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A Tradition of Giving

By Terri Rimmer

When I worked for Child Advocates of Tarrant County (CATC) as an advocate I got the privilege of participating in the Annual Chi Omega Carousel, now known as the Christmas Market.

We raffled off three child-sized playhouses for our non-profit, selling tickets then watching parents and kids observe the intricately-built displays in awe as they fantasized about maybe having one of the winning tickets.

On the day the winner to be announced, press and crowds would gather around a central area where the winning ticket would be proclaimed and a different set of little girls and parents would smile and hug each other with excitement they realized they would be taking home a house built by own of our builders.

It’s that time of year again.

With the theme “A Tradition of Giving,” Chi Omega is celebrating 28 years of charity, a philanthropic project sponsored by area Chi O alumnae that have brought in over $4 million for local organizations.

This year’s dates are Nov. 2nd from 7-10:30 p.m., Nov. 3rd, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Nov. 4th 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., and Nov. 5th, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

This year’s market will be at the Dallas Convention Center, Exhibit Hall “A,” having been featured at Will Rogers Coliseum for several years.

Beneficiary funds are derived solely from tickets sales, merchants, and donations.

There is food, fun, festivities, samples, unusual vendors, new and old favorite products, and demonstrations among other activities.

The event is for adults and children alike. There’s even something for the men.

Some of the beneficiaries from the event include The Ark House, which provides low cost temporary housing for out of town children and their families while undergoing medical treatment in the DFW area. The 2005 Christmas Market has pledged $20,000 for this organization for their Ark Apartments.

Another recipient is the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, a private, non-for-profit hospital affiliated with UT Southwestern Medical Center and the only academic healthcare program in Texas dedicated only to the comprehensive care of kids up to age 18. They will receive $40,000 for the Krissi Holman Family Resource Library and Children’s Collection at the center.

Family Getaway will also benefit from the Christmas Market. They provide food, shelter, and services to homeless families who have children. By pledging $30,000 Chi Omega will furnish them a new playground named Chi-O KidZone.

For more information and a complete list of beneficiaries, access chiomega

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