Young Women's Preparatory Network - The Empower Her Dinner

Lynn McBee, CEO of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, announces a new fundraiser for the organization, The EmpowerHER Dinner, Empowered Women Empowering Young Girls presented by Westwood Wealth Management.

         Chaired by Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo, the theme includes this inspirational tagline, “Like a monarch transforming from a caterpillar to a butterfly – Empowering young girls to soar on their journey into adulthood.”

         Signing on as honorary chairs are the women of the Lacerte family: Joyce Lacerte, Quincy Lacerte, Madison Lacerte, Monroe Lacerte, Megan Barrie-Schwarz and Harriet Lacerte.

         Slated for Thursday, November 13, 2025 and happening in a private home in the Park Cities for up to 125 attendees, this exclusive dinner will feature a top team of acclaimed and accomplished female chefs from local Dallas restaurants. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception including passed hors d’oeuvres, auction of some one-of-a-kind items, entertainment, announcements, and a few surprises followed by a multi-course seated gourmet dinner. Each chef will create her own featured item. 

“The EmpowerHER Dinner is more than a fundraiser—it’s a powerful investment in the future of our girls. I’m especially grateful to Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo for their leadership, to the Lacerte family for their unwavering support, and to Westwood for making this event possible. Together, we’re opening doors to opportunity,” said Lynn McBee, Chief Executive Officer.

         Limited seating up to 125. Individual tickets start at $500. Patron tickets are $1,000 with different benefits. Sponsorships begin at $5,000 up to $25,000. 

Visit the website for more information: www.youngwomensprep.org/empowerher-dinner/ or contact Cindy Ryan, Chief Development Officer. Email: cryan@ywprep.org

Inaugural Jade Ball Supporting Crow Collection

On Saturday, October 7, 2017, the Crow Collection of Asian Art presents an extraordinary event for the museum and its many supporters and friends—the INAUGURAL JADE BALL at The Belo Mansion.

Please join Ball Chair Robert Weatherly and Honorary Chair Lynn McBee for this first annual celebration. With a name inspired by the Qing Dynasty Jades that make up the heart of the museum’s collection, the JADE BALL was created as a fundraising effort to help the museum expand its impact and ensure its sustainability

Beginning at 6pm with a cocktail reception, followed by a black-tie dinner for 400 guests, the JADE BALL promises a magical grand entrance, unique entertainment, networking, art experiences and delightful surprises throughout the evening inspired by the theme of CHINA. #crowjadeball

Special thanks to Jade Ball Host Committee: Denny Alberts and Cynthia Comparin, Annika and Dennis Cail, Darryl Freling, Kristen and Reed Gibbins, Gerardo Gomez, Joyce Goss, Diana Hamilton, Frank Hettig, Clara Hinojosa, David Kiger, Matrice Ellis-Kirk and Ron Kirk, Jane McGarry, Jerald Miller, Jin and James Mun, Angela Nash, Andrea and David Nayfa, Debra Nelson, Heather Randall, Tracey and Kent Rathbun, Carol and Frank Riddick, Capera Ryan, Stephanie and Michael Seay, Connie and Marc Sigel, Lisa and Marvin Singleton, Sunie Solomon, Anne and Steve Stodghill, Whitney and Rob Strauss, Tara Lewis and John Swords, Ashley Tatum, Joanne and Charles Teichman, Maxine Trowbridge, Trey Wasser, Annette and Myron Watkins, Paige Westoff, and Megan and Brady Wood

Purchase tickets here: https://crowcollection.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n1J00000fPfKWQA0

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.

The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison Speaks to Young Women’s Preparatory Network

Young Women’s Preparatory Network, the largest all girls’ college preparatory network in the nation, held its Leadership Summit on September 14 and 15 with its principals, key team members and staff. A highlight of the conference was hearing from The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison at Joyce and Larry Lacerte’s home on September 14.

Lynn McBee, Young Women’s Prep CEO, introduced Hutchison. “Kay has done so much for public education. She is the one who championed the amendment making single-sex schools legal in public school district, and we now have the largest network in the country.”

Malinda Villalobos (Ysleta), Lynn McBee (YWPN CEO), Jeanne Goka-Dubose (Austin), Delia Montelongo-McLerran (San Antonio), The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, Mia Hall (Fort Worth), Delesa O’Dell-Thomas (Houston), Jennifer Oliver (Grand Prairie), Berta Fogerson (Lubbock), Lisa Curry (Dallas)

Young Women's Prep was founded in 2002. This network is the result of Lee and Sally Posey’s vision: the Texas philanthropists were inspired by a 2001 visit to a new single-sex, college preparatory, public school in New York City: The Young Women’s Leadership School of East Harlem.

 

The first and largest of its kind in Texas, Young Women’s Prep formed the first public/private partnership with DISD in 2004, opening the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, the first all-girls public school in Texas. Since then, Young Women’s Prep has opened schools in Austin, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Houston, Lubbock and San Antonio. There are plans to open additional schools. 

Patty Leyendecker, Quincy Lacerte, Joyce Lacerte, Brent Christopher

An astounding 100% of the students graduate from high school and are accepted to a college or university. In 2014-2015, the network’s 247 graduates received more than $29 million in academic and merit scholarships and have matriculated to 87 different colleges and universities.

