November 2022

Texarkana Magazine

NOVEMBER • 2022

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE November | 2022 | Volume 3 | Issue 11

56. LIFE Mrs. (Slightly) Sophisticated 58. TXK 411 Setting the Table

12. cover/BUSINESS Making Ends Meat 18. POLITICS TISD Tomorrow!

66.

44.

40. CULTURE A Community on Pointe 44. SPORTS What’s in a Name? 52.

40.

64. THE MONTHLY MIX Holiday Photo Style 66. TXK ROOTS Sunni Cranfill West

ENTERTAINMENT Good Evening TXK

20. POLITICS What’s on the Ballot 25.

58.

COMMUNITY Giving Guide

Thanksgiving potluck...

CASSY MEISENHEIMER Mimi’s Cornbread Dressing

TERRI SANDEFUR Dill (family name) Meat Dressing

SHELBY AKIN My Mom’s Green Bean Casserole

KARA HUMPHREY Sweet Potato Casserole

LEAH ORR Best Mac and Cheese Ever!

BRITT EARNEST Sister Shubert Rolls

MATT CORNELIUS Whatever my Mom brings

LINDSEY CLARK Caramel Apple Pie

SHANE KENNEDY Pluck-It Cake

BAILEY GRAVITT Peanut Butter Blossoms

MEGAN GRIFFIN My Mom’s Corn Casserole

KRISTIE KELLER Grandmother Allman’s Fruit Salad

TIFFANY HORTON Mikie’s Stuffed Mushrooms

FRED NORTON Tula’s Prune Cake

MRS. (SLIGHTLY) SOPHISTICATED Beef Bourguignon

KAILYN WILLIAMS Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

SCAN HERE TO VIEW OUR THANKSGIVING RECIPES

CONTRIBUTORS

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

T his is the season of gratitude, and I do not have adequate words to express my appreciation for the many people who have been an integral part of our first two years. So, Happy Birthday to us; we are officially a toddler! The infancy stage was challenging, to say the least, lacking in sleep and full of every emotion. As I reflect on all we encountered trying to get our first ever print magazine on stands, I am struck by the village of people it took to make it happen. Facing one struggle after another, I almost lost hope we would make it on time. We had team members dropping with COVID while desperately trying to add all the finishing touches. During the proofing process, we left a printout of the entire first issue in our proofreader’s mailbox. It disappeared. After

txkmag.com letstalk@txkmag.com 903.949.1460 OFFICE 911 North Bishop Street Building C • Suite 102 Wake Village, Texas 75501 MAIL 2801 Richmond Road #38 Texarkana, Texas 75503

Publisher CARDINAL PUBLISHING Staff CASSY MEISENHEIMER cassy@txkmag.com TERRI SANDEFUR terri@txkmag.com KARA HUMPHREY

kara@txkmag.com SHELBY AKIN shelby@txkmag.com LEAH ORR leah@txkmag.com BRITT EARNEST britt@txkmag.com MATT CORNELIUS matt@txkmag.com

the issue had finally been printed and was being shipped from San Antonio to Texarkana, the shipment got lost three times. Somehow, they could not locate 10,000 magazines! How was that even possible? Finally, I received word that some magazines had arrived at the local freight terminal, so naturally, I drove over there to finally lay my eyes and hands on them. When I went to the loading dock, I could not find anyone to help me. Still, since it had already been very chaotic, I fired off an email to the company that I would be loading them up and taking them with me. The next thing I knew, the cops showed up and told me they were looking for someone wandering the dock, threatening to take the product. “Ohhh… oops… I think that is me,” I admitted. “My bad.” Anyway, that situation got worked out, and everyone was friendly after I got hold of my emotions. I even convinced the slightly terrified dock workers to take a fun selfie with me so I could commemorate the day I almost got arrested. Long story short, all 10,000 magazines finally arrived in Texarkana. Fred, my boys, and I dropped them off at the post office at 6:58 pm with a 7:00 pm deadline to get our first issue out in the mail on time. It happened by the hair of our chinny chin chins. Praise the Lord! Thank you all for making the last two years the wonderful adventure it has been. At Texarkana Magazine , we are honored to tell your stories. Keep being exceptional, and we will be right there with you cheering you on. Local business owners everywhere constantly experience hardships and chaos we never know about in order to provide a finished product or their vital service to our community. We never see the emotions nor feel the stress behind what is neatly packaged and offered to us as consumers. In this current climate of inflation and shortages, our local food industry owners are experiencing insane inflation and shortages in supplies and workers. It has been a tough time for many of them, as Shane Kennedy, owner of Reggie’s Burgers on St. Michael Drive, shares in this month’s cover story. So, the next time you are out with your family enjoying delicious food served by friendly wait staff, remember they are all doing their best. Be kind. After all, it is the season for it.

Local Sources CLARE ANGIER JOHN LUKE ANGIER MARY CAROLINE ANGIER

PHILIP ANGIER ANGELA EVANS LESLI FLOWERS TAMMY LUMMUS VICKI MCMAHON JOE REGAN

CRAFTED IN TEXARKANA. EMPLOYEE OWNED AND LOCALLY SOURCED.

#txkmag

Texarkana Magazine is a multimedia publication showcasing the Texarkana area and is designed and published by Cardinal Publishing, LLC. Articles in Texarkana Magazine should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Ideaology, products and services promoted in the publication are not necessarily endorsed by Texarkana Magazine .

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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MAKING ENDS MEAT BY SHANE KENNEDY, REGGIE’S BURGERS, DOGS & FRIES

Y ou do not have to be an economist to notice that it takes a lot more dollars to purchase the same goods or services today than it did just six months ago; six months ago, things cost noticeably more than they did 12 months ago; one year ago, they cost noticeably more than they did in a world before COVID-19. As the pandemic came to a slow roll, it is as if someone threw jet fuel on inflation, which has gobbled up all previous financial gains and increases. Recent governmental numbers reveal an overall across‑the‑board inflationary increase of 9.1% from June

2021 compared to June 2022. This latest figure is a 41- year record high. The last time the cost-of-living shot so high, so fast, most of us were too young to notice. But we notice now. If you keep a close eye on the news, you also know this number is an average mean. Translation: while many odd things have not increased much, or at all, the costs of key items have increased significantly more than 9.1%. When we isolate key items like fuel, automobiles, or food, we see inflation numbers that are more than double the 9.1% figure. As an example, post-pandemic wholesale

BUSINESS & POLITICS

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chicken prices recently shot up roughly 300% and seem to have recently settled at roughly double. The locally owned, mom-and- pop restaurant world is a very small universe to which I belong. I know many of these restaurateurs personally and am keenly aware of them through a

The Texarkana Newk’s survived COVID with the help of us building the first drive-thru in the Newk’s system of 105 stores.

Wendy’s drive‑thru stayed open as well. That, along with our dedicated staff at Newk’s and Wendy’s, kept us open when many businesses were shut down. Both Newk’s and Wendy’s have faced the same pressure of increased food and labor costs as all restaurants in our area have. Although our sales since COVID 2020 are up 21-22%, food cost is up 10‑12%, along with a labor increase of 20%. A large part of Wendy’s sales increase has come from Wendy’s implementation of breakfast and value meals. Especially the $5 biggie bag and much-improved fries. The margins on Biggie Bags are much smaller than regular combos. Price increases for both restaurants have been implemented to cover some, but certainly not all, of these increases. Our customers have been most understanding not only with the price increase but our struggle with labor and the inability to obtain products. We have three convenience stores tied in with three Wendy’s locations. Sales are flat, and labor is up 35% for the Arkansas locations, primarily due to the increase in the minimum wage over the last two years. Getting products has been extremely difficult. Even strong companies like Coca- Cola struggled to deliver in the peak season of summer. The PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) allowed us to keep many of our employees fully employed. The ERC (Employee Retention Credit) kept us from laying off staff and allowed us to compensate with bonuses for those who stayed with us. We are thankful for the government subsidies but are also aware this will eventually come back to us in the way of inflation, higher interest rates, and possibly recession. It has been a challenge, but we have somewhat thrived because of stronger brand awareness. Wendy’s, especially with breakfast, has great promotional products in sandwiches and the new strawberry frosty. Wendy’s social media has done a great job with this. Along with our partners, growth plans are four stores in east Texas, growing toward Dallas, and construction soon begins in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Our other locations are inside travel centers.”

cover photo by Matt Cornelius, burger by Reggie’s

network of wholesale food and service companies. Based on my direct industry involvement and network, I know practically all area restaurants have been forced to increase menu prices by as much as 30%. Even for me, this is a staggering upward adjustment. If you are alarmed by the menu price increases you see, maybe this will help. I am no accountant, but there are three general categories of costs associated with any retail business, including local restaurants: Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), Labor, and General Overhead. COGS includes food items, beverage items, and any dry goods necessary to deliver prepared food to the end consumer (cups, bags, napkins, utensils, condiments, etc.). A few months back (which corresponds to the recent June inflation numbers), in a candid conversation with a leading food wholesaler executive, it was explained to me that his company’s true year-to-year, all-inclusive COGS was up just over 18%, which means my restaurant’s COGS is up just over 18%. I can tell you that these costs have gone up further since June. Regardless of what some politicians may say today, from experience, I expect near-future inflation numbers to be worse than 9.1%. Labor starts with hourly wages. Located in a twin city, the area’s labor market is driven by the highest minimum wage of either state. Arkansas led the way with incremental increases from $8.50/hour through December 2018 to $11/hour in January 2021. Now, add corresponding increases to employer paid tax withholdings (matching funds), worker’s compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and other benefits calculated by base wage rates. I am as happy as anyone that employees make more for the same work, but such wage increases have a very direct bearing on the prices we pay for things like cheeseburgers, vehicles, or absolutely everything. General overhead will include costs associated with real estate (lease rates or interest expense), utilities and other provider services, necessary governmental fees and licenses, property taxes and insurance. Nobody remembers this expense category, as the

—Daphne Cox, Newk’s Eatery and Wendy’s

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other categories demand our attention. Almost all these types of expenses are calculated based on real-estate values. I will forgo any economic detail and offer one correlation: the recent impressive escalation in residential real-estate values (that all homeowners love) has a direct correlation to an escalation of all these business expenses. While real estate is expected to cool significantly in the immediate future, the most current Zillow market report dated July 19, 2022, states that year-to-year values are increasing at “the current pace of 19.8%.” ( www.zillow.com/research/home-value-sales- forecast-july-2022-31240/ ). These general overhead expenses are exploding upward, just like your home’s value. None of us have a crystal ball. We have no idea what the future holds. What we do know is that area menu prices are on a big

upward move. I am confident that demand will stick, but wholesalers and providers tell me more, and worsening shortages are a virtual promise. If true, prices must go up further still. Speaking as a customer, it is frustrating, to say the least, and downright unsettling at worst. Speaking as a restaurateur, it is a threat to my very future, my ability to feed my family. I can assure you, our businesses are subject to the same high-rising costs and frustrations that we all face as individuals. Please take a moment to consider; COGS is up 18%, Labor is up 23%, and General Overhead is 20%. I am being conservative. A 30% increase in retail menu pricing begins to sound like a bargain. The bottom line is that local restaurateurs are not raising their menu prices to increase profit margins or gouge customers; we are raising our menu prices to keep our doors open.

