Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) hosted the 12^thannual Chick Lit Luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel on Friday, April 13, 2018 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas.  Luncheon chair Mersina Stubbs with honorary chair Nancy Perot welcomed a record-breaking crowd of close to 1,400 to the annual fundraiser featuring actress Katie Holmes, known for her work in films and television and on Broadway.

Attendees arrived for a pre-luncheon reception in the Chantilly Ballroom foyer, while select sponsors were treated to a special VIP reception with Ms. Holmes.  Raffle tickets were available for sale for a chance to win fabulous prizes such as a $2,500 shopping experience at Highland Park Village, a freshwater baroque pearl necklace with pave diamond beads and clasp from Susan Saffron Jewelry Boutique, a $1,000 gift certificate to Central Market, a $1,000 gift certificate to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, a weekend for two to LA, and more.

At 11:30 a.m., luncheon-goers progressed to the ballroom for the seated luncheon.  As guests took their seats, chair Mersina Stubbs welcomed everyone and thanked them for their support of this year’s Chick Lit Luncheon.  She also thanked honorary chair Nancy Perot, as well as the many sponsors and donors who helped make the day possible, including presenting sponsor Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel.  Rev. Elizabeth Mosely, senior associate minister of discipleship at Highland Park United Methodist Church, followed with the invocation, before luncheon-goers enjoyed a delicious lunch of tarragon grilled chicken breast with a yogurt and tahini drizzle, served with fresh butter lettuce, quinoa with chickpeas, cucumber, mint, baby heirloom tomatoes, Kalamata olives and crumbled feta with a smoked paprika sherry vinaigrette.

Paige McDaniel, president and CEO of Community Partners of Dallas, took the stage to recognize Jan Rees-Jones, the 2018 recipient of the Partners for Children Award, given to individuals or organizations for their commitment to meeting the philanthropic needs of our community.  McDaniel commended Rees-Jones for her work on behalf of The Rees-Jones Foundation, which has helped CPD and the children they serve in countless ways, including the organization’s emergency resource center for children entering protective care, the Rainbow Room, and as one of the lead donors of the agency’s capital campaign.

As guests enjoyed their dessert of a lemon semifreddo, McDaniel remained on stage to cue a moving video highlighting the work that CPD does in partnership with Child Protective Services for abused and neglected children.  She then remained on the stage to elaborate on the agency and to ask attendees to consider making an additional contribution to help fund specific items such as cribs, car seats, coats and emergency duffle bags filled with clothing, hygiene products, a toy and more.

Event chair Mersina Stubbs returned to introduce Christina Geyer, editor in chief of PaperCity Dallas magazine, who would serve as moderator for the much-anticipated conversation with Katie Holmes.   Stubbs followed with introduction of Holmes,whohas appeared in notable films ranging from the action blockbuster Batman Begins, to acclaimed art house pictures such as The Ice Storm and Pieces of April.  In 1997 Holmes was cast as “Joey Potter” on the WB TV series Dawson’s Creek, and the show quickly became the highest-rated series on the WB network throughout its six-season run.  In her Broadway debut, Holmes’ portrayal of Ann in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons garnered glowing reviews and established her as an accomplished actress on both screen and stage.  At the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, Holmes unveiled All We Had, the first film she directed and also starred in.  Upcoming films include Doorman, Ocean’s 8 and The Secret.

Answering a range of questions from Geyer, Holmes shared with the audience a few of her favorite books, her thoughts on the current “Girl Power” movement in Hollywood and throughout the U.S., which women inspire her, and details about the recent reunion of her Dawson’s Creek castmates. She then answered questions from the audience including how she would describe her fashion sense, her favorite go-to outfit on the weekends, in which she shared replied “sweats,” her favorite movie role to date, workout secrets and more. 

As the celebration came to a close, guests received a favor bag with the latest issues of PaperCity and The Park Cities News, Mary Kay eye makeup remover, a $10 gift card from Zoe’s Kitchen, a adorable makeup pouch with complimentary monogramming courtesy of Paper Affair, and a generous Texas travel discount from Hilton.

Attendees at this year’s Chick Lit Luncheon included:  chair Mersina Stubbs; honorary chair Nancy Perot; CPD president and CEO, Paige McDaniel; Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones; Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, presenting sponsors; Lisa Cooley, Bela Cooley and Ciara Cooley; Tracy Lange; Gina Betts; Sandy Moore; Greg Nieberding; Daffan and Doug Nettle; Stacey Walker; Lynn McBee;  Claire Emanuelson; Tucker Enthoven; Katy Miller; Jacqueline Sewell; Meredith Woodworth; Libby Hunt; Amy Turner; Amy Hegi; Ola Fojtasek; Bradley Agather; Lauryn Gayle White; Muffin Lemak; Jimmy Westcott; Jennifer Swift Houser; Holly Huffines; and Jill Tanabaum.

The Chick Lit Luncheonis made possible through the generosity of sponsors including:

Presenting Sponsor – Dr. Robert andLara Tafel;Batman Begins ($25,000) – Fischer;Interabang Books – Nancy Perot;JW Holmes; Marilyn and Sonny Oates Foundation; and Barry and Sandy Moore; Woman in Gold ($15,000) – Katy and Kyle Miller Foundation; valet sponsor - Sewell Automotive Companies; and Mersina Stubbs;The Romantics ($10,000) – Bullion; Lisa Cooley andTracy Lange; Digital 3 Printing/Greg Nieberding; Mary Kay Inc.; Pam Mattingly; andLucy andJohn W.B. McDaniel;The Giver ($5,000) – Benchmark Bank andMary Anne Dunne; Laura Braun andHelaine Blizzard; Children’s Health; From the Ground Up; Sue Graham; Libby Hunt; Caytie andShane Langford; Midfirst Private Bank; Moussa/Mahowald/Wensiger; Sandy Nachman; Jan Rees-Jones; Stacey Walker; andWinston & Strawn LLP; First Daughter ($3,500) – Leslie Baker, Holly Huffines andBecky Lacour; Ben Abbott & Associates; Tricia Besing; Karen and Mark Carney; EyeMed; Grant Thornton, LLP; Leigh Anne Haugh andHeather Hicks; Haynes and Boone, LLP; Hegi Family Foundation; Chris Kennington andMerry Wyatt; Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP; Kelly andMitch Little andNina andAndrew Bolin; Tracy Matthews andArden Ellis; Pam andVin Perella; Kathleen Ray; Jenny Robertson; Therese Rourk; Sidley Austin LLP; Evan Stone; Karen Tankersley; The Container Store; Amy Turner; Emily Wakefield; andZoe’s Kitchen; Print media sponsors: PaperCity and The Park Cities News; Digital media sponsor - MySweetCharity.

For more information, visit communitypartnersdallas.org.

Business Council for the Arts’ 2018 Leadership Arts Institute class hosted a celebration and fundraising event, Art Heals, on Wednesday, May 1 at Parkland’s WISH Building to support their project of raising funds toward the acquisition of evidence-based art for the newly announced Moody Breast Center at Parkland Hospital.

Co-chairs Allison Batiste and Marian Fielding were joined by more than 125 attendees for the evening, which included cocktails and light bites, a silent auction and entertainment by Orpheus Chamber Singers and Ryan Mulqueen.  A highlight of the evening was a check presentation by the co-chairs, on behalf of the entire Leadership Arts Institute class of 41 individuals, to representatives from the Parkland Foundation.  Through personal donations, sponsorships and proceeds from Art Heals, $35,000 was raised.

Art Heals sponsors included: Diamond ($5,000) - American Airlines; Emerald (($2,500) - Foley Gardere/Foley & Lardner LLP; Haynes & Boone; and Thompson & Knight Foundation; Sapphire ($1,000) – Corgan; Godwin Bowman & Martinez PC; Kastl Law; Beck/Mark Collins; Savanah Hood; Sendero; Vinson & Elkins; Grant Thornton; PwC; and The Craig and Kathryn Hall Foundation; Ruby ($500) - Alison Battiste; Bell Nunnally; Paul Higgins; Betsy and Rick del Monte; Lynne and Sam Butler; Tolleson Wealth Management; Baker Botts and Gensler.

Each year, BCA’s Leadership Arts Institute class plans and executes a class project through the nine-month program.  The project gives participants an opportunity to practice skills they are learning in class, gain leadership experience through a simulated board, learn something new about the community and create a legacy that will leave their mark on North Texas. Classes are available in Dallas and Collin counties.

The 2018 class set a goal of $25,000 to support the acquisition of evidence-based art, which they learned through their research helps to create a healing environment for patients.  As a class they wanted to provide a lasting legacy that will benefit those served by Parkland for many years to come.  

For more information about the Leadership Arts Institute class project, visit www.ntbca.org.

The Dallas Museum of Art League, event chairman Dyann Skelton, honorary chairmen Barbara and Steve Durham and Nancy Cates, DMA League president, were joined by a sell-out crowd of over 350 guests at Art in Bloom 2018: Power of Flowerson Monday, March 26, 2018.  Proceeds from the 19^thannual fundraiser support the Dallas Museum of Art’s education programs First Tuesdays and Teen Tours, as well as the DMA League’s Floral Endowment Fund.  

The celebration began on Friday, March 23 with an evening reception, sponsored by Beverage Marketing Associates, Duckworth Vodka and Nancy Cates, in honor of Art in Bloompatrons.   Held at the Dallas Museum of Art and chaired by Sarah Jo Hardin, sponsors and host committees arrived and mingled as they enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Museum’s concourse, while the John Adams Trio played nearby. Inspired by Broadway musical Pippinand this year’s theme, “Power of Flowers,” décor included colorful paper flowers at the entrance in addition to stunning arrangements by David Kimmel throughout the party space. Some of the flowers came alive in the form of mythical garden figures and dancers, perfect for photos with partygoers. 

As the evening continued, partygoers enjoyed cocktails and artfully displayed savory and sweet bites, such as butter poached shrimp and saffron potato, black pepper lamb loin on pecan cracker, blue cheese and date jam on brioche, roasted duck salad and chive crepe, petite macarons and sea salt chocolate truffle cones with candied almonds.   An evening highlight was meeting Art in Bloomfeatured speaker Michael De Feo, with his wife Lia, prior to Monday’s luncheon and presentation, as well as a first view of Flowers – An Exhibition,a display of floral arrangements created by local designers and inspired by works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection. 

On Monday, March 27, Art in Bloombegan at 10:00 a.m. with a reception in the Museum’s concourse.  Guests mingled as they bid on items in the silent auction, which featured exclusive DMA experiences, jewelry, spa packages, fashion items, restaurant gift certificates, and more luxury items.  As a special treat, attendees received complimentary touch ups and makeup tips at the Blush-Ups Makeup Station courtesy of Blushington on Oak Lawn Avenue. Chance tickets were also for sale for two prizes including De Feo’s Untitled (Rosamund Pike by Masha Mel for L'Officiel, No. 1013, April, 2017), 2017, acrylic on magazine page, 11.75 x 8.625 inches (14 3/4" x 11 5/8" framed), or a unique opportunity to have International Chef Craig James come to the winner’s home and prepare a meal for eight guests. Chef Craig James will provide a quintessentially British menu showcasing his credentials in modern British cooking and his impressive background with English Chefs, wine is also included. 

Guests were then directed to the Horchow Auditorium for De Feo’s presentation. DMA League president Nancy Cates welcomed all in attendance and thanked them for their support of this year’s Art in Bloom, including chairman Dyann Skelton.   Ms. Skelton followed to add her gratitude to attendees, event and host committee members, patrons, sponsors and in-kind donors who helped make this year’s event possible.  She also recognized 2018 honorary chairs, Barbara and Steve Durham, for their ongoing support of the Dallas Museum of Art, before introducing featured speaker Michael De Feo through a short video,which visually spoke to what inspires him as an artist, how he got started as “The Flower Guy,” and highlighted some of his current work recently seen at the Rice University Art Gallery. 

De Feo then took the stage to show the audience, through slides, his “flower journey” as an artist during his 25-year career.  Beginning with his 7^thgrade shop class and his initial interest in graffiti art, to his first experiments at street art while a student at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and then his segue to painting flowers on the streets of New York, in cities around the country and the world, earning him his moniker “The Flower Guy.”  He began to experiment with other imagery, patterns and abstractions, painting on maps and blueprints, while continuing to paint flowers on the streets.  In the 2004 he took his passion for street art to create a children’s book, called Alphabet City: Out on the Streets, which expanded awareness about his work nationally and internationally. 

A turning point came several years ago when a friend gifted him a key to all the bus-stop kiosks in New York and he began to replace the magazine ads with his own large-scale floral paintings on paper. Quickly realizing he had a large collection of all the acquired ads, he began to use the ads as his canvas, painting cascades of multi-colored petals onto the printed images.  This work led to collaborations with fashion brands, such as J. Crew, Neiman Marcus, Christian Louboutin and more, and earned him profiles in the New York Times, VOGUE, New York Magazineand other publications.

After a brief Q & A session with De Feo, attendees progressed to the Atrium for a seated lunch with tables featuring floral centerpieces by David Kimmel Design.  Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, including a first course of duo of chilled cantaloupe melon soup with crisp Parma ham and salad landaise with Champagne dressing, followed by an entree of roast breast of corn-fed chicken, peperonata, saffron-braised potatoes, basil oil, and Texas balsamic reduction.  As dessert of glazed lemon posset with homemade shortbread was served, Skelton came to the podium to introduce auctioneer Wendy Lambert. 

Lambert quickly got the bidding underway for the live auction which included coveted items such as a tour for six of the DMA’s vault with Isabel Stauffer, director of collections management; an exclusive New York experience guided by Stanley Korshak and Christie’s Auction House’s fashion and art experts; a $5,000 gift certificate to William Noble; and an original work of art by featured speaker, Michael De Feo,Untitled (Doutzen Kroes by Duy Yo for Vogue Nederland, April 2016), 2016, acrylic on two magazine pages, (14 1/4" x 20"}). 

