Timing is everything. And for The Family Place‘s 2024 Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon, its timing was perfect. With Justin Baldoni as the keynote speaker for the luncheon at the Anatole on Friday, October 4, the recent release of his movie “It Ends With Us” was the reason. The film is about a relationship that appears to be ideal but shows subtle signs of a much more dire situation.
The Family Place (TFP) guests like Board Chair Harold Ginsburg and Bunny Ginsburg, Senator Royce West and Carol West, Paige Flink, Delia and Judge Juan Jasso, Anne and David Oliver, Lynn McBee, Lindsay Jacaman, Holly Krug, Mary Bowman Campbell, Michelle Goolsby, Ana Yoder, Dr. Lauren Fine, Monica Bravo, Dr. Nancy Bernardino, Caitlin McNally, Diana Wentworth Nelson and Krisi Kastl had the opportunity to not only see the film at the Angelica, but also to hear a post-screening chat between TFP CEO Tiffany Tate and the director of SMU’s Judge Elmo B. Hunter Legal Center for Victims of Crimes Against Women and associate professor of law Natalie Nanasi. Here’s a report from the field:
2024 Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon Co-Chairs Lauren Black, Nakita Johnson, Clarisa Lindenmeyer and Lauren McKinnon, along with The Family Place CEO Tiffany Tate, welcomed nearly 80 attendees to a private screening of “It Ends With Us” at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, at the Angelika Film Center and Café.
The evening began with a reception for partygoers to mingle while enjoying refreshments. The crowd then gathered in the auditorium for the much-anticipated film based on the best-selling book of the same name by Colleen Hoover, the film was directed by and co-stars Justin Baldoni, the featured speaker at The Family Place’s 28th Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 4.
Immediately following the movie, Tate spoke to the audience providing insight as someone who has worked in the domestic violence space for decades. She was joined by Natalie Nanasi, director of the Southern Methodist University Judge Elmo B. Hunter Legal Center for Victims of Crimes Against Women and associate professor of law, who is the moderator for the upcoming luncheon.
Tate shared four main takeaways, saying that overall she was glad to see the nuance that Baldoni and the cast accomplished so well:
- Redefining the Image of Abusers: Public perception often paints domestic violence offenders as visibly troubled individuals—often unclean, unemployed, or even substance abusers. However, “It Ends With Us” challenges this stereotype by portraying Ryle (Baldoni’s character), a successful surgeon, as an abuser. This characterization helps the audience understand that abusers come from all backgrounds, shattering preconceived notions and encouraging a broader recognition of abuse.
- Subtle Warning Signs: The film expertly depicts the subtle warning signs of abuse, debunking the myth that victims should immediately recognize their partner’s potential for violence and leave them. It normalizes the manipulative tactics that abusers use, making it easier for viewers to identify these signs in their own relationships. For example, Ryle’s seemingly loving statement, “I just want to meet the mother of the woman I love,” is revealed later in the movie to be a manipulative tactic rooted in frustration.
- The Cycle of Violence: The film powerfully illustrates how violence can continue across generations without intervention. Lily, the female protagonist portrayed by Blake Lively, grew up watching her father abuse her mother. She decides to break this cycle and has the support of family and friends, which highlights the importance of intervention. Domestic violence agencies like The Family Place work tirelessly to help victims make difficult choices every day, emphasizing that without support, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.
- The Complexity of Leaving: One of the most poignant moments is when Lily’s mother answers why she stayed with her abuser with, “It would have been harder to leave. And I loved him.” This underscores the complex reality that victims can love their abusers despite the harm they endure. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for supporters, as it explains why victims might not simply walk away. Society often expects victims to be angry and leave. If they don’t, it often leads to victim-blaming, which hinders rather than helps them.
In closing, Tate extended her gratitude to the luncheon co-chairs for sponsoring the evening, TFP Board Chair Harold Ginsburg and former TFP CEO Paige Flink. She also asked all in attendance to encourage friends, family and co-workers to attend the Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon, one of the largest fundraising events for The Family Place. Proceeds from the luncheon enable the organization to continue its critical mission of stopping family violence and empowering survivors through safe housing, counseling, and skills development, and helping families transition from fear to safety.
The Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon with Honorary Co-Chairs Lindsay and George Billingsley, will be held at the Hilton Anatole and will include a VIP Reception, seated luncheon, presentation of the 2024 Texas Trailblazer Award to Dr. Opal Lee, known as the “the grandmother of Juneteenth,” and more.
Sponsorships and tickets are available for purchase now.
* Photo credit: Jamie Brogdon