89th Annual Linz Award Recipient Announced

 
The Dallas Morning News, presenting sponsor of the annual Linz Award, in conjunction with the Junior League of Dallas, recently announced prominent attorney and education visionary Tom Luce will receive the 89^th Annual Linz Award. Community leaders will gather to present the award, one of the city’s oldest and most respected civic honors to Luce at the annual Linz Award Luncheon on Monday, April 16, 2018, at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

For nearly 90 years, the Linz Award has symbolized the Dallas area’s highest form of recognition of individuals whose civic and humanitarian efforts over the last decade or more have bestowed the greatest benefit to our city. The award is presented annually at the Linz Award Luncheon, organized by Sustaining members of the Junior League of Dallas (JLD) and benefiting the JLD’s Community Service Fund, which supports more than 39 local nonprofit agencies. 

Luce is being honored for his commitment to public service, education reform and mental health issues, not only in Dallas, but statewide and on a national level. A prominent Dallas attorney, Luce received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Methodist University and has been honored with the SMU Law School and University Distinguished Alumni Awards. He was a founding partner and managing partner of Hughes & Luce, LLP until his retirement in 1997, where he specialized in corporate and litigation practice.

Most recently, he founded Texas 2036, a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmentally funded organization with the mission of developing a strategic plan for the State of Texas through the state’s bicentennial in the year 2036.

"Tom has been a warrior for important causes," said Jim Moroney, publisher and CEO of The Dallas Morning News. "To me, he is the epitome of the selfless volunteer who leads and creates so much good, and never takes a bow."

The Linz Award Luncheon will take place Monday, April 16, 2018, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Check-in will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the Luncheon will begin at 11:45 a.m. Individual Luncheon tickets range from $250 to $1,000, and sponsorships begin at $2,500. To purchase tables or individual tickets, please contact Kate Newman at (214) 357-8822 or visit www.jld.net/linz to purchase online.

Junior League of Dallas Presents $770,000 to Community Grant Partners

On February 3rd, The Junior League of Dallas gathered at NorthPark Center to present over $770,00 in funding to 39 partner agencies, through their Community Grant Program.

2017-2018 JLD President Jennifer Tobin, 2017-2018 JLD R&D Chair Kristel Richards, Presenting Sponsor Bank of Texas Dallas Market Executive Bob White, WFAA News 8 Daybreak Anchor and Emcee Kara Sewell and Community Vice President Megan Inman

This exciting presentation preceded the Junior League of Dallas Community Volunteer Fair, where over 900 children and members of the community were given a chance to connect with nonprofits, participate in fun activities and interact with the special guests of the Junior League of Dallas. 

2017-2018 JLD Kids in the Kitchen Team

Junior League of Dallas Milestones Luncheon

The annual Milestones Luncheon, hosted by the Junior League of Dallas (JLD), will be held Friday, November 17, 2017, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

The luncheon will feature a conversation with Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer, and the JLD will also recognize Sustainer of the Year Linda Perryman Evans.

The annual luncheon is a platform to raise awareness for programs and issues supported by the JLD, as well as recognize the achievements and impact of its volunteers in the Dallas community. Proceeds from the Luncheon, along with general underwriting efforts, allow the JLD to annually grant $1 million dollars to the Dallas community.

Purchase your tickets now: https://www.jld.net/milestones-luncheon/

Junior League of Dallas Awards 69 Dallas ISD Teachers & Educators

The Junior League of Dallas (JLD), along with presenting sponsor Texas Instruments (TI), awarded 69 Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) educators with grants of up to $2,000 each through the Grants for Innovative Teaching (GFIT) program.

Mark Ramirez, 2017-2018 GFIT Grant Recipient, Amy Coates and

Andrew Rich

This JLD Signature Project has awarded more than $1.7 million to Dallas ISD educators and is designed to encourage excellence in education by funding special projects addressing: reading and literacy enrichment; diversity; special education; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); or arts and culture enrichment across one or more grade levels. This year, $123,307 was distributed to fund deserving educators’ winning projects.

Dallas ISD Chief of Staff Pamela Lear, 2017-2018 JLD Signature Projects Vice President Taylor Morrison, 2017-2018 GFIT Grant Recipient Octavio Gutierrez and Texas Instruments Director of Sales Communications and Regional Digital Marketing Tracy Steiner

Sponsors include: Texas Instruments (presenting sponsor); MoneyGram Foundation; Agnes Cluthe Oliver Foundation; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation; Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee; and W.P. & Bulah Luse Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee.

