On Wednesday, November 12, 2014, Boys &
Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD) hosted its Inaugural Great Futures
Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. More than 700 guests braved the cold to
show their support for the BGCD and hear featured speaker and former Secretary
of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice.
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| Beth Ann Haber, Sharon McNearney, Maureen Hafertepe, Karen Carney |
The Luncheon, presented by Once Upon a Time
Foundation, formally launched the first Center for a New Generation (CNG)
program in Texas. Co-founded by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, CNG is an innovative
academic and enrichment after-school and summer program that allows the Boys
& Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas to integrate schools represented in the
Dallas Independent School District Feeder Pattern and Uplift.
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| Molly Murer, Noelle Hunter, Quincy Schurr and Gloria Yi |
Michele Wheeler, president and COO of
Jackson-Shaw, and George S. Watson, president of Steelecreek Management, were
the Luncheon Co-chairs. During the Luncheon, BGCD also kicked- off the
Great Futures Campaign with a goal of raising $1.5 million dollars to fund the
CNG initiative and other BGCD programs.
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| Jessica Giraudon, Apryl Giraudon and Olivia Turner |
Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Jr. opened the luncheon
by giving the invocation and welcoming Charles English, president & CEO of
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas to the stage. Charles greeted guests
and thanked them for supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.
He then formally announced the new partnership with Center for a New
Generation, which is the first CNG in Texas and the 4th in the nation.
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| Chris and Leslie Elliott |
As guests enjoyed lunch, a touching video played
featuring families and individuals who were positively impacted by the
opportunities and support of BGCD. Throughout the Luncheon, the audience also
enjoyed musical performances from the Dunbar Elementary Choir, the James
Madison High School Concert Choir and Bianca McClure, a Boys & Girls Clubs
of Greater Dallas Alumna who impressed the audience with the violin.
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| Ana Yoder, Sharon McNearney, Shelley Koeijmans and Mary Smith |
Dr. Condoleezza Rice kept the room engaged with her sincere passion for today’s youth. Dr. Rice
stressed how critical it is that every child has a chance and went on to say,
“it does not matter where you come from; it matters where you are going.” Rice
also talked about the importance of developing children’s minds and how Center
for a New Generation can do that by providing a world of art and culture. Dr.
Rice received a standing ovation as she exited the stage.
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| Featured Speaker Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Boys & Girls Club Members |
Guests Included: Day and George S. Watson;
Harriet Miers; Lisa and Gregg Ballew; Carole and Scott Murray; Karen and Mark
Carney; Michele and Jeff Wheeler; Kristie Leatherberry--‐Konstans; Rachel and
Chris Trowbridge; Nancy Rogers; Gina Betts; Stan Barth; Micki and Mayor Mike
Rawlings; Veronica Roper; Karen and Tom Falk; Jennis Lewis; Delisa Schlachter;
Linda and John McFarland Sr.; Kerri Briggs; Bill Kramer; Michael Meadows and
many more.
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| Kristie Leatherberry-Konstans and Kimberly Alexander |
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