Rockwall, TX - Rockwall’s home for authentic Cajun food, Dodie’s Cajun Diner, serves a relaxed and flavor-filled Christmas Eve brunch and dinner. Whether gathering with family or friends, a large group or small, Dodie’s has something for every taste and preference – all in a fun and festive setting.

Begin your Christmas Eve celebrations early with Dodie’s regular weekend brunch menu from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our chef will be serving traditional Southern favorites of Chicken & Waffles or a New Orleans’ style Crab Cake Benedict, along with comforting burgers and more. True to Cajun style, add a Mimosa, Bloody Mary, or Tequila Sunrise for an extra splash in your celebration.

If you prefer something heartier or added kick, order from our regular dinner menu between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a hot and spicy bowl of Seafood Gumbo, creamy Shrimp and Grits, classic Jambalaya, or one of our added Christmas Eve specials - Blackened Catfish on greens, Cajun Scramble, or a Holiday Omelet. Whatever you choose, the rich flavor of our Cajun style elevates your celebration!

While you dine, take in the relaxed setting with a view of Lake Ray Hubbard and feel the holiday stress fade away. The work is done so the time to celebrate is now – and Dodie’s is the perfect place to sit back and let your holiday festivities begin!

Dodie’s will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and reservations are recommended. Make your reservation or review the full menu online  https://dodiesattheharbor.com/christmas-eve-at-dodies-rockwall/

Dodie’s Cajun Diner is located at The Harbor in Rockwall, 2067 Summer Lee. Laissez les bons temp rouler!

Dodie’s Cajun Diner at The Harbor is proud to announce the success of its First Annual Gumbo Cook-Off, where the community came together in true Cajun spirit to raise more than $1,500 for Givingmas, an East Dallas-based nonprofit that walks alongside families as they overcome barriers and build lasting stability.

Held on Sunday, Nov. 9, the flavorful friendly-fire competition featured 17 talented contestants, each bringing their best pot of gumbo to the table. Guests packed Dodie’s dining room and bar, purchasing tasting spoons, raffle tickets, and T-shirts—all contributing to the final donation total.

“From traditional roux-based recipes to bold, creative twists, the entries showcased the full spectrum of what gumbo can be. One entry featured tender duck, while another arrived brimming with crab claws,” said Trevor Keils, Dodie’s General Manager.  “Our judges had a blast tasting their way through such a wide range of flavors.”

Congratulations to the winners:

People’s Choice

1st: Tina Thibodeaux

2nd: Charlie Stephens

3rd: Bryan McCray

 Judges’ Choice

1st: Charlie Stephens

2nd: Everette Turner

3rd: Russell Hyden

The expert judging panel included local individuals with New Orleans roots and a well-known love for Cajun cuisine: Mike McRae, owner of Dodie’s; Dustin Ray; Kayne Pierce; Rick Carroll; Tre Johnson; and Gary Lacey. Their collective experience set the bar high, making this an exciting, competitive, and spirited afternoon. First place for People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice were given cash prizes; second and third places were awarded Dodie’s gift certificates.  

“What stood out most to the judges was the heart and pride poured into every pot. Each contestant brought their own story, their own family touch, and their own version of comfort food to the table,” McRae said.

A formal check presentation from Dodie’s to Givingmas will take place soon.

“Giving back is at the heart of who we are,” said McRae. “This community shows up time and time again, and we’re grateful to everyone who cooked, tasted, donated, judged, and celebrated the spirit of Cajun cooking for a cause that truly matters.”

Dodie’s extends heartfelt thanks to all contestants, volunteers, raffle donors, and community members who came out to enjoy the event, support local families, and keep the spirit of generosity simmering.

Around here, community means everything. Dodie’s Rockwall has always been more than a place to eat. It’s where friends gather, families celebrate, and neighbors lend a hand. On Tuesday, November 18, we’re inviting our community to join us in supporting a Forney family whose story of faith and strength has touched our hearts.

Emily was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) at just 15 years old. FA is a rare, progressive neurological disease that affects balance, coordination, and muscle strength. When doctors shared that Emily would likely need a wheelchair by her early twenties, it was one of those moments that stops time — when life suddenly looks different, yet love and determination grow even stronger. Instead of giving in to fear, Emily and her parents, Alexis and Richard Penn, chose resilience and light.

Now 32 and living near the Forney-Heath area, Emily is married with four children. She lives life fully — cooking, caring for her family, and adapting with remarkable strength and grace. As her mother describes it, “So many people facing disabilities have a choice: to live in darkness or in the light. We’ve always chosen the light.”

Through their involvement with the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), the Penn family has seen extraordinary progress firsthand. What began as a small grassroots organization in 1998 has grown into a powerful research network driving more than 13 clinical trials and the first FDA-approved treatment for FA, released just last year. About 95% of every dollar raised goes directly toward research which includes things like genetic therapy, protein restoration, and other promising paths to a cure.

The Penn's believe strongly in what the community and research can accomplish. “We’ve been riding this train for 17 years, and we’re not stopping,” Alexis said says. “I tell Emily — she’s 32 now — ‘You’re going to see a cure in your lifetime.’” For them, fundraising isn’t just about treatment — it’s about faith in the future and the belief that every small act of kindness brings that future closer.

On Tuesday, November 18, Dodie’s will donate 25% of all dinner food sales to FARA in Emily’s honor, helping to fund ongoing studies and provide hope for families living with FA.

Bring your friends, your family, and your appetite — because every meal makes a difference!

Neighbors for a Cure: Dodie’s Give Back Night

Tuesday, November 18

Dine-in only | 4–10 PM

25% of all dinner food sales donated to Friedreich’s Ataxia Research

No flyer needed — all dine-in dinner guests count toward the donation.

Explore our menu: https://dodiesattheharbor.com/menu/

Rockwall, TX - J.E.R. Chilton YMCA announces with gratitude, that Atmos Energy recently donated a generous gift of $10,000 to Angel Camp, a program of the Rockwall YMCA dedicated to providing authentic summer camp experiences for special needs youth in and around Rockwall County.

The donation, announced following a presentation to Atmos Energy employees on May 28, 2025, goes a long way to providing this important program at no cost to the camper’s families.

For Eva Hummel, Manager of Public Affairs for Atmos Energy, this is an important program that she has witnessed to be life changing. “Service to the community is at the forefront of everything we do,” says Hummel. “When we first learned of Angel Camp, we knew it lined up perfectly with our “Fueling Safe and Thriving Community” initiatives and hearing more really opens our eyes to why we support this wonderful program. Our employees are excited to volunteer at Angel Camp once again.”

The $10,000 donation has a significant impact, ensuring these young people receive an opportunity to grow, connect with others, and create lasting memories.

“Speaking for our staff, the campers, and certainly their parents, we are appreciative of Atmos Energy’s partnership,” says Harold Young, Executive District Director. “Their generosity directly impacts the quality and the accessibility of our program offerings.”

Over six weeks each summer, Angel Camp offers activities the participants might not otherwise experience. Through field trips (horseback riding, sailing Lake Ray Hubbard aboard Sail With Scott, bowling at Shenaniganz, fun at Jungle Trek, Urban Air, and others) and onsite activities of canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, games, and swimming, Angel Camp provides educational and engaging activities in a safe environment, while also promoting friendships, confidence, and socialization.

For J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, Young says, “The gift from donors like Atmos is transformational for us to provide on-going services to the special needs community.”

The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. J.E.R. Chilton YMCA offers a variety of programs to the surrounding area including Safety Around Water, health and wellness, youth sports, seasonal and summer camp, Angel Camp for special needs, childcare programs, special events, youth leadership, and more.

The countdown is on for one of Rockwall County’s most anticipated events of the summer! The 2nd Annual Gone Country Music Fest, presented by Michael Joyce Properties, returns Saturday, July 19—and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and moving indoors to the beautiful Tate Farms of Rockwall.

Hosted by Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County, the festival delivers more than just music—it’s a community celebration supporting the Senior Life Center Capital Campaign, a vital initiative to meet the growing needs of local seniors and individuals with disabilities.

This year’s star-studded stage will be headlined by Billie Jo Jones, fresh off her win as Female Vocalist of the Year at the Texas Regional Radio Awards. With her commanding stage presence and signature sound, Billie Jo promises to bring down the house with a heartfelt, high-energy set.

Joining her are four Texas-based acts who each bring their own country grit and soul to the spotlight:

Nate Burnham – Americana storytelling with a modern edge

Matt Fisher – Crowd favorite known for his soulful Southern twang

Johnny Lyons – Classic country charisma meets rock ‘n roll swagger

Austin Valladarez – Rising talent with a fresh, bold sound

It’s all happening at Tate Farms, a working horse and cattle ranch turned concert venue, located at 12992 FM 548 in Rockwall County. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a full night of music, dancing, raffles, vendor shopping, and a cash bar.

Of course, no Texas party is complete without BBQ—legendary pitmaster Eddie Deen will be on hand to serve up a dinner you won’t forget.

Limited tickets and sponsorships are still available and selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to support a worthy cause while enjoying an unforgettable night of country under the stars—indoors!

Learn more or secure your spot at
http://www.rockwallmealsonwheels.org