2017-2018 GFIT Public Relations Coordinator Ashley Pinchev and 2017-2018 GFIT Assistant Chair Sarah Barnes

Some of the grants selected include: Invent an Alien; Powerful City; Kids Helping Kids; and The Wall Book Study and Comic Book Project.

“Now in its 26th year, this Signature Project encourages excellence in education by providing funding for special projects that otherwise would not be possible within school budgets,” said Eleanor Luna, the 2017-2018 GFIT Chair. “The Grants For Innovative Teaching program is one of the most rewarding projects for the Junior League of Dallas because we get to follow along and see the impact that these projects have on the schools, educators and students.”

2017 Dallas CASA Champion of Children Award Dinner

Dallas CASA and Honorary Chair Christie Carter

cordially invite you to the 

Champion of Children Award Dinner

honoring Junior League of Dallas

 Thursday, November 16, 2017

6:00 p.m. Reception

7:00 p.m. Dinner and program

9:00 p.m. After Party

 The Fairmont Dallas - Regency Ballroom

GUEST SPEAKER

Jackie Davis

Former Dallas CASA youth and current CASA supervisor

 

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Priscilla and Corey Anthony

Laura and John Losinger

 For more information about sponsorships and tickets, visit dallascasa.org

Click HERE for more information or contact Michelle Stephenson,

mstephenson@dallascasa.org or 469.547.9456

 

JLD Annual Ball: To Dallas With Love

The Junior League of Dallas invites you to its 54th Annual Ball, presented by Sewell, on Saturday, February 20, 2016, in the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

 

This year's theme, To Dallas With Love, is inspired by James Bond and will embrace the hard work of JLD members, who together serve as secret agents throughout the community.

 

This black tie affair will include dinner, dancing, big board silent auction, and live music from Hunter Sullivan and other local entertainers.

 

For individual tickets, please visit www.jld.net.

 

Junior League of Dallas 54th Annual Ball Theme Revealed

The Junior League of Dallas recently announced the highly anticipated theme and entertainment for its 54th Annual Junior League of Dallas Ball, presented by Sewell, set for Saturday, February 20, 2016, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

Junior League of Dallas 2015 Ball Chair Ashley Allen, Junior League of Dallas President Meredith Mosley and Junior League of Dallas Milestones Luncheon Chair Hollee Hirzel

 JLD members, sponsors and donors gathered at Museum Tower for the highly anticipated announcement of the theme and entertainment.

Junior League of Dallas Honorary Ball Chair Debbie Oates and Junior League of Dallas Ball Chair Ashley Allen

This year's JLD Ball Chair Ashley Allen, alongside Honorary Chair Debbie Oates, revealed the 2016 theme is, To Dallas With Love, which is inspired by James Bond.

Beverly Cahill Nelson and Kyle Nelson

This year, the Ball will feature three entertainers throughout the evening. Dallas-based singer/songwriter/band leader Hunter Sullivan and his trio will kick things off during the VIP sponsor reception. The Lone Star Wind Orchestra, a 35-piece orchestra, will play during dinner. And last, but not least, patrons will be on their feet and out on the dance floor to hear the upbeat, high-energy music from Think Big Party with the Bulletproof Brass Band.

Lynn McBee, Junior League of Dallas President Meredith Mosley and Nikki Webb

Tom Addis Productions will bring James Bond to life for guests and create the exciting 007 inspired evening, which will also feature a fantastic big board silent auction.

 

For individual tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.jld.net or contact the JLD Development Office at 214-357-8822 x118.

Junior League of Dallas Sustaining Advisors Christie Carter, Angela Nash and Jan Baldwin

JLD Milestones Luncheon Announced

The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) has the distinct pleasure of welcoming past Linz Award Recipients Lindalyn Adams, Ruth Sharp Altshuler and Deedie Rose for a special panel discussion during the fifth annual Milestones Luncheon, set for Thursday, November 12, 2015, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

Jenna Bush Hager, contributing correspondent on NBC's Today show and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living Magazine, will moderate.  The Luncheon will also recognize the 2015-2016 JLD Sustainer of the Year, Dr. Kimberly J. Yamanouchi.



Kashi Honors Junior League of Dallas With Grant for Kids Program

2014-2015 President-Elect Meredith Mosely , AJLI President Toni Freeman, 2014-2015 JLD President Julie Bagley and 2013-2014 JLD President Laura Johnson

The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) and Kashi recently honored Junior League of Dallas (JLD) with a $2,500 grant supporting its Kids in the Kitchen program at the 92nd Annual AJLI Conference.

 

The program empowers youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and reverse the growth of childhood obesity.  JLD had the distinct pleasure of being one of nine Leagues chosen for this award.