With nationwide increases in the cost of food and other

goods, we tried to be thoughtful and strategize ways to increase the value of the dining experience at our restaurant. Though we had to increase the prices of some items on our menu, we tried to counteract this increased cost to visitors by enhancing the level of service they receive. We’ve done this by adding live entertainment more nights per month and trying out new acts. Our bar manager, Mackensie, is a first-rate mixologist, creating delicious new cocktail specials that run all month long. Having all of our desserts made by our amazing in-house pastry chef, Bri, is a huge draw to those who cannot find these sweets anywhere else. We have increased our social media presence to keep Texarkana engaged with our happenings. Our food specials run all month on the weekends, allowing all our customers to come in and try new dishes at affordable prices. All of these have helped us keep our seats filled despite new economic challenges. But, as a team leader, I cannot say enough good things about my staff. They show up ready to work, and they leave it all on the field. Ultimately, the only way we thrive is by working together to provide the absolute best experience to each individual that walks through our doors. In my experience, our greatest investment should be in our people. Take care of your people, ensure loyalty and longevity, and they will, in turn, take care of your customers. And, in my humble opinion, we have the best customers in town!”

We have seen an unprecedented and steady rise in the cost of key items… if they are available at all! In some cases, the product may be available but not the packaging, so you can’t

get it. Julie’s is known for, and committed to maintaining the same high quality that our customers depend on us to provide for them and their families. Now, the cost of ingredients is one thing, but the increase in labor costs/reduction of availability has only compounded the problem. I hear people complain about the current state of the hospitality workforce, and that is real. I don’t think it’s a case of people not wanting to work; I think we have a significant number of the hospitality industry leaving the business entirely. Hospitality is hard. But it is easier when you have great customers—like Julie’s does! We are so fortunate to have such a great core group of AMAZING Julie’s employees that are still here every day making delicious food. We struggle with finding part-time staff even though we offer a much higher-than-average wage, PTO, bonuses, college tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, and amazing work culture. Our part-time schedules are perfect for college students! Special event catering has caused us to get out of our comfort zone in this economic climate. We know that weddings are typically once-in-a-lifetime events, and every bride dreams of her perfect day. Making sure the wedding couple gets everything they want with a budget that only covers a portion of the dream event makes for some creative compromises. We are seeing a

—Jodi Griffin, Twisted Fork

lot fewer full-service events and a lot more set-up & drop- off events. This compromise really has helped with being able to accommodate events that have tighter food budgets and still being able to offer delicious Julie’s catering.”

—Jennifer Tanner, Julie’s Deli

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TISD TOMORROW! BY FRED NORTON, JR. T exarkana Independent School District (TISD), the largest school district in our region, proudly features programs that encourage students to innovate, lead, and excel while in educational settings with the specific intention to prepare them for highest achievement as they enter the world following graduation. On November 8, members of the TISD community will have the opportunity to vote for two school bond propositions. Both include renovations and additions to TISD facilities that were intensely studied and researched during TISD’s strategic planning initiative: Imagine 2026. More than 300 stakeholders began meeting in October 2021 and contributed in excess of 1,400 meetings and research hours to this significant undertaking. In April 2022, the TISD Board of Trustees appointed a Long- Range Planning Committee (“LRPC”) comprised of 39 parents, community and business leaders, civic organization representatives, and elected officials. Its task was to develop a long-term Master Facilities Plan, and it reviewed a wide array of information including a facility assessment, demographic information, financial reports, and educational research. After weeks of conscientious deliberations, the LPRC finalized the Master Facilities Plan and a school bond proposal which, when presented to the TISD Board of Trustees, was unanimously adopted and authorized for submission to TISD voters for their approval. Approximately 7,000 students attend school in TISD every day, a 25% increase over the daily census in 2002. In 20 years, student enrollment has grown by almost 2,000 students, necessitating the addition of new facilities, including Waggoner Creek Elementary School, Martha and Josh Morriss Mathematics & Engineering Elementary School and Texas Middle School. Due to the popularity of TISD programming, the rigor of its curriculum, and the success of its students, the TISD family continues to grow. The bond issue proposals will permit TISD to address obsolete structures originally designed and built to prepare students for jobs and careers of the 1970s and 80s and other aging facilities which have not been remodeled in many years, almost 75% of which are over 65 years old. The three schools slated for replacement in the bond proposals average 82 years of age. Many TISD buses are also approaching the end of their useful lives, and the bond proposals are intended to ensure that TISD students have modern, well-running buses for safe transportation to and from campuses daily and on trips to scheduled events. The bond is presented to voters in the form of two propositions, each of which offer an option to vote “for” or “against.” Proposition A addresses continuing security upgrades needed at all campuses, aging facilities and aging buses. If approved: safety and security at all TISD campuses will be upgraded. Some projects, such as access control, security fencing and security window film, are already being implemented. Texas High

School will also improve some of its covered walkways. Spring Lake Park and Highland Park elementary schools will be combined, and a new elementary school will be constructed to serve these students at the former location of Pine Street Middle School. This new facility will feature state-of-the-art classrooms and collaborative spaces, all with upgraded safety and security systems. Paul Laurence Dunbar Early Education Center will be rebuilt at a central district location. The current building, originally constructed in 1953 for students in grades 1-12, requires immediate replacement. The new early education center will model contemporary and ultramodern design and technology and, when combined with the district’s other pre-kindergarten campuses, will allow TISD to serve more than 800 eligible pre-kindergarten students, double the amount current resources now afford. This new center will provide immersive learning activities to better prepare TISD’s youngest students for kindergarten. Wake Village Elementary School has not been renovated since 1986. Along with a new, modernized front elevation, this school will receive updated classrooms and an addition to house the pre- kindergarten and first grade classrooms. The front office and cafeteria will also be redesigned and remodeled. The fleet of TISD buses, which travel over 250,000 miles per year, will be upgraded. The district requires 18 new buses to maintain a regular replacement schedule. Proposition B addresses the issue of no significant investment in many TISD buildings since 1968. This is especially true of Texas High School and its career and technology facilities. If approved: Texas High School will receive an expanded and renovated center for Career and Technology Education (CTE). Current facilities which house the many facets of the Ross Perot STEM Academy are located in numerous non-contiguous spaces throughout the school and across the campus. The new CTE addition will include learning spaces in one location for twenty-first century careers. These facilities will prepare students for those occupations and careers in highest demand today. Should both of these propositions win voter approval, annual taxes on the average-valued home in TISD will increase by $13.18 ($9.06 for Proposition A, and $4.12 for Proposition B). Any approved tax increase will not affect those TISD taxpayers 65 years of age or older due to the Texas Residence Homestead Exemption (unless they make improvements beyond routine maintenance). TISD’s Board of Trustees has consistently lowered property taxes over the past four years and has not held a bond election in eight years. Early voting from October 24 to November 4 will be available at First Baptist Nash, Sullivan Performing Arts Center, Oak Street Baptist Church, Christ Community Church, Pecan Ridge Apartments, Walnut Church of Christ, and the Southwest Center. On November 8, voting will be held from 8 am to 6 pm at all Bowie County voting locations. A 1976 graduate of Texas High School, Freddy is a current member of the TISD Board of Trustees. He was originally elected in 1997 and re-elected in 2000. After taking a leave of absence when his term expired in 2003, he was re-elected in 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2020. He and his wife Martha (a graduate of San Angelo, Texas public schools) are the proud parents of three Texas High graduates: Ben (2014), John (2016) and William (2018).

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FEDERAL U.S. House of Representatives, Arkansas District 4 The United States House of Representatives, is the lower house of the U.S. Congress. Each state receives representation in the House in proportion to its population but is entitled to at least one representative. WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT STATE OF ARKANSAS Secretary of State The secretary of state has jurisdiction over state election laws, ensuring uniform implementation throughout the state. Anna Beth Gorman (D) John Thurston (R) Treasurer of State

SCHOOL Texarkana, Arkansas School Board, District #7 At Large, Position One Representative

Amy Mae Leslie Cordia Metcalf Zone Two Representative Marilyn Funderburk Pamela Winchell Zone Five Representative Marsha Petty Sandra Rhone Texarkana Arkansas School District School Tax Rate COUNTY Justice of the Peace, District 1 Eric Darden Judy Wilson (R) Justice of the Peace, District 3 Ethan Eppinette (R) Richard Hall (D) CITY City Director Ward 3

The treasurer of state is the chief financial officer of the government of Arkansas.

Gregory Maxwell (L) Bruce Westerman (R) John White (D) U.S. Senate John Boozman (R) Kenneth Cates (L) Natalie James (D) STATE Governor

Mark Lowery (R) Pam Whitaker (D) Auditor of State

The Senate is the upper house of the U.S. Congress. Each U.S. state is represented by two senators, regardless of population.

The auditor of state is a state executive position in the Arkansas state government. The auditor “acts as the general accountant for the State, keeping track of all fund and appropriation balances of all state agencies, and writing the warrants (checks) in payment of the liabilities of the State.” Simeon Snow (L) Diamond Arnold-Johnson (D) Dennis Milligan (R) Commissioner of State Lands The commissioner has chief authority over Arkansas’ landed interests and serves as the chairperson for the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, among other responsibilities. Darlene Goldi Gaines (D) Tommy Land (R) State Senate, District 4 The Arkansas State Senate is the upper chamber of the Arkansas General Assembly.

