North Star Luncheon Co-Chairs Toni McReynolds and Erin Pope just announced to an invitation-only crowd at NorthPark’s Diptyque the people and organizations that will be part of the Family Compass fundraiser presented by North Dallas Bank and Trust with Sara Losinger serving as honorary chair.
The featured speaker will be Elizabeth Smart, who made headlines in June 2002 when at the age of 14 she was abducted from her bedroom and held captive for nine months by a street preacher and his wife. During that time, she was sexually abused by the man. Thanks to her courage, she managed to not only break free from her captors, but she testified against them in their trial that resulted in a life sentence with no parole for the man.
Over the years, Elizabeth has used her experience and her voice to advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and national legislation.
Since 2012 she has been married to Matthew Gilmour and had three children.
According to Family Compass CEO Ona Foster, “We are so honored to have Elizabeth Smart as our keynote speaker for the North Star Luncheon this year. She is truly an inspiration to us all as an advocate against sexual violence, including prevention, recovery and advocacy.”
The luncheon will also honor the Richardson/Plano Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter for its “helping communities raise happy, healthy children and [raising] more than $26M to help prevent children abuse.”
Ona added, “We are thrilled to recognize the Richardson/Plano Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter with our North Star Award for their ongoing support of our organization for many years, including diaper and supply drives, providing volunteers for our client-focused events and raising funds to support our programs.”
Tickets and sponsorships for the fundraiser on Monday, April 25, at the Dallas Country Club are available here. Funds raised through the luncheon will support Family Compass’ mission “to build healthy families and a strong North Texas community by preventing child abuse and neglect.”
* Photo provided by Family Compass