It’s been a long time since the words “Sold Out” appeared for North Texas fundraisers. The only one seen in months was St. Philip’s Destiny Luncheon that took place Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency. But it had Shaq as the speaker and even the frigid weather couldn’t dissuade guests from trekking to see the very big man.
Now another fundraising luncheon is sold out and it came about “without a big name speaker” — the 7th Annual Interfaith Auxiliary Luncheon on Friday, April 8, at Brook Hollow benefiting Interfaith Family Services.
While Interfaith’s past luncheons have had such names as Hoda Kotb, Robin Roberts, Erin Brockovich, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy and Jen Hatmaker, 2022 Interfaith Auxiliary Luncheon Co-Chairs/cousins/business partners Elizabeth Shuford Conroy and Lauren Shuford Laughry opted to “focus on an amazing graduate, Jessica Bisor, who will tell her story of overcoming a series of life challenges during her time at Interfaith to now being an independent business owner.”
According to Lauren, “Elizabeth and I have been involved for many years with Interfaith. Before anything, we are mothers to five children, so putting ourselves in the shoes of mothers who have been dealt a setback was very emotional for us. The work that Interfaith does to help mothers get their lives back on track resonates with us. These moms want to work hard for themselves and their children. Interfaith provides job training, but just as importantly it’s life training, equipping parents through financial coaching and educating children.”
Joining Elizabeth and Lauren as honorary co-chairs are Lauren’s mother Kathi Shuford and sister Adriane Shuford Crosland.
In 2019 before the pandemic hit, “about 90% of Interfaith graduates were employed with an average wage of more than $17 an hour, and 93% of graduates exit to permanent housing.”
Especially focused on its mission to empower families in crisis to break the cycle of poverty during the past two years, Elizabeth stressed, “If the past two years has [sic] taught us anything, it is how to identify what is most important. For most of us, family made the top of the list. We want to focus on hearing from our graduates and amazing children to have the most inspiring, impactful, in-person event this spring.”
In explaining how the proceeds from the luncheon will assist Interfaith’s mission, Interfaith CEO Kimberly Williams said, “The funds from the Interfaith Auxiliary Luncheon help to ensure that both parents and children obtain the support needed to rebuild their lives. We are so grateful to the Interfaith Auxiliary for their support.”
While tickets aren’t available, donations are appreciated.
* Photo provided by Elizabeth Shuford Conroy and Lauren Shuford Laughry