And news just keeps rolling in! This time it comes from Ros Dawson and the Dallas Women’s Foundation. They’ve set the date for DWF’s 31st Annual Luncheon. For starters the fundraiser will be co-chaired by Joyce Goss and Selwyn Rayzor, who are both avid supporters of issues facing women as well as art. With this in mind, they tapped artist/philanthropist/writer Kaleta Doolin to serve as honorary chair.
As Selwyn explained their support of DWF, “When we look across North Texas it is evident that its greatest problems – poverty, access to healthcare, affordable housing and childcare – disproportionately affect women and their children. Dallas Women’s Foundation has been researching, advocating and responding to the needs of women and girls for over 30 years.”
See a trend developing? On target! The keynote speaker will be artist Candy Chang, who “is best known for the ‘Before I Die project,’ which began when she stenciled the words ‘Before I die I want to ___________’ on a chalkboard wall on an abandoned house in New Orleans after losing someone she loved post-Katrina. From that first wall in 2011, over 1,000 ‘Before I Die’ walls have been created in over 35 languages and over 70 countries, including Kazakhstan, Iraq, Haiti, China, Ukraine, Portugal, Japan, Denmark, Argentina, and South Africa. Chang’s captivating and intimate talk aims to demystify the creative process, inspire personal reflection, and provoke new ideas for community and well-being.”
According to DWF President/CEO Ros, “The interweaving of art and community building, and the unique role of women in building community, will be celebrated at our 31st Annual Luncheon, which features internationally recognized artist and activist Candy Chang, along with exceptional women leaders and philanthropists in the arts serving as our chairs and honorary chair. As we work to ensure the strength and unity of our community, we know that can only be present when women and girls are economically secure and valued as leaders. We look forward to exploring with Candy Chang the transformative power of art and inclusion to strengthen women and girls, and our community overall.”
The luncheon is scheduled for Friday, October 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole’s Chantilly Ballroom with individual tickets ranging from $500 to $1,000.
According to Joyce, “It is our goal to once again sell out this luncheon and inspire our community to come together to catalyze even greater change for women and girls in North Texas and beyond.”
As for sponsorships, they start at $3,500 and already include
- Presenting Sponsor — U.S. Trust
- Speaker Sponsor — The Suzanne Ahn, M.D. Speaker Endowment Fund at Dallas Women’s Foundation
- Crystal Sponsor ($25,000) — Texas Instruments
- Diamond Sponsor ($15,000) — Kimberly-Clark Corporation
- Emerald Sponsors ($10,000) — FedEx Office, Haynes and Boone LLP and Ashlee and Chris Kleinert
- Sapphire Sponsor ($7,500) — Patricia W. Fagadau
- Gold Sponsors ($5,000) Bank of Texas, Nancy Carlson, Serena Connelly and Hart Group, Inc. and
- Media Sponsor — D CEO Magazine.
The luncheon is the largest fundraiser for DWF, whose goal is “to once again sell out this luncheon and inspire our community to come together to catalyze even greater change for women and girls in North Texas and beyond.”
* Photo credit: Kristina Bowman ** Photo credit: Randal Ford
Roslyn Dawson Thompson says
You are the BEST of the best, dear Jeanne!! Thank you for this wonderful story and for everything you do to shine your bright light on causes, moments, institutions and individuals who are
authentically working to make this a community that cherishes
And cares for all its people, great and small. With love and respect, Ros
Jeanne Prejean says
Hugs, Ros. And keep up the great efforts for women and for all who appreciate them.