Philanthropist Virginia Chandler Dykes is usually handing out scholarships to students studying occupational therapy and awards to community leaders for their efforts to improve the North Texas community.
But on Tuesday, May 3, she’s going to be on the receiving end of the accolades when she is honored as the 2016 Visionary Woman by the Juliette Fowler Communities. The occasion will be the 4th Annual Visionary Women Luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel with Elaine Kellam serving as chair and Barbara Bradfield as honorary chair.
According to Virginia, “I am extremely honored to be named this year’s visionary woman. I know there are many deserving women in this community. It gives me great joy to think of my dear friend, the late Ebby Halliday, who received this honor in 2013 and whose impact on the Fowler Communities is evident today. This organization does amazing work and changes lives.”
Other previous award recipients include Vivian Castleberry (2014) and Marca Lee Bircher and Patricia Hardman (2015).
WFAA’s Shelley Slater will take time from her newest mommy duties to emcee the event. The fundraiser will also present the Juliette Fowler Faith and Service Award to TCU senior social work major Hannah Canterbury, “who has demonstrated leadership, excellence and humanitarian spirit, reflecting the spirit of Juliette Fowler.” In addition to working with the Tarrant County Homelessness Coalition, the Women’s Center of Tarrant County and Active Minds, Hannah’s future include “graduate studies in clinical social work with a focus in mental health and substance abuse.”
The inaugural Erika McKenzie Volunteer Award will be presented to Dallas Junior Forum that has provided support to Juliette Fowler Community for 40 years. In addition to fundraising for various service projects, the DJF “conducts monthly theme game parties and holiday parties, providing companionship to the older adult residents of Juliette Fowler Communities.”
The luncheon was created to “celebrate the vision of Juliette Peak Fowler,” who was one of Dallas first female philanthropists, by honoring “individuals who embody her compassionate spirit and who use their visionary leadership and remarkable gifts to make a difference in the lives of other in our community.”
We are thrilled at Juliette Fowler Communities that Virginia Chandler Dykes has accepted this honor! The visionary women of the past 124 years are abundant and we are blessed beyond measure because of their “paying it forward” entrepreneurship spirit!