 

The eight-week Kids in the Kitchen program, themed "Super Food + Super Fitness = Super Kids" educates more than 400 Dallas children on eating well and staying healthy and incorporates U.S. government nutritional guidelines.

Junior League of Dallas Announces Former First Lady Laura Bush as Keynote Speaker of The Milestones Luncheon

 

Teacher. Advocate. Inspiration. One of the most beloved and admired American First Ladies, for decades former First Lady Laura Bush has championed key issues in the fields of education, healthcare, and human rights. The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) has the distinct pleasure of welcoming Mrs. Bush as the keynote speaker of The Milestones Luncheon, which will take place Thursday, November 6, 2014, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. 

“We are honored to have former First Lady Laura Bush speak at The Milestones Luncheon in November. The Luncheon’s purpose is to educate and inspire, and as a member of the Junior League of Dallas herself, we could not think of a more fitting person than Mrs. Bush to emphasize the importance of voluntarism, empowerment of women and improving our community,” said President of the Junior League of Dallas, Julie Bagley. “Her experience and passion for key issues such as education and healthcare relate directly to the programs and mission of the Junior League.” 

 

The Luncheon will also recognize the 2014-2015 Sustainer of the Year, Regen Fearon. Mrs. Fearon continually reflects the mission of the JLD through her activism in the community, her commitment to early childhood education, and her charitable work with organizations like the Big Sister Program, ChildCareGroup, Commit and Dallas Assembly.

The Milestones Luncheon is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund and is a platform to raise awareness for the programs and issues supported by the JLD, as well as to recognize the impact and achievements of its volunteers. Proceeds from The Milestones Luncheon, along with general underwriting efforts, allow the JLD to annually grant $1 million dollars to the Dallas community.

 

Individual Luncheon tickets are $175, and Patron Luncheon tickets are $250. Table sales begin at $3,000. To purchase tables or individual tickets, please contact the JLD Development Office at (214) 357-8822, ext. 118 or visit www.jld.net/luncheon for more information.



Eighth Annual Chick Lit Luncheon Welcomed Best-Selling Author, Julia Reed

Caonha Dillon, Bryanna Roop

Community Partners of Dallas announced $260,000 was raised at the April 4th Chick Lit Luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel.   Featuring best selling author Julia Reed, the annual fundraiser was chaired by Jennifer Evans Morris with honorary chair Jennifer Burr Altabef. 

Julia Reed, featured author; Jennifer Evans Morris, Chick Lit Luncheon Chair; Paige McDaniel, president and CEO, Community Partners of Dallas



Lynn McBee, Juliette Coulter

  The festivities began on Thursday evening, April 3 with a reception honoring sponsors and committee members hosted by Carolina Herrera in Highland Park Village. Store director Melinda Moore Rathke welcomed 100 guests as they mingled and perused the stunning couture collection.  Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to meet the guest of honor and luncheon featured speaker, Julia Reed.

 

Mid-way through the evening, CPD president and CEO Paige McDaniel thanked Ms. Rathke for hosting the lovely evening and then added her thanks to those in attendance, including luncheon presenting sponsors Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel.  Ms. Rathke then announced that the boutique was offering 10% of the proceeds of any sales through the end of April to Community Partners of Dallas to anyone mentioning the Chick Lit Luncheon upon check-out.

Ashley Allen, Jennifer Tobin

Allison Methvin, Christine Danuser, Amy Sherman

 

Heather Leclair, Sarah Burns, Nikki Webb, Mary Lou Webb

  The following day, Friday, April 4, 600 guests arrived at Brook Hollow Golf Club for the eighth annual Chick Lit Luncheon.  The day began with a reception with the author, followed by a seated luncheon of pecan-crusted chicken on greens with dried cherries and apricots and dessert of cherry pie, a nod to speaker Julia Reed’s southern roots.

 

While everyone finished their dessert, Ms. McDaniel came to the stage to recognize committee members, sponsors and attendees, including honorary chair Jennifer Burr Altabef and luncheon chair Jennifer Evans Morris.  Ms. Morris followed by recognizing this year’s Partners for Children Award recipient, the Junior League of Dallas.  Before the award was presented to JLD President Laura Johnson, luncheon guests enjoyed a special video which showcased the unwavering and continued support of the Junior League of Dallas has provided to the agency for the last 21 years.

Kate Rose Marquez, Tamara Bickel

Rebecca Wooters, Diana Hoogland

Ms. McDaniel came back to the stage asked guests to don the birthday tiaras that were placed on their chairs and sing Happy Birthday in honor of CPD’s twenty-fifth anniversary this year, before showing a commemorative video highlighting the importance of volunteers throughout its history.  After Ms. McDaniel’s speech, Ms. Morris returned with a beautifully wrapped “birthday present.”  When Ms. McDaniel opened, she pulled out a pair of brightly colored stiletto heels, providing the perfect visual for the announcement that Community Partners of Dallas would be the 2015 beneficiary of Stiletto Strut sponsored by Neiman Marcus. 