 

Young Women’s Prep network schools serve students in grades 6 through 12 on seven campuses across the state of Texas. Approximately 70 percent of all students come from economically disadvantaged homes, and 68 percent of the students in the Class of 2015 are first generation college students.

Michele Vobach, Elizabeth Jones, Margaret Kelliher, Laura Estrada

 

VNA to Celebrate Dallas’ Greatest Legends & Leaders

VNA will celebrate Dallas’ greatest Legends & Leaders at the Hilton Anatole on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. This spring dinner event benefits VNA Hospice Care and Meals on Wheels programs that allow our elderly, ill and disabled neighbors to age with dignity at home.

 

This year’s Legends & Leaders Honorary Event Chairs are long-time VNA supporters:The Roger Horchow Family: Regen & Jeff Fearon, Lizzie & Dan Routman, Sally Horchow, and Roger Horchow. Lynn McBee – who has been involved with VNA since 1995 serving in numerous vital positions including Chairman of the VNA Board and a member of VNA’s Foundation Board – is VNA’s 2014 Legends & Leaders Event Chair.

 

This fun gala is designed to be an evening of conversation about Dallas and leadership. More than 60 distinguished individuals – VNA’s 2014 Legends & Leaders – will mingle with guests during a reception, and then lead conversation during a reserved seat gourmet dinner. Additionally, outstanding student leaders from Paul Quinn College, SMU, University of Dallas, UNT, UTD and UT Southwestern Medical School will enhance the evening by providing their fresh and innovative perspective. For more information, please contact VNA’s Annual Giving and Special Events Manager Laura Muniz at 214-689-3484 orMunizL@vnatexas.org.

A Special Destination Connects Moore Park and Santa Fe Trestle Trail

Paul W. Harris, president & CEO, Hoblitzelle Foundation; Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings; Judge Vonciel Jones Hill, City Councilmember; Craig Holcomb, executive director, Trinity Commons Foundation; Dr. Gail Thomas, president & CEO of The Trinity Trust; Lynn McBee, board member of The Trinity Trust; Larry Jones, Dallas Park & Recreation board member

The City of Dallas joins The Trinity Trust Foundation and the Hoblitzelle Foundation in announcing the opening of the Pavilion and Amphitheater connecting Moore Park to the Santa Fe Trestle Trail on June 13.  These new amenities were made possible by a $2 million donation from the Hoblitzelle Foundation in honor of Mr. Will Moore, the park’s namesake, and his contributions to Dallas’ African American community and culture.

The new space at Moore Park creates a link to both the existing 75-year-old park and the Santa Fe Trestle Trail, which opened fall of 2012.  Moore Park has athletic fields and parking with beautiful mature tree groves and views of Cedar Creek. 

The beautiful new space centers on a shade pavilion with picnic tables and a gravity-defying 25-foot cantilevered overlook with views toward Cedar Creek. The performance amphitheater with thoughtful memory wall, sloped lawn for seating and icon tower lend dramatic flair to the architecturally finished and angled retaining walls. The amphitheater is a perfect outdoor venue for intimate daytime musical performances, dance events, school plays, student field trips, or the readings of novelists and poets.

A steel bridge connects from the entry plaza near the new pavilion to the terraced grove of red oak trees. Shared parking with the Santa Fe Trestle Trail is located at 8^th Street and the DART overflow lot. A picturesque trail link to the adjacent Santa Fe Trestle Trail (.86 mile concrete trail) is shaded by mature trees taking visitors past a pecan grove and landscaped beds of native grasses or across the new Cedar Creek Bridge.

The Big Read Dallas

Dirk is joining in. So should YOU.

First lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chairman
Lynn McBee, Chairman
Christine Allison, President of D Magazine Partners
Kate Park, Executive Director of Friends of Dallas Public Library
Krista Nightengale, Founder of D Academy
Juliette Coulter, Coulter Group
Gay Patrick, Director of Library Media Services at Dallas ISD
D Academy Class of 2012-2013

All of these local Dallasites are joining the fun too!

The Big Read Dallas

One City. One Book. 

Download Big Read D to read Fahrenheit 451 on the go! You can track how many pages you’ve burned through, and see how you compare to the rest of the readers in the city by checking out the leaderboard. Also, get a refresher on the history of Fahrenheit 451 and take a look at all the events planned for the month of April.

Chick Lit Luncheon - Save the Date

Grab your calendar and add this date as this is one event you do not want to miss: April 20th, 2012 is when Community Partners of Dallas CPD) will be holding their next Chick Lit Luncheon at the Brook Hollow Country Club. As always, we yet to know who the author will be, but I am certain it will be someone great as always.

On top of Mary Gill being the luncheon chair, CPD will be honoring the ever-so-wonderful Lynn McBee with the Partners for Childrens Award. Lynn helps so many organizations, including CPD and all the children that are in dire need of help and change, and what a fabulous way to recognize and thank her.

Hope to see everyone on April 20th for what will be another wonderful Chick Lit Luncheon!!