DALLAS, TX — (May 27, 2014) — Mohr Partners, Inc. was the presenting sponsor for Jonathan’s Place’s third annual “A Chance to Soar” luncheon at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas, which raised funds to support abused and neglected children across North Texas. The event was an unmitigated success and increased net raised by 33% over last year’s luncheon.
Academy Award-nominated writer and actress Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) was the keynote speaker and former Dallas Cowboy DeMarcus Ware was recognized as the event honoree for his off-the-field charitable work with Jonathan’s Place. Former Dallas Cowboys teammate Bradie James and Platinum Underwriters Marianne and Roger Staubach were also in attendance.
“When asked to choose a charity close to his heart to work with during Pepsi’s 2010 ‘Refresh Everything’ campaign, DeMarcus chose Jonathan’s Place,” said Allicia Graham Frye, Chief Executive Officer for Jonathan’s Place. “DeMarcus has been so generous to Jonathan’s Place over the years to ensure our children feel special and valued, especially around Christmas time. DeMarcus is truly a blessing to Jonathan’s Place, and we are excited to express our gratitude to him.”
“I’m a big advocate of giving people a second chance because of my little daughter,” Mr. Ware said. “I adopted her from birth and she’s been a big blessing to me from a lot of the devastating things that have happened to me with pregnancies that happened to my ex-wife. It’s all about giving people second chances and giving them opportunities they never had.
“While Nia Vardalos may be most widely known for her work on screen, it’s her work off screen that makes us so honored to have her as our keynote speaker,” added Ms. Frye. “Nia’s passion to share her message of foster care and adoption with her signature humor helps move us one step closer to our goal of ending child abuse and neglect.”
“It was an amazing event and we are thankful for the opportunity to sponsor it,” said Jennifer Norris, Managing Principal of Mohr Partners and a Jonathan’s Place Board Member. “Several of our associates were able to share in the luncheon’s festivities. Jonathan’s Place and the children they care for hold a special place in our hearts and we are very happy to be able to work with them.”
“We are thankful for the opportunity to continue to support and sponsor events on behalf of Jonathan’s Place,” said Bob Mohr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mohr Partners. “We have teamed with Jonathan’s Place for over eight years and it was been a very rewarding relationship. Our associates get so much more out of it than they put in.”
Jonathan’s Place was the first licensed foster group home in Texas for drug-addicted babies and small children. They have since expanded their mission and now provide emergency residential care services to abused, abandoned and neglected children, foster care and adoption. Their facility was created and is operated by the Kid Net Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Dallas resident Lisa Matthews and Phil Matteis to provide specialized services and housing to at-risk children in Dallas County and throughout the state.
Mohr Partners has sponsored Jonathan’s Place for over eight years, committing resources by allowing its associates time off to visit the cottage and planning fun activities throughout the year for the children. Additionally, Mohr sponsors Easter and Christmas parties annually where Mohr associates contribute items for the event such as Easter baskets, candy, toys, clothing and other items to ensure the children receive gifts and are not forgotten at these special times of the year.
Several times a year Mohr associates visit the cottages for fun events, donating supplies necessary for maintaining the homes. Throughout the year, Mohr associates sponsor fundraisers to raise money for which Mohr Partners, as a company, matches all donations. Last year, in acknowledgment of Mohr Partners’ service, Jonathan’s Place formally recognized the company at its second annual “A Chance to Soar” luncheon.
If you would like to contribute to the work being done at Jonathan’s Place, you can make a direct donation by visiting the organization’s website at www.jpkids.org/donate.