Sandy Moore, Liana Yarckin, Janice Van Arsdale

Kathy Fagan, Michelle Pletcher

Courtney Rider, Angela Choquette

Ms. Morris then introduced the featured speaker of the day, author Julia Reed.  Ms. Reed regaled the crowd with stories and experiences as a Southerner, a published author whose recent book is titled But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria!: Adventures in Eating, Drinking, and Making Merry, and a regular contributor to publications like Newsweek, Vogue, Garden and Gun, Southern Accents, New York Times and more.  Highlights were her wonderful and humorous memories of covering politics, fashion and food around the world. 

 

Immediately following, Ms. Reed visited with luncheon-goers as she signed her best selling books, available for purchase. 

 

As the day came to a close, guests were given a parting gift including a trio of Satin Hands products from Mary Kay, notepads courtesy of Paper Affair and CPD calendars.

Barry and Sandy Moore

Kim Hudson, Heather Randall



Recipients of Inaugural Women LEAD Scholarship Announced

The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) and Mary Kay Inc., two of Dallas’ most philanthropic organizations, are proud to announce the four female recipients who will receive a combined $25,000 in collegiate scholarships through a new JLD program, Women LEAD

(Learn • Excel • Achieve • Dream). The inaugural event was held on March 27, 2014 at Emmett J. Conrad High School, where eight female Conrad High School senior finalists competed in an oratory competition followed by an awards ceremony.

Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility of Mary Kay Crayton Webb, Fourth Place Winner Maria Monjaras, First Place Winner Deyanira Zapata-Martinez, Third Place Winner Sumayah Al Haddad, Second Place Winner Lauren Jackson, Shannon Powell Hart of WFAA-Good Morning Texas, and Junior League of Dallas President Laura Johnson.
Photo by Dana Driensky

Each student prepared a three to five minute speech based on the essay topic, “How My Female Role Model Overcame Obstacles to Achieve Her Goals and How It Inspires Me.” Following the presentations, the judging panel determined the winners and awarded a total of $25,000 in college scholarship funds to four students based on the merits of their scholarship application and speech presentation. The first place winner, Deyanira Zapata-Martinez, will receive a one-time $10,000 scholarship. Second place winner Lauren Jackson, third place winner Sumayah Al Haddad and fourth place winner Maria Monjaras, will each receive a one-time $5,000 scholarship. These funds will be paid directly to the college or university the recipient attends.

JLD Ball was a Magical Safari

On Saturday, February 26, guests of the Junior League of Dallas 2011 Ball, presented by Sewell, were transported "Into Africa" at The Ballroom at The Hilton Anatole. Guests were greeted by tribal dancers, drummers and models in elaborate animal costumes. While feasting on a spectacular African-inspired dinner, guests were surrounded by the lush jungle decor and sounds of the abundant wildlife of Africa. Linda Pitts Custard was Honorary Ball Chair and D'Andra Simmons served as the Ball Chair.
Carl Sewell Jr. and Josie McGary, Peggy and Carl Sewell

The gala included a Platinum VIP reception sponsored by Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, Inc., and a cocktail hour for all guests sponsored by PlainsCapital Bank. The Pink Carpet sponsor was no other than Mary Kay. Peter Duchin and his orchestra performed from his repertoire of jazz, swing, blues and pop after the seated dinner.
Katy and Ryan Spicer

"Thanks to Dallas' spirit of generosity, we have raised nearly $1.2 million dollars. We worked hard to reach our goal this year and are sincerely grateful to honor our sponsors and volunteers who commit money and time to our community and the people who call Dallas home," said D'Andra Simmons, 2010-2011 Ball Chair.
The Honorable Tom Leppert, Peter Duchin and Colin Duchin

"The Junior League of Dallas is proud and humbled to be able to provide more than $1 million and 1,200 active volunteers to the community this year. Through our programs and those of the local agencies we support, we know we are making a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens," said Leigh Anne Haugh, JLD 2010-2011 President. "Our annual Ball is a way to celebrate and honor our generous donors and sponsors, as well as our volunteers and supporters, for giving so freely of their resources and time throughout the year."

Leigh Anne Haugh, President of JLD, Heather Hicks, Fund Development VP,
and D'Andra Simmons, Ball Chair

Photos by Dana and Daniel Driensky