AWARE Announces New Beginnings for 2026!
AWARE is now AWARE North Texas with a New Logo and Board of Directors
Grant Applications Open February 1 through March 1, 2026
(Featured photo: AWARE North Texas 2026 Board of Directors. Front Row: Michael McKinley, Secretary; Stacey Angel, Advisory Board Chair; Emily Collins, Treasurer; Karen Koop, Parliamentarian and Immediate Past President.
Back Row: Sharon Ballew, VP Development; Mari Epperson, President-Elect; Janet Broyles, VP of Grant Review; Ann McKinley, 2026 President; Carol Stabler, VP Communications; Karisti Julia, VP Community Relations. Not shown: VP of Finance: Catherine Weber.)
Ann McKinley, AWARE North Texas 2026 president, says, “We are excited to share that AWARE has a new look and new name! AWARE Dallas is now AWARE North Texas!
“The name reflects the broadening of our geographic impact. AWARE North Texas invests in Alzheimer’s programs and research in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Kaufman and Rockwall counties.
“The new logo symbolizes our belief that we don’t rise above Alzheimer’s alone, but together. We are a dynamic, welcoming community of people, experts, caregivers, and supporters who give, connect, learn and strengthen one another.”
In addition to Ann as the new president, new members of the board of directors for 2026 are: Secretary: Michael McKinley; Treasurer: Emily Collins; Immediate Past President/Parliamentarian: Karen Koop; President – Elect: Mari Epperson; VP of Communication: Carol Stabler; VP of Community Relations: Karisti Julia; VP of Development: Sharon Ballew; VP of Finance: Catherine Weber; VP of Grant Review: Janet Broyles and Advisory Board Chair: Stacey Angel.
AWARE North Texas is honored to partner with local nonprofits and research programs that strengthen care and advance progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementias. AWARE seeks to grow, enhance and launch innovative ideas to improve quality of life, care partner support and research. Grants are awarded annually to qualified applicants. Grant Applications go live via the website on February 1, 2026 through March 1, 2026. Site visits will be scheduled in March and April 2026, and funding decisions will be made in May.
Everyone is looking forward to the AWARE Affair 2026: Boots Buckles & Brain Health,Rising Above Alzheimer’s Together presented by Sheryl and Gary Wood, honorary chairs with Katie and Neal Doherty and Heidi and Cole Snadon, chairs. The event happens on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Gilley’s in downtown Dallas.
Check out the new website at www.awarenorthtexas.org and subscribe to receive updates about Friends of AWARE, AWARE Affair, other special events, educational meetings, lunches and so much more.
About AWARE: AWARE is a nonprofit organization that empowers North Texans to rise above the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias together.
Since AWARE’s founding in 1989 by a group of volunteers, the Dallas-based organization has invested more than $15 million in local providers, researchers and innovators fighting for our loved ones and a cure. Every dollar that AWARE grants stays in North Texas to benefit the local community.
AWARE also invites North Texans who care about those who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias to join Friends of AWARE – a community of individuals, caregivers and professionals with a vested interest in supporting the best care in our region today and hope for a cure tomorrow. Individuals navigating the challenges of these diseases – including patients, caregivers and professionals – give, connect, learn and advocate for solutions in North Texas. The Friends of AWARE membership drive begins May 1.
The community can support AWARE’s mission by joining Friends of AWARE, attending its annual signature fundraiser, AWARE Affair, or making a donation at www.awarenorthtexas.org Instagram: @awarenorthtexas Facebook: @awarenorthtexas
AWARE North Texas, a Texas nonprofit, operates through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund, Inc., a Texas nonprofit and 501(c)(3) public charity (Tax ID: 27-6601178). Contributions qualify as tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent AWARE and its special announcements and events and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles eBuzz.)
