While the Triumph for Teens featuring Robin Wright was taking place at the Omni for Phoenix House on Thursday, May 7, the Thanks-Giving Foundation was celebrating the 34th Annual National Day of Prayer Luncheon in the Hilton Anatole’s Stemmons Ballroom. Momentum Executive Director Chad Houser provided food for thought. Here’s a report from the field:
More than 200 guests gathered together at the Hilton Anatole Hotel for the 34th Annual National Day of Prayer Luncheon, presented by The Thanks-Giving Foundation, on May 7, 2015.
A true multicultural event, the luncheon commemorated religious freedom and the power of prayer and gratitude. Students from the Notre Dame School of Dallas Hand Bell Choir welcomed guests with music, followed by opening remarks given by Thanks-Giving Foundation Board Chair Jennifer Altabef.
Swami Sarveshananda, resident Acharya of Dallas-Fort Worth centers of Chinmaya Mission, then led everyone in the invocation. As guests enjoyed lunch, a short film, created by Quin Mathews, was shown, which reflected on the Square’s past 50 years, as well as a glimpse of its future.
Following lunch, Café Momentum interns reminded everyone about the purpose and history of the day by reading the National Day of Prayer Presidential Proclamation.
This proclamation is signed every year by the President of the United States, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day, the first Thursday of May. Keynote speaker, Chad Houser, executive director of Café Momentum, then took the stage and shared a powerful message about gratitude and the benefits it has in our lives, in the lives of those around us and in the larger community. Kambiz Rafraf from the Baha’i community lead the closing unity interfaith prayer, and Dallas Police Officer Charles Vaughn concluded the ceremony by singing the beautiful hymn, God Bless America.
Proceeds from the Luncheon will be dedicated to furthering the work of The Thanks-Giving Foundation, including Thanks-Giving Square and its Interfaith Council.
* Photo credit: Rhi Lee