Organization Reports on Key Highlights of 2014

Friends and supporters of the Arthritis Foundation, recently gathered at the Lark on the Park in downtown Dallas for organization’s North Texas Leadership Council Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 17.  The Arthritis Foundation welcomed new council members including: Nicki Gonzalez, Kay Keller Johnston, LaRhonda Bradley, Lonnie Pollock, IV, and Blake Zale.

Arthritis remains the leading cause of disability in the U.S., robbing one in five adults and 300,000 children of living life to its fullest because of oftentimes debilitating pain. This includes 3.9 million adults and 25,000 children across Texas who struggle every day with this serious health epidemic.

The Arthritis Foundation’s North Texas Leadership Council is a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to ensuring that children, young adults and families suffering daily arthritis pain are empowered to live better, more productive and fulfilled lives. 

During the luncheon, the Arthritis Foundation reported on several significant accomplishments during 2014.  Key highlights included: 

• Arthritis Foundation Salon Series “Breaking Science/Breaking Silence” programs in June, September and December.  The presentations gave participants an opportunity to ask tough questions about innovative therapies in the fight to conquer arthritis. With the support of these dedicated local advocates, scientists move closer to finding a cure and arthritis sufferers are better able to take charge of their health and control their disease. 
• The record-breaking Bone Bash Gala, Dallas’ chic Halloween soiree, with a committee headed by community volunteers who helped promote the mission of the Arthritis Foundation and raised more than $231,000.
• The first combined Dallas and Tarrant County - Walk to Cure Arthritis North Texas at Globe Life Park in Arlington which raised over $250,000.
• The Ft. Worth Jingle Bell Run which raised more than $150,000 and generated awareness and significant community support. 

The Arthritis Foundation attributed much of the organization’s accomplishments in 2014 to the hard work and growth among in its dedicated volunteer base. The Foundation applauded the efforts of the North Texas Leadership Council for playing an integral role in the overall success of the organization this year. 

About Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is the largest and most trusted nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of those living with arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability. Since 1948, the Foundation has remained committed to leading groundbreaking research for better treatments and a cure; fighting for patients' access to affordable and effective health care; and providing trusted information and resources to the more than 53 million adults and 300,000 children living with the disease. For more information about arthritis and the life-changing and life-saving work of the Arthritis Foundation in Texas, visit www.arthritis.org/Texas of follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.