The 15th Annual Celebrity Chef event raised $605,000 for our adult and pediatric hospice, supportive palliative care, and Meals on Wheels programs.  We’re sending a Texas-sized thank you to Lisa and Tom Perini of Perini Ranch Steakhouse!  These two legends graciously shared stories from the ranch, tales of feeding hungry cowboys straight from the chuck wagon, and 40 years’ worth of memories—all served up with grace, humor, and a whole lotta heart.  As Tom put it best: “The chuck wagon was the original Meals on Wheels!”

To hear more colorful Perini stories, visit their Meet Me at the Wagon podcast!

Thank you to our fantastic sponsors, event chairs Jennifer and Matt Craft and Rachael and Evan Singer, our Honorary Chairs Karen and Richard Pollock, and all those who helped make this event a success!

View photos:

Lunch: https://vnatexas.pixieset.com/2025celebritycheflunch/

Dinner: https://vnatexas.pixieset.com/2025celebritychefdinner/

Join podcast host Kersten Rettig for an insightful conversation with palliative care experts Dr. Kate Taylor and Dr. Cheryl Thaxton from the UNT Health Science Center’s College of Nursing. Hear their perspectives on adult and pediatric palliative care, discover valuable resources for caregivers, and learn how clinical teams support patients and families through serious illness.

Click here to listen: https://www.vnatexas.org/podcasts/a-better-understanding-of-supportive-palliative-care/

At a recent lunch and learn, VNA Medical Director, Dr. Kelley Newcomer, detailed her work leading the Hospice and Palliative Care Fellows program at VNA. These vital, immersive training programs provide fellows with experience working with physicians, nurses, and the interdisciplinary teams within the hospice (adult and pediatric) programs, and also make in-home patient visits. Fellows, Dr. Raseman and Dr. King, also shared what they have learned and how their experience will shape their future medical careers.

Click Here to Listen

Join VNA’s Young Professional Group, Society 34, for a night of fun, networking, and friendly competition!  Test your knowledge, meet fellow young professionals, and support a great cause—all while enjoying a trivia night.  Bring your A-game and your friends, and let’s make a difference while having fun. CLICK HERE to secure your spot!

Fool’s Kava House will be serving a variety of their signature kava beverages to keep you refreshed throughout the evening. Appetizers will be available, and complimentary beer and wine will be provided.

Instilling servant leadership in young children fosters empathy, responsibility, and a growth mindset, ultimately shaping them into compassionate, effective leaders who prioritize the well-being of others. By encouraging service and developing emotional intelligence, we can equip children with the skills to build strong relationships, make a positive impact, and navigate complex social situations. 

If you are looking for a meaningful, fun way to encourage servant leadership for your 8-11 year old this summer, VNA has the camp for you!  Our camp was created to empower the next generation of volunteers and philanthropists by teaching campers:

• The reality of senior hunger in our community
• The importance of good nutrition
• How to combat social isolation
• The gift of volunteerism

What campers are saying:

“The most important thing I learned today was that even something seemingly small can make a big difference. Even just drawing someone a picture or giving them a meal and having a short conversation can make them feel less lonely and sad and let them know that they are seen.”

What parents are saying:

“Forget boring summer camps! My 9- and 11-year-olds just became superheroes at the coolest camp ever—the Meals on Wheels Kids Camp! It’s been a great way to give back to our community while they had a blast.  It’s a small-time commitment, but the impact we’ve made feels significant. I highly recommend the kids camp at Meals on Wheels. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!”

Learn more and register campers here:  https://www.vnatexas.org/kids-camp/

© VNATexas.org
1420 W. Mockingbird Ln., Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75247

Established in 1934, the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing care to our community, enhancing health and well-being with compassion, dignity and integrity. VNA is North Texas’ most trusted provider of quality health care services in the home and is the first, most experienced Hospice Care provider in Texas.  VNA offers Meals on Wheels in Dallas County, Supportive Palliative Care, and adult and pediatric Hospice Care in Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Rockwall, Tarrant, Van Zandt, and Wise Counties. Visit www.vnatexas.org or call 214-689-0000 for more information. 

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