After lunch, De Feo had copies of his children’s book, Alphabet City: Out on the Streets,available for purchase and signing.  As well, attendees enjoyed Flowers – An Exhibition,which featured a unique display of floral arrangements created by local designers and inspired by works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection on view in the Museum’s Level 2 European galleries.  Participating designers were: Avant Garden; David Kimmel Design; Dr. Delphinium; Forestwood Fine Flowers; Metka Floral Designs; Olive Grove Design; Petals, A Florist; Ridgeview Florist and Sage Blooms.  

For more information about the DMA League, contact 214.922.1800, or visit www.dma.org.

About Michael De Feo

Michael De Feo is a NYC-based artist best known in the street art movement for his iconic flower image. De Feo has been creating art on the streets for over 25 years in more than 60 cities including New York, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong and more. Michael’s work inhabits a space between fine art, street art, and appropriation. His most recent investigations are a re-working of fashion imagery from magazine ads to bus stop shelter advertisements by painting cascades of multicolored petals onto the printed images. De Feo brings new life to his source material in a way that is both subversive and joyful.

Michael's work has been exhibited in numerous international galleries and museums including The New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York; Colette, Paris; and the Museo de Arte, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Notable exhibitions include 2005's Two Atmospheres at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, CT and 2008's Flowers at Manifesta 7 in Trento, Italy; and, in 2016, solo exhibitions at The Garage in Amsterdam, Danziger Gallery in New York and a site-specific installation at Rice Gallery in Houston, TX.

Michael’s work has been profiled in The New York Times, VOGUE, New York Magazine and numerous others. He’s collaborated with fashion brands including Neiman Marcus, Christian Louboutin, MILLY, La Mer and J.Crew for whom he created a line of t-shirts as well as window designs for each of J.Crew’s 280-plus store façades around the world. De Feo’s work has appeared in a variety of film documentaries including To Be Seen, screened at the MoMA, 2006 and Banksy’s Exit Through The Gift Shop, which was a 2010 Academy Award best documentary nominee. De Feo enjoys supporting non-profits such as the Children’s Museum of the Arts in New York and Friends of the High Line where he helped celebrate their Chelsea Grasslands by designing posters, park signage and more all visible throughout the High Line park in September 2016. In 2014, Russell Simmons and The Rush Arts Philanthropy Foundation selected De Feo as their featured artist of the year. Michael’s award winning street art book for kids, Alphabet City is in its 5^thprinting by Gingko Press. Michael is the recipient of a Clio Award in Fashion & Beauty, a D&AD award for Magazine Design, and two Certificates of Design Excellence from Print Magazine. De Feo lives with his family in Manhattan.

About the Dallas Museum of Art League

Founded in 1938, the League is celebrating 80 years of contributions through volunteer work for the Museum, art acquisitions and the support of key endowment funds.  

The League has participated in the acquisition of approximately 100 works of art for the Museum.  In addition, the Dallas Museum of Art League has supported special exhibitions, education, exhibition endowments, Late Nights and Thursday Night Live and contributes to the Endowment Fund.

About the Dallas Museum of Art 

Established in 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is among the 10 largest art museums in the country and is distinguished by its commitment to research, innovation, and public engagement. At the heart of the Museum and its programs is its global collection, which encompasses more than 24,000 works and spans 5,000 years of history, representing a full range of world cultures. Located in the nation’s largest arts district, the Museum acts as a catalyst for community creativity, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds with a diverse spectrum of programming, from exhibitions and lectures to concerts, literary events, and dramatic and dance presentations. Since the Museum’s return to free general admission in 2013, the DMA has welcomed more than 3.2 million visitors. For more information, visit DMA.org.

The Dallas Museum of Art is supported, in part, by the generosity of DMA Members and donors, the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Texas Commission on the Arts. 

The Dallas Museum of Art was host to nearly 1000 guys and dolls dressed to kill in their best Prohibition-era fashions for the second DMA Speakeasy on Saturday, February 24, 2018.

As guests arrived at the sold-out event, on view were period cars provided by Keith Weiss and the Dallas Model A Ford Club, providing the perfect backdrop for photos and selfies. Once inside the Museum’s Hamon Atrium, partygoers were transported to a 1920’s speakeasy courtesy of renowned event designer Todd Fiscus.

Guests mingled and sipped signature cocktails, including The Outlaw featuring Calamity Gin, Old Fashioned with Title 21 rye, a Nue vodka Watermelon Mule and ROXOR Gin’s Rox & Razz, while enjoying the big band sounds of the 18-piece band, the Singpaore Slingers.  Professional dancers from The Rhythm Room showcased their dance moves and provