The late Ebby Halliday Acers would have been 106 years old this month. Despite the loss of the first lady of residential real estate a year-and-a-half ago, her memory and inspiration continue. Timed in sync with Ebby’s natal day is the announcement of the Annual Ebby Award that is presented by Our Friends Place for those contributing to the advancement of girls and/or women.
Our Friends Place Executive Director Sue Thiers Hesseltine revealed the 13th Annual Ebby Awardees will be retired partner of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP Suzan E. Fenner and the Northwood Woman’s Club.
According to Sue, “Both award winners are truly passionate about serving our community and engage with a number of nonprofits, providing leadership and resources that contribute to the advancement of girls and women in North Texas. Suzan and the Northwood Woman’s Club have made Dallas a better place.”
Past recipients include Ebby, Sarah Losinger, Barbara S. Cambridge, the National Council of Jewish Women of Greater Dallas and Leigh Richter.
The presentation of the award to Suzan and the Northwood Woman’s Club will be made at the 14th Annual Our Friends Place Gala Auction And Casino Night on Saturday, April 29 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Joining Event Co-Chairs Tonnette Easter, Barbara Milo and Leslie Simmons will be Honorary Co-Chairs LuAnn and George Damiris and Debbie and Jack Gibson.
The full release of the announcement follows the jump.
Our Friends Place Unveils the 13th Annual 2017 Ebby Award Winners
Award winners recognized for contribution to the advancement of girls and/or women
DALLAS, Texas – March 15, 2017 – Our Friends Place, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young women (ages 18-24) break generational cycles of abuse, neglect, poverty and homelessness, has selected two winners to receive its 2017 Ebby Award: Suzan E. Fenner, retired Partner of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, and the Northwood Woman’s Club.
Dedicating her life to practicing law and volunteer work with non-profit and religious organizations, Fenner was the first woman lawyer hired by Gardere and became the first woman partner. During her 35-year career, she mentored many law students and younger lawyers on how to practice law and maintain a well-balanced life – serving as a role model to many at her firm. Outside of work, she currently serves in leadership roles, as well as a board member and committee chair, for the following organizations: Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Texas Tech School of Law Foundation, High Adventure Treks for Dads and Daughters (HATS), Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, and Texas Lawyers’ Insurance Exchange.
“I am honored to be a 2017 Ebby Award Winner recognizing the contributions I have made personally and professionally to help organizations grow through successful capital campaigns, stronger leadership and volunteer involvement,” said Suzan E. Fenner, retired Partner, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP. “I love being able to give back, mentor and build relationships with many wonderful nonprofit and religious organizations in the community. Touching the lives of many young people, adults and families so they can have a successful and rewarding life is a role I cherish.”
Northwood Woman’s Club’s (NWC) mission is to foster interest and participation in helping to meet the philanthropic needs of women and children and to stimulate the intellectual, cultural and social development of its members. From its inception in 1968, NWC has raised close to $5 million dollars that was donated to meet grant requests from a variety of area service/non-profit organizations. In addition, NWC established a permanent endowment fund for the University of Texas at Dallas in 1985 to support two high achieving female students who demonstrate both a financial need and a strong desire to continue their education. Since then, more than 100 female students have been served from this scholarship.
“The members of the Northwood Woman’s Club are proud to be recipients of the 2017 Ebby Award from Our Friends Place as part of our club’s mission is to support the philanthropic needs of women and children in the community,” said Sharyl Weber, President, Northwood Woman’s Club. “Through the many service projects, in-kind donation drives, grant and scholarship funding, we recognize the impact and reward the beneficiaries receive because it truly does ‘take a village.’”
“We are thrilled to announce, Suzan Fenner and the Northwood Woman’s Club, as the 2017 Ebby Award Winners,” said Sue Thiers Hesseltine, Executive Director, Our Friends Place. “Both award winners are truly passionate about serving our community and engage with a number of nonprofits, providing leadership and resources that contribute to the advancement of girls and women in North Texas. Suzan and the Northwood Woman’s Club have made Dallas a better place.”
The 2017 Ebby Award will be presented to both winners at the 14th Annual Our Friends Place Gala Auction & Casino Night, benefitting the nonprofit organization, on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Chairs of the event are Tonnette Easter, Barbara Milo and Leslie Simmons. Honorary Chairs are LuAnn and George Damiris and Debbie and Jack Gibson.
Past winners of the award include:
- Ebby Halliday Acers
- Sarah Losinger
- Barbara S. Cambridge, Ph.D.
- National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Dallas
- Leigh Richter
To learn more about the 14th Annual Our Friends Place Gala Auction & Casino Night, please visit: A Starry Night Filled with Dreams.
Our Friends Place
Founded in 1987, Our Friends Place has helped girls and young women break the cycles of abuse, neglect, poverty and homelessness. The Transitional Living Center program helps young women, ages 18-24, with limited financial and emotional support, attain self-sufficiency. For more information, visit http://www.ourfriendsplace.org.
The Ebby Award
The annual Ebby Award, presented by Our Friends Place, aims to recognize individuals and organizations for their significant contributions and dedication to the advancement of girls and/or women in North Texas. Nominations are reviewed for completeness and conformity with nominating guidelines. Acceptable nominations are forwarded to the Selection Committee, which is made up of Past Board Presidents of Our Friends Place and/or other community leaders. Award winners are announced and recognized annually at Our Friends Place Gala. For more information, visit http://www.ourfriendsplace.org.
Media Contact:
Brenda Snitzer, 214-520-6268
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