Via CBS DFW (Source)

As Quardraiz Wadley works out at his high school alma mater, he knows when he returns to the University of Texas at El Paso that the hopes and dreams of the Miners this season will rest squarely on his shoulder.

“I just have to keep everyone in a positive mindset. I have to tell my guys. Stay together and don’t get divided,” Wadley said.

Kennedale coach Richard Barrett says he remembers when Wadley played for him and the same thing that made him the 4A player of the year is the same thing he possesses. “He has a purpose and he’s passionate and when you have those kinds of things,” Barrett said. “The skies the limit.”

Entering his senior season at UTEP, Wadley will switch from jersey #4 to jersey #2 — the number Luke Laufenberg wore at UTEP before he passed away after a heroic battle with cancer in August 2019.

Miners coach Dana Dimel says they “give it to the players that exemplify the same characteristics of leadership and and being a great teammate that Luke brought to our football program.”

Luke’s father, Babe Laufenberg, says, “The ancient Egyptians believed that if you say a man’s name, he is still alive. And my hope is that if you were the number, he still alive, or at least he’s going to live through the players that you tap that come along and wear the number two.”

Missing all of last season with a devastating foot injury, Wadley knows this season is his last chance to impress the NFL scouts. It’s also a chance to make good on a season where he’s playing for a lot more than himself.

By Lindsey Wilson, CultureMap Dallas (Source)

The guests were a bright spot on a cold day in early February, when more than 500 vibrantly dressed patrons huddled inside a crisp white tent in NorthPark Center’s Center Park garden for the 35th annual St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Presented by the iconic Dallas shopping center and Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger, this year’s luncheon was themed “Look of Love.” The looks were certainly impressive, with advisory chairs Nancy Gopez and Rozalyn Colombo, event chair Christy Berry, honorary chairs Melody and Rick Rogers, and children’s chair Maggie Kipp all dressing to impress.

Fox 4 anchor and emcee Clarice Tinsley welcomed the crowd, which in addition to enjoying an elegant lunch was also there to shop and bid in an effort to raise critical funds to find cures for blood cancers and help improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

NorthPark ambassador Kimberly Schlegel Whitman and LLS board member Kimberly Alexander introduced the day’s honorees, ensuring that eye makeup needed to be touched up after the heartfelt presentations.

Joyce and Larry Lacerte were honored with the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award, while the Memorial Hero Award sponsored by Robyn and Don Conlon memorialized loved ones lost over the 35 years history of this event.

Sports legend Babe Laufenberg presented the Spirit of Tom Landry Character Award to his son, Luke, who is now in remission and videoed in from his studies at the University of Texas El Paso.

“People like you there allow for people like me to be here,” Luke said, drawing a thunderous wave of applause and several sniffles from the crowd.

UT Southwestern’s Dr. Robert Collins received a surprise tribute as 70 of his former patients, including Larry Lacerte, stood to recognize his compassion and efforts toward survivorship.

And as the auctioneer didn’t arrive as scheduled, Tinsley and Laufenberg teamed up to “fund the fight” and raise even more for LLS and its life-saving programs.

An exciting fashion closed the afternoon’s program, featuring spring looks from Versace, Fabiana Filippi, Canali, Kids Atelier, Roberto Cavalli, and Neiman Marcus, and many of the boutiques offered special pricing and perks (plus percentages of sales to LLS) for those interested in taking the looks home that day.

Since its inception, the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show has raised over $ 11 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Former Dallas Cowboy, Babe Laufenberg to headline The Ruth Cheatham Foundation gala and fundraiser on May 3, 2019

Via The Ruth Cheatham Foundation (Source)

The Ruth Cheatham Foundation (TRCF), a nonprofit focused on supporting adolescent youth through all phases of cancer treatment, announced today that Babe Laufenberg has agreed to speak at the Foundation’s 2019 gala and fundraiser.

Babe, originally drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1983, played 8 years as a quarterback in the NFL and finished his career playing two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. With combined success in both the NFL and broadcasting, Babe Laufenberg is one of the most popular sports personalities in North Texas. Entering his 26th season with the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network, he was the lead sports anchor for KTVT CBS 11 for 17 years and was twice selected as the Sportscaster of the Year in the state of Texas by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Helping adolescent cancer patients is a personal mission for Babe, as his son Luke was diagnosed with Burkitt leukemia in December of 2017.  After the fight of his life, Luke is now cancer free!

“Each year we work to include a celebrity with strong ties to Texas, and more importantly, an individual who shares our passion and commitment to changing the lives of adolescent cancer patients. Babe was a perfect match for us; he is a massive personality in North Texas. On top of his celebrity status, what really makes this special is that it is also a personal mission for Babe and his family,” said Douglas Whittemore, Treasurer and Co-Founder. “We are humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude that he accepted our invitation!”

“I am honored to be a part of the Ruth Cheatham Foundation Gala, providing support, education services and financial aid to help young adults diagnosed with cancer,” said Babe Laufenberg. “It’s a privilege to help inspire hope for those battling through treatment and generate funds to support survivors in completing their college education.”

As a tribute to the Laufenberg family, the foundation, at its 2019 Gala, will announce the recipient of a unique scholarship in honor of Luke Laufenberg and his inspiring story of his battle with Burkitt leukemia. Luke is a great example for others that with hope and drive, anything is possible.

The Gala will be held in Las Colinas, TX at the Omni Mandalay Hotel on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 6:00PM. 

Corporate sponsorships, group packages, VIP and individual tickets will soon be available for purchase on TRCF website under its Gala page. Pre-sale package will start the first week of February and will be opening to the general public soon thereafter. They expect to continue to announce details of the night and the program in the coming months.

TRCF asks you visit their website https://www.ruthcheathamfoundation.org/ sign up for their mailing list, and learn more about their mission. Please make sure to “Like” and start following them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RuthCheathamFoundation/