More than 100 of our city's movers and shakers gathered at the home of philanthropists Anne and Steve Stodghill for the first After-School All-Stars North Texas fundraising cocktail fete themed "School's Out for Summer."
The organization, founded by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, provides after-school programs and academic support to high-risk children. The North Texas chapter launched its school-based program at KIPP Truth Academy in Oak Cliff.
Throughout the night, ASAS board members — executive director Betsy Orton, Brad Alberts, Ginger Porter, Kersten Rettig, Dave Brown, Dave Perry, Terri Grosh, Mary Hatcher, Lynn McBee, Kristin Kelly, Phil Terry, Debra Witter, Manuel Zaby and Karin Morris — mingled with supporters and noshed on tasty bites provided by Festive Kitchen.
Topics of conversation included the Stodghill's exquisite art collection (including their wall of Life magazines) and, more important, the organization's efforts to enrich the lives of underserved kids and help set them up for a lifetime of success.
Parents in the crowd were moved by the story of ASAS North Texas celebrity ambassador and former NFL running back LaDainian Tomlinson and his own experience in after-school programs. And they didn't hesitate to reach into their wallets when asked to give $500 to send a kid to Camp U.S., an initiative program of ASAS in which kids enjoy a week-long sleepaway camp.
Attendees — including Tanya Foster, Lee Papert,Scott Chase, Maggie Kipp,and Sue and Roger Linquist — helped raise more than $15,000 to send students to camp. To support the campaign and ASAS' mission, you can go online to donate.
Dave Brown, Michelle Newsom, Marty Turco
