This past week, Meredith Martin, GRACE Director of Community Engagement was inducted into membership with the Grapevine Rotary Club. Rotary is a global network of more than 1.4 million people of action in more than 46,000 clubs who share a passion for and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives around the world. Rotarians look to change lives locally and connect with other clubs to work on international projects that address today’s most pressing challenges. “There are so many amazing local community groups and I am so excited to be inducted into the Grapevine Rotary,” Meredith stated. “I am involved with the National Charity League with my daughter and the Young Men’s Service League with my son, so the mission and core values of Grapevine Rotary are very important to me.” Grapevine Rotary is one of the many groups that assist GRACE year long, but especially in the summer months

GRACE partners with 121 Community Church and GCISD to host its annual Back to School Fair. Because of donations and volunteer hours from the community, GRACE is able to assist with the Back-To-School program by providing clothes (including new underwear and socks), school supplies, and backpacks. This special event is planned for school-aged children whose families are experiencing financial hardship and/or qualify for free or reduced lunch. It is a great opportunity for you to give back to your community and contribute to this incredible effort in a variety of ways. One way you can get involved is through donating. As of now, we are in need of many donated items, including, but not limited to, new underwear and socks, shirts and pants for boys and girls, and light and heavy gently used jackets. Among the school supplies that are needed, backpacks are acceptable for students of all ages, as

GRACE would like to introduce its Accounting Associate, Diane Eldredge. Diane was born and raised in Salmon, Idaho, with a passion for the outdoors. Some of her favorite memories growing up include hunting, camping, and hiking with her father and her brothers. Diane has always thrived in administrative work. She received her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and Business Management from Treasure Valley Community College and then worked for multiple companies including the State of Idaho’s Department of Insurance as a Financial Technician. After a temporary position as a Customer Service Rep for the Texas Workforce Commission, Diane began working at GRACE in March 2022. Her duties include assisting with the payroll of GRACE staff and prepping financial documents. Diane cites two major reasons why she loves her job and supports GRACE’s Mission. “GRACE’s acronym and the meaning of “grace” go hand in hand,” said Diane. “GRACE is a nonstop

Historically, so many aspects of the GRACE Gala make it the place to be on the first Saturday in November! Attendees enjoy an evening of elegant dress, an exquisite dinner, and sharing a room full of servant–hearted local community members giving to help those in need. Two very important events also stand out that evening; the GRACE Gala Live and silent auctions. These auctions display an amazing selection of items and experiences- and all money raised goes to GRACE programs that assist local communities. That evening’s auction items include some of the most generous donations from individuals and businesses in our communities! From five-star restaurant dinners to fine jewelry to all-inclusive vacations, the auction is always a highlight at the Gala. So many of the auction items cannot be found anywhere else and are definitely coveted by those who attend! The 2023 GRACE Gala Auction committee is currently seeking donations.

Our Food Pantry inventory is low or out of many items, and we need your help! Providing good wholesome food could be the most basic and most important service we offer our clients. Our Food Pantry serves as a grocery store and community hub for hundreds and hundreds of our clients. When our community members need food or other goods, they know that they can rely on the friendly faces of the hard-working GRACE Pantry staff and volunteers. That’s why keeping the Pantry stocked with only the finest goods is crucial. Your contributions to our shelves and refrigerators directly impact families in our community so please, view our most current Pantry Needs List above, or shop our Pantry Needs Amazon Wishlist here. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated!

Have you been dreaming of cooler temperatures, yearning for the holiday season that requires more scarves and sweaters than it does sunscreen and sandals? The Christmas season will be here before we know it, and now is a great time to prepare! Celebrate the Christmas in July spirit by getting a head start on supporting the GRACE Christmas Cottage! Every year, through generous donations from supporters like you, GRACE is able to provide over 2,500 individuals and families with a very merry Christmas at the Christmas Cottage! This program allows qualified individuals and families to use a hypothetical “budget” to “purchase” donated toys, home goods, and appliances in a private, store-like setting. With this unique and important approach, these families are able to practice budgeting while also preserving dignity. It is through this program that so many community members are able to continue traditions, enjoy precious memories together, and have

Summer is officially here, and so are the scorching temperatures! While many are able to benefit from an air conditioning unit or system in their home, many of our neighbors do not have access to a well-working unit, or to one at all! That’s where United Way of Tarrant County comes in, with their Beat the Heat campaign, which kicked off last month on June 21st! This campaign helps serve so many in this area, including GRACE clients.  Last year alone, Tarrant County experienced one or more heat-related deaths each week throughout the summer. The Beat the Heat campaign aims to diminish this devastating statistic by collecting air conditioning units to help older adults and individuals with disabilities who may not otherwise have access to one. This year, in honor of United Way of Tarrant County’s 100 year anniversary, they’re hoping to collect 100 units! Of the units collected, GRACE

Last month on June 6, AJ’s on Main held their 2nd annual Music Fest Fundraiser, benefitting the GRACE Food Pantry! This super fun event featured live music, a raffle and auction, and of course – great food and drinks from AJ’s! A main street Grapevine staple for over 10 years, AJ’s generously chose to donate proceeds from this event to GRACE.  As a United States Air Force and local police retiree, AJ Gillinger definitely has a passion for serving his community and giving back. One of the ways he accomplished this is through one very fun tradition. When you step into AJ’s on Main, you’ll notice dollar bills stapled to the ceiling left by guests that have enjoyed visiting the restaurant and bar for many years. So, AJ decided to collect all of the money that had been left and donate it to GRACE!   Everyone, including members of GRACE

Did someone say pie? There are many things that punctuate the summer season, but perhaps one of the tastiest is a peach pie! This summer, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a delicious pie and support the GRACE Back to School supply drive at the same time! Owned by two avid GRACE supporters, Jason and Sheila Ridley, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop in Colleyville has chosen GRACE as the benefactor for July’s “Pie It Forward” initiative. A portion of the proceeds from every peach pie sold in the month of July will go to support GRACE Back to School. This includes both the four inch and nine inch sized pies. Pie It Forward recipients vary by location, so be sure to visit the Colleyville location to show GRACE some love! Every year, the Back to School supply drive aims to provide children in all grade levels with the necessary materials for

Emily was born and raised in Oceanside, California. She has always been a person of good nature, ready to give 110 percent in everything she does. Her love for non-profit organizations started at the age of eight, after taking a field trip with her Girl Scout troop to visit Canine Companions – an organization that provides service dogs to people with disabilities. In 2018, Emily’s passions led her to become a kennel technician for Canine Companions, where she was tasked to help care for the dogs while they were in training. After almost three years of work in California, she found herself moving to the DFW area to continue her career with Canine Companions as a service dog trainer. In March of this year, Emily sought something new, and started working for GRACE, diving right in to assist with all things special events. Her attention to detail, her desire to