SHARE:  
Call Us Today: 214-526-2800
Email: Info@turtlecreekassociation.org
Photo taken by Patrick Rea
Greetings!
This month, I want to focus on the TCA's fiduciary responsibility to you, our donors—a responsibility we take very seriously. This isn't just talk; our actions and results consistently support our commitment to you.

I'm proud to share that TCA has again earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid for the fourth year. Additionally, our 2023 Form 990 filed with the IRS shows an impressive Program Expense Ratio of 89.9% for the care of Turtle Creek and the Turtle Creek corridor. For every dollar we collected in 2023, 90 cents were spent toward achieving mission goals.

Charity Navigator says a nonprofit earning a Program Expense Ratio of 75% or higher is an efficient operation. We are well above that benchmark, demonstrating our dedication to using donations effectively.
Here are the program expense ratios reported on IRS Form 990 over the last four years, as provided by accounting firm Pickett & Maxwell:

  • In 2020 = 84%
  • In 2021 = 88%
  • In 2022 = 89%
  • In 2023 = 89.9%

At TCA, we believe that focusing solely on the worthiness of our mission is not enough. We must always quantify our impact and demonstrate concrete results. It is essential to show that we are worthy of our donors' trust and financial support and that we share their concerns.

When you give to TCA, you can do so with confidence, knowing that your hard-earned dollars are being used as intended to preserve, protect, and enhance Turtle Creek and the Turtle Creek Corridor. We should all be very proud of these achievements.

A copy of this year's Form 990 has been placed on our website under the Financial tab. In the spirit of transparency, you can review our Form 990 filings with the IRS for the last five years and a copy of the 2023 Annual Report.
Warm regards,
President|CEO
Turtle Creek Association
Events...
Coming in August - All Things Gala and Tour of Homes!

Get ready for an exciting reveal in our August newsletter! We'll showcase this year's four stunning homes, including a sneak peek. Plus, we'll announce this year's presenting sponsor, corporate sponsors, and the entire cast of sponsors who graciously support this year's event. In addition, we'll focus on the Gala, the Virgin Hotel venue, entertainment, and much more.

Stay tuned for all the details, and prepare to be amazed!
Announcing New Board Members for TCA
We are thrilled to announce the selection of three new board members who will bring their expertise, dedication, and passion to the Turtle Creek Association. Please join us in welcoming Karisti Julia, Teresa Byrd, and Wayne Smith to our team.

Karisti Julia
Karisti Julia brings extensive experience in community relations and senior living. Highlights from her bio include:
  • Director of Community Relations at Belmont Village Senior Living: Karisti has worked in this field since the early 2000s, demonstrating a deep commitment to serving seniors and their families.

  • Volunteer Experience:
  • DAGS (Dallas Area Gerontological Society): Offices held include the President and Program Chair.
  • AWARE: Offices held include the President and Program Chair.
  • Center for Vital Longevity: Board Member.
  • Casa de Vida at NorthPark Presbyterian Church: Past Board Member.
  • TCA Volunteer: Karisti has dedicated several hours to volunteering for TCA during our Gala and Tour of Homes.

  • Education: Karisti is a proud graduate of Texas Tech University.
Teresa Byrd

Teresa Byrd is a distinguished figure in retail with an extensive 25-year career in store management and merchandising. Highlights from her bio include:

  • Career: After graduating from the University of Houston, Teresa embarked on her journey with a Houston-based company under Federated & May Co., achieving numerous leadership roles. At Sears Holdings, she held notable positions, including VP of Stores.

  • Community Involvement: Beyond her industry achievements, Teresa's longstanding residency in Turtle Creek and unwavering support for the Turtle Creek Association underscore her significance in the community.

  • Event Leadership: Teresa was the Event Sponsor and Honorary Chair of the 2023 Gala and Tour of Homes.
Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith is a distinguished leader with a wealth of experience in community engagement and urban development. Some highlights from his impressive bio include:
  • Retired Owner of J W Sales Co./Commercial Renovation Services: Wayne brings a strong background in business management and commercial renovation, which will be invaluable to our organization.

