2025 Educational First Steps Gala Announcement

Join Educational First Steps for the 2025 Gala

​Be part of an unforgettable evening with featured speakers President George W. Bush and Former First Lady Laura Bush, as they unite to support early childhood education in North Texas. Your presence will help transform the lives of children in underserved communities by ensuring access to high-quality early learning.

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Enjoy an inspiring night filled with powerful stories, renowned speakers, and opportunities to connect with others who believe in the power of education.

Together, we can shape a brighter future for all children.

Ritz-Carlton Dallas

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

VIP Reception ~ 4:45 - 5:45pm

EFS Gala ~ 6:00 - 8:00pm

Register here: 2025 EFS Gala | Educational First Steps

Dallas Arboretum’s Great Contributors Awards Event Honored Laura Bush and Kay Bailey Hutchison

 On November 15, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s annual Great Contributors Award dinner honored two remarkable Texas women —Laura Bush and The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison.

The Great Contributors Award is bestowed on individuals whose contributions have made an important positive impact on the state, country and world as the Dallas Arboretum works to contribute to Dallas recognition from throughout the world. Funds raised help the Dallas Arboretum fund the 100,000 school-age children who attend field trips; underwrite 25,000 tickets to provide access to the garden to those unable to pay; and provide upkeep for the 66-acre garden to remain ‘best in class.’

Will McDaniel (DABS board chairman elect), Marilyn Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Rena Pederson, Ben Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Jim Ryan (DABS board chairman)

Jim Ryan, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, welcomed 200 guests. “We want to thank all of you here tonight – for your support, sponsorship and friendship to the Dallas Arboretum. It’s my pleasure to introduce our event honorary co-chairs, Marilyn and Ben Weber, who will introduce this year’s Great Contributors honorees when our program begins.

Tom Gilcrest sang the invocation with two Texas favorite songs—"Deep in the Heart of Texas” and “God Bless America.” 

Sam Coats, The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, Bailey Hutchison, Tom Gilchrist 

Ben Weber introduced Laura Bush. “One of the most beloved and admired First Ladies of Texas and of the United States, Laura Bush continues to bring dignity and honor to our state and our country. A champion of key issues in the fields of education, health care and women's rights, Mrs. Bush remains committed to issues of global concern through her work at the George W. Bush Institute. As a lifelong conservationist, Mrs. Bush has visited more than 30 national parks and historic sites, spotlighting our country's national treasures and natural wonders. She is passionate about prairie restoration, native plantings and saving our migrating birds. Mrs. Bush is the proud founder of Texan by Nature, which brings conservation and business together to protect our state's people, plants and prosperity. I now introduce to you, former First Lady but first in our hearts, Laura Bush.”

Ben Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Marilyn Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Laura Bush (Great Contributor Award honoree), Jim Ryan (DABS board chairman)

Laura Bush remarked, “I am thrilled to be here to accept the Dallas Arboretum’s Great Contributor Award because, as I’m sure many of you know, I am an outdoor enthusiast. 

Well, the reason I agreed to accept this award tonight is so I could come on stage to recognize the true greatest contributor in the room – and that’s Mary Brinegar. Mary brought her passion for education to the Arboretum, furthering the nonprofit’s mission to build and maintain a public garden that promotes the art, enjoyment and knowledge of horticulture, while providing opportunities for education and research...so join me in giving a heartfelt thanks to the Dallas Arboretum’s Greatest Contributor, my friend, Mary Brinegar.”

Marilyn Weber introduced Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rena Pederson who moderated the discussion. “The Dallas Arboretum is pleased to bestow its Great Contributor Award to The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison. Her lifetime of service to our nation has been extraordinary. For 20 years, she served the State of Texas as a U.S. Senator, and for more than three years, she served as the United States Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). She has written three books, and continues to serve on many prestigious local, national and international boards. Recognizing her lifetime of service, the Dallas City Council named the city's Convention Center after her. Her alma mater, the University of Texas, proudly houses The Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law and Business.”

Ben Weber, Marilyn Weber, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Kathy Helm, Larry Helm 

Laura Bush was interviewed by Rena Pederson, known as a trailblazer for women in journalism and named by Texas Monthly as one of the most powerful women in the state. Pederson has written four books, served on the Pulitzer Prize Board for nine years and received national recognition as Vice President and Editorial Page Editor at The Dallas Morning News for 16 years.

Pederson asked Hutchison questions about the world affairs, particularly Poland, NATO, Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan and more. Hutchison had a front seat to many of these developments in her role and shared the history of these situations. The riveting conversation kept the audience engaged. 

Jim Ryan closed the evening. “Thank you for attending tonight to honor these great women. And thanks to each of you as you are also our Great Contributors and have continued to believe the dream of what we offer to our guests.”

17th annual Dallas/Fort Worth Celebration of Reading

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, established in 1989 by former First Lady Barbara Bush, will host the 17^th annual Dallas/Fort Worth Celebration of Reading on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Former First Lady Laura Bush will serve as honorary chair, and the event chair will be Brill Garrett, wife of Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett and a passionate advocate for making a difference in the lives of children. 

“The Celebration of Reading is always powerful, but it takes on special meaning this year with the recent loss of its beloved founder, former First Lady Barbara Bush,” said Brill Garrett. “What a tremendous honor to help continue the work she began, bringing amazing authors to Dallas and inspiring people to embrace reading while supporting local family literacy initiatives.” 

Members of the Bush family are expected to attend the event along with a stellar lineup of The New York Timesbest-selling authors (to be announced in coming weeks). The day kicks off with a luncheon at noon for the authors and top sponsors, followed by a VIP authors' reception from 6-7 p.m. for patron level and higher sponsors at the Meyerson’s Horchow Hall. Highlighting the day is the always-entertaining program, a ticketed event from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Meyerson Concert Hall where authors share their personal stories and read from their most recent works. After the program, the authors will conduct a book signing at 9 p.m. on the lower level. (Doors to the Meyerson Symphony Center will open at 6:30 p.m.) 

Earlier that day, student winners of the region-wide essay contest along with their teachers and principals will be honored at a breakfast event hosted by the Gene and Jerry Jones Family at AT&T Stadium. 

 A Princeton University undergraduate and Harvard Law School graduate, Brill Garrett brings tremendous experience and passion to the Celebration of Reading event. Through her leadership with the Jason Garrett Starfish Charities, she has originated a number of education programs for Dallas public school students in grades Pre-K through high school. Additionally, she has served on several charitable boards, including the Center for Brain Health (part of the University of Texas at Dallas) and SMU Simmons School of Education and Human Development as well as Camp John Marc. An art docent for students touring AT&T Stadium, she also is an active member of the Dallas Cowboys Women’s Association and headlines its Reading Blitz program for under-served, at-risk elementary school students.

Laura Bush is an advocate for literacy, education and women’s rights. After leaving the White House, President and Mrs. Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. Today Mrs. Bush pursues her work on global healthcare innovations and empowering women in emerging democracies through the George W. Bush Institute. She also serves as the Chair for the Bush Institute’s Women’s Initiative. As First Lady, Mrs. Bush advocated the importance of literacy and education to advance opportunity for America’s young people and to foster healthy families and communities.

“We are so honored to have Mrs. Bush and Brill Garrett at the helm this year,” said Anne Davies, senior vice president and chief development officer for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. “As a former librarian and teacher, Mrs. Bush has had a lifelong love and appreciation for reading. Combining Brill Garrett’s drive and expertise in creating and supporting youth education programs, we anticipate an extraordinary day of Celebration of Reading events on November 6.” 

The work of the Barbara Bush Foundation is more critical than ever. By 2030, an estimated 1 million Dallas County residents will not be literate in English – limiting opportunities and economic prosperity for families and the entire community. Further illustrating the issue is that approximately 70 percent of low-income fourth graders in North Texas today cannot read at grade level. 

 Funds raised from this year’s event will support more than 140 family literacy programs and groundbreaking literacy initiatives throughout the country that provide parents and children – including nearly 5,000 North Texas families – with access to educational opportunities so they can better their own lives and pass these important skills down to the next generation.

Sponsorships packages are now available. Platinum Sponsors are $100,000 and above; Gold Sponsors are $50,000; Silver Sponsors are $25,000; Bronze Sponsors are $15,000; Patron Sponsors are $10,000; and Friend Sponsors are $5,000. A special “Tickets for Teachers” sponsorship package rewards eight dedicated educators with an opportunity for a special night out to celebrate the event.

