Pope's D.C. visit gives mayor pro tem 'thrill of a lifetime'
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Arlington Mayor Pro Tem Ron Wright had an audience with Pope Benedict XVI during his visit last week.
Well, not a private audience. But he was very excited, to say the least, even to see the pope from afar.
Wright, who is Catholic, was able to snag one of those much-coveted tickets to the White House ceremony for Pope Benedict. The pontiff, only the second pope to ever visit the White House, kicked off his visit to the United States last Wednesday with a visit on the South Lawn.
Ed Gillespie, the former head of the Republican National Committee, got the ticket for Wright who had a great spot "to view everything."
Wright said it was "a thrill of a lifetime."
League donation: The Junior League of Arlington donated $150,000 to the city during a ceremony last week.
This donation will help pay for a fountain that will be built in Founders Plaza park in downtown Arlington. The park, which also will include the Levitt Pavilion, is scheduled to be completed by September.
The nonprofit organization established a 25th anniversary gift fund in 1998 in anticipation of its anniversary milestone and wanted to commemorate its anniversary with "a tangible gift that would provide a citywide benefit," said Autumn Reo, spokeswoman for the Junior League of Arlington.
An idea for the fountain was born, but additional funds were needed. The Arlington Tomorrow Fund stepped in with an additional $50,000.
Learn more online at www.jlarlington.org or www.downtownarlington.org.
Giving hope: Arlington resident Tom Cravens will be recognized for his service to the community during the Torch of Hope dinner this week.
Cravens isn't the only person being recognized. Faye Landham and Diane Stow also will receive Angel of Hope Awards for 2008.
The awards are given to individuals who are cancer survivors or who are currently fighting cancer and are dedicated volunteers in the goal to find a cure.
The nonprofit organization also will present its research and program grants during the dinner. The organization has distributed more than $2 million for cancer research and education to researchers during the past 15 years.
Tickets are $100 per person. Call 817-261-7654 for reservations.
Youth champs: LaDainian Tomlinson, running back with the San Diego Chargers, will be the keynote speaker during the upcoming Champions for Kids luncheon.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington benefit starts at 11:30 a.m. April 30 at the Arlington Convention Center, 1500 Ballpark Way.
Tickets are $150 per person. Call 817-265-7211 for reservations. Learn more online at www.bgcarltx.org.
