Jul 15

July

Note from the President

Dear Dragons Care family,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this month as we mourn the profound loss of Nicole Mertens, our beloved art teacher from Old Union Elementary School. Nicole was not only a cherished educator, but also a shining beacon of kindness, creativity, and dedication in our community. Her warmth and passion for teaching touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Nicole’s family has invited us to join them in honoring her memory at a memorial service on July 29th at 10:00 AM at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church. We hope that you will be able to attend and pay your respects, continuing to show the same incredible support you have extended to the Mertens family during this difficult time.

In addition, if you would like to contribute to the fundraiser set up to support Nicole’s family, the link is available in the current staff needs section. Your support, whether through attendance or donation, will help ease their burden during this challenging time.

Reflecting on this past month, I am deeply moved by how our Dragons Care community has come together in the face of adversity. From our staff who embraced fun and creative ways to raise funds for their colleagues in Dunk for a Cause, to all of you who have participated in our "give back" events, your acts of kindness and solidarity have been nothing short of inspiring.

Thank you for your unwavering support, your commitment to loving our staff so well, and your advocacy for Dragons Care. You are making a profound difference in the lives of others, and we are endlessly grateful for each and every one of you.

Warm regards,

Virginia Hinkle

President, Dragons Care

Current Staff Needs

Nicole Mertens, Art Teacher at Old Union and Beloved Wife, Mother and Friend, Passed Away

To donate, click here: https://givebutter.com/gcQsdK

*This is a level 4 grant. All donations received will be given to the Mertens family.

"It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Nicole Mertens. Though she was taken from us far before her time, the memories we have of our dear friend will live on in our hearts forever. She was not only a dedicated and inspiring teacher but also a loving mother, devoted wife, and cherished friend to many of us. Nicole and her husband Mark are Southlake residents and parents of two Dragon students.

Nicole was a pillar of our community, dedicating 21 years as a teacher in CISD. Her passion for education and her unwavering commitment to her students left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. She had a unique ability to inspire and nurture, making a lasting impact on countless young lives."

Sign Up to Receive Text Messages from Dragons Care for ONLY SERIOUS Staff Member Needs. You will not receive text messages about events, fundraisers or anything else besides staff needs. When you sign up to receive text messages, you will receive informational text messages from us via Givebutter, the fundraising platform we are using. You may opt-out at any time by replying STOP to any message received. Thank you!

The Southlake Chamber of Commerce has awarded Dragons Care the Civic Group Award for 2024. Dragons Care could not have achieved this honor without the generous support of the community. Through your generosity, Dragons Care has continued to provide a significant impact through community-driven initiatives meant to support CISD staff members during their times of need. Your belief in our mission and your contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of many. Thank you again for being part of this journey. Together, we continue to make a positive impact and create a supportive environment within our community.

We want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone in our amazing community who is making a difference for our staff through Dragons Care! Whether you’re donating, advocating, or volunteering, you are a vital part of the success of our non-profit organization!

We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, individual donors, monthly contributors, and those who have gone the extra mile to set up matching donations through their businesses. Your generosity has allowed us to grant so much this quarter, and we are truly in awe of your support.

At Dragons Care, we are committed to transparency, and to keep you informed about how your contributions are making an impact, we will be providing a quarterly report each and every quarter. We want you to see firsthand how your support is being used to benefit our wonderful staff!

Let’s keep this momentum going strong! Staff, continue to support one another by nominating your amazing colleagues, and to our Dragons Care family, let’s keep the spirit of community alive and well by continuing to #GetLoudWithLove!

Thank you for being an essential part of our mission!

Mark Your Calendars for the Last Two

Give Back Summer Dates!

Sponsorship Goal for the 2024-25 School Year

Dragons Care is dedicated to supporting every CISD staff member during times of illness, injury, or family crisis, ensuring equality in assistance for all. Our goal for 2024-25 is to raise $100,000 to provide comprehensive support. Join us in championing our staff's well-being by becoming a title sponsor today.

For more information on how to become a sponsor and to sign up, please contact Virginia Hinkle. You can also click here to read through our detailed sponsorship packet.

Join us today, and let's make a lasting impact in our community together.

Dragons Care Highlighted in Stroll Magazine

Dragons Care will continue to accept grant requests from the CISD staff during the summer months. Should an illness, injury or family tragedy occur during summer break that staff member must be returning in the fall in order to be eligible to receive a grant. Information on grant requests can be found at

https://www.dragons-care.org/info-for-staff

We hope everyone is having a great start to their summer!

Thank you to our

Gold Level Sponsors: