Texas Women’s Foundation Celebrated 40th Anniversary with Award-Winning Actress Christine Baranski

On November 14 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) celebrated its Ruby Anniversary Luncheon featuring Christine Baranski, an Emmy, two-time Tony, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk and American Comedy Award winner. The luncheon raised $840,000 in support of the Foundation’s mission, including more than $112,000 at the event itself. 

Sofia Diaz, Miss Dallas Nicole Hill, Karen Hughes White

TXWF Board Chair Cris Zertuche Wong welcomed more than 950 guests including seven of the organization’s 11 living Founders.  “We celebrate the nearly $90 million granted to women and girl-serving organizations in Texas and more than $25 million invested in research, advocacy and leadership programs for a total impact of $115 million on Texas women, their families, and their futures since the Foundation’s inception in 1985."

Debbie Branson, Cynthia Izaguirre, Madeline McClure

Wong thanked former Foundation leaders and Ruby Anniversary co-chairs: Gail Griswold and Brenda Jackson (1980s), Laura Estrada (1990s), Helen Frank (2000s), and Shonn Brown(2020s) and the sponsors. 

Texas Women’s Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White added, “Help us build on the legacy of our Founders as we prepare for the next 40 years. Because, unlike our Founders, the challenges facing Texas women have not aged well. And the solutions have become increasingly complex. It will take all of us to create meaningful, lasting, systemic change that levels playing field for women – and in turn, creates a strong and vibrant Texas for all.” 

Lynn Fisher, Renda Mathew, Laura Sands

Throughout the program, TXWF shared video clips of its Founders describing how a group of 19 dynamic and diverse women came together across varied backgrounds, beliefs and political ideologies to advance opportunities for Texas women and their families. 

Karen Hughes White, Shonn Brown, Gail Griswold, Christine Baranski, Laura Estrada, Cris Zertuche Wong, Caren Lock

Shonn Brown, former Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, thanked and honored the Foundation’s Founders, including the 11 living Founders who served as the event’s honorary co-chairs: 

·      Susan Shamburger Bagwell

·      The Honorable Harryette Ehrhardt

·      Catalina E. Garcia, M.D.

·      Frances Griffin-Brown

·      Helen LaKelly Hunt

·      The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison

·      Madeline Mandell

·      Patricia Meadows

·      Gwendolyn Oliver

·      CoYoTe PhoeNix

·      Rebecca Russell Sykes

Brown also paid tribute to the Founders who have passed: 

•       Geraldine D. Beer 

•       Vivian Anderson Castleberry

•       Maura Anderson McNiel

•       Joy Mankoff

•       Carmen Miller Michael

•       Louise Ballerstedt Raggio

•       Oeita Bottorff Theunissen 

•       Virginia Bulkley Whitehill

She announced that in honor of the 40th anniversary, interviews with several of the Funders will be included in a collection of 40 stories highlighting the passion, purpose and perseverance that have shaped TXWF’s impact. 

Target women

Sabrina Thomas, the Group Vice President of Target and Speaker Sponsor, introduced Christine Baranski and Caren Lock, TXWF former board chair who moderated the conversation.

Caren Lock, Christine Baranski

Special thank you to speaker sponsor Target and The Suzanne Ahn, M.D. Speaker Endowment Fund.

Texas Women’s Foundation Raised $750K with Emmy-Award Winning Journalist Ann Curry

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) held its 39th Annual Luncheon on November 1st at the Omni Dallas. The luncheon raised nearly $750,000 to continue its important work of advancing the lives of girls, women and their families. 

TXWF Community Grantees

Immediately prior to the luncheon, TXWF donors and grantees gathered for a reception honoring the organization’s 2024 Community Grant Awards recipients. With support from donors, fundholders and philanthropic partners, more than $867,000 was granted to 23 deserving non-profit organizations serving women and girls in North Texas. 

The luncheon began with a powerful spoken word performance by Miss Texas 2024, Annette Addo-Yobo. As a first-generation American woman holding this title, Annette knows firsthand what it means to overcome obstacles. In her piece titled “Texas Woman,” she spoke passionately about the need for women to own their worth and carry their truth forward despite persistent inequities and barriers.

Effie Dennison, Karen Hughes White, Ann Curry and Carrie Freeman Parsons

TXWF’s 39th Annual Luncheon Chair and Executive Vice President, Head of Community Development and Corporate Responsibility for Texas Capital Bank, Effie Dennison, thanked Annette, welcomed guests and acknowledged event sponsors (see list at end). 

An inspiring video about the impact of the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center followed Effie’s remarks; and a video about Storytime Childcare highlighted the importance of quality, affordable childcare for working families. Texas Women’s Foundation’s President and CEO Karen Hughes White, said, “Each one of you in this room – through your passion for Texas women and girls and your generosity of spirit – has the power to change lives. And it’s exactly what we’re going to ask you to do today. But first, I want to pose a question that I hope you’ll discuss at your tables over lunch: How can it be that our great state of Texas – with the strongest economy in the nation – and reportedly, the 8th largest in the world – ranks 47th out of 50 states across 25 different indicators for women’s economic security and success?”

Ann Curry, Krys Boyd

 Curry shared her experiences as one of the few women reporters breaking barriers in newsrooms dominated by men. She’s used her platform to bring humanity to her stories and shine a light on people’s lived experiences. Despite facing resistance, she fought tirelessly to stand up for what was right. Throughout her journey, she would envision future women journalists and remind herself that “the women are coming” to help elevate the field. 

Clover the Violinist

Curry’s Select Remarks:

“You are now a part of the struggle and we’ve come a long way, but we haven’t crossed the finish line. Women fought to give you a voice. Use it.” Then she shared the story of her grandmother. “My grandmother wanted to vote in an election, but my dad and grandfather wouldn’t drive her to vote because she wasn’t going to vote for the candidate they both wanted her to vote for. Fine. She walked to the election site. Her candidate won.”

“Commit yourself to a life of service.”

“We have to balance risk-taking without fear. We have to step out and take a risk. Everyone has a purpose that only you can bring into the world – take smart risks, fight for the things that are part of your purpose.”

Carrie Freeman Parsons, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, closed the luncheon with thanks to all the participants, sponsors and attendees. 

Ripple Effect

Special thanks to sponsors: 

Initiator of Change: Quantum Connections

Influencers for Change: Target and The Suzanne Ahn Speaker Endowment Fund of Texas Women’s Foundation 

Possibilities Partner Igniter of Change: Toyota

Pioneers for Change: Amazon, Ellenore Knight Baker and Roslyn Dawson Thompson, and Southwest Airlines

Incubators for Change: Goldman Sachs, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated. 

Facilitator for Change: Haynes Boone 

Energizers for Change: The Dallas Mavericks, Ernst & Young, Kimberly Clark, Texas Capital Bank

For additional sponsors, visit https://www.txwfluncheon.org/2024-sponsors

Texas Women's Foundation 35th Annual Luncheon with Keynote Speaker America Ferrera

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) announces the keynote speaker for its 35^h Annual Luncheon: America Ferrera, award-winning actress, director, producer, The New York Times best-selling author and activist. Themed “Texas for All,” this year’s event will take place virtually on Tuesday, September 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In honor of the 35^th anniversary, tickets are $35 each. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit txwfluncheon.org.

Business and community leaders Bonnie Clinton and Cynt Marshall are co-chairs of the luncheon. Clinton is vice president and chief procurement officer for Toyota North America, serves on Texas Women’s Foundation board and is a member of TXWF’s Economic Leadership Council. Marshall is chief executive officer of The Dallas Mavericks; she also serves as a Foundation board member and is an Economic Leadership Council member. Both women are diversity and inclusion champions and role models in their workplaces and in the community.  

