This past Thursday, VolunteerNow gathered hundreds of civic leaders, nonprofit advocates, and volunteers at the Arts District Mansion in downtown Dallas for its annual Hearts of Texas Luncheon — a celebration of service, a showcase of organizational transformation, and a record-breaking day for community support. The luncheon spotlighted three outstanding honorees whose commitment to service is helping to reshape North Texas. Plano Independent School District (PISD) received the Tammy Richards Impact Award for exemplary volunteer coordination through VolunteerNow’s digital platform, VOLY.org. The nonprofit For Oak Cliff was recognized with the Ruth Collins Sharp Altshuler Award for its transformative grassroots work empowering historically underserved communities in southern Dallas.
The highest honor of the afternoon, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Roland Parrish, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Parrish Restaurants, Ltd. Parrish, the 2nd largest African American owned McDonald’s Franchisee in the country, was celebrated for his decades-long commitment to uplifting communities through education, youth mentorship, and service initiatives.
Following his recognition, Parrish participated in a special fireside chat moderated by Dallas media personality Lady Jade. During the conversation, Parrish reflected on his journey as a business leader, the importance of building legacy, and using personal success as a platform for community empowerment.
A major highlight of the event was the on-stage rebranding presentation delivered by VolunteerNow CEO Rachel Triska alongside Dr. Jamila Thomas, Chief External Affairs Officer. Together, they unveiled a bold new logo and a refreshed mission statement, signaling VolunteerNow’s expansion beyond North Texas and into a national leadership role in volunteer mobilization, digital innovation, and civic engagement. The updated branding focuses on three core pillars: connecting volunteers to critical needs, empowering nonprofits through technology, and scaling civic impact across the country.
VolunteerNow is leveraging data-driven insights to transform how it serves the community. Through its digital platform, VOLY.org, the organization tracks real-time data on volunteer engagement, including hours served, skills offered, and areas of greatest need. This allows VolunteerNow to identify gaps in service, prioritize outreach to under-resourced communities, and strategically align volunteer efforts with the most urgent causes. Beyond simply counting volunteer hours, VolunteerNow measures outcomes — from improvements in education to expanded access to critical services — demonstrating the tangible impact of civic engagement. Through smart use of data, VolunteerNow ensures that every hour volunteered, and every action taken, moves the needle toward a stronger, more equitable community.
Throughout the luncheon, Dr. Jamila Thomas played a central role in shaping the program, celebrating the honorees, and reinforcing VolunteerNow’s renewed commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities. She also included a touching story about volunteering her time with a student from Lincoln High School, who happened to be a young mother and unsure of her collegiate future. Thomas was not only able to gain trust by showing solidarity through motherhood, but that moment gave the young woman to fulfill her dreams and attend college. Proving that just a few hours of your time can change someone’s life.
Adding a personal and powerful note to the day, Peter Miller, Chairman of VolunteerNow’s Board of Directors, delivered a moving speech about the quiet, steady work of volunteers and how their impact lasts far beyond the moment.
“Today isn’t about one moment — it’s about the steady work of showing up, making things better wherever you can. Volunteerism is the backbone of every strong community, and what you give today matters for a lifetime,” Miller said.
VolunteerNow entered the luncheon with an ambitious fundraising goal of $250,000 to support its expanded initiatives. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and partners, they not only met but exceeded their goal — raising an impressive $275,000 by the close of the event.
The atmosphere throughout the afternoon was electric yet heartfelt, filled with a sense of gratitude, purpose, and excitement for the future. Most importantly, VolunteerNow was able to showcase the importance of diversity in volunteerism but also tracking the economical impact of volunteerism. And from the seamless flow of the program to the inspiring storytelling moments, the luncheon was beautifully orchestrated by the team at The Event Nerd, whose expert production created an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
The 2025 Hearts of Texas Luncheon sent a clear message: volunteerism isn’t just alive — it’s thriving and evolving. And with a bold new brand, visionary leadership, and a national mission with a local army, VolunteerNow is ready to lead the next chapter of civic engagement.
For more information about VolunteerNow’s new mission and how to get involved, visit volnow.org.