This program follows the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ recent selection of Dallas-Fort Worth as an OSCAR®-qualifying city, replacing Miami to become one of only six areas nationwide with this designation.

Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their short films for the opportunity to receive a Premiere Package, which includes:

• Travel to Fort Worth: Roundtrip airfare to fly two members of the cast or crew to Fort Worth, four complimentary hotel room nights and a transportation stipend.  Guests will also have the opportunity to experience Fort Worth through a guided tour
• Screening Package: OSCAR®-qualifying short film screenings for seven consecutive days at our partner theater, Texas Movie Bistro.  Filmmakers will receive 50% of ticket sale profits
• Premiere Experience: Red carpet premiere for one night during the film’s run, which includes complimentary admission for guests and photo opportunities with on-site photographer
• After Party: A food and beverage credit will be provided for a special after-party at partner restaurants in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards
• Promotional Support: The Fort Worth Film Commission will promote the film premiere on social media and film e-newsletter and send a media alert to local press.  Filmmakers will receive a digital package with screening laurels to celebrate program selection

Entries for the Fort Worth Premiere Package will be reviewed by a screening committee, chaired by ACADEMY AWARD®-winning director Brandon Oldenburg, known for his work on animated films such as The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.

“From childhood fantasies in my Fort Worth backyard, where home movies fueled my passion, I always knew I’d be a filmmaker,” said Oldenburg. “2011 brought that dream tantalizingly close. The reality of chasing Academy recognition, however, was a stark contrast: a complex, often hostile journey demanding endless effort and resources. That is, until now.”

Film commissioner Taylor Hardy said, “This first-of-its-kind program allows emerging filmmakers to pursue their dreams while experiencing Fort Worth’s welcoming creative community. Our city has quickly grown to become a top destination for filmmaking with initiatives that support all stages of the production process.”

The Fort Worth Film Commission has supported significant impact over the past 10 years with accomplishments including:

• Support for film projects that have driven an economic impact of over $700 million and created 30,000+ production jobs
• Base for Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, the third most streamed show of 2024 with 9.9 billion minutes watched
• Creation of the Fort Worth Film Collaborative, a fast track certification program, developed in partnership with Tarrant County College and 101 Studios
• Recognition as one of MovieMaker Magazine’s top places to live and work in 2025

This comes on the heels of the city’s celebrations for local musician Abraham Alexander and writer/director and Fort Worth-native Greg Kwedar on their OSCAR® nominations for their work on independent feature film Sing Sing.

“Fort Worth is a great place to premiere your movie. The community support is unparalleled and I’m proud to call it my part-time home,” said Michael De Luca, Chairperson of Warner Bros. Entertainment and two-time ACADEMY AWARDS® producer.

The Fort Worth Film Commission will host a free, educational mixer and workshop at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth on Monday, February 24 from 7 – 9 PM. This event will feature guest speaker Rebekah Louisa Smith, The Film Festival Doctor, as she helps guests to better understand the OSCAR® qualification process.

Additionally, Magnolia at the Modern will be screening the 2025 OSCAR® Nominated Short Films giving audiences the chance to be inspired by this year’s animated and live-action program. Various showtimes available February 28 – March 2.

For more details about the Fort Worth Premiere Packages, please visit our website at FortWorth.com/PremierePackage.  Applications are live now.

The post FWFC Announces Premiere Package to Support Local Filmmakers first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

These funds will support upcoming renovations and provide enhanced care for the Herd’s longhorns, ensuring the program’s ongoing success in celebrating Fort Worth’s Western heritage. With this partnership, the Herd will also be renaming the Observation Deck in honor of TLBAA.

“The TLBAA’s support means so much to our program and our city,” said Kristin Jaworski, Trail Boss for the Fort Worth Herd. “Their partnership helps us provide top-quality care for our longhorns and share the story of Fort Worth’s cowboy culture with visitors from around the world.”

TLBAA is dedicated to promoting the Texas Longhorn breed — from programs and services to education and scientific research. This collaboration strengthens the connection between the Fort Worth Herd and the breeders who have supported it for years.

The Fort Worth Herd’s twice-daily cattle drive is one of Fort Worth’s top tourist attractions and represents the city’s role at the center of the story of the American West. The Fort Worth Herd reenacts a cattle drive through the Historic Stockyards, the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive. This authentic and historically true event delights visitors and locals alike and pays tribute to early Fort Worth history and its western heritage. For more information, visit FortWorth.com/the-herd.

The Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America is a nonprofit organization with more than 3,800 active adult and junior members. Along with our subsidiaries, Texas Longhorn Trails Magazine, Texas Longhorn Breeders of Tomorrow (TLBT), and the Texas Longhorn Breeders of America Foundation (TLBF), the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association provides programs and services for its members and customers, while promoting the Texas Longhorn breed and supporting education, youth, and scientific research.

The post Fort Worth Herd Receives Grant first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

This year, FWCC has made significant strides in promoting sustainability and supporting local families by connecting communities with free clothing and reducing textile waste.

By the Numbers:

• 7,863 pounds of clothing distributed to 847 shoppers, empowering families with essential items while reducing the financial burden of clothing purchases.
• 9,500 pounds of textiles recycled, diverting waste from landfills and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
• $98,051 put back into the community, a direct result of our free shopping model that allows families to redirect resources toward other essential needs.
• 75 volunteer hours contributed, showcasing the dedication and hard work of volunteers who helped to make the mission a reality.

“Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between sustainability and accessibility, and these numbers are a testament to the collective power of our community,” said Kelly Warner, President and Cofounder of FWCC. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone, which not only reflects the growing impact, but also the generosity and dedication of everyone involved in our efforts.”

Photo courtesy of FWCC

Central to FWCC’s success is their Community Closet, a welcoming space where individuals and families can shop for free, selecting items that meet their unique needs and personal styles. The Community Closet embodies FWCC’s commitment to dignity and choice, ensuring that everyone has access to quality clothing in an empowering environment. This initiative has become a cornerstone of our efforts to promote equity and sustainability in Fort Worth.

Through innovative programs and community-focused events, FWCC continues to address both environmental and social challenges by reducing textile waste and ensuring families have access to quality clothing at no cost. Each item distributed represents not just a garment, but a story of resilience, connection, and care.

FWCC extends its heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer, donor, and partner who has played a role in this year’s success. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable Fort Worth for future generations.

Photo courtesy of FWCCC

The post FWCC Celebrates Record-Breaking Year first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Recipients can select items that fit their needs, including collard greens, sweet potatoes, tomatillos and apples. Cutting boards, oven mitts, measuring spoons and other cooking utensils will also be available as well as recipe cards and nutritional information.

“This season is about celebrating togetherness and showing gratitude for each other and what we have,” said Matt Dufrene, vice president of Texas Health Resources. “Our Gratitude and Giving efforts are one way we can give back, helping families access nutritious, nourishing food right here in our community.”

This is the fifth consecutive year Texas Health has offered its Gratitude and Giving program, which started in 2020 with just 17 locations. In 2022, 60,600 pounds of fresh produce were distributed. That number increased last year to more than 94,000 pounds and is expected to reach 120,000 pounds this year.

Octavian Davis, a community center aid at Atatiana Carr-Jefferson Community Center at Hillside, said the Gratitude and Giving program is something people in the community look forward to every year. “They will make sure they call, email, or send someone if they can’t make it,” Davis said. “Some even move around appointments. In my opinion that shows our community’s commitment to living healthier lifestyles and how seriously they take it.”

Veronica Young, a family engagement specialist at Waverly Park Elementary School, agreed and said the program has an enormous impact on her community as well.

“Knowing that these families won’t have to worry about healthy food options during the school break is truly heartwarming,” said Young. “It’s not just about the food. It’s about the peace of mind we can provide to these families. This program is supporting healthier lifestyles and stronger families by providing a variety of items that can create a variety of meals.”

The Gratitude and Giving initiative is part of broader Texas Health efforts to improve nutrition security throughout North Texas. That includes 20 Good For You Healthy Hub locations that give families access to free produce and other resources at the neighborhood level, and Double Up Food Bucks efforts, which provide people who use Supplemental Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits the opportunity to double their buying power for fresh produce at participating locations. Texas Health also assists urban farmers and leads a comprehensive learning garden initiative that supports more than 40 area schools across five North Texas school districts.

Learn more about these healthy food initiatives at TexasHealthCommunityHope.org.

The post Giving Gratitude first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Thanksgiving, even more than other holidays, is all about traditions. From Great-Great-Great-Grandmother Rachel Elizabeth’s gravy boat to Uncle Charlie’s insistence on the marshmallow-topped yams that no one eats, our holiday traditions strengthen our connection to our family and comfort us.

For 43 years, the YMCA Turkey Trot has been a Thanksgiving tradition for many Fort Worthians. Whether they walk the 1K, jog the 5K, or run the 8K, thousands start Thanksgiving morning at the Turkey Trot. In doing so, they celebrate with and give back to their community. I recently talked with Jacklinn Sotello, the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth’s Executive Director of Community Health, and Keith Kotar, Course Director, about the 2024 Turkey Trot.

Photo courtesy of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

“It’s so much more than a run,” Jacklinn said. “It’s a tradition that people participate in year after year. We have a costume contest – it’s great to see all the turkeys running! There’s a kid zone by Alley Cats Entertainment. We have a DJ. Families run with their dogs and strollers. You’re going to start your Thanksgiving off right and get your steps in early!”

This is the second year that the Turkey Trot has been at The Shops at Clearfork. The courses for the races have been updated after last year. “Last year, the big issue was getting in and out while the races were starting,” said Keith. “We’ve moved the starting line from Monahans Avenue to south of Marathon Avenue. Monahans Avenue will be open to traffic the entire time.”

Another change for 2024 is the VIP Package. Available to only400 registrants, the upgrade add on includes a pass to the VIP tent where you can have breakfast, an exclusive VIP t-shirt in addition to the race shirt, a designated starting line coral, and what might be the most enticing perk – dedicated restrooms.

A perk available to all runners on the day of the race is a 10% discount at Marché Bleu. The market and coffee bar planned to be closed on Thanksgiving, but when they heard about the Turkey Trot, they decided to open for the day and offered the runners a discount. If that’s not Fort Worth spirit, I don’t know what is!

Photo courtesy of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

Another perk for runners this year is non-members registered for the race can join any location of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth with no fees through December 31!

Last year, a little more than 10,000 people registered for the races, and 15,000 showed up. This year, the YMCA is capping the number of participants, so be sure to register early! “While we love people who just walk up to register for the run on the day-of, we can’t guarantee that all runners will get their desired shirt sizes if they wait until Thanksgiving to register,” Jacklinn said. Keith added, “Remember to get there early. Ten thousand people is a lot.”

You don’t have to be a member of the YMCA to run the Turkey Trot, and you don’t need to register to join the free activities, kids zone and vendor fair that accompany the race day event. .

Beyond the camaraderie, the tradition, and the exercise, you’re giving back to your community when you run the Turkey Trot. Your registration fee goes back to support the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth’s scholarship programs. While you get your steps in and enjoy a beautiful fall morning along the Trinity, you’re helping people access all the YMCA offers. And nothing is more quintessentially Fort Worth than helping others while having fun with your family and friends.

To learn more about the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth’s Turkey Trot, click here.

The post It’s So Much More Than a Race, It’s a Thanksgiving Tradition first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Support the JLFW Diaper Bank on North Texas Giving Day:

On September 19, we invite the community to support the JLFW Diaper Bank during North Texas Giving Day. Founded in 2020, the Diaper Bank is dedicated to eliminating diaper need and improving the wellbeing of children and adults across Tarrant County. By providing diapers at no cost to local nonprofit partners, we address critical needs for individuals affected by poverty, mobility issues, or health limitations. In partnership with the Tarrant Area Food Bank, we have distributed over 2 million diapers to nearly 100 nonprofit agencies.

Understanding Diaper Need:

Diaper need is a significant public health issue that impacts cleanliness, health, and dignity. With diapers not covered by federal assistance programs like WIC or SNAP and costing families over $150 per month, the need is significant:

• In 2023, 47% of families reported diaper need, a sharp increase from 33% in
• Over 25% of those with diaper need skipped meals to afford more
• One in four parents missed work or school due to insufficient diapers, leading to an average wage loss of $296 per month.

How to Contribute:

• Give with Purpose on September 19! Donate to the Junior League of Fort Worth on NorthTexasGivingDay.org between 6 m. and midnight. Your contribution will help us reach our goal of $5,000.
• Donate Early! If you can’t give on September 19, donate early from September 1 to September 18 at Support JLFW on North Texas Giving Day.

Celebrate International Find the Good Day!

September 19 also marks International Find the Good Day, a global celebration of compassion, community, and positive change. The Junior League of Fort Worth is excited to participate in this special day of unity and compassion, which aims to spread kindness, uplift others, and inspire positive change across Fort Worth and beyond. This day is open to everyone, not just Junior League members.

Celebrate with Us:

• Join the Movement: Participate in acts of kindness, volunteer initiatives, or spread positivity through kind gestures.
• Share Your Impact: Take photos of your good deeds and share them on social media using the hashtags #FindTheGoodDay and #JLFW. Tag @JuniorLeagueFW on Facebook and Instagram to be featured on our platforms.

Support JLFW’s Community Impact:

In addition to the Diaper Bank, JLFW will support 32 community agencies with 280 dedicated volunteers and allocate $400,000 in project grants in 2024-2025.

Get Involved:

• Donate Directly: Support the JLFW Diaper Bank through donations or our Amazon Wish List.
• Host a Diaper Drive: Organize a diaper drive to benefit the Diaper
• Drop Off Donations: Visit Junior League of Fort Worth Headquarters at 255 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

The post Help the Junior League of Fort Worth Find the Good first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

This season’s menu is marked by fresh pear, apple, mushroom, and pumpkin flavors throughout. The Taste Buds’ favorites include fresh start oatmeal, apple chai pancakes, pumpkin French toast, pear and parsnip soup, celery and apple salad, pear and gorgonzola flatbread, root vegetable gratin, maple glazed salmon, and so much more!

While seasonal menus are not a new concept, Taste Community Restaurant exists in Fort Worth’s largest food desert where the life expectancy is the lowest in the state of Texas – 12 years lower than the average Texan. This is because residents of 76104 are more likely to secure groceries from local convenience stores which lack fresh fruits and vegetables. They are less likely to eat in alignment with their nutritionally depen­dent diets and they are less likely to see a doctor.

Many of Taste’s guests who need our services eat either a small snack or skip a meal all together when they can’t dine at Taste Community Restaurant. But when they dine at Taste, guests can choose from a menu of options and select what best fits their preferences and dietary needs.

DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 5: The Boston Celtics vs the Dallas Mavericks on January 5, 2023 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Vernon Bryant/Dallas Mavericks Photography)

“I grew up food insecure,” says Jeff Williams, Founder and Executive Director of Taste Project. “I love that families like mine when I was growing up can enjoy good nutritious food at Taste Community Restaurant.”

Meals served at Taste Community Restaurant are made possible because of the support they receive from individuals like you! You can help even more people Fall in Love this season as you dine, do, and donate to help Taste feed, educate, and serve our community.

The post Fall in Love with Taste Community Restaurant’s New Fall Menu first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The clothing closet, strategically located at 8700 Chapin Road, Fort Worth, TX 76116, will serve as a vital resource for anyone needing assistance with clothing. It will offer a wide range of new and gently used items, including professional attire, everyday wear, and seasonal clothing. By combining resources, expertise, and community spirit, FWCC and Westside Presbyterian Church (WPC) hope to create a welcoming environment where individuals can find the support they need to thrive.

”This felt like divine intervention, pardon the pun,” said Kelly Warner, President and Co-Founder at FWCC. “I stopped by one afternoon to fill up the Funky Town Fridge [also located on the church’s campus] and happened to meet one of the church members. WPC had an existing closet space that wasn’t being fully utilized, and once we started chatting, it all fell into place.”

FWCC has been partnering with several other local nonprofits and community resource centers to host pop-up shopping events for the past two years, all while searching for a permanent home. “Since we started this journey, we’ve connected over 1,000 shoppers with more than 7,000 pounds of clothing through our pop-ups. We’ve traveled all over Fort Worth for these events, and we’re looking forward to staying put for a while”, Warner added.

A grand opening date has not been set for the event yet, but Warner said they are hoping to open the doors in October.

The post Local Nonprofit Secures Space for Community Closet first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Thanks to the generosity of the FWFWF supporters and festival goers the newly forged collaboration will launch this month with a $25,000 gift from the foundation to SSF. These funds are available to culinary industry workers needing emergency relief across Tarrant County. This partnership and direct gift is a continuation of FWFWF’s pivotal and on-going response to support local culinary professionals in need of emergency aid in response to the recent worldwide financial and health crises.

Chris Shepherd at Southern Smoke Festival
photo credit: Catchlight Photography

When asked about the partnership, Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation’s Co-Founder Russell Kirkpatrick said, “Individual financial emergency support is crucial for workers in an industry who often find themselves without a safety net. We initially started our Emergency Relief Fund program in response to COVID-19 in 2020. Now, nearly four years later, the foundation has realized the need continues for ongoing emergency response and so much more!”

Southern Smoke Festival 2023; photo courtesy of SSF

Kirkpatrick continued, “Our team is working to refocus our efforts on the funding for restaurant growth and innovation and expansion of chef festival participation. This new partnership with Southern Smoke Foundation allows us to connect national resources with our local community to ensure that chefs, restaurateurs, and beverage workers in our county are getting access to year-round, immediate support. FWFWF will continue to raise funds locally and be good stewards of those generous donations and ensure they stay in our neighborhood.”

The post Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation Announces Strategic Partnership first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

The community relies on the Tarrant Area Food Bank throughout the year, but most acutely during school vacations, especially the summer break. Since the pandemic, TAFB has seen a rising trend in summer hunger due to families’ lacking access to school nutrition programs during summer break coupled with families grappling with skyrocketing costs of basic necessities such as housing, food and utilities a reduction in benefits assistance programs post-pandemic. As a result, the Tarrant Area Food Bank is doing everything it can to meet this rising need.

Photo courtesy of the Tarrant Area Food Bank

“We know first-hand that when families struggle, they first cut food budgets to pay for other necessities such as housing, childcare, transportation, and utilities,” Tarrant Area Food Bank President and CEO Julie Butner said.  “We the need support of our community now more than ever.”

In an effort to close this meal gap, the Tarrant Area Food Bank has been purchasing food at unsustainable levels, and the Food Bank is still not able to provide enough food to meet the current need. The Food Bank is rallying support from the public to help it close the meal gap and secure more food for neighbors facing hunger across its 13-county service area.

The public can help TAFB close this gap by making a donation to help secure more food for neighbors and families facing hunger. Donations can be made at: www.tafb.org/donate.

The post URGENT: Tarrant Area Food Bank Experiencing Shortages first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.