“We are thrilled to assemble this ‘dream team’ – our keynote speaker, America Ferrera, who is passionate about strength in diversity and the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully in our society and economy, and our co-chairs, Bonnie Clinton and Cynt Marshall, who share the same passion and make it a reality through their exemplary leadership,” said Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Texas Women’s Foundation president and chief executive officer. 

 Others participating in the virtual event include A. Shonn Brown, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair and Kimberly-Clark vice president and deputy general counsel, and Laysha Ward, Target executive vice president and chief external engagement officer. Target is the keynote speaker sponsor.

Neiman Marcus and Target Pair Up!

Have you heard the news? This press release made the girls in the RSVP office do a back flip with excitement! Take a look...

"Two of our most beloved brands—Target and Neiman Marcus—are teaming up for an unprecedented limited-edition holiday collection of gifts featuring 24 of America’s most preeminent designers, all of whom are members of the CFDA (The Council of Fashion Designers of America).

The two retail industry visionaries looked through their (not so) little black books and partnered with the CFDA to enlist designer friends to create a collection of more than 50 eclectic gifting products—from apparel and home décor to pet products, sporting goods and more. Just in time for holiday shopping, this one-of-a-kind collection hits all Target and Neiman Marcus stores (and Target.com and NeimanMarcus.com) on December 1.

“The holidays are a magical time of year and we know that guests count on Target and Neiman Marcus for standout gifts to make the season memorable,” said Kathee Tesija, executive vice president of Merchandising, Target. “By combining our two brands and tapping into some of the most talented designers across the United States, we’ve created a remarkable collection of must-have products that we’re confident will land on wish lists this holiday season.”

We have a feeling a lot of wish lists are being made right now.

“The boundless creativity of our designers, combined with exceptionally high quality production, make this unprecedented collaboration very exciting for Neiman Marcus,” says Jim Gold, President, Specialty Retail, Neiman Marcus Group. “We could not be more proud to team with Target, our designers and the CFDA, and look forward to bringing our customers this fun and accessible celebration of American design during the holiday season.”

Ranging in price from $7.99 to $499.99, with most items less than $60, the collection boasts an impressive designer roster: Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo, Jason Wu, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Tracy Reese.

All of the participating designers are proud members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which is why Target and Neiman Marcus will also be donating $1 million to the council. The donation underscores the duo’s longstanding commitment to design and innovation, and will be used to support fashion design talent through scholarships, mentoring and business development programs

“I can think of no better finale to CFDA’s 50^th Anniversary celebration than through this extraordinary designer collaboration,” said CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg. “As designers, creativity is our best gift, and with the generous support of Neiman Marcus and Target, we are happy to have created specially designed products as a thank you to share with our consumers and friends.”

The revolutionary partnership between Target and Neiman Marcus has been in the works for quite some time, but was well kept under wraps. (How they ever kept this big of a secret so long will remain one of the grand questions of this generation.)

The designers were given the freedom to explore categories they felt strongly about—some chose to create products that fall in their area of “expertise,” while others took this as an opportunity to explore an entirely new category. What results is an unforgettable collaboration that we can’t wait for you to see.

We can’t tell you too much more just yet, but stay tuned for more juicy details in the coming months and the big unveil later this fall. For now, let your mind wander about what each designer has created for the exclusive collection and mark your calendars for December 1."

Follow @ABullseyeView and @NeimanMarcus (#Holiday24), and visit ABullseyeView.com and NMdaily.com for updates.

Target Second Saturdays - Sat., Aug 14

Target Second Saturday

Saturday, August 14

Presented by Latino Cultural Center

FREE!

Come in for one hour, or stay the whole day!

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Studio Creations with the DMA

12 noon - 1 p.m. Children's Theatre Los Musicos Ambulantes

1 - 2 p.m. Latin American Children Games

1 - 4 p.m. Repujado - traditional handcrafted embossing art made with pewter, aluminum, or silver with techniques from Spain.

2 - 4 p.m. Merengue Dance Lessons

4 - 6 p.m. Family Film - Imaginum: Aventuras en el Espacio

More Info: http://www.dallasculture.org/latinoCulturalCenter/

214.671.0045