Members of Chi Omega sorority gathered February 9 to present checks to seven local charities including Lake Highlands’ own Healing Hands Ministries, which received $35,000. A total of $275,200 was raised, including $15,000 in scholarships, at the annual Chi Omega Christmas Market charity fundraiser.

“Thanks to the hard work of our members and the generosity of our sponsors,” said Jenny Kaiser, market co-chairman, “we have exceeded our pledge of $200,000 and can give back even more to the community.”

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Founder Janna Gardner and Chairman of the Board Mark Wingfield accepted the donation from Chi Omegas Michelle Johnson and Courtney Benson on behalf of Healing Hands. “This gift will enable us to open another evening of the clinic and increase capacity,” said Janna. “We are a young organization providing medical and dental care to needy families in Dallas, and your gift will make a big difference in the lives of many.”

Also on hand to accept donations were representatives from the Bridge Breast Center, Heroes for Children, Promise House, Wednesday’s Child, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, and Make-A-Wish – all of which serve residents of Lake Highlands.

“Experts are working to develop a cure [for cancer], but in the meantime we step in to help with the bills and provide anything the family needs,” said Michelle Peacock, who founded Heroes for Children after her own four-year-old daughter, Taylor, died of leukemia. “Our turn around time is quick, and these families don’t have time to wait. Thanks to your generosity, we will make an immediate impact on the lives of these children.”