Tuesday, February 13th marked the first official Discover GRACE! We’ve been looking forward to this event, and are looking forward to many more. If you haven’t heard of Discover GRACE, let us tell you what it’s all about! The goal is simple: We want to share our mission and stories with our community, and to hear from them their ideas and history with GRACE in return! Formerly known as our Volunteer Orientation, Discover GRACE is opening our doors and inviting in the community— not just volunteers— to a behind the scenes look at the work GRACE staff does— and how you play an indispensable role in all that is accomplished. Here, guests will learn about GRACE’s mission and history, hear from GRACE staff about the work they do, experience a tour of GRACE Main, then regroup in the community room for questions, ideas, and if guests are interested, filling out

“I always loved GRACE from afar from what I knew of the agency,” said Rebecca Cox, GRACE Chief Executive Officer, reflecting on her first days with GRACE. Now, looking back on the first 90 days of her tenure, she concludes, “But now I truly understand the depth of feeling, the dedication of every person involved with GRACE, and the utterly inspiring feeling I get serving this mission. And that feeling grows day-by-day.” Literally, Rebecca’s “Day 1” duty was to preside over the grand opening of GRACE’s Christmas Cottage on December 4. A whirlwind of a joyous Christmas Season and Year End activities followed. “[Christmastime] was a season both of need and of giving,” said Rebecca. GRACE Hunger Services, Housing Services, and Children’s Services all posted record numbers served. Fortunately, the generosity of people in the community kept pace. “We had churches, businesses, and schools holding food drives all month long,”

Last month, poker players both young and old put their skills to the test in the 6th annual GRACE Poker Tournament! On Saturday, February 3rd, guests arrived at Park Place Land Rover DFW and experienced celebrity-style treatment with a red carpet! Hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Scratch Kitchen and a selection of wines courtesy of Classic Wine were enjoyed by all as players prepared to settle in for the tournament. Blackjack tables and even a practice poker table were also available for those who weren’t quite ready to play in the official game. The four rounds of poker were guided by Bryan Campanello, champion of the 44th Annual World Series of Poker, and strong supporter of GRACE. With each round, the number of players dwindled…until the final three remained! In the end, Brad Wilson with Parity Consultants was crowned this year’s GRACE Poker Tournament champion! Congratulations, Brad – and well done