Little did Jewish Family Services’ Woman to Woman Luncheon guests like Luncheon Founding Chair Ethel Zale, JFS CEO Cathy Barker, Sustaining Luncheon Chair Linda Garner, Karla Steinberg, Jaynie Schultz, Debbi Niederman, Rabbis Andrew Paley and Amy Rossel, Eileen Torres, Ilana Rossel, Jennifer Rossel, Candy Brown, Mary Pat Higgins, Judge Clay Jenkins, Beth Konig, Ann Levine, Dawn Aaron, Susie Carp, Julie Gothard, Elaine Pearlman, Peachy Rudberg, Lisa Sadoughi, Lisa Sherrod, Wende Burton, Dot Haymann, Donald Zale and Board Chair Eric Goldberg realize that in attending the Jewish Family Services’ Woman To Woman Luncheon at the Fairmont Dallas on Thursday, April 18, keynote speaker Bobbi Brown would become their BFF. But that’s exactly what happened when petite Bobbi shared her sense of humor and wisdom on growing older beautifully. Here’s a report from the field:
Amidst a pallet of bright and floral colors at the garden party-themed Jewish Family Service Woman to Woman Luncheon, makeup artist, entrepreneur, and author, Bobbi Brown shared inspirational thoughts about finding comfort and confidence in inner beauty. More than 1,000 attendees filled the room at the Fairmont Dallas on Thursday, April 18, for stories of hope and words of wisdom from headliner Bobbi Brown.
Board Chair Eric Goldberg kicked off the luncheon with special thanks to the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the many family and community foundations, corporate and individual donors. He also acknowledged the dedicated staff and volunteers before turning his attention to the event chairs. “To our exceptional 2024 Co-Chairs Susan Kramer, Bobbie Repp, Barbara Spigel, Fran Toubin, and Sam Utay – thank you for your countless hours of work … guidance and encouragement.”
Cantor Vicky Glikin of Temple Emanu-El then led a powerful invocation emphasizing that the Jewish community is about loving one another regardless of race, religion, income level, political leaning, or any other difference.
Luncheon co-chairs, led by Sam Utay, took the stage and highlighted their connections to JFS, including utilizing adoption services, accessing resources for an aging loved one, supporting disaster relief efforts, or volunteering in the food pantry. She also recognized those who chaired before, including the luncheon’s Founding Chair Ethel Zale and Sustaining Chair Linda Garner.
Utay then recognized Cathy Glick, Julie Liberman, and Beverly Rossel, who founded the JFS annual Diaper Shower 13 years ago when they found out that one in three Texas families cannot afford diapers and that those supplies are not covered by SNAP or WIC benefits. The event, held each October, has helped bring in more than 1.5 million diapers and wipes to families in need. “Keep Calm and Diaper On!” she quipped before introducing JFS CEO Cathy Barker.
Barker was elated to share the success of JFS’s recently opened Northpoint Health Center which is addressing access to healthcare disparities.
“Already, our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Heather Esquivel is hearing stories of patients who haven’t been treated in 10 years because they either didn’t have access to a practice that would take their Medicaid, they couldn’t afford the time off work or have transportation to get to other available options, or they didn’t have any insurance,” added Barker. “Now, they are getting the help they need.”
She also shared how JFS has integrated their comprehensive behavioral health services with their medical services – a best practice approach to improving overall health outcomes.
The program then turned to a tete-a-tetes chat between JFS Philanthropy Senior Director Leah Gukin and Pam Cohen, who shared her story of mental illness and how JFS’s PLAN program impacted her life. Once a client, and now a peer support specialist for the program, she shared her inspirational journey from the depth of despair into recovery, even becoming a first-time author of a book, titled “Bipolar Depression and Me: From Both Sides of the Couch,” part memoir and part guide for those currently struggling with their illnesses.
The audience was then directed to a video about the many services and programs of JFS.
“Just this past year, we helped nearly 17,000 people find a way back onto the path of self-sufficiency,” said Barker. “That was only because of each one of you … generously donating your time, talents, and like today, your dollars.”
Barker then introduced moderator Cynthia Izaguirre, WFAA anchor, for a conversation with makeup artist, entrepreneur, and author, Bobbi Brown.
“As founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bobbi has not only revolutionized the cosmetics industry but has also redefined what it meant to feel confident in one’s own skin,” said Izaguirre. “Bobbi has been on a mission to empower women to embrace their natural beauty. Her philosophy, ‘Women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident,’ has resonated with millions around the globe.”
A few highlights from Bobbi’s conversation with Cynthia:
- Bobbi began by saying that she felt like crying. She had met such wonderful people at the luncheon, and it felt like family, “my family.” She continued, “We were taught to care about people and do things for others – even doing something little makes you feel good.”
- Her latest campaign, ‘I Am Me’ is a celebration of what she has been preaching for nearly four decades – “to know who you are; own it unapologetically and embrace every freckle and fine line. It’s about consciously focusing on what you like about yourself, and embracing what makes you unique. It highlights women from all backgrounds, sharing their individual journeys to finding confidence and true happiness in their lives and in their beauty.”
- On her transition to Jones Road: “I sold my company to Estée Lauder but stayed on as an employee for 22 years. I finally left and launched Jones Road (three years ago) on the day my 25-year non-compete was up”– in the middle of a pandemic and in spite of many naysayers.
- She credited her grandfather Papa Sam for being her inspiration and instilling the never-give-up attitude. “He moved here from Russia when he was a boy. He came without a nickel and worked his way up, eventually becoming one of the biggest car dealers in Chicago. He wouldn’t believe all that I have gotten to experience.”
- Keys to success: “Do what’s right for you and think about if this is what you want…Don’t be in a rush, and don’t be afraid. Look at your mistakes as a sign to do something differently.”
- On grandchildren: “And you think you love your children! I’m the mother of three boys. But I love differently now. I’m so much more present.” She noted her family’s diversity and their ability to find common ground in love and a good meal. “I am happy that my family has different religions and political opinions and can all sit together at Thanksgiving … and enjoy one another.”
- Regarding any regrets in achieving family/career balance: “I’m a Jewish girl – always feeling guilty!” she quipped. Then more solemnly, “There’s no such thing as balance. There’s no such thing as perfection.”
- On how much makeup to wear and aging gracefully: “It’s about feeling confident in your body and in your shoes so you can be the best version of yourself.”
- “I’m real, and I’m me, and I’m comfortable with who I am, and I don’t try to change that.”
- On being in her late 60’s and focusing on what she still wants to accomplish: “I do want to get stronger and become more flexible! And I hope to be doing another business when I’m in my 80s.”
- Regarding her start in the beauty industry, which she launched at Neiman Marcus in Dallas: “I was insecure… I was not dressed properly, and my hair was not high enough!” She also gave a shout out to former NM GM Karen Katz, whom she’d seen before taking the stage.
- When asked for her singular takeaway message for the day, she took a short breath, and replied, “You’re OK.”
The biennial Woman to Woman luncheon is the largest source of unrestricted funds for JFS, raising over $5 million since its inception in 2004. Visit Jfsdallas.org.
* Photo Credit: Kim Leeson