Ready to Dash for A Good Cause? Volunteers for Dash for the Beads 2022 Sought NOW for February 2022.
When you see the “Dash for the Beads” in the press this year know that Oak Cliff resident Vicky Gouge is back volunteering in a big way to make it happen.
The President at Full Moon Design Group, Inc. since April 2004, Vicky studied Art and Journalism at Texas State University and graduated in 1997. She moved from Houston to Dallas and has been a proud Oak Cliff resident for years.
Vicky got involved with the “Dash For the Beads” nearly a decade ago, in 2012, when her twin sister Becky Moffett told her about it. Nine years later and countless hours of volunteering, Vicky admits she does it because “I like the mission of the organization.”
Dash for the Beads is one of the largest Oak Cliff Community events with the sole focus of helping children. It’s a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that donates its proceeds to local area schools to help promote healthy eating and physical activity for grade school children. Local schools can apply for grants to encourage kids to stay in motion and learn about - and practice behavior - which leads to life-long health.
Since 2009, Dash for the Beads has sponsored an annual 10k and 5k run along with a 1-mile walk that coincides with Mardi Gras. Folks of all ages are invited to come out and “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” which is Cajun for: “Let the good times roll!”
Each year prizes are awarded for the best-dressed walker, best-dressed runner, best-dressed pet (that’s right, pet!) and a trophy for the winner of the chip-timed 10k and 5k events. “The fashions alone are a reason to come out to enjoy the event,” Vicky admits, “and benefiting the neighborhood schools is icing on the King Cake.”
The DASH initiative was created by “Cliff Dwellers” Chad West and David Sassano to raise money for Oak Cliff organizations. Hundreds of volunteers like Vicky keep it going.
When she’s not working full time as a Graphic Designer and Digital Marketer and volunteering for Dash for the Beads, Vicky and her twin sister Becky Moffett and their friend Summer Garrett work together to run Oak Cliff Women in Business (OCWIB.)
The monthly meetings of local Oak Cliff businesswomen are a chance to meet and support others who run their own companies. The meetings rotate to different sites, creating an effortless way to encourage members to visit each-other’s businesses.
Complimentary lite bites, wine, and bottled water is happily provided at the meetings. There are also door prize drawings at each OCWIB meeting. Business owners can offer to bring a prize worth a minimum of $30 which allows them to talk about their business to the group in a short 30-second “live” commercial. In addition, the Raffle Prize winners also get to explain their business to the group. Business owners - and women hoping to be business owners – are encouraged to come to meet local successful women with a wealth of knowledge who are happy to share it. Many of these women also volunteer with the Dash for the Beads event.
The DASH event committee is always seeking sponsors, vendors, and volunteers. To get involved, or to host a future Oak Cliff Women in Business Meeting, contact Vicky Gouge at: gouge@fullmoondesigngroup.com
Or see: https://dashforthebeads.org
For more information see The Oak Cliff Women in Business Facebook page.
Article Author Judy Porter, MBA, is a proud member of Oak Cliff Women in Business. judy-porter@sbcglobal.net or see her on Linked In: (68) Judith (Judy) Porter, MBA | LinkedIn