  • Former Board Chair of Friends of Katy Trail: His leadership at Friends of Katy Trail showcases his commitment to enhancing urban green spaces.

  • Former City of Dallas Park and Recreation Board Representative/District 14: Wayne has represented District 14, working closely with city officials and the Park & Recreation Department for over 20 years.

  • Neighborhood Leader: He led a neighborhood team that made transformative changes to Exall Park in East Dallas, demonstrating his ability to drive community projects to successful completion.

We are excited to have Karisti, Teresa, and Wayne join the TCA board and look forward to their contributions.
2024 Capital Bond Program and Master Plan Update

Most of you will recall that TCA was allocated one million dollars from the 2024 Capital Bond Program for the dredging and bank stabilization of Turtle Creek. Now that the bond has passed, you may wonder: What comes next? When will we see the work begin?

First, the good news: Our allocation does not require TCA to match the contribution. In most cases, it's common to see a 2-to-1 or even a 3-to-1 match requirement to access the funds. Councilperson Paul Ridley states, "It usually takes at least two years to see the funds." To ensure we stay connected and on the radar, TCA leadership has been actively meeting with our Parks and Rec partners involved in this work's planning and implementation stages.

Here's what we know: the unofficial timeline (pending park board approval) has the creek stabilization and dredging planning stage beginning in 2026, with implementation occurring in 2027. While this may sound far off, it's important to remember that such large-scale projects require significant preparation, and TCA needs time to raise the additional funds needed to complete the job.

In the meantime, TCA has already started addressing some needs identified in our master plan update. These efforts include:

  • Underbrush Cleanup: We have begun removing underbrush along the creek to enhance the natural beauty and health of the area.
  • Tree Canopy Management: Raising the canopies of trees along the creek's banks to prevent trash accumulation in the low-hanging branches.
  • Gateway Feature: The installation of Crow 1 as a gateway feature into the corridor.
  • Upcoming Projects: Stay tuned for an exciting announcement concerning the Lemmon Ave Bridge.

While the large-scale creek stabilization and dredging projects are still a few years away, these initiatives help maintain and improve the area. We will keep you updated on our progress and any new developments as we work towards these significant improvements for Turtle Creek.
We are excited to announce that TCA's beautification agreement with the City of Dallas officially designates TCA as the nonprofit partner responsible for the care and well-being of Turtle Creek (between Avondale and Reverchon Park). This significant responsibility aligns with our master plan and priorities to improve the health and well-being of the creek's ecosystem. Additionally, it helps clarify and distinguish TCA's expanded role from other area nonprofits.

As we work to identify partners to assist us in preserving and protecting Turtle Creek, we are thrilled to share that TCA has been accepted as an official Conservation Partner of Texan by Nature. Founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, Texan by Nature connects conservation organizations with the resources and relationships they need to extend their initiatives' impact.

As a partner, TCA now has access to a statewide network of Conservation Partners, Business Partners, researchers, and other like-minded organizations. Texan by Nature understands that when we collaborate freely and share our expertise, we can accelerate the benefits to our state’s people, prosperity, and natural resources. This partnership marks a significant step forward for TCA, enhancing our ability to preserve, protect, and enhance Turtle Creek.

We look forward to this collaboration's positive impact and are committed to continuing our work to improve our community and its environment.
Community Spotlight: The Bridge

The Bridge is a Homeless Recovery Center dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Dallas County. Open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, The Bridge is the only shelter in Dallas that provides day shelter services to all adults experiencing homelessness.

Every day, The Bridge offers essential services to almost 600 Guests, including hot showers, nutritious meals, and haircuts. Additionally, they provide intensive services such as physical and mental health evaluations and care management. At night, The Bridge shelters 300 Guests, ensuring they have a safe place to stay.

Through collaborative relationships with homeless service partners, The Bridge creates a one-stop-shop experience that enhances a Guest’s ability to implement a Care and Housing Plan, a strategic approach to exiting homelessness.

TCA and The Bridge: Working Together for a Better Community

As TCA leadership works in concert with the Office of Homeless Solutions, we learn from organizations like The Bridge how to address the homeless population setting up camps in and around Turtle Creek and the Turtle Creek corridor. By collaborating and sharing expertise, we aim to create effective strategies to support our community and provide solutions for those in need.
Deborah Stanford - Chair
Dick Babb
Teresa Byrd
Kyle Crews
Karisti Julia
Landon Lowry
John Lesselyong


Don McDermett
Steve Rayl
Ken Reese
Wayne Smith
Ann Stuart PhD
Andrea Willett

Worth Ross - Adviser
TCA Leadership:

President & CEO
J. D. Trueblood

V.P. of Development
Sharon Ballew
Protector $20,000+

Teresa Byrd

Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Deborah & Ricahard Stanford

Dr. Stephen & Stacie Worsham
Visionary $10,000+

Dick Babb & Phil Neely

Sharon & Maurice Ballew

Cynthia Hennessy & Bob Allen

Hillwood - Urban

M.O.B. Foundation Susan & Bill Montgomery

Scot Presley & Steve Rayl

JD Trueblood & Franco Dooley

Urban
Allie Beth Allman & Associates

Elyce & David Walthall

Gloria & Jerome (Bruzzy) Westheimer
Conservator $5,000+

Anonymous

Ben E. Keith Foundation Robert Hallam JR

Paul Cheng

Kendall & Craig Clark

Peggy Dear

Dee & Jim Genova

Mark C. Hutchinson

Sue Krider

Kathryn & Clay Murphy

Ani & Pedro Nosnik

Pittman|Stovall

Ella Prichard

Worth Ross Management

Barbara & Jerry Smith

Ann Stuart PhD

Venise & Larry Stuart
Naturalist $2,500+

Aqua Clean

Belmont Village Senior Living

Gina & Tucker Bridwell

Briggs-Freeman|Sotheby's International Realty

Christopher Place HOA

Anne & Kyle Crews

Concierge Auctions

Garry Cox & Don McDermett

David Curry & Scott Zirbel

Jean & David Dean

Camille & David Fournier

Beverly Goulet

Faisal Halum

Phil Hobson

HomeBank Texas

Scott Kahle & James Jones

Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson

Suzy & Bob Kriscunas

Patricia Kozak & Jeff Warr

Karleen & Michael Leger

Diane & John Lesselyong

Lincoln Property Company Residential

Lisbeth Minyard Lokey

Erin Mathews

Barbara McJimsey & Roy Farrelly

Susan & Ronald Nash

Jim Pitts

Plains Capital Bank

Kelli & Allen Questrom

Renie Randall

Marion Richmond

Rosewood Residential

Salka Impact Fund

Rachel Segal

Vickie & Gaines Stanley

Tactical Fleet

Turtle Creek Bend HOA

Johanna & Mitch Vernick

Carolyn & Richard Waghorne
Steward $1,500+

21 Turtle Creek

Kim Askew

Heather & Ray Balestri

Gail Berry & Diane Merrell

Ellen Brown & Rick Selah

Kay & Elliot CattarullaCatherine & Regina Cocanougher

Nancy & William Corbett

Mary & Richard Covington

Janice Dodson

Rosemary Enrico

Marion Flores

Gail & James Furrh

Mike Harrison

Luke Huddleston & Jeremy Larsen

Claudia & Layton

Gemey Kaliff

Legacy Landscape

Kathleen & Frank Lauinger

Beverly Lee & Ed Beanland

Carol & John Levy

Lynn M. Lewis

Diana & Todd Maclin

Barbara McJimsey & Roy Farrelly

Republic Title

Nancy & Harry Roberts

Alan Roller & Chris Vesy

Pat & Jed Rosenthal

Wayne Smith

Dianna & Francis Sommer

Vickie & Gaines Stanley

Judith Talley

Judy & John Temple

Judy & Paul Whitman

Peggy & Mark Zilbermann
EMAIL: info@turtlecreekassociation.org | PHONE: (214) 526-2800
OFFICE ADDRESS: 3131 Turtle Creek Blvd, Suite 340, Dallas, Texas 75219