Power in Numbers: Lakeside Leaders unite to uplift Rockwall nonprofits

Children’s Advocacy Center awarded ~$10,000 donation 

Rockwall, TX (April 11, 2025) – Lakeside Leaders welcomed a large crowd to Culpepper Cattle Co. in Rockwall yesterday afternoon, where they gathered on the patio to shine the spotlight on local nonprofits and award a generous donation to one of those deserving organizations.

Lakeside Leaders is a grass-roots organization of about 100 local business professionals with a unique approach for helping Rockwall-based non-profits. Twice each year, they come together for one hour of time to nominate and award a local nonprofit agency with a substantial financial grant – in the neighborhood of $10,000 – the combined total of each member writing a $100 check to the winning nonprofit.

As their website explains, “Through this process, we aim to support and empower organizations that are dedicated to addressing critical social issues and improving the lives of those in need in Rockwall County. By leveraging the expertise and resources of its members, we strive to create lasting change and make a significant difference in the Rockwall community. Together, we believe in the power of collaboration and philanthropy to create a brighter future for all.”

The spring gathering at Culpepper included dozens of community supporters with appetizer sponsor Victor Cantu of Toro Steam Cleaning, and Sarah Naylor hosting.

Among the nonprofits in attendance were Soroptimist International of Rockwall, Rockwall County Helping Hands, Rockwall Grace Center, A Badge of Honor, Texas Valor Project, Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Texas, Rockwall Rainbow Room, Texas Therapeutic Riding Center, Transforming Trauma, Marsha’s Heart, Rockwall Music Fest/Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra, and Catalyst Ministries.

Also present were Lone Star CASA, Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County, and Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony Orchestra – the three of which were randomly selected to give a three-minute presentation about their specific funding needs.

Lakeside Leaders members cast their votes, and while ballots were being counted, the other nonprofits were given time to inform the group about the purpose of their organization. At the conclusion of the meeting, Children’s Advocacy Center  received the most votes and was presented with a donation check.

In a very tight race, the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County earned the most votes and was awarded this spring’s generous donation from Lakeside Leaders.

In a follow-up Facebook post, the CAC said they are “so thankful for a community of leaders who put their faith in the work we do for children and families in Rockwall County. This gift helps support our prevention program in the schools that helps educate and protect children and teens from all types of bullying, abuse, and other types of child victimization. And if something has happened to a child, they learn that it is never too late to tell a trusted adult and it is never their fault.”

Join Lakeside Leaders

Lakeside Leaders is not limited to 100 participants; they invite many more members to join!  Interested parties can learn more and complete a membership form online at https://www.lakesideleadersrw.com/

Blue Ribbon News staff report, photos by Blue Ribbon News.

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