Dallas lifestyle expert, author and
philanthropist Kimberly Schlegel Whitman
delighted a full ballroom of volunteers, philanthropists, and nonprofits with
the story of her grandmother whom she remembers fondly for always doing for
others.
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| Ali Mikles, Kim Schlegel Whitman |
“My grandmother had five children of
her own, and during her lifetime, she also had 36 foster children!” exclaimed
Whitman. “She was an angel on
earth. Seeing my grandmother’s joy in
serving others had a huge impact on me.”
Whitman provided the keynote address
titled, “Adventures in Philanthropy:
How Trying To Give Back Changed My Life And Career,” at the Dallas Junior
Forum 40th Anniversary spring luncheon on April 26, at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion. Luncheon chair was Mary Cartwright, and WFAA’s Jane McGarry served as mistress of
ceremonies.
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| Janice Whitehill, Sue Ragsdale, Royce Cooper, Linda DeFee, Linda McCarthy |
The Dallas Junior Forum (DJF), a
non-profit volunteer organization for women in North Texas that employs no paid
staff, is one of nine chapters of Junior Forum, Inc. – Texas based service
organizations originating in Houston in 1959.
DJF was founded in 1977 to create greater interest in civic, educational
and philanthropic endeavors in the North Texas community through volunteer work
focused on children, families and the elderly.
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Boys from Jesuit College Preparatory in Dallas volunteer each year at the luncheon
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The annual luncheon, known for its expansive silent auction
featuring hundreds of items, helps to provide monetary grants to the nonprofits
the group serves.
Organizations served by the Dallas
Junior Forum include Dallas Children’s
Advocacy Center, The Ebby House, Juliette Fowler Communities, Frisco Family Services,
Hope’s Door New Beginnings Center, Interfaith Family Services, Network,
PediPlace, and the Ronald McDonald House.
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| Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Ashlee Kleinert |
Since it began 40 years ago, DJF has donated hundreds of
thousands of volunteer service hours to the charitable agencies it supports. During
the 2014-15 fiscal year alone, members volunteered more than 16,400 hours and
saved the nonprofits served $411,800 in wages, employment taxes and benefit
expenses. Additionally, DJF awarded $123,700 in grants and non-grant funding. Over the years this all-volunteer organization
has donated more than $1 million in direct grants and non-grants to worthy
non-profit organizations throughout North Texas.
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DJF Past Presidents - Back row: (left to right) Jamie Isbell, Julie Sheridan, Valerie McMahan, Mary Cartwright Front row: (left to right) Vanessa Hoffman, Joan Oxford, Carol Gregston, Leah Margerison, Vicki Olson, Marianna Thiebaud, Ann W. Jones, Sheila Moore, Kristin Parrino
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As guests enjoyed pink champagne soup with mint drizzle,
tenderloin of beef Nicoise salad, and triple chocolate parfaits, Whitman
praised the members for their amazing work and the many volunteer hours they
give so many nonprofits each year.
“As a child, I watched how my parents were always very
involved with giving back to the community, and I want my children to see me
giving and helping others as well,” added Whitman.
She also highlighted the seven books she has written and
said that her most recent book “Monograms for the Home: The Art of Making Your
Mark” was inspired from a quote she read from Reese Witherspoon: “If it doesn’t breathe, monogram it!”
Immediately following the luncheon, Whitman held a book
signing and visited with guests.
“Kim represents a new generation of volunteers involved in
service to others,” added Cartwright.
“We were excited to look out in the audience and see some new faces and
hope to have some new members to help us serve others in the coming year. As we continue our 40th anniversary
celebration this year, we hope to reach even more people in need.”
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| Book signing with Kimberly Schlegel Whitman |
