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Reflecting on my career in journalism, I’m reminded of the countless moments that shaped my communications journey.

Investigative reporting was my mantra when I came to Fort Worth from Washington D.C., first to cover city hall and the police beat for Scripps-Howard’s Fort Worth Press, then moving to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

There, I dedicated my days in the field to sorting out complicated governmental matters and, in many situations, documenting misdeeds and inappropriate actions by public officials.

In 1976, I was the youngest reporter (and one of only four women) traveling with presidential candidates Ronald Reagan, George Wallace and Jimmy Carter. A few years later, I opened the Tarrant County Bureau of the now-defunct Dallas Times-Herald. Obviously, Fort Worth had become my home.

Though not so eloquently said, I describe that life period as the “WOW” years. I was constantly learning — and hopefully proving journalism serves as our beacon of truth, holding those in power accountable and giving voice to the unheard.

Unique opportunities always present themselves. In 1985, my husband and I purchased the locally owned Fort Worth News-Tribune, which was printed and distributed to 25,000 readers weekly.

The Star-Telegram objected to our strong coverage of local business news and dropped its advertising rates to one-half that of ours. We could no longer make payroll, so we locked the doors.

In 2018, wanting to read more in-depth local news, I embarked on a new life chapter by establishing The Fort Worth News Tribune — a digital nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering objective, community-centered reporting.

Our mission was clear: to serve our community by delivering factual, straightforward stories without innuendo or inflammatory remarks.

Today, I appreciate the Fort Worth Report so much. Never wavering in its commitment to producing high-quality, objective local journalism, its team mirrors the journalism values I have always held dear.

Recently, I dissolved my nonprofit and donated its cash plus personal dollars to the Fort Worth Report. In doing so, I have asked for the $10,000 to become a matching gift program.

If you, like me, are witnessing the tangible, positive impacts of the Fort Worth Report on our greater community, please join me in helping to ensure top-notch journalism for years to come.

I encourage you to make your tax-deductible gift today. Every dollar donated by May 1 will be matched, doubling the impact of your generosity.

Your support is not just appreciated. It’s crucial — with no amount too small to help us all make a real difference.