Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children celebrates 10^th anniversary with benefit concert

Ten years after its creation, sparked by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children will celebrate its 10^th anniversary with a charity concert, Notes for Autism, at 3 p.m. Dec. 1, in the Van Cliburn Recital Hall of the Bass Performance Center, 330 East 4^th Street, Fort Worth.

The foundation was created in 2003 by Coppell resident Tracy Pierce Bender in memory of her late husband, Brent Woodall, who was lost in the Sept. 11^th attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York.

“To see how far the foundation has come in ten years in the midst of great tragedy and an economic recession that has swept across our country is amazing,” said Erin Alcorn, an administrative assistant and music therapist at the foundation. “It shows how resilient and determined Tracy and the Foundation are.”

Alcorn, who graduated from Coppell High School in 2008,will sing at the concert.

“I wanted to combine my love for music with my love for the children at the foundation, and the 10^th anniversary seemed to be the perfect occasion to do so,” Alcorn said.

Alcorn has worked seasonally since 2008 as an assistant therapist for the foundation while completing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio.

“Tracy was so flexible with me during school, and I am happy to give back to her and the Foundation by sharing my music,” she said.

“It is really encouraging that despite the violent circumstances the Foundation began with, we are celebrating its longevity with a peaceful and beautiful musical event. This really attests to the strength of our country’s people, like Tracy.”

The foundation’s Pre-school Readiness Education Program (PREP) will also give a special performance at the concert.

“Our kids have been working on their performance the entire semester,” said Alcorn, who teaches the music elective. “They’re going to rock the house.”

All ages are welcome to attend the concert. The hall will be set up so that parents have flexibility to bring their children and enjoy the event without fear of disturbing other guests. Seats may be reserved online at www.woodallkids.org or by phone at 972-756-9170. All monies raised from Notes for Autism will support services and programs offered by the Brent Woodall Foundation.

PREP prepares students to integrate into a typical pre-school or kindergarten setting. It is open to all children ages 3-5, including those with autism, developmental delays or language delays.

Source: Brent Woodall Foundation

By Amanda Casanova 

Eva Guzman is the first Latina appointed and elected to the Texas Supreme Court and one of the most influential Latino leaders in the nation. Serving as the 8^th annual Irving Hispanic Chamber Awards luncheon’s guest speaker, Guzman told attendees that Hispanic chambers are a key part to communities.

“They have made the community part of their business plan,” she said. “They’re investing. They’re giving back to their community. These types of events would not be possible without strong leadership both in the community and in the chamber.”

With an overall population of more than 218,000, Irving’s Hispanic population comprises almost 42 percent.

Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez, who attended the luncheon, said it is important that young people, especially Hispanics, understand they work is necessary for success.

“The message to children is that if they apply themselves, go to school and do something after you go to school, you are going to be successful if you have results,” Gonzalez said. “In America you can be successful if you apply yourself, but the bullying you get in school doesn’t change and the way you stand up to that is with results.”

During the event, the Chamber celebrated its most distinguished members and businesses for 2012.

The 2012 IHCC award winners include:

Chamber Champion - Sharon Barbosa-Crain. 

Entrepreneur of the Year - Angie Franco, Encanto Cake Shop.

Small Business Champion - Tommy Gonzalez, Irving City Manager.

Small Business Year - Gene Guzman, G&C Direct Mail Marketing.

Corporate of the Year - TXU Energy, Jon Bennett.

The prestigious LATINA Style HONORS Latina Leaders of the USHCC National award went to Asusena Reséndiz, President and CEO of the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Asusena was recognized and celebrated as one of the most successful Chamber leaders in the Nation by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Latina Style in 2011 and 2012.

"This event is the perfect example of commitment to creating dynamic partnerships and to ensure that the City of Irving is a magnet for new and established business at are able to add diversity," said Asusena Resendiz, President of the IHCC. "We're fortunate to have had TXU title sponsor this year's event, and are honored to be here celebrating the success of our corporate and small business community."

Guzman said the Chamber is able to reach out to Hispanics and help them with their goals.

“We’re all about the American dream, Latino dreams,” she said. “Chambers make the American dream possible for new generations.

“I love the theme for the luncheon: Energizing the new generation. Are we energized?” Guzman asked to a room full of applause.

Founded in 1998, the Hispanic Chamber’s mission is to identify, develop, promote and support Irving businesses and those serving the Hispanic community through programs, activities and services.

Some information provided by the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Coppell resident Jack Hobbs will be inducted into the South Jersey Baseball Hall of Fame at Campbell’s Field on Nov. 24. Drafted in 1978 by the Seattle Mariners as a pitcher, Hobbs made it to the big leagues with the Minnesota Twins in 1981.

Hobbs will be inducted along with four others, Joe Davis, Keith Garagozzo, Salem’s Lee Ware and Joe Acquaro.

Irving ISD has been selected to take part in Wolf Trap Early Childhood STEM Learning Though the Arts.  The program infuses Science, Technology, Engineering & Math into classrooms at Good Elementary School using arts based learning approaches.  The program is free to the district, as it is sponsored by Northrop Grumman. The goal of the one-week residency program is to provide professional development for classroom teachers while helping children learn through active participation in arts-infused experiences that are grounded in proven developmentally appropriate best practices.

Irving ISD is a leader in STEM education for high school students.  Wolf Trap brings the same creative thinking models used in secondary education that will enable kindergarteners to go beyond traditional teaching and learning activities.