AWARE has been named the 2020 Visionary Women Award recipient for its philanthropic leadership in fighting Alzheimer's disease

Juliette Fowler Communities announces Leeza Gibbons, Emmy Award-Winning TV/radio personality, philanthropist, New York Times best-selling author, and caregiver advocate, will headline the 8^th Annual Visionary Women Luncheon on Friday, May 1, at the OMNI Dallas Hotel, 555 S. Lamar Street. Previously scheduled speaker Kimberly Williams Paisley will no longer attend the luncheon due to an unexpected production schedule conflict. 

Known for her decades-long career in entertainment and news media from “Entertainment Tonight” to her award-winning daytime talk show, “Leeza,” Leeza Gibbons is one of the leading voices for issues facing family caregivers. When her mother and grandmother were struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, she created the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation in 2002 as a promise to her mother to “tell her story and make it count.” Leeza’s Place, now known as Leeza’s Care Connection is the signature program of the foundation, opening its first doors in 2003 to offer free services for the voiceless population of family caregivers who report feeling under-valued and alone on their caregiving journey. Her mother passed away in 2008, and she wrote about the experience in her 2009 book, Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss. In 2015, Gibbons was named the winner of the NBC competition, “Celebrity Apprentice,” and invested her prize money into her foundation. She recently expanded the foundation’s mission to help families dealing with chronic illnesses and diseases in addition to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

 “Juliette Fowler Communities is honored to bring the inspiring and talented Leeza Gibbons to Dallas,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO, Juliette Fowler Communities. “In addition to her extensive background in the field of entertainment and news media, she is an instrumental advocate for healthcare, wellness and caregiving, and a true voice of hope. Her diverse and impressive career, coupled with her personal story and dedication to help caregivers, will leave our audience empowered and uplifted.”

 Located on 25 picturesque acres, Juliette Fowler Communities features the only dementia care program in Dallas, and one of only three in Texas, certified in the I’m Still Here® approach, a unique paradigm shift in memory care. As an I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care, Juliette Fowler Communities provides an engagement-focused program connecting with those living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias through abilities that do not diminish with time. By offering families and professionals ways to emotionally connect with loved ones who are still there through communication techniques and life enrichment, this program sparks creativity and engagement, helping them to thrive.

The Visionary Women Luncheon Chair Michelle Feavel announces the 2020 luncheon award recipients: AWARE will receive the Visionary Women Award for its philanthropic leadership in support of Alzheimer's care and research; and Deloitte will receive the Erika McKenzie Volunteer Award for its 20 years of volunteer service at Juliette Fowler Communities. Miranda Sullivan, a TCU student selected by TCU campus ministry, will receive the Juliette Fowler Faith and Service Award. Honorary Luncheon Chairs are Mary and Roland Bandy.

“Juliette Fowler Communities is thrilled to honor these 2020 award recipients for the incredible impact they have made and continue to make in this community and beyond,” added Michelle Feavel, luncheon chair. “The extraordinary work of Leeza Gibbons is a perfect complement to this year’s Visionary Women Award recipients as all play a key role in serving those living with Alzheimer’s and their families.”

The Visionary Women Honoree AWARE, founded in 1989, has raised and donated over $13.5 million in support of programs, projects and research to help individuals affected by Alzheimer’s in Dallas and North Texas. Founding members include Ruth Sharp Altshuler, Cyndy Hudgins, Nancy Nelson, Evelyn Ponder, Billie Leigh Rippey, and Anita Sampels. Working in partnership with The Dallas Foundation, AWARE selects and provides grants to nonprofits in Dallas and North Texas working on the front lines in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. AWARE has funded Fowler’s music and art therapy programs; provided the lead gift for training, implementation and certification for Fowler’s I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care, as well as provided the lead gift for Dementia Friendly Dallas.

For the past 20 years, Deloitte LLP, this year’s Erika McKenzie Volunteer Award honoree, has selected Fowler Communities as a volunteer site for its annual international day of service, Impact Day. This past year was the company’s 20^th Impact Day, and the 19^th year of volunteering at Fowler Communities. Approximately 150 volunteers, many of whom return year after year, spend the day working on projects at Fowler, providing all necessary funding. Activities include gardening, painting, organizing, cleaning, building or engaging in activities with residents.

Juliette Fowler Faith and Service Award Recipient Miranda Sullivan, a TCU junior religion and political science major, has exemplified the spirit of Juliette Fowler through service to both the campus and local community while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. She will graduate in 2021 with hopes to begin a Master of Divinity as part of a dual degree program. Her long-term calling is to address needs in refugee services and work in international law. She is campus president of Disciples on Campus; president of Chi Delta Mu; fundraising director of TCU Dance Marathon, a student run philanthropy for the local Children's Miracle Network through Cook Children's Medical Center; and children’s ministry assistant at University Christian Church.

Leeza Gibbons’ current roles include co-hosting the Rose Parade for Nexstar Media Group & the Hallmark channel.  In 2013, she won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Host for the weekly TV news show “My Generation” on PBS. She is also the author of additional bestselling books, including Fierce Optimism: Seven Secrets for Playing Nice and Winning Big and Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings. Gibbons lives in Los Angeles with her husband, New York Times Best Selling Author Steven Fenton, and their rescue pup, Biggie.  She remains close with her father Carlos, and she has three children, daughter, Leksy, and sons, Troy and Nate.

“Please join us for this exciting opportunity to hear the amazing and compassionate Leeza Gibbons, and help us honor three outstanding award recipients,” added Nicole Gann. “Your support of this luncheon and Juliette Fowler Communities provides critical funding to our One Heart Annual Fund, enabling us to continue to implement the most innovative programs, while caring for the most vulnerable among us, the young and old at Fowler.”

Luncheon sponsors are CultureMap Dallas and NBC5. Tickets are $200, and sponsorships are available. Contact Jamie Rodgers,  jamier@fowlercommunities.org, 214-818-0342.  Visit https://fowlercommunities.org/visionary-women-luncheon/

# # #

Juliette Fowler Communities is a unique faith-based, intergenerational community of residents at various life-stages.  Located on 25 picturesque acres, Juliette Fowler Communities provides independent and assisted living, a Five-Star Quality Rated skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, memory care and affordable senior housing.  As the only certified I’m Still Here® Center for Excellence in Dementia Care in Dallas and one of only three in Texas, Fowler’s program employs evidence-based techniques to adapt experiences to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths. It has also been named a Great Place to Work in the Aging Services Industry in 2018 and 2019.  Additionally, on the grounds is The Ebby House, a residence for young women, ages 18-24, at risk for homelessness due to neglect, abuse, and aging out of the foster care system. The Ebby House program instills life skills and provides mentoring, health care, education, career guidance and job training. Additional services of Juliette Fowler Communities include foster and adoption services. Visit fowlercommunities.org or call 214.827.0813.  

Senator Hutchison will be honored at the 5^th Annual Visionary Women Luncheon along with

TCU Student Madeline Johnston White and the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) for visionary leadership

 Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (75230) has been named the 2017 Visionary Woman by Juliette Fowler Communities and will be honored at the 5^th Annual Visionary Women Luncheon, Friday, May 12, 2017, at the Omni Dallas Hotel, 555 S. Lamar Street, from 12 – 1:15 p.m.  Madeline Johnston White, a Texas Christian University graduate social work major, and the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) will also be recognized.  This luncheon celebrates the 125^th anniversary of the founding of Juliette Fowler Communities, named for Juliette Peak Fowler, Dallas’ first female philanthropist, and honors individuals who embody her compassionate spirit and who use their visionary leadership and gifts to make a difference in the lives of others in the community. Luncheon chair is Carol Maxwell, (75218) and honorary chairs are former Fowler president and CEO, Kay Crosby Ellis (75225) and Cynthia Dowell, (75231) widow of Edward Dowell who was president 1981-2005.

“It is a wonderful honor to be named the 2017 Visionary Woman by Juliette Fowler Communities,” said Senator Hutchison. “I can relate to Ms. Fowler, her dreams and her steadfast perseverance.  Her hard work, determination, and vision led to the establishment of a community of care for widows and orphaned children and, ultimately, the intergenerational community she envisioned.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison’s commitment to the service of others is evident in everything she does not only locally and statewide but for the nation.  For 20 years she served Texas in the United States Senate and made history by being the first woman senator from Texas.  While in office she helped secure billions of federal dollars for the state and played a key role in the Dart light rail system and the Love Field Modernization Program.  She worked with the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. 

