Communities in Schools celebrates 25th birthday

Since 1985, Communities in Schools Dallas Region has made a difference in the lives of many area students. The nonprofit helps more than 60 schools in 10 school districts. In Irving, 11 schools benefit from its case managers, who foster trust, hope, self-esteem and more in at-risk students.

The nonprofit’s 25th anniversary celebration culminated in the “Kids Come First” Diamond Gala June 4 at the Omni Mandalay in Irving. Amy Turner was gala chairwoman and Kathy Klingaman honorary gala chairwoman. Barbara Hunt Crow pitched in as honorary chairwoman for the entire 25th birthday celebration.

The gala included remarks by the organization’s board chairwoman, Karl Schmalz , and president, Sandra Chavarria , a performance by students from Williams Preparatory School led by Lisa Laughlin and a live auction by Mike Jones . The band Plush entertained throughout the evening.

Among the guests was one person who recently turned 100. Ebby Halliday , a big supporter of Communities in Schools, sat at a center table. Visit cisdallas.org.

Lyric Stage’s ‘Oliver!’

A cast of 38 and a 30-piece orchestra bring to life the musical Oliver! , the musical premiered in London in 1960 and opened on Broadway in 1963.

Lyric Stage’s production stars Jonathan Beck Reed as Fagin and Jack Vangorden as Oliver. Other cast members include Catherine Carpenter Cox as Nancy, Mike Gallagher as Mr. Bumble, Clayton Slee as the Artful Dodger and Daylon Walton as Bill Sikes.

The creative team includes director Cheryl Denson , music director Jay Dias and choreographer Ann Nieman .

The Arts Center is at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. For tickets, call 972-252-787 or visit lyricstage.org.

Funds for Irving Cares

Irving Cares received $50,000 from Kiewet, Mass Electric Construction Co. and KSWRP, contractors that are building the DART Orange Line. Employees organized and held a 2011 KSWRP Charity Golf Tournament that raised $25,000. Kiewit and MECC matched the $25,000.