Opt for Optimism

Dallasites party the day away while giving thanks for the good stuff

The Dallas weather matched the mood at the fourth annual Dallasites101's Darty at the Grove: sunny, breezy, and bright. CultureMap and Frost Bank rolled up to The Grove at Harwood in the Opt For Optimism van, ready to spread a little more sunshine with swag, wildflowers, and plenty of smiles.

Roughly 500 people soaked up the glorious temps while pausing to reflect on what makes them happy. They were encouraged to jot down answers on the Call Me Optimistic chalkboards, and answers for "I'm thankful for..." ranged from "my health" to "my puppies," with one sweet boy scribbling "mom" while his (very thankful) mother looked on.

A new parent spoke of the optimism he has for his six-month-old baby, and how the event caused him to think about ways he can make the world better for the next generation.

In between playing sand volleyball and lawn games, downing cold drinks and grub, and listening to music by live bands and DJ Viva Latina, guests also got to shop pop-ups from local vendors.

Those who attended not only got in touch with their gratitude, they also got wildflower seed bombs to bring a little more color into their lives. Frost Bank cash cards were also handed out, and one woman personified the intent when she vowed to pay it forward by gifting the card to someone else.

CultureMap and Frost Bank will be hosting more of these pop-up events throughout the year, surprising and delighting folks all over Texas. Want to know where we might show up next? Sign up for our emails and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for hints about our next stop.

Sips and bites kept everyone going.

Darty at the Grove

Photo courtesy of Dallasites101

Sips and bites kept everyone going.

charity-guide video nature promoted pets

RIP Pete

Dallas businessman and former Schepps Dairy owner Pete Schenkel dies

Pete Schenkel

Courtesy photo

Pete Schenkel

Dallas businessman Pete Schenkel, a philanthropist and former owner of Dallas-based Schepps Dairy, passed away; he was 88.

Born and raised in South Dallas where he worked on his father's dairy farm, Schenkel worked his way up from a Schepps Dairy deliverer to become an owner of the company in 1987. He went on to serve as President and owner of Southern Foods, which later sold to Suiza Foods and became Dean Foods, for which he also served as president and board member.

A statement from the city of Dallas says that Schenkel "leaves a legacy where he will be remembered for sharing his success with others and for his steadfast commitment to serve with pride and humility. Pete was unwavering in his dedication to making Dallas one of the safest large cities in the United States and was instrumental in promoting our economic growth and social vibrancy. We will strive to carry on his legacy by continuing to make Dallas a better place for all."

Founded by Harmon "Hymie" Schepps in 1942, Schepps Dairy traded hands and emerged from a bankruptcy under the primary ownership of Schenkel, who was Schepps' business partner. In 2000, the company was acquired by Suiza Foods Co., which then merged with Dallas-based Dean Foods the following year.

Schenkel was also involved in Dallas politics from the '80s to the '00s, both with sought-after endorsements as well as working on campaigns for mayoral candidates such as Jack Evans and Ron Natinsky.

In 2017, he was honored with an award from the NFF Gridiron Club for his role in helping bring football back to the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. He fought to keep the annual Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game at Cotton Bowl Stadium and has been the key negotiator in keeping the game there ever since.

Schenkel served on many influential boards that helped shape Dallas and North Texas, including chairing the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors and the Methodist Health Care Foundation. After retiringm he remained active in nonprofit circles, helping direct a charitable fund with his wife, the Pat and Pete Schenkel Charitable Trust. He also served on the board of the Dallas Blue Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of Dallas police officers killed or wounded in action.

His multiple awards and commendations including receiving the 82nd annual Linz Award for civic service in Dallas in 2011, as well as a Russell H. Perry Award from Dallas Baptist University, which lauded Schenkel for adhering to the highest ethical standards and being loyal to and respectful of friends and customers, as well as his modesty, shying away from the spotlight and shining it on others instead.

He's survived by his wife Pat, three children and seven grandchildren.

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