Prior to her Senate service, Senator Hutchison was elected Texas State Treasurer in 1990 and to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972. She was the first Republican woman elected to the Texas House and served until 1976.  In 1976 she was appointed by President Gerald Ford to serve as vice-chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.

She has had numerous leadership roles in the Senate, including Vice-Chairman of the Republican Conference, Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee (the fourth-highest ranking Republican Senator), and as the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science. She was also the Chairman for Military Construction Appropriations Sub-Committee.    

In addition to her work as a public servant, she has business experience as senior vice president and general counsel of Republic Bank Corporation, co-founder of Fidelity national Bank of Dallas, and as the owner of a candy manufacturing company.  She currently serves as senior counsel at Bracewell LLP.

In 2013, the Dallas City Council voted to name its Convention Center the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, and the University of Texas established the Kay Baily Hutchison Center for Energy, Law & Business. She was one of only five women in a UT School of Law class of 269 law students.  In July 2013, President Barak Obama signed into law H.R. 2289, renaming section 219(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA.  Senator Hutchison authored the original bill, co-sponsored by Senator Barbara Mikulski, to establish Spousal IRAs.       

Hutchison has won numerous state and national awards, including the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service and the History Making Texan Award in 2016. She is an acclaimed author, and her most recent book, Unflinching Courage: Pioneering Women Who Shaped Texas, was released in 2013.

“We are thrilled to honor Kay Bailey Hutchison as our 2017 Visionary Woman,” said Sabrina Porter, president and chief executive officer, Juliette Fowler Communities.  “Like Juliette Fowler, Senator Hutchison has persevered throughout her career.  Through economic booms or busts, changing administrations, the tragedy of 9/11, and more, she persisted, exercising decorum and restraint regardless of circumstances.  Her commitment to the needs of others on all levels shows her dedication to the people and our country.  An advocate for women and individuals, she serves as an inspiration to others to stand up and do what you can to make positive changes in our society.”

Additionally, the luncheon will present the Juliette Fowler Faith and Service Award to Madeline Johnston White, a recent Texas Christian University graduate.  This annual award is given to a TCU student who has demonstrated leadership, excellence, and a humanitarian spirit, reflecting the spirit of Juliette Peak Fowler.  A member of the Dean’s List for five semesters, White graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Sociology Minor. She was an active member of the Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity at TCU, volunteering with many organizations. Currently, as Deputy Communication Director for the Office of State Representative Ryan Guillen, she assists with constituent case management and analyzes bills for potential legislation.  White has also been a victim advocate with DRC Solutions, where she provided services and resources to homeless victims of crime and violence.  In her summers she worked with Reach Beyond Mission for youth (grades 6-12) facilitating service activities and leading discussions on poverty, hunger and homelessness.  In 2015, she volunteered with Institut Mediterraneen des Langues et Services in Montpellier, France, where she worked with nonprofit organizations serving refugees and people with disabilities.  White plans to pursue her master’s degree in Social Work in the fall and is considering a law degree in the future.

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations and memberswill receive the Erika McKenzie Volunteer award. The award’s namesake, the late Erika McKenzie, was a beloved volunteer manager, board member and volunteer.  The award will be accepted by The Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins who serves as the General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.  Fowler’s relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was formed in 1903 when founder Sarah Harwood  created the nonprofit’s formal association with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – a valued relationship that has remained strong over the years.  Since 1903, Disciple congregations and members, especially throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, have provided countless hours of service and support to Fowler residents and staff.

Past Visionary Women award recipients are 2013-Ebby Halliday Acers; 2014-Vivian Anderson Castleberry; 2015-Marca Lee Bircher and Patricia Hardman; and 2016-Virginia Chandler Dykes.  All luncheon proceeds benefit One Heart, Juliette Fowler Communities’ annual fund, which supports areas of greatest need for Fowler residents. Founded in 1892, the intergenerational community has cared for thousands of elders, children, youth and families and continues to do so today with services including independent and assisted living, memory care, and affordable senior housing, as well as a five-star quality nursing and rehabilitation center. Children are served through a collaborative foster care program within the 25-acre community and throughout the greater Dallas area. The Ebby House, named for Ebby Halliday Acers, prevents homelessness and offers hope to young women who have experienced or aged-out foster care.

Luncheon tickets are $150.  Sponsorships are available. Contact Coleman Rabourn, colemanr@fowlercommunities.org, 214-515-1342.