2024 Chick Lit Luncheon Featuring Rita Wilson

Friday, March 22, 2024

Hilton Anatole

Don’t miss Dallas’ most fabulous and fun luncheon

Featuring actress, producer and singer/songwriter Rita Wilson

Rita Wilson is a multi-talented singer/songwriter, actress and producer. Wilson’s music has been hailed as “inspiring” by Rolling Stone and “uplifting” by USA Today. She has toured the world over performing on such iconic stages as the Grand Ole Opry and The Sydney Opera, and marquee music festivals including CMA Fest and Stagecoach.  

Her five acclaimed studio albums include her latest star-studded, "Rita Wilson Now & Forever: Duets” featuring Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Jackson Browne, Tim McGraw, Elvis Costello, Keith Urban, Leslie Odom Jr, Josh Groban, Vince Gill and Jimmie Allen. 

Wilson first donned her producers cap for the record-breaking box-office hit, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Her instincts proved solid once again when she saw the theatrical production of Mamma Mia! in London shortly after it opened. Wilson’s love of ABBA’s music led her to secure the rights and develop the film, serving as a producer on the hit that starred Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan, and as Executive Producer for its sequel, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! In 2019, Wilson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame celebrating her rich and legendary film career and was later honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

The Chick Lit Luncheon is a powerful event regularly attended by more than 1,200 corporate sponsors, philanthropists, table hosts, media and other generous Dallasites to raise funds to support the operations of Community Partners of Dallas.

Chick Lit Luncheon Leadership Team

Honorary Chair - Christine McKenny

Luncheon Chairs - Cathy James & Lisa Ogle

Chick Lit Luncheon 2024 (cpdtx.org)

Last Chance to Join the Chick Lit Host Committee!

 

The deadline to join the Chick Lit Luncheon Host Committee is TONIGHT - Wednesday, June 22, 2022 - at 5 p.m.! 

Click here to join the fun:

 Chick Lit Luncheon Host Committee (google.com)

The luncheon will be held Friday, September 30th at the Hilton Anatole.

As a host committee member, you will promote the event to friends and family and attend the event. 

The Host Committee will be the first to receive the speaker reveal! 

Thank you for your support! 

Chick Lit Luncheon Leadership Team

Luncheon Chairs
Errika Flood-Moultrie
Renita Joyce Smith

Underwriting Chairs
Bonner Allen
Rhonda Sargent Chambers
Kheana Pollard
Kim Stephens-Olusanya

Raffle Chair
Elizabeth Ward Creel

Back-to-School Drive with Community Partners of Dallas

 

THIS weekend is Texas’ tax-free weekend (Friday, August 6^th – Sunday, August 8^th) and is the perfect opportunity to shop for school supplies for the abused and neglected children that Community Partners of Dallas serves, to set them up for success in the classroom this fall! They accept both monetary and school supply donations. Because of CPD’s bulk purchasing options, every $1 donated is equal to $6 worth of school supplies.

 

The deadline to donate is Friday, August 27^th. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and the warehouse staff is there to help with larger donations. 

Check out the list of most needed supplies and help make a difference in children’s lives.

Back-to-School Drive - CPDTX.org

2021 Chick Lit Luncheon Speaker Revealed

 

Don't miss Dallas' fabulous and fun Chick Lit Luncheon 

 featuring Academy Award-winning actress, director and New York Times best-selling author

Goldie Hawn

September 24, 2021

Hilton Anatole Dallas

10:30 a.m. check in and reception | 11:30 a.m. seated luncheon

Honorary Chair
Pat McEvoy

Luncheon Chair
Claire Emanuelson

Underwriting Chairs
Hollee Hirzel
Erin Pope

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit

Chick Lit Luncheon

Community Partners of Dallas - Change is Good VIRTUAL

Get ready to raise some change, compete for great prizes, enjoy all kinds of fun activities, teach your kids about helping others and make a huge impact for the children served by Community Partners of Dallas at Change is Good presented by CrossFirst Bank.

Sponsorships include boxes with all the supplies from your favorite Change is Good activities so that you can do them with us at home! The sponsorship deadline to be listed on the Change is Good T-shirt is Thursday, February 11^th at 5 p.m. If available, a limited number of $125 Boxes will go on sale on February 12^th. Additional prize tickets are also available for purchase with your sponsorship.

Change can be collected multiple ways this year! If you’d like to raise change online by setting up a personalized page to send to friends, neighbors, grandparents and more, click the button below. The virtual change deadline is Wednesday, February 24^th at 5 p.m.  Physical change can be dropped off on CrossFirst Change Delivery Day (at CPD, 7950 Elmbrook Drive) anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24^th.

For every $10 of change you raise, you will receive one chance ticket for one of our fabulous prizes! The virtual event will end with the announcement of our top three fundraisers and the prize drawings.

Change is Good (cpdtx.org)

Chick Lit Luncheon - Cancelled

Community Partners of a Dallas announced yesterday that the 2020 Chick Lit Luncheon has been cancelled. 

After thorough consideration and thoughtful evaluation combined with great hope, they are following the City’s commitment to public health and adhere to the ban on events of more than 500 people. 

The CPD luncheon leadership team and President and CEO Paige McDaniel are tremendously grateful to all who have supported their mission to provide what abused children urgently need today to thrive tomorrow.

Register your team for yCPD Field Day!

Ready, set, go!  Join the “big kids” of yCPD, Community Partners of Dallas’ young friends group, for the second annual yCPD Field Day on Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m. at The Rustic.  Chaired by Sarah Charbonnet, the day will include traditional field day activities for teams of six, such as tug of war, water balloon toss, three-legged races and more, as well as bites, drinks, live music and entertainment.  This is a 21 and up event.  Event proceeds will benefit the abused and neglected children of Dallas County served by CPD.

 

Saturday, May 21, 2016

2:00 PM

The Rustic

$350 per team of 6

Sponsorships begin at $500

Visit www.communitypartnersdallas.org or contact Kristin Kelley kristin@cptx.org

Chick Lit Luncheon Marks 10th Anniversary with Project Runway's Tim Gunn

Tim Gunn
Photo Credit: Scott McDermott

Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) announces New York Times bestselling author and Emmy-winning co-host and mentor for Lifetime’s Project Runway Tim Gunn as the featured speaker for the tenth annual Chick Lit Luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel.

 

Under the leadership of luncheon chair Kristi Hoyl, with honorary chair Brian Bolke, the 2016 Chick Lit Luncheon will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016, with a move to a new venue, the Hilton Anatole, to accommodate what is expected to be record-breaking attendance.  Long-time volunteer and supporter Jill C. Bee will be awarded the Partners for Children award for her ongoing commitment to the philanthropic needs of our community and years of service meeting the needs of abused and neglected children.  A special Tenth Anniversary Champions of Hope award will be given to long-time Chick Lit Luncheon presenting sponsors Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, for their unwavering commitment to Community Partners of Dallas and the children they serve. 

 

While the luncheon has traditionally featured best-selling female authors, the ten year anniversary called for someone extraordinary.  Tim Gunn, with his witty and frank observations on everything from style and fashion to the Kardasians, along with his signature catchphrase, “make it work,” is the perfect fit.

 

“To have the inimitable Tim Gunn as the featured author of our tenth annual luncheon is beyond our wildest dreams.  We know he is going to thoroughly entertain attendees with his insights on fashion, lifestyle design and pop culture, and we cannot think of a speaker more befitting this milestone fundraiser,” added McDaniel.

 

Tim Gunn is best known as the Emmy-winning co-host and mentor of Lifetime’s Project Runway.  He also served as former Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne Inc. and Fashion Dean at Fifth & Pacific.  In addition, he served as a member of the administration and faculty at Parsons School of Design, the indisputable leader in fashion education in America for 29 years, where upon leaving the school Gunn received the title of Honorary Chair of Fashion Design.

 

The event will include a wine reception followed by a seated luncheon and remarks by Mr. Gunn. Tables begin at $1,750 and are on sale now; individual tickets will go on sale in early March.  For more information, visit communitypartnersdallas.org.

Chick Lit 2015 Author Announcement Party

Community Partners of Dallas announced author Stacey Ballis as the featured author for the 2015 Chick Lit Luncheon.  The announcement was made at a cocktail reception hosted by Roberta Roller Rabbit on Thursday, November 13 from 6 until 8 p.m.

Melissa Martin, Stephanie Hollman, Shivangi Pokharel

Elizabeth Gambrell, Cindy Stager, Nancy Gopez

Luncheon chairman Wendy Messmann was joined by over 50 host committee members and sponsors at the new Highland Park Village boutique to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while perusing the shop’s stylish and eclectic collection of clothing, accessories and home furnishings.  Ten percent of the evening’s proceeds benefited Community Partners of Dallas.

Lindsay Ballotta, Joanna Clarke, vice president of development, Community Partners of Dallas

Stephanie Seay, Carol Seay, Chick Lit Luncheon 2015 honorary chair, Tamara O’Connor

  Paige McDaniel, president and CEO of Community Partners of Dallas, welcomed partygoers and thanked all in attendance for their support of the 2015 Chick Lit Luncheon, which is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2015 at Brook Hollow Golf Club.

 

She then announced luncheon chairman Wendy Messmann, honorary chairman Carol Seay, and the 2014 Partners for Children award recipient, the ORIX Foundation.  This award is presented to celebrate the foundation’s commitment to the philanthropic needs of our community and their years of service meeting the needs of abused and neglected children.

Dr. Bob and Lara Tafal, presenting sponsor

Wendy Messmann, Chick Lit Luncheon 2015 chair, Paige McDaniel, president and CEO, Community Partners of Dallas

Ms. Messman joined Ms. McDaniel as they revealed author Stacy Baliss as the keynote speaker for the luncheon.  Ballis is the author of several novels, including Off the Menu, Out to Lunch, and Recipe for Disaster. She is at work co-authoring a new cookbook called Cooking for You: Wellness in the Kitchen with Dr. Francis Ardito, which will be released in 2015.

Katie Robbins, Amy Martinez

Sharon Jett, Andrea Cheek, Lisa Bhattacharya

 

 

CPD Annual Toy Drive - Because Every Child Deserves to Wish...

Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) will mark two milestones this holiday season:  the agency’s twenty-fifth anniversary and the urgent need to fulfill the largest number of holiday wishes for abused and neglected children in the organization’s Toy Drive history. 

 

CPD is asking the community to help give the gift of hope this holiday season by supporting their annual Toy Drive, and ensuring they can fulfill over 8100 wishes for abused and neglected children in the care of Child Protective Services.  The number of wishes that need to be fulfilled this year is an increase of 1134 wishes from last year’s drive.  

 

The Community Partners of Dallas Toy Drive is unique in that the wishes are brought to the agency by CPS caseworkers on behalf of the children in their care, and those same caseworkers will have the wonderful opportunity to deliver these gifts personally.  By supporting the Toy Drive, individuals, organizations and companies will be granting specific gift requests to these children, making them feel special and giving them a holiday they will remember. 

As Natosha Hooks, a CPS caseworker, shared, “I had a case with seven children in the family.  The oldest child, who was 13 years old, told me that for Christmas they get one toy and he, as the oldest, plays with it first and then it goes down the line to the smallest kids who get to keep it.  This Christmas they all had their own toys thanks to the generosity of Community Partners of Dallas.”

 

Wish cards can be filled by companies, churches, scout troops, business offices, or individuals.  Organizations and individuals can also organize a new toy drive for the undesignated toy collection used to serve additional children who come into CPS care after the wish list deadline and to fill wishes not selected by donors. This year’s most popular wishes include bikes, African American dolls, items from Disney’s FROZEN, Barbies, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, learning toys for toddlers, like a Vtech Learning Laptop, Dora dolls, MP3 players, LEGO sets, Tonka trucks and Bath and Body Works sets.

 

All gifts should be new and not wrapped.  Toys must be delivered to the Community Partners of Dallas Toy Drive Workshop at the Peacock Alley Warehouse located at 2050 Postal Way, Dallas, Texas 75212 no later than 1:00 p.m. on December 12.  

 

For more information on participating in the Toy Drive, contact Corinne Karp, 214.624.7588 or corinne@cpdtx.org or visit www.CommunityPartnersDallas.org.

August Volunteer Opportunities for Your Wee Ones

Wee Volunteer hosts monthly service projects with charities in the Dallas area. The volunteer opportunities are tailored for preschool and elementary school age children.

 

Each project typically includes a tour of the charity lead by the charity’s volunteer director or educational director.  During the tour the children learn the charity’s mission and the services provided in the area of need served by the charity. Once the project is completed the children are thanked for volunteering and for all they were able to accomplish for that charity. After completion of the project every child should be able to take away new knowledge and a sense of accomplishment as well as feeling empowered to help others.

Here are some of the fun volunteer opportunities to wrap up your Summer!

 

Meals on Big Wheels

Tuesday, August 19  10:30-12:30

Friday, August 22  10:30-12:30 

Help deliver meals on the Locomotion Party Bus. After the deliveries, you can tour the volunteer kitchen and learn about VNA Meals On Wheels!

Appropriate for children ages 2 and up.

Project Fee: $10 per person

Community Partners of Dallas

Tuesday, August 19  3:00-4:00

CPD serves over 16,000 children in the Dallas area. Learn about the programs offered by Community Partners, take a tour of the Rainbow Room and warehouse, then sort and pack supplies for the thousands of kids in need.

 Appropriate for children ages 2 and up.

