March of Dimes Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood Celebration

March of Dimes, the nonprofit organization leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies, today announced that philanthropist, restauranteur, and celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and actress, producer and New York Times best-selling author La La Anthony are headlining Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood Celebration on Friday, November 13 to raise critical funds for research, programs, and services that support moms, moms-to-be, and babies.

The highlight of the Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood Celebration features Emeril teaching La La and the viewers at home one of Emeril's very special recipes – Meril's Pasta Nero – named in honor of his daughter and featuring his mother's favorite food. The event will be livestreamed on March of Dimes' Facebook and Instagram pages. Also joining the celebration are film and TV producer and advocate for moms and babies, Tonya Lewis Lee, Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood National Event Chair and member of March of Dimes National Board of Trustees, along with broadcast journalist, author and advocate for women, Gretchen Carlson, member of March of Dimes National Board of Trustees.

March of Dimes' Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood events are taking place across the country as the organization calls attention to the fact that nearly 7 million American women of childbearing age live in counties with limited or no maternal care. In September, March of Dimes released a groundbreaking report, Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S., highlighting of that these women, 35 percent of whom are women of color, face an increased risk of serious health complications, including maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.

For more information and to find local events, visit feedingmotherhood.org.

2017 Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon with Keynote Gretchen Carlson

2017 Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon

October 6, 2017

Hilton Anatole Dallas - Chantilly Ballroom

10:45 - Registration Opens
11:15 - Doors Open
11:45 - Lunch Begins

Texas Trailblazer: Lynn McBee

Lynn McBee is a seventh-generation Texan and great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Emily Austin, sister to Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas. Lynn worked as a consultant for a privately held biotech firm for 23 years before devoting herself full time to philanthropic endeavors. Currently she is CEO of Young Women’s Preparatory Network. She has served in leadership roles in civic and nonprofit efforts that have shaped the Dallas community. Currently she is Chairman of the Board of the Bridge Homeless Shelter; Chairman Emeritus of the Board of the Visiting Nurse Association, and Chairman of the Board of The Family Place Foundation. She is a member of the boards of AT&T Performing Arts Center, The Salvation Army and the Trinity Park Conservancy. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and Leadership Dallas, Lynn is a member of The Crystal Charity Ball, Charter 100 and many other charitable organizations.

Keynote Speaker: Gretchen Carlson

Named to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2017, Gretchen Carlson is a celebrated news anchors and tireless advocate for women. In 2016 she became the face of sexual harassment in the workplace, gracing magazine covers to promote safe working environments for women. She recently formed the Gift of Courage Fund to empower women and girls. Carlson started her career in Richmond, Virginia, as a reporter and later was anchor and reporter in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dallas. She most recently hosted “The Real Story” on Fox News for three years. Prior to that, she co-hosted “Fox and Friends," for more than seven years. An honors graduate of Stanford University, Carlson was valedictorian of her high school class. A child prodigy on the violin, she performed with the Minnesota Orchestra at 13, and, in 1989, became the first classical violinist to win the Miss America crown.

Advocacy Award: TexProtectsTexProtects is dedicated to child abuse prevention through statewide advocacy and education. Their leadership and support for issues related to at-risk children and their families have made a tremendous impact on improving the child protection system and the quality of life for children in our state.

Faith Based Vision & Leadership Award: Highland Park United Methodist ChurchNow in its 101st year of service,  Highland Park United Methodist Church has worked to stop the suffering of victims of family violence by bringing awareness to the faith community. Their progressive support of children and families has made a tremendous impact on the quality of life for the Dallas community.

Event Chairs

Kristen Sanger and Cindy Stager

Underwriting Chairs

Stephanie & Travis Hollman
Kristi Hoyl
Carol Seay
Lisa & Marvin Singleton

Click here for ticket and sponsorship information.