Park Cities Lifestyle is the destination for local living— a one-stop-shop for hyper local, expertly created content for you that inspires and connects communities. This monthly magazine serves the Park Cities community and seeks to inspire, instruct and uplift readers through entertaining articles, detailed and searchable listings of local restaurants and businesses, and by sharing unique experiences and events in and around your town. As Society Editor for this publication, I am happy to shine a light on the good works happening in the Highland Park and University Park neighborhoods.

In the December issue, I was pleased to spotlight Recovery Resource Council ‘s Power of Prevention event featuring Chris Herren, a former NBA player and subject of the Emmy-nominated ESPN documentary, Unguarded. Herrin was an All-American basketball legend from Fall River, MA. who realized his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999 and then traded to the Boston Celtics before losing his career to the disease of addiction. In long-term recovery since 2008, Herren inspires people to start the conversation on wellness and educate themselves on the disease of addiction. The money raised through sponsorships, ticket sales and the silent auction at The Power of Prevention event supports a portion of The Council's operating budget. Recovery Resource Council’s mission is to promote wellness and recovery from alcohol, substance use disorders, and trauma. Since merging with the Dallas Council on Drugs and Alcohol, Fort Worth based Recovery Resource Council, now serves 20 North Texas counties.

Galleria Dallas recently hosted its second Alley Market celebrating women-owned businesses. The market featured local brands that sell everything from one-of-a-kind hats and jewelry to succulents. Vendors at the Alley Market donated 10% of sales during the weekend to Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support to help support women experiencing domestic violence.

Held at Peace Plaza at Cathedral of Hope for the twelfth annual Burgers + Burgundy event, presented by Chef John Tesar & Terri Provencal benefited DIFFA/Dallas (The Dallas Chapter of Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS). Partygoers sampled a wide variety of mouthwatering burgers created by participating chefs including Sharon Van Meter, Luke Rogers, Samir Dhurandhar, and Dan Landsberg. Joining the prestigious Style Council are Alison Volk, Chris Angelle, David Dummer, David Putnam, David Weir, JD Miller, Ken Weber, Kimberly Alexander, Neil Thomas, Yana Greenstein. DIFFA is one of the largest and most successful fundraising organizations aiding HIV/AIDS. The Dallas chapter, formed in 1984, is one of the largest HIV/AIDS organizations in Texas that provides funding to local HIV/AIDS Service Organizations within the DFW community. DIFFA/Dallas has granted more than $8 million to 25 frontline HIV/AIDS Service Organizations in North Texas providing direct care to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Park Cities Lifestyle (December issue)