So, at the recent Celebrating Women Luncheon VIP reception on Monday, October 30, GDA Speakers Founder/President Gail Davis and Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas Development Director Chris Walters hinted that plans were on the verge of being announced for JFS’s 2024 fundraiser. Despite the best efforts, Chris and Gail stayed clammed up with all-knowing smiles.
Now Woman To Woman Luncheon Co-Chairs sisters Fran Toubin and Sam Utay and Susan Kramer, Bobbie Repp and Barbara Spigel along with Honorary Co-Chairs Cathy Glick, Julie Liberman and Beverly Rossell have just sent word about the fundraiser taking place on Thursday, April 18, at the Fairmont Dallas.
The really big news is that the speaker will be the multi-award-winning Broadway baby/big and little screen actress Christine Baranski, who has sung, danced and acted in everything from comedies (Cybill Shepherd‘s best bud Maryann Thorpe in “Cybill” and Robin Williams‘ “baby mama” in “The Birdcage”) to dramas (Diane Lockhart in “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight” and Agnes van Rhijn in “The Gilded Age”).
Talk about a gal who has worked everything from the soaps to the biggest screens to today’s streaming.
In addition to a highly successful professional career, her personal life has been relatively unusual for a member of the entertainment industry.
She met her husband/actor Matthew Cowles “when he offered her a ride home one night, on the back of his motorcycle after a party.” Married 31 years, they settled in Connecticut raising their two daughters — Isabel Cowles and Lily Cowles — “without TV because they objected to violence and the sexual content of programs.” Isabel became a lawyer and Lily is following in her parents’ trade of acting.
Despite Matthew’s death in 2014 at the age of 69 due to congestive heart failure, Christine has continued a busy schedule in both film and TV productions.
However, she has made time to be the featured speaker for the Jewish Family Services of Greater Dallas’ annual event that is traditionally a sell-out.
As Jewish Family Service President/CEO Cathy Barker said, “Christine Baranski is a beloved and accomplished actress who continues to impact audiences with her incredible talent and impeccable style, and we are thrilled she is making her first appearance in Dallas at our Woman to Woman luncheon. We look forward to sharing this exciting day with our supporters who make such a difference in our community.”
In addition to having Christine in the spotlight, the luncheon will also feature a jewelry pull, a wine pull and a luxury raffle with tickets going for $25.
Now is the time to lock down sponsorships that are starting at $1,800 because “a limited number of tickets will be available closer to April 18.” And you just know that perks come with sponsorships.
Funds raised by the luncheon will support JFS’s mission to “provide effective, accessible and comprehensive mental health and social services that promote lifelong self-sufficiency and well-being for the Greater Dallas community.”
* Graphic/photo provided by Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas