Unlike most patron parties, the 2019 Celebrating Women (CW) gathering on Thursday, October 3, at Kathy and Larry Helm’s home was a bit of a parting of the ways and introductions to new supporters.
Connie Yates, who had been the face and voice for CW presenting sponsor Tom Thumb/ Albertsons and a longtime supporter both personally and professionally of the annual fundraiser for Baylor Scott and White Foundation’s breast cancer research and treatments, told the overflowing crowd including 2019 CW Honorary Co-Chairs Margo and Bill Goodwin, Elizabeth and Bob Gunby, Kristi Hoyl, Mona and Zeeshan Shah, Mary Anne Cree, Ola Fojtasek, Peggy Meyer, CW Founder Lindalyn Adams and former CW chairs Christie Carter, Pam Perella and Tucker Enthoven, that she had indeed retired. But she quickly added that she was still consulting during the transition period. And leave it to Connie to enthusiastically introduce her successor Lara Christy, who was just four weeks into her moving into the role.
Another newcomer to the fundraiser was DEX Imaging’s Ron Hale. The former North Texas resident had spent the previous years working in Florida with DEX and was pleased to be returning to the area to head up DEX’s regional operation. He briefly told the history of the company, adding that due to founder Dan Doyle Sr.’s commitment and past business success, Doyle would not receive a paycheck. Instead, a third of the company’s profit would go to area nonprofits. One of those benefiting from DEX’s philanthropy would be Celebrating Women with the announcement that it had signed up as a Texas Crescent Butterfly sponsor ($50,000-$99,000).