eConnection
Community Newsletter | May 2019
22nd Annual Pot of Gold Luncheon
On May 3, 545 supporters gathered at the Hilton Anatole to raise more than $179,000 for Rainbow Days through sponsorships, individual seats, auction bidding, raffle tickets and donations at the Pot of Gold Luncheon .

Guests enjoyed an intimate keynote address from Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin , who shared the story of how she pursued her dreams while overcoming adversity , abuse and addiction. Further, Matlin encouraged guests to believe in the children of Rainbow Days: kids who, just like her, have boundless potential despite their present situations. Matlin closed her address with one final message, a mantra to always remember: “ Courage + Dreams = Success .”

Rainbow Days participants from Exodus Ministries and Tom Field Elementary School also took to the stage. In honor of Matlin , the kids performed a touching rendition of “ This is Me ” using American Sign Language .

This year’s event was made possible through the hard work, time and resources of the wonderful 2019 Pot of Gold Committee members. Event leadership included Luncheon Chair Nikki Chriesman-Green and Auction Chair Nicole Williams . Special thanks are also in order for Todd Whitthorne , who served as the event’s emcee. 

We would also like to recognize the generous sponsors , donors and volunteers who helped make the 2019 Pot of Gold Luncheon possible! Featured here are sponsor levels Silver and above:
  • Diamond: Nancy Ann & Ray L. Hunt, Anonymous, Hilton Anatole, Mary Kay and PwC
  • Gold: American Airlines, Citi, ORIX Foundation and Thompson & Knight Foundation
  • Silver: Advanced Group, Phyllis & John Horan, Jill & Dale Hurd, Mary Jo & James McKellar, The Oxley Family and USI

Reflections of Hope:
A Short Film
When life's adversities become too heavy to bear, hope and love make all the difference.

Hear from program participants of the past and present about the true impact of Rainbow Days and how it feels to have supportive people who care in their lives.

Special thanks to M3 Films for producing!

Current Volunteer Opportunities:
Kids' University & Camp Bravo!
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS ! We are in need of help to make our summer camps for children experiencing homelessness a success!
Kid's University will be held June 4-7 and June 17-20 at UT Dallas. At this STEM-themed camp, children explore careers while experiencing life on a college campus . The week ends with a graduation ceremony , where each child wears a cap and gown and receives a diploma!

We still need party planners to help us make the children feel special and proud after graduating. Sign up here!
Camp Bravo! will be held July 9-12 and July 23-26 at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. At this performing and visual arts camp , children enjoy classes on music , dance , acting and more. The week ends with a special onstage performance by the children in front of a live audience!

Volunteer opportunitie s include helping with setup and serving as playtime mentors or party planners. Sign up here!
Reminder : Per Rainbow Days' policy, all volunteers must have completed a Volunteer Application and criminal background check BEFORE volunteering directly with children. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Volunteer & Events Manager Sunni Roaten .

Partnership Highlight:
Tom Field Elementary School
Last week, our Family Connection team was honored to be recognized by Tom Field Elementary School for their contributions to students, staff and the greater community.

As Tom Field is part of our Project Hope initiative, Rainbow Days works year-round with families living in local motels whose children are Tom Field students. The children participate in weekly after-school support groups and frequent mentored events with Rainbow Days' caring staff, and their families also receive monthly deliveries of groceries .

We are beyond grateful for this partnership with the team at Tom Field, which enables us to work together to serve and support children and families in need.

End-of-School-Year Shoutout
As the end of the school year approaches, our Community Connection team is finishing up support groups with wonderful students in schools across the community . Pictured here are students from Thomas Jefferson High School alongside Rainbow Days staffer Maria, who is so proud of these soon-to-be graduates . They all have bright futures ahead: Two are even enlisting in the army!

Let's Keep in Touch
Like. Follow. Share.
@RainbowDaysInc | www.RainbowDays.org