Our Christmas Cottage has officially closed for the season. Though the toys, books and decorations might be gone, the Cottage is still overflowing with the thankful hearts of our community and everyone here at GRACE. Individuals, families, churches, schools, civic organizations and corporations alike united under one cause and the mission of GRACE. You made the difference and created a joyful, worry-free Christmas for our families. We could not have served our community without the generosity, strength and love from all of you. This year you helped us serve 805 households, which consisted of 2,912 individuals. With every gift delivered off and every hour sacrificed, our volunteers were able create almost 3,000 smiles this year. We hope you are as proud of your impact as we are- we can’t thank you enough! The GRACE family wishes you a happy and healthy new year, and we hope to see you again

The 2022 GRACE Poker Tournament is right around the corner! Seating is limited so if you want to buy a seat you need to act fast. We’re excited to announce our returning presenting sponsor: Wright Construction Company! This corporation raises funds for our life-changing programs and has been a huge success since we introduced it two years ago. This exclusive event is selling out faster and faster each year, so it is imperative that those wanting to play act now. Park Place Jaguar Land Rover DFW is eager to host our annual poker tournament for a second year at their cutting edge facility Saturday, February 5th, 2022. This year’s prize package includes a trip to Las Vegas provided by the Travel Purveyor with airline tickets through Southwest Airlines. The event wouldn’t be complete without a superb selection of wine, beverages, and food courtesy of Scratch Catering and Fine Foods and

It all began with a sub sandwich. Rather, a bagful of sub sandwiches from Grapevine Subs & More. Nicole and Sam Felberbaum, proprietors of Grapevine Subs at the time, had a brilliant fundraising idea for the CBI Brotherhood, a group of community-spirited people associated with Congregation Beth Israel, a Reform Jewish community in Colleyville. It was late in 2013, and Sam’s idea was a casino night event to benefit several local charitable agencies, including GRACE. Sam’s purpose of the meeting—and the subs—was to learn some of the “tricks of the trade” of doing special events. Sam had been impressed by the reach and success of the GRACE Gala, and was hoping to use it as a model for his casino night idea. A date in January 2014 was set, and a theme of a 1920’s-era speakeasy tavern was created. Fast forward nine years, and Sam’s concept has blossomed into one

GRACE welcomes our new Marketing & Communications Manager, Natalie Podsednik! Growing up in Arlington, Texas, Natalie has always been very outgoing. Playing volleyball, cheerleading, and hiking were just a few of Natalie’s interests. On top of graduating from Southwest Christian School in 2017 with all A’s, Natalie continued her education going to Abilene Christian University, with a study in Graphic Design/Advertising. She was a member of AIGA, (America Institute of Graphic Arts) and the sorority Delta Theta, and carried on a load of internships that would propel her to the next level in her life. Natalie graduated Summa Cum Laude and received the Presidential Scholarship throughout all four years. Natalie first started working with GRACE as the Marketing & Communications Intern in early July, helping to brand the entire 2021 Gala, and rebranded GRACE as a whole. She transitioned to the manager role in late September- just in time for