Though undeniably nurtured and cared for by an entire community, at its core the Fire Foundation’s beating heart is that of the men and women of the fire department; who by their own sweat, time and energy, out of duty and sacrifice, bear the weight of a city upon themselves so that we may continue to lead our lives well, unaware of the cost silently exuded on our behalf.

Guardians who ask not accolade or award, who devote countless hours learning to fight tragedy and terror in hand-to-hand combat without backing down; warriors who know the intricacies of restarting a beating heart, of breathing air into a baby's lungs, of washing the blood off their boots as they rush to the next scene of need... these are the men in whose honor the Foundation was built; and Irving is the city that the Foundation stands by, with these men, as we join in avenues of service.

What began as a tribute to men of valor has grown into an instrument by which those same men compassionately and humbly respond to our city. Advocates of education, one of the most demonstrative ways chosen to exemplify this was by honoring the spirit by which their own children have been provided scholarship opportunities thanks to the generosity of supporters; and in almost a tithe offering response choose to advance scholarship opportunities to all children of City of Irving employees through the Math and Science Award Program launched in 2012.

With a commitment to supporting families following a tragedy, the Foundation launched the MayDay fund providing compassionate aid to firefighter families following a line-of-duty death or injury. The next phase of this program launches this spring as the Phoenix Project which provides avenues whereby our firefighters may assist residents facing stressful challenges and stark need following a devastating fire or other emergency situation as they revive hope and begin anew.

Focused on connecting our sentinels in the station with the families they serve in the community the foundation launched community engagement activities encouraging one-on-one relationship building. Residents enjoyed activities alongside the men and their own families through unique activities including Hero Rush, family night out at the ball park, station dinners, birthday parties for the kids, and for adults the Tilted Kilt with a breathtaking, tear jerking, standing ovation presentation by the City of Irving Fire Honor Guard, and an old favorite the Firefighters Ball to name but a few.

Our vigilant first responders and board members have nurtured the communities investment in the Foundation into a strong organization that is equipped and able to identify catalytic projects in which to further that investment, respond appropriately to needs in our community, and synergize the virtues we hold dear as a society and cling tight to as cornerstones of healthy communities; commitment, honor, duty, valor, humility, and compassionate service.

Join us in 2013!

Source: Irving Fire Foundation

Dressed to the nines, some young people look good after benefitting from some fashion guidance and new clothing from The Main Place. Courtesy Photo. 

Thanks to the support of the city, the school district and the community, The Main Place was founded in 2009 as a distribution center of new clothing for homeless teens. Due to the economic downturn and the increase in need, we have expanded to provide gently worn clothing to individuals and families on the brink of homelessness. Throughout 2012, we received over 300 referrals from IISD, Winfree Charter School, the YMCA, Family Promise, Irving Cares, Housing & Human Services, IPD – Victim Services, and many other agencies.

We supply input and instruction in modesty and style. Volunteers act as “image consultants” and provide trendy, age appropriate, well fitting clothing. Our goal is to raise their self esteem by pointing out their best features and outfitting them from head to toe – including proper foundation garments and jewelry for the girls. We provide clothing for school, work, job interviews, church, graduation and prom, as well as hygiene products, pillows, and blankets. The Main Place is a “retail store without a cash register” - allowing the students to shop at no cost.

Not knowing what to expect, the kids often come to The Main Place with their heads down; but they leave with bags full of clothing and big smiles on their faces. We make it fun for them. One girl recently wrote in her thank you note, “I couldn’t think of anything that you could possibly have that I could want, but when I walked into the room I couldn’t believe what you had! I’m thankful for what you did for me and excited to wear my new clothes!”

Senior boys receive a new suit (regular or European cut depending on build), two dress shirts and as many as four complementary ties. This assortment provides them with the light colored shirt required for graduation and a myriad of combinations suitable for prom, church, job interviews and social functions. Underwear, belt, socks and shoes are provided if needed. We are thrilled by the guys admiring themselves in the full length mirror saying “I didn’t know I was this good looking.”

Senior girls receive a prom dress, evening shoes, bag, matching jewelry and, if needed, a strapless bra. Makeup is available as well. Because there are so many senior activities, we also provide career clothing and semi-formal attire. We ask what size they think they are and what color they prefer. We ask them to think outside the box, try on the recommended item and model it for us. We always tell them that if they can zip it or button it up we want to see it. This enables the image consultants to point out and emphasize the teens’ best features.

This year we were responsible for the Christmas wish lists of 90 students. We also gave toys and presents to dozens more of their babies, families and siblings. The third annual gift distribution party at The Main Place was replete with homemade cookies, cakes, hot cocoa, Starbucks and Santa Claus.

Trendy new clothing alleviates some of the homeless teen’s financial stress and helps them fit in at school. It gives them one less thing to worry about - enabling them to concentrate on their studies. The Main Place’s individualized personal approach helps raise their self esteem. We let them know that there are caring adults who are proud of their determination to stay in school and thereby break the cycle of despair and dispassion.

As of December, 2012 over 800 children in Irving schools have been identified as homeless. The definition of homeless includes: living in a shelter (not in Irving – because we don’t have a shelter for humans), living in a motel, couch surfing in friends’ homes, paying a lady for a room, doubling up –multiple families in a single family residence, etc. Only one in four homeless teenagers graduates from high school.

We all are commanded to serve – if they are homeless, shelter them; if they are hungry, feed them; if they are naked, clothe them.

For more information, contact Sharon E Johnston, Founder & Director of The Main Place at 214-202-0225 or TheMainPlaceIrving.org (a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.

Source: The Main Place

For 22 years the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) has been presenting the highest quality artistic symphonic programing for the Irving community. Each year the symphony must work to raise the funds to provide this exceptional programming. The LCSO Annual Fund exists to bridge the gap between earned income and expenses. Ticket sales provide only a part of the income that it takes to bring a professional orchestra to our community. Through the LCSO’s Annual Fund donors are able to make a positive impact on the community and enrich the lives of thousands of Irving residents each year. By supporting the LCSO through a tax deductible charitable donation, donors help sustain the musical artistry of this magnificent ensemble while gaining an inside perspective that brings the community closer to the music and the artists.

The Annual Fund support for the LCSO allows for international artists of such esteem reputation as Paul Silverthorne, principal violist of the London Symphony Orchestra; Daniel del Pino, renowned Spanish pianist; Jan Jiracek, Cliburn Competition winner to name a few.

Other programs the LCSO is able to offer through contributions to the Annual Fund are a tuition – free youth orchestra, the LSYO; Young People’s Concerts, bringing over 3000 elementary students to a fully professional concert giving these students a rare opportunity to see a live symphonic performance; Conversations in Music, a program that provides shut-in seniors of retirement communities, elementary schools in the Irving Independent School district, and summer children’s programs the opportunity to engage in a live performance of a small ensemble from the LCSO; and Kidsnotes, a program designed for preschool children that brings a musician from the LCSO, a story hour, and an instrument petting zoo to young people to inspire and create interest in music and the arts.

Through this Annual Campaign, LCSO strives to reach a goal that will allow the orchestra to help inspire music lovers along with new and future patrons. This ensures that outstanding regional musicians have an outlet for their exceptional craft, encourages young musicians, and provides a human connection to the arts that comes from the experience of music.

To make a contribution to the LCSO’s Annual Fund Campaign, visit the LCSO website at www.lascolinassymphony.org or call 972-252-4800.

Source: Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra

Based in Irving, TX, the Lone Star Youth Orchestra (LSYO) is beginning the new semester with rehearsals for their upcoming concert, Pops On Tour, on March 6 at the Irving Arts Center. Featuring music by Grieg, the annual pops concert will also include selections from Les Miserables and John Williams’ Raider’s March. The LSYO consists of middle and high school students from over 15 metroplex school districts.

Featuring many talented young musicians from around the area, the Lone Star Youth Orchestra is the only tuition-free youth orchestra in the metroplex. Brian Mendez, an All-State qualifying trumpet player and Wylie High School junior, states, “It’s a great opportunity to play in Lone Star because our high school does not offer full orchestra. This is where we learn to play orchestral repertoire, and we have a lot of fun together each week at rehearsal.”

In order to support the LSYO, students are preparing for two upcoming fundraisers this spring. One is the Otis Spunkmeyer cookie fundraiser, which will take place in February and March with cookie delivery before the Easter holiday. The Lone Star Youth Orchestra will also continue its tradition of having a Silent Auction in conjunction with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra (LCSO), its parent organization. The LSYO is collecting donated items to auction off through the end of March for the May 11 event.

Students are greatly anticipating the opportunity to play with members of the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra in the annual Side-By-Side concert, which takes place on March 16, 2013. Sophomore trumpet player Bobby Price, an All-Area qualifier, states, “It’s very exciting to have the chance to play with the professional players in the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra. My private teacher plays in the orchestra, and it would be an incredible experience to play alongside him.”

To support the LSYO, please consider participating in our two spring fundraisers or attending our two remaining concerts this spring on March 6 and May 15. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or online at http://www.irvingartscenter.com/Performances/BuyTickets.aspx .

The LSYO rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings at the Irving Arts Center. To join the Lone Star Youth Orchestra, please call Education Director, Lauren Penick, at 972.252.4800 to set up an audition time.

Source: Lone Star Youth Orchestra