Interfaith Auxiliary Luncheon Co-Chairs Emily Hill and Sarah Claire Corrigan are celebrating the sold-out status of the Interfaith Family Services (IFS) fundraiser.
Unlike its inaugural luncheon that was a sell-out in 2016 featuring Hoda Kotb, this year’s speaker may not have Hoda’s national prominence, but her story promises to endear all to the IFS mission.
The speaker will be “an Interfaith graduate who will share her experience overcoming hardship and the impact IFS made on her life.”
The selection of this Interfaith veteran brings home IFS’s importance and efforts in its services provided over the recent years, including:
- Over the past 15 years, the poverty rate in Dallas has increased by 42% while the population has only increased by 4.4%. (Child Poverty Action Lab, 2022)
- One in four children in Dallas currently lives in poverty – the third highest rate in the U.S. (Child Poverty Action Lab, 2022)
- Single mothers, on average, spend 50% of their income on rent and 30% on childcare, leaving just 20% to cover the cost of food, clothing, transportation and other expenses. (Economic Issues for Women in Texas, 2020)
According to IFS CEO Kimberly Williams, “The Interfaith Auxiliary Luncheon provides critical financial support that helps families become financially independent and break the cycle of poverty.”
Thanks to Honorary Co-Chairs Peggy Sewell, Jacquelin Sewell Atkinson and Josie Sewell, the “Blossoms and New Beginnings” luncheon will take place at Dallas Arboretum’s Rosine Hall on Friday, April 28.
Funds raised from the event will “provide support for families seeking to make fresh starts and create lifelong independence.”
* Photo credit: John Cain ** Graphic provided by Interfaith Family Services