Project Fee: $10 per child

 

Wee Symphony

Wednesday, August 20  3:30-4:30

Does your child like to sing or play an instrument? Does he/she take singing lessons, piano lessons or play another instrument? Lessons or not, let them practice their talents with Mommy Manders for the Elderly Residents at C.C. Young Retirement Community. Each child will have the opportunity for a solo performance and/or sing/play songs in a group.

  Appropriate for children ages 6 months+

Project Fee: $10 per child

Tarrant Area Food Bank

Wednesday, August 20  4:00-5:00

TAFB is the major source of donated food for hunger-relief charities and feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties. Their mission is to empower communities to eliminate hunger by providing food, education, and resources through innovation and collaboration. One-third of those served by TAFB and its network are children.  Learn about the area of need served by the TAFB, mission and clients, tour their warehouse and pack Birthday Bags for children in need.

Appropriate for children ages 3 and up.

Project Fee: $10 per child

 

Citizenship Counts

Thursday, August 21  11:00-12:00

Wee Volunteer and Citizenship Counts invite you and your child to the US District Court of the Norther District of Texas to learn about US citizenship and participate in a naturalization ceremony. The Judge will speak with the kids before the ceremony, and the children will then help new citizens celebrate their naturalization by giving them pre-made "I love citizenship" cards.

  Appropriate for children ages 6 and up

Project Fee: $5 per child

School Supplies - Let's help out!

Remember the joy of getting a new set of school supplies? At Community Partners of Dallas, our kids are not approaching the start of school with the same excitement and support. Many will go back to school wishing for a new backpack or new uniforms-- they just want to fit in. This year we will provide backpacks with age appropriate school supplies and uniforms to more than 2,400 abused and neglected children.

We need your help.

Donate. School supply donations can be delivered to any of The Container Store Metroplex locations through Sunday, August 31st or at Community Partners of Dallas’ Central Location through Friday, August 29th. Backpacks, writing tablets, glue bottles, index cards and pencil cases are some of the items we need most. View a complete list of supplies on our website. Or, if you  prefer, just make  a donation, and we'll happily do the shopping for you. Because of our bulk purchasing every $1 donated is equal to $4 worth of school supplies and uniforms! Organize a school supply drive. Hold a drive with any group of friends...your book club, professional association, Sunday School class, soccer team or scout troop...just to name a few!  Get your company involved. Do you know a company looking for a great summer-fun project? Just collect school supplies and/or monetary donations for a few weeks and deliver them to the CPD Central Location by August 29th. Interested in more information?  Contact Corinne at (214) 624-7588 or corinne@cpdtx.org.

Thanks so much for helping us  stop the abuse and start the healing!

Author Emily Giffin Joins Community Partners of Dallas for Chick Lit Reunion {Society Pics}

New York Times best-selling author and 2011 Chick Lit Luncheon keynote speaker, Emily Giffin, took a night off during her recent book tour to catch up with old friends at Community Partners of Dallas.

Rebekah Brooker, Lindsay Ballotta

On Wednesday, June 4, hostess and Giffin pal, Sandy Moore, welcomed 90 “Chick Lit chicks” to her Highland Park home for an exclusive reunion and celebration of the release of Giffin’s sixth novel, “The One and Only,” which has already reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Lara Tafel, Paige McDaniel, president and CEO, Community Partners of Dallas, Joanna Clarke, vice president of development, Community Partners of Dallas

Set in the fictitious town of Walker, Texas near Dallas, Giffin not only used Dallas’ Southern Methodist University football as her inspiration – but also weaves in pals Sandy and Barry Moore, who are long-time supporters of Community Partners of Dallas.  The big surprise for CPD fans comes on page 326 when one of Giffin’s characters mentions donating Dallas Cowboys items to “Community Partners of Dallas, a charity for abused children.”

Lori Williams, Alissa Gearing, Catherine Pate

Partygoers mingled over wine and hors d’oeuvres as they eagerly waited for Giffin to autograph copies of her new book, which were available for purchase.  Giffin chatted and posed for photos throughout the night to the delight of the crowd.

Lisa Singleton, Leigh Anne Haugh, Elizabeth Gambrell, Jennifer Tobin

Attendees included:  hosts Sandy and Barry Moore; Paige McDaniel, president and CEO, Community Partners of Dallas; Lara Tafel; past Chick Lit Luncheon chairs Elizabeth Gambrell, Jennifer Tobin, Lisa Singleton, Jennifer Evans Morris and Leigh Anne Haugh; Tamara Bickel; Kate Rose Marquez; Kristin Baker; Francie Mancillas; Katie Robbins; Maggie Kipp; Liana Yarckin; Ellen Smith; Nikki Webb; and Carrie Ford.

Liana Yarckin, Erin Taylor, Janice Van Arsdale