For sponsorship information, contact Melissa Metoyer at melissa.metoyer@barbarabush.org. To learn more about the Dallas/Fort Worth Celebration of Reading, go to barbarabush.org/get-involved/events/.

The Lunch for Goodwill Industries

THE LUNCH 2018

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Omni Downtown Dallas Hotel

Photo Opportunity 10:30 a.m. | Lunch Program 11:30 a.m.

Featured Guests

Laura Bush, Former First Lady of the United States

Barbara Pierce Bush, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Global Health Corps

Jenna Bush Hager, NBC’s Today Show Correspondent

 

THE LUNCH Co-Chairs

Jeanne Phillips and Carolyn Miller

 

With your support of THE LUNCH, more people in our community are given a starting point, a pathway, an opportunity!

Tickets and sponsorships: https://www.goodwilldallas.org/the-lunch/

National Breast Cancer Foundation Art of Hope Gala Featuring Honored Speaker Mrs. Laura Bush

Tickets available online at www.nbcfgala.org

View the National Celebration of Reading Live Online Tonight

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy announces that viewers worldwide will be able to watch the National Celebration of Reading, to be held on Thursday, June 9, at the Library of Congress, via a live online video stream.

 

The National Celebration of Reading will feature an outstanding lineup of bestselling authors, including former First Lady Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager, David Baldacci, A.J. Jacobs and Jon Meacham, as well as a musical performance by actress and singer Lynda Carter. This event brings awareness to the issue of low literacy and helps to support family literacy programs and innovative policy solutions to help millions of adults and young children in America.

 

"We've hosted more than 60 Celebration of Reading events over the years, but this marks our first in our nation's capital," said Liza McFadden, President and CEO of the Barbara Bush Foundation. "This truly is a national celebration, and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to share it with our community of literacy supporters throughout America."

 

The program will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., ET. To view the National Celebration of Reading live, visit www.helpthemread.org.

 

Schedule

7:00 p.m. – Musical Performance by Lynda Carter
7:13 p.m. – Library of Congress Historian John Cole
7:21 p.m. – Doro Bush Koch
7:28 p.m. – Jon Meacham
7:38 p.m. – A.J. Jacobs
7:50 p.m. – David Baldacci
8:14 p.m. – Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager

 

About the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy: The Barbara Bush Foundation is the nation's leading advocate for family literacy. The Foundation was established by Mrs. Barbara Bush in 1989, and today is a public charity which aspires to achieve a vision of fostering the opportunity for every man, woman and child to secure a better life through literacy. To learn more about the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy's commitment to promote family literacy in homes across America, please visit www.helpthemread.org or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter (@BarbaraBushFdn).

Junior League of Dallas Milestones Luncheon Welcomes Former First Lady as Guest Speaker

Junior League of Dallas Milestones Luncheon

Thursday, November 6, 2014

12:00 Noon

Imperial Ballroom, Hilton Anatole Hotel

Guest Speaker: Former First Lady, Laura Bush

2014-15 JLD Sustainer of the Year, Regen Horchow Fearon

 

To reserve your seat and for more information, click here.

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.



The Salvation Army Echelon 30M Gala

The Salvation Army Echelon 30M Gala

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Gala 9 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas

 

Chairs: Shelby and Travis Goff, Meredith and Griffin Perry
Honorary Chairs: Laura Bush, Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush, Gene Jones and Charlotte Jones Anderson

 

To purchase your tickets to the Gala, click HERE

 

Echelon's 30M Gala celebrates the vast work of The Salvation Army, which serves 30 million people in the United States annually. The multi-generational event is an opportunity to bring together a diverse group of The Salvation Army's supporters and a chance to raise awareness about The Salvation Army's mission of Doing The Most Good.

2014 Doing the Most Good Fashion Show

Monday, May 5, 2014

Brook Hollow Golf Club

10:00 AM

 

Honorary Chairs:

Mrs. Laura Bush, Barbara Pierce Bush, Jenna Bush Hager

The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary is looking forward to one of the most spectacular fashion shows yet! The incomparable Jan Strimple will, once again, produce the runway show. The show will be a creative masterpiece incorporating some of the best finds from many of the most-coveted closets and raved-about retailers in Dallas.

 

You can find incredible bargains at the fabulous Chic Boutique and Silent Auction! Designer fashions and accessories will be available at a fraction of their cost. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to purchase items from the dazzling Runway Collection.

 

Proceeds from the 2014 Fashion Show & Luncheon will help support more than 70 services provided by The Salvation Army in the DFW Metroplex, including providing a safe haven for victims of domestic violence, after school and summer day camp programs, substance abuse rehabilitation and sheltering the homeless.

 

Contact SAWA at 214-637-8122 or email dfw_auxiliary@uss.salvationarmy.org

Big D Reads Announces Former First Lady Laura Bush as Honorary Chair

Big D Reads is proud to announce Former First Lady Laura Bush will, once again, serve as Honorary Chair of Big D Reads.

In April 2014, Big D Reads will distribute 20,000 copies and encourage the entire city to read S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. Hinton first published the classic novel in 1967 when she was 18. The central themes of the book include friendship, loyalty, and the message that no matter how much money we have, we all have problems.

“Everyone in Dallas, adults and teens, should pick up a copy of The Outsiders, and enjoy this coming-of-age adventure together as a community,” Bush says.

During the entire month of April 2014, Big D Reads will conduct dozens of special events centered on The Outsiders, including an opening event, a closing event, writers' workshops, educational events/speakers, DISD enrichment programs, and movie screenings. 

Would you like to join in the fun next April? Big D Reads is encouraging members of the community to create their own special events. The story of The Outsiders lends itself to plenty of ideas. You can host a Greasers versus the Socs party or provide a venue for a large book club discussion.

If you can't host an event, but want to be involved with Big D Reads, please consider becoming a volunteer. This year’s program is ambitious, and the organization will need help sorting books, setting up for events, and distributing posters and books.

Visit www.bigdreads.org today for more information.

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.

Spirit of CONTACT Luncheon Patron Party

The 2013 Spirit of CONTACT Luncheon Patron Party was held on Thursday, January 17 at the Home of Jan and Fred Hegi. Kimberly Lay and Megan Steinbach, co-chairs of the 2013 Spirit of CONTACT Luncheon welcomed guests as they arrived.

Megan Steinbach, Fred and Jan Hegi, Gerald and Gail Turner, Kimberly Lay

Benaye Rogers, President of CONTACT, gave the background of the annual event and officially announced the 2013 Spirit of CONTACT Award recipient, Dr. Kenneth Cooper. First Lady Laura Bush will be the luncheon speaker.

Benaye Rogers, Jan and Fred Hegi

As a former teacher, librarian and leader of Helping America's Youth initiative, Mrs. Bush has listened closely to the concerns of young people, parents and community leaders throughout the country. She draws attention to proven programs that help children avoid such risky behaviors as drug and alcohol use, early sexual activity and violence, and the need for a caring adult role model in every child's life.

The 17th annual Spirit of CONTACT Luncheon, From Breaking Point to Turning Point: Listening from the Heart, will be held on Thursday, March 21th at the Hyatt-Regency Dallas, Landmark Ballroom. SMU President and Mrs. Gerald Turner are Honorary Chairs of the luncheon. Contact Alexandra Sizemore at 972.233.0866, ext 315 or email asizemore@contactcrisisline.org to purchase tickets to the 2013 Spirit of CONTACT luncheon.

17th Annual Spirit of Contact Luncheon

Join Contact Crisis Center for their 17th Annual Spirit of CONTACT Luncheon to be held on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas Landmark Ballroom. The event will honor 2013 Spirit of CONTACT award recipient, Dr. Kenneth Cooper and honorary chairs, Gail and Gerald Turner. The luncheon theme will be From Breaking Point to Turning Point: Listening with the Heart with keynote speaker, Former First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush.

For Sponsorship Information, please contact Alexandra Sizemore at asizemore@contactcrisisline.org or call (972) 233-0866 ext. 315.  Click here for ticket information.

2012 Star Executive Summit

Join Star Children's Charity

on Thursday, May 24, 2012

for the 2012 Star Executive Summit

featuring Keynote Speaker, First Lady Laura Bush

at Embassy Suites Conference Center in Frisco

Reception, Silent Auction and Luncheon

Reception begins at 10:30 am. Program begins promptly at 11:30 am.

Honorary Chairs: Co-Founders of City House, Nancy Boyd and Kay Goodman

Reserve your seat today at http://www.starchildrens.com/

Be Inspired. Be Inspiring!

Dallas Children’s Literacy Group Luncheon

Former First Lady, Laura W. Bush, and her daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, are the keynote speakers for a luncheon benefitting AVANCE-Dallas, Inc. The luncheon hosted by Attorneys Serving the Community (ASC) will take place on Friday, June 3, 2011, at noon at the Hilton Anatole’s Chantilly Ballroom in Dallas, Texas.

AVANCE-Dallas (pronounced “Ah-VON-say”) provides early childhood education and support to at-risk, economically impoverished Hispanic families, and this year marks the organization’s 15th anniversary of advancing children. AVANCE’s goal is to teach parents how to work with their children at the most critical age of development—birth to three years of age—to prepare the children to stay in school and excel in academics. AVANCE offers a child-parent education program at 25 sites in low-income neighborhoods in Dallas. Last year, AVANCE-Dallas served 864 children and 775 parents in its Parent-Child Education Program where parents learn how to transform their homes into lifelong learning laboratories by regularly reading with their children and verbally engaging them every day.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Attorneys Serving the Community (ASC) is a volunteer organization comprised of approximately 300 women attorneys from the Dallas/Ft. Worth-area who are committed to raising awareness and support for local charities that benefit women, children or families.

The public is invited to hear Mrs. Bush and Jenna Bush Hager speak about the impact parents can have on their children’s early development and literacy. For information on sponsorship opportunities and tickets to the luncheon, please contact AVANCE-Dallas’s Executive Director, Ms. Lisa Oglesby Rocha at loglesby.dal@avance.org

Click here to learn about the sponsorship opportunities.

For information about ASC, visit http://www.ascdallas.com/ or visit ASC’s Facebook Event page.

Ruth Altshuler and the J. Erik Jonsson Ethics Award Luncheon

I just got back to the office from one of the most inspiring luncheons I have ever attended.  The 2011 J. Erik Jonsson Ethics Award was presented to Ruth Altshuler in the beautiful Martha Proctor Mack Grand Ballroom in the Umphrey Lee Center at SMU.

Just being in this beautiful room was a treat to itself.  Mrs. Altshuler told me earlier this week that the room was so ugly until Interior Designer Extraordinaire Emily Summers donated her time and services.  The room is so chic now!  The walls are finished in gorgeous gray Venetian Plaster and the white columns and mouldings are so fresh and cheerful.

But being in the room in such great company was truly special!  The luncheon, chaired by the stylish Nancy Strauss Halbreich, was attended by an outstanding group of Mrs. Altshuler's friends including the charming former First Lady Laura Bush and the accomplished Nancy Brinker.

Mrs. Bush applauded Mrs. Altschuler for her tireless efforts and fantastic sense of humor.  She said that she once described her as a "Grand Dame" of Dallas but Mrs. Altshuler said, "That's fine but I would prefer to be called a Cute Young Thing!"  Mrs. Brinker applauded Mrs. Altshuler for her leadership and for bringing out the best in others.

The most touching moments of the event came when Mrs. Altshuler's daughter, Sally Sharp Harris, shared stories of her mother's caring heart.  She told us about the people who were hurting and struggling that her mom would read about in the paper.  She would cry over their situations and then go and visit them in the hospital or have them over for Sunday Supper.  She remained friends with them for many years.   Mrs. Altshuler's accomplishments have been talked about for years but the way she reached out to people with out any fanfare or any eyes watching her is a true testament to her sincerity and genuinely kind spirit.

When Mrs. Altshuler had her turn at the microphone she dazzled everyone in attendance by calling all of her charming grandchildren up to the stage.  She then shared adorable stories of her childhood and she had everyone laughing.  I can't think of a lady more deserving for such a prestigious award!

The luncheon closed with Mrs. Altshuler's grandson's singing their tribute song to her.  Their successful band is called Warren Charles they clearly adore their gramma!  To top it all of, today is her birthday so we all sang "Happy Birthday to Ruthie" at the end of the event.

Congratulations Mrs. Altshuler!  You deserve it!