The governor is an elected constitutional officer, the head of the executive branch, and the highest state office in Arkansas. Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. (L) Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) Chris Jones (D) Lieutenant Governor The lieutenant governor is an elected constitutional officer, the second-ranking officer of the executive branch, and the first officer in line to succeed the Governor of Arkansas. Frank Gilbert (L)

Lonny M. Goodwin (I) Jimmy Hickey Jr. (R)

Kelly Ross Krout (D) Leslie Rutledge (R) Attorney General

State Representative, District 100 The Arkansas House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Arkansas General Assembly. Carol Dalby (R) Luke Robertson (L) State Supreme Court Associate Justice, Position 2 The Arkansas Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort and has seven judgeships. Chris Carnahan (I) Robin Wynne (I)

Steven Hollibush Otha Williams Jr. City Director Ward 5 Donna Burnett

The attorney general is the chief law enforcement officer of the state of Arkansas. He or she serves as legal representation for state agencies and officers, provides official opinions on legal issues, and represents the state in criminal appeals. The attorney general also represents Arkansas Medicaid in cases of fraud and neglect and pursues violations of consumer protection law. Jesse Gibson (D) Tim Griffin (R)

Danny Jewell Phillip Jones Mayor Allen Brown Tederal Jefferson

Republican Party (R) Democratic Party (D) Independent (I) Libertarian Party (L)

VOTE NOVEMBER 8 TH

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WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT STATE OF TEXAS

The Texas Supreme Court The Texas Supreme Court is the state’s highest civil court, has nine justices who hold their office for terms of six years. Three of the nine seats on the Supreme Court are up for election this year. Justice, Supreme Court, Place 3 Debra Lehmann (R) Erin A. Nowell (D) Thomas Edward Oxford (L) Justice, Supreme Court, Place 5 Rebeca Huddle (R) Amanda Reichek (D) Justice, Supreme Court, Place 9 Evan Young (R) Julia Maldonado (D) The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is Texas’ highest court for criminal cases. The Court consists of a Presiding Judge and eight Judges. They hold their offices for terms of six years. Two of the nine seats on the Supreme Court are up for election this year. Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5 Scott Walker (R) Dana Huffman (D) Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 6 Jesse F. McClure, III (R) Robert Johnson (D) The State Board of Education (SBOE) sets policies and standards for Texas public schools. There are 15 districts within the SBOE. Every seat is up for election because the districts were redrawn last year. Pam Little (R) Alex Cornwallis (D) Christy Mowrey (L) SCHOOL Texarkana Independent School District Proposition A Texarkana Independent School District Proposition B Member, State Board of Education, District 12

Lieutenant Governor The lieutenant governor, the second‑highest executive in the state, presides over the Texas Senate.

Dan Patrick (R) Mike Collier (D) Shanna Steele (L) Attorney General

FEDERAL U.S. House of Representatives Texas has a new 38-district congressional map that incorporates two new House seats, which the state gained due to its population growth. U.S. House of Representatives, Texas District 4 Pat Fallon (R) Iro Omere (D) Josh Simmons (L) U.S. House of Representatives, Texas District 1 Nathaniel Moran (R) Jrmar “JJ” Jefferson (D) STATE Governor The governor is the chief executive of the state of Texas and is elected by the citizens every four years. The governor has the power to sign and veto bills passed by the state legislature, serve as commander-in-chief of the state’s military forces, convene special sessions of the legislature, grant reprieves and pardons, and fill vacant positions via appointment. Additionally, the governor is responsible for delivering the “State of the State” address and an annual state budget report and budget recommendation. Greg Abbott (R)

The attorney general is the top lawyer in Texas, representing the state in mostly civil litigation. Ken Paxton (R) Rochelle Garza (D) Mark Ash (L) Comptroller of Public Accounts The comptroller is the state official responsible for collecting taxes, overseeing the state treasury and forecasting the amount of money that’s available to legislators when they craft the state’s two-year budget. Glenn Hegar (R) Janet T. Dudding (D) V. Alonzo Echevarria-Garza (L) The oldest state agency in Texas. The General Land Office manages state lands, operates the Alamo, helps Texans recovering from natural disasters, helps fund Texas public education through the Permanent School Fund, provides benefits to Texas Veterans, and manages the vast Texas coast. Dawn Buckingham (R) Jay Kleberg (D) Alfred Molison, Jr. (G) Commissioner of Agriculture The agriculture department supports farmers and administers school lunch programs. Sid Miller (R) Susan Hays (D) Commissioner of the General Land Office

Beto O’Rouke (D) Mark Tippetts (L) Delilah Barrios (G)

Railroad Commissioner In Texas, the Railroad Commission regulates the oil and gas industry. Wayne Christian (R) Luke Warford (D) Jaime Andres Diez (L) Hunter Crow (G)

Republican Party (R) Democratic Party (D) Independent (I) Libertarian Party (L) Green Party (G)

VOTE NOVEMBER 8 TH

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PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES

SPONSORED CONTENT

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HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Every nonprofit has unique needs. Find one you connect with whose mission aligns with yours. Determine how you, your family, or your company can help that organization succeed. There are many ways to give that are listed in this guide. You can give regularly or one-time. Every donation helps make an impact for the organization. MISSION Study this information so you can learn and understand the work the nonprofit does and the impact they make. The mission is the foundation of the organization. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS This is a great way to interact while raising money! VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES If you have time to give back to the community then take time to serve. Many organizations need volunteers like you to help complete their missions. BOARD OF DIRECTORS These individuals give so much to the organizations they serve. They are giving their time, energy, and financial support to their nonprofits. Make sure to take time to thank them for the work they do. They are also a great source for personalized insight on how you can make a difference in their organization.

INDEX 1 st Choice Pregnancy Resource Center ........................................36 Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area ................................................ 27 CASA for Children and Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center .....................................28 East Texas Communities Foundation ............................................ 29 Harvest Regional Food Bank ...........................................................30 Hands On Texarkana .........................................................................36 Just Love & Kindness ........................................................................31 Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation .................................32 Randy Sams Outreach Shelter, Inc. . ..............................................33 Runnin’ WJ Ranch .............................................................................. 37 Texarkana College Foundation .......................................................34 Temple Memorial Pediatric Center ................................................ 37 Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council (TRAHC) .........................................38 University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT) Foundation ...........................................................................35 Watersprings Ranch ..........................................................................38

2022 GIVING GUIDE

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ALZHEIMER’S ALLIANCE TRI-STATE AREA

Our Place is the Place to be

100 Memory Lane Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-223-8021 www.alztristate.org

MISSION To empower those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with resources for enhancing their quality of life through education and support. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • Eighth Annual Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival— Celebr8 • Candlelight Ceremony • Drawdown/Chili Supper

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES •

$50 pays for an entire day of respite for one of our friends— Respite is held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday weekly Sponsor the Wine Festival Show someone you care about their loss and give back to a wonderful organization by making a memorial or honorarium Custom made Christmas cards

Established 1989 3 Employees Serving Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas

• •

Give a general donation to help continue our mission

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Terrie Arnold FUNDING SOURCES

**100% of all proceeds remain in our service area to provide resources, education, and support for families dealing with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

10% Grants

John Ross, President

Mark Van Herpen, Treasurer Whitney Fuqua Gary Gathright Mark James Stephanie James Patsy Morriss

Mary O’Farrell Susan Robbins Haley Roeser Lisa Sitterley Cathy Van Herpen JoAnn Ward

15% Donations

Lauree Romero, Vice President

75% Fundraising

Christina Guzman, Secretary

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CASA FOR CHILDREN AND TEXARKANA CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER

Hope, Healing, and Justice

of charge thanks to the support of our community. If you would like to support our mission of providing hope, healing, and justice to abused and neglected children, visit casatexarkana.org or email emilygreen@cactexarkana.org for more information. IMPACT • Year to date CASA and CAC have served a combined 1,605 children • CAC has provided 1,870 free therapy sessions to children and their non-offending family members • 95 CASA Volunteer Advocates have logged 3,177 volunteer hours,

MISSION Our mission is to provide hope, healing, and justice to abused and neglected children in our community through comprehensive services at the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Our work is supported by donors and community partners throughout our service region. We are able to provide advocacy services, forensic interviews, medical exams, and trauma therapy free

completed 957 child visits, and attended 278 court hearings and case related meetings. CAC has conducted 724 forensic interviews. CAC staff has provided expert court testimony which resulted in six life sentences and a total sentencing of over 1,000 years.

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1201 Main Street Texarkana, Texas 75501 903-792-1030 www.casatexarkana.org www.texarkanacac.org

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Established 1990 23 Employees Serving Bowie, Cass, Morris, Miller, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Sevier, Nevada, and Columbia Counties

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Liz Flippo Dr. Brittany Ackley Britt Earnest Greg Cockerell

Bill Bullock Nick Cockerell Brock McCorkle Alex White Kendrick King

Kayla King Sgt. Brad Thacker Lauren Richards Courtney Shelton

FUNDING SOURCES

2% United Way

CASA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Malenda Cree CAC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Missy Davison CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Misty Honea CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER Emily Green

4% Crime Victims Compensation 3% Foundations

85% Grants

6% Donors & Sponsors

2022 GIVING GUIDE

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

EAST TEXAS COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION

Simplified Charitable Giving

315 North Broadway, Suite 210 Tyler, Texas 75702

903-533-0208 www.ETCF.org

Established 1989 7 Employees Serving 32 counties across East Texas

MISSION Philanthropy builds community and changes lives. East Texas Communities Foundation supports philanthropy by offering simple ways for donors to achieve their charitable goals. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES ETCF works with individuals, families, businesses, financial advisors, and nonprofit organizations to create charitable funds that support a variety of community causes and individual philanthropic interests. The Foundation distributed $17.2 million in grants in 2021 and currently manages over $120 million among 425 unique charitable funds.

ETCF offers five fund types including Donor-Advised Funds, Scholarships, Nonprofit Funds, Designated Funds, and Unrestricted Funds. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS East Texas Giving Day, powered by ETCF, is a crowd-funding event that happens the last Tuesday in April online at www.EastTexasGivingDay.org . The purpose of an area-wide Giving Day is to bring the region together on one day, as one community, enthusiastically raising money, volunteers and awareness for participating nonprofits. This initiative provides citizens across ETCF’s 32-county service area an easy platform to support the mission of local nonprofits.

PRESIDENT Kyle Penney

GRANTS AWARDED

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Craig Adams Rick Allen

Kimberly Fish Lee Gearheart Shannon Glenney Kris Gusa Judith Guthrie Mark Hagan Edwin Holt John Jones Gregory T. Kimmel

David McWhorter Jeff Moore Tony Morgan Gordon Northcutt Richard Perryman Steve Roosth Alan Roseman Scott Terry Lonny Uzzell Mark Whatley W. Fred Smith, Jr.

Robert Bailes Barbara Bass Doug Bolles Peter Boyd Garnett Brookshire Anthony Brooks Dirk Coleman Cindy Featherston-Shields Jay Ferguson

Tiffany Kirgan Dale Lunsford

2022 GIVING GUIDE

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

HARVEST REGIONAL FOOD BANK

Ending hunger, one meal at a time

3120 East 19th Street Texarkana, Arkansas 71854 870-774-1398 www.harvestregionalfoodbank.org

Established 1989 11 Employees Serving a ten county area in Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas

MISSION The mission of Harvest Regional Food Bank is to alleviate hunger in Southwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas, through food distribution, education and advocacy. Harvest distributes much needed food to over 85 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, as well as school and senior care programs. The food bank’s backpack food for kids and student pantries reach over 1,200 hungry children each week, while the college pantry program reaches thousands of non-traditional students and their families. Harvest also distributes food directly to rural, food-insecure families through its Mobile Pantry, and reaches older adults with senior-friendly food, delivered to senior centers and delivery programs. Over the past year, Harvest

has provided over 4.5 million pounds of food to children, adults and seniors struggling with hunger. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • Wine & Jazz in March • Drive Out Hunger in May • Taste of Texarkana in the fall GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Harvest relies on the generous support of our community to provide hunger relief to thousands of food insecure neighbors in our community. Every dollar received by the food bank provides 5.5 meals to someone in need, and a gift of $125 sponsors a child on the Backpack Food Program for an entire school year.

FUNDING SOURCES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Camille Coker Wrinkle

2% Food Handling/ Delivery

30% Grants and Contributions

68% Value of USDA and Donated Food

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brad Davis, President Buck Buchanan, Vice President Corey Jerry, Secertary

Darla Crawford Kathy Ellington Bruce Flint Julie Furlow Capt. Juan Gomez III Lamar Grace Michael Hawkins Julius Holmes Felicia Horn

Toney Livingston Chris Owen Hon. Leon Pesek, Jr Susan Robbins Marla Runion Michelle Shores Amanda Ward Melinda Vammen

Jonathan Hornok, Treasurer Andi Darby, Past President Camille Coker Wrinkle, CEO/Executive Director

Jimmy Anderson David Bowman Brad Carlow

2022 GIVING GUIDE

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

JUST LOVE AND KINDNESS Leave footprints of love and kindness wherever you go.

304 Forest Lake Drive Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-278-6083 www.justloveandkindness.org

Established 2019 All Volunteers Serving the Ark-La-Tex

MISSION The aim of Just Love & Kindness is to promote the development of young people, veterans, and the forgotten, underserved members in our society to achieving their full physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual potential. JLK.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 100% volunteer based with all proceeds remaining in the Ark-La-Tex, and relies solely on the generous support within our community to secure, promote, and fund many different programs and initiatives. Each program or initiative is funded with the knowledge that our goal is to get to the kids before they get into life altering situations. Additionally, we also support Veterans and the under served community (homeless). We are diligent in our efforts, and we are seeking more volunteers and partners to assist us in reaching more people and changing their lives for the better.

FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS Our annual golf tournament is held in September each year; this is where we raise the majority of our donations. We spend the entire time throughout the year and into the next year searching out programs and creating initiatives that benefit children. We work with TAPD Pride Academy, TTPD Heroes & Pros, Bowie County Juvenile Probation, Why Try Program, TASD STEM, Community Closet, FFA, North Heights, and many more causes on a case-by-case basis. We quietly work with people who need essential support. If you know of a cause that needs support, please let us know. We would love to speak with you. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Donations are always appreciated and easily submitted via our website or by mailing a check to our address. We graciously accept monthly and one time donations. Other opportunities of giving include Giving Tuesday and East Texas Giving Day.

PRESIDENT Laura Klein FUNDING SOURCES

1% Grants

99% Donations

Laura Klein, President Robert Klein Sr., Vice President BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Connie Loomis, Treasurer Robbie Klein, Secretary Kim Polk Roxanna McNaughten Rodney Danley Britain Ball Amber Koller

2022 GIVING GUIDE

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

PLEASANT GROVE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION

8500 North Kings Highway Texarkana, Texas 75503

903-831-4086 www.pgisd.net

MISSION The Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities for excellence in education, promote innovation in teaching and partner with the community to enhance the quality of education for all students. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • Staff Campaign • Annual Campaign • Great Grant Giveaway • Hawk Hustle • Culinary Uncorked • Top 25% Academic Banquet for Seniors GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Annual Campaign Hawk Hustle Culinary Uncorked

IMPACT •

174 grants awarded to classrooms 376 Chromebooks provided for Intermediate, Middle, and High School 67 document cameras, 226 iPads, and 52 interactive tablets purchased

Established 2007 31 Board Members

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Serving the Pleasant Grove Independent School District

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16 scholarships awarded to seniors totaling $14,000 $37,500 given to College Preparation Fund

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16 years honoring the top 25% class $12,500 given to Pleasant Grove High School Food Pantry Sent 14 teachers to Colonial Williamsburg Funds given toward PAC lighting, drama department, and journalism equipment We also gave to Athletics and PE Equipment Over $19,000 in robotics materials awarded to Pleasant Grove Middle School Annual funds given to teacher training and professional development

PRESIDENT Ashley Gibbs

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FUNDING SOURCES

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17% Staff Campaign

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The Pleasant Grove ISD Education Foundation has given $778,539 to Pleasant Grove ISD!

50% Hawk Hustle

33% Annual Campaign

EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ashley Gibbs, President Anna Hornsby, Past President Patricia Beth, Secretary Pam Beck, VP Finance Jessica Rich, VP Development

Danielle Patterson, VP Programs Renee Sheppard, At-Large Member

Shelby Akin, District Liaison Chad Pirtle, Superintendent

2022 GIVING GUIDE

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

RANDY SAMS OUTREACH SHELTER, INC.

By the grace of God a shelter for His people

402 Oak Street Texarkana, Texas 75501 903-792-7024 www.randysams.org

Established 1995 12 Employees Serving the Homeless

MISSION Randy Sams Outreach Shelter provides shelter, food and clothing to the homeless in our midst and the tools and resources necessary to help them regain their independence. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • Randy Sams Invitational— Annual bag toss/cornhole fundraiser at Crossties

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Food and clothing donations are needed for our Annual Thanksgiving Day Lunch for the area homeless and less fortunate. Visit www.randysams.org or our Facebook page for details. Clothing, hygiene, and food donations are welcome 24/7 at 402 Oak Street, Texarkana, Texas 75501 (shelter), and financial donations may be made at www.randysams.org or via check at 803 Spruce Street (admin office), Texarkana, Texas 75501. SERVICES PROVIDED • Shelter, Food, Clothing • Life Skills Classes & Computer Lab • Job Training & Search • Case Management • Transport & Medication Assistance • Mental/Physical Health Referral • Substance Abuse Services Referral • Re-Housing Services • I.D. Document Assistance • Application to Food Stamps, etc. • Other Community Referral

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Lacefield

FUNDING SOURCES

45% Community Support

55% Grants

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2 Pianos Downtown—live music, food, and fellowship

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Father David Halt, Board President Greg Davis, President Elect Barbara Larry, Past President Steve Thompson, Treasurer John Delk, Secretary Larry Oxford, Fundraising Chair Charlie Cook, Emeritus Director

James Keever, M.D., J.D. Jeannie Field Miller Scott Hamm

Michael Hendrix Donnie Spriggs David Vershaw

2022 GIVING GUIDE

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

TEXARKANA COLLEGE FOUNDATION

A Great Place to Start... or Start Over

2500 North Robison Road Texarkana, Texas 75503 903-823-3125 www.texarkanacollege.edu/foundation

MISSION The Texarkana College Foundation seeks to support and uphold the mission of Texarkana College by providing accessible and affordable higher education through securing charitable gifts and grants in support of the college’s funding priorities. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES The Texarkana College Foundation funds numerous scholarships and special projects for Texarkana College students. In 2022, the Foundation funded 478 scholarships totaling $524,103. We received scholarship applications for 796 worthy students, so we continue to fundraise to close this gap. With tuition prices at approximately 30% of Texas public university and 10% of a Texas

private university, your donation goes a long way at Texarkana College.

Established 1974 1 Employee Serving Texarkana College Students

In early 2023, we will open the doors of our new McCulloch Industrial Technology Center. The new building will house our existing programs in Electrical Technology and Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC) in a state-of-the-art learning facility for TC Students. It will also provide the space for a centralized TC Data Center. Providing a trained workforce for our community is our top priority. Texarkana College continues to be a leader among Texas Community Colleges with graduation rates in the top five and the highest percent of degrees and certificates awarded to African American students in Texas.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Katie Andrus

FUNDING SOURCES

100% Private Contributions

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mike Craven, Chair Truman Arnold

Bob Hubbard Frederick Eugene Joyce Buddy McCulloch Don Morriss

Cheney Pruett James Henry Russell

IMPACT $524,103 in scholarships Spring, Summer, Fall 2022

Dean Barry Borden Bell Andrew Curry Ben Floyd Vickers Fuqua

Mike Sandefur Alan Schimming Daniel Warmack

Jessica Palmer Cary Patterson Trey Patterson

2022 GIVING GUIDE

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

UAHT FOUNDATION

Your Bridge to the Future

2500 South Main Street Hope, Arkansas 71801 870-722-8516 www.uaht.edu/foundation anna.powell@uaht.edu

Established 1993 Serving UAHT Students

MISSION The primary purpose of the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Foundation is to advance higher education by securing private financial support for all units and activities of the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS • UAHT Community Fish Fry • Beads, Bags, & Bangles • Watermelon Festival Concert • Giving Tuesday • Annual Giving Campaign • Anniversary Celebrations • Roast & Toast Events • Casino Night-UA Texarkana

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES The University of Arkansas

Hope‑Texarkana Foundation supports students through scholarships and special projects to advance the institution.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Anna Lee Powell

The most common giving opportunities are annual and endowed scholarships.

Other opportunities for giving include naming of buildings, estate planning, securities, life insurance, matching gifts, event sponsorships and memorial or honorarium donations. Your investment in the education of University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana students is an investment in your community and the future of our region.

IMPACT

+$ 85,000 00 in Scholarships Fall 2021 and Spring 2022

Lindy Franks Betty Jo Hays Honorable Prissy Hickerson Steve Lance Deborah Malek, Secretary Dr. Phil McLarty Honorable Steve Montgomery BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Charlotte Bradley Shelby Brown Robert Carter, D.D.S. Trevor Coffee, D.D.S. Judy Davis Adam Dixon Dr. LaDell Douglas

Jamie Pafford-Gresham Jerry Pruden Ned Ray Purtle Honorable Dennis Ramsey, Chair Freddie Smith Kathy Struckman, Vice Chair

2022 GIVING GUIDE

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