved short-term financial position; and a vibrant, growing city with both a demonstrated love of the arts and an enviable depth of resources. In securing Jonathan for the CEO position for the next five years, the Board of Governors has acted to complete the inventory of tools required for the DSO to fulfill the vision of long-term sustainability: by executing at a level of operational excellence that matches its artistic achievements.”

About Jonathan Martin

Jonathan Martin’s most recent position was with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in Charlotte, NC, where he served as its President and Executive Director since May 2008. Prior to that, Martin served for nine years as the General Manager of the Cleveland Orchestra, where he successfully managed 22 domestic and international tours and residencies and helped develop and launch its groundbreaking ten-year residency program in Miami, Florida. Before beginning his tenure at the Cleveland Orchestra, Martin served as Executive Director of the Spokane Symphony from 1995 until 1999.

A native of Atlanta, Martin holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Georgia State University, and began his career at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where he served in five different positions over 14 years. He has served as Chair of the League of American Orchestras' Executive Directors for Group II orchestras.

He and his wife Amy have a grown daughter, Emily.

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Dallas Symphony Orchestra Media Contacts:

Chris Shull, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 214.871.4061

Erica Bruce, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 214.871.4010

Diane and Daryl Johnston Announced as Honorary Chairs for
2012 Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon benefiting The Family Place

Nominations will be taken until June 12 for The Texas Trailblazer Award, Man of Influence Award and the Real-Life Hero Award 

Don McPherson, former professional football player and activist working to stop violence against women is featured speaker

Texas Trailblazer Awards luncheon co-chairs, Anh and Dr. Loc Trieu, along with Amanda and Lloyd Ward, could not have asked for a more perfect evening to kick off announcements for the luncheon, benefiting The Family Place.

The Omni Dallas Hotel’s Owner’s Box restaurant and sports bar opened its doors to the patio, welcoming a cool, light breeze. That space was the first to fill in with The Family Place supporters and committee, such as Diane and Daryl Johnston, who were announced as honorary chairs; Maggie Kipp, president of the Partner’s auxiliary; Hadley Galt and Honey Rothermal, last year’s luncheon co-chairs; Carolyn Strickfaden, Stephanie and Travis Hollman, Keenan Delaney, JB Hayes and more.

Paige Flink, Executive Director, The Family Place, took the stage, thanking the Owner’s Box for donating the delicious buffets. She welcomed everyone with sincere thanks for their support, relating The Family Place had welcomed in two families just that evening and continues to serve so many more.

Lloyd Ward emphasized this luncheon also sends a message to men, announcing Don McPherson, former professional football player and activist working to stop violence against women, as the luncheon’s featured speaker. For more than 20 years, Don McPherson has used the power and appeal of sport to address complex social issues. McPherson has paralleled a highly decorated football career with cutting-edge work on vital and contemporary issues that impact the lives of every American. With testimony before the US Congress, appearances on national news, the Oprah Winfrey show and lectures across North America, McPherson has reached more than 1 million people.

Slated for Wednesday, September 19, the luncheon takes place at the Omni Dallas Hotel at 11:30 a.m. Underwriters and sponsors will be invited to a VIP reception prior to the luncheon.

The Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon is generally comprised of corporate sponsors, philanthropists, media, table hosts  and accomplished men and women in the North Texas community.  The event raises funds to support the comprehensive programs of The Family Place and ensure that life-saving services will be available to women victims and their innocent children for years to come.

Awards given at the luncheon are:

The Family Place Texas Trailblazer Award recognizes a local woman who has achieved significant success despite the obstacles she has faced along the way.  She is a woman who has accomplished a "first" and opened the doors of opportunity for other women.  She has made significant contributions either in her community, business or profession.  No matter what her accomplishments, however, she is a woman who has blazed a trail for others to follow.

The Family Place Man of Influence Award recognizes a North Texan who is leading by example to make domestic violence a “community issue” rather than a “women’s issue.”  Through his lifestyle, he is setting a standard of compassion, support and commitment that promotes healthy relationships.

The Family Place Real-Life Hero Award recognizes a man or woman who contributes to the quality of life in our community without reward or recognition. This individual embodies a positive spirit, and works tirelessly and humbly to help others. He or she demonstrates initiative and goes above and beyond the call of duty to make North Texas a better place.

The Family Place Youth Service Award and Scholarship recognizes students who are outstanding leaders in their high school communities.  They have participated in The Family Place Students Be Project Program for a minimum of one year, acting as mentors to educate their peers about healthy relationships in an effort to prevent teen dating violence and sexual assault.

The Family Place Advocacy Award recognizes an organization that has played a vital role in furthering the mission of The Family Place to stop the suffering of women and children victims of family violence in North Texas.  By providing generous financial and volunteer support and promoting awareness with employees, associates and peers, the Advocacy Award recipient is a strong voice speaking out for victims of family violence to improve our community’s response to their critical needs.

Nominations will be taken until June 12 for The Texas Trailblazer Award, Man of Influence Award and the Real-Life Hero Award. Visit the web site to download a nomination form: www.familyplace.org

Tickets for the luncheon begin at $125 each. Underwriting begins at $1,500. Visit the web site for details: http://familyplace.org/

About The Family Place: It is the largest family violence service provider in the Dallas area. The Family Place reaches out to thousands of victims of family violence each year with award-winning programs that have kept women and children safe for 34 years through intervention, emergency shelter and crisis counseling services.

The Family Place Contact: Tess Nordick, Assistant Development Director. Direct Line: 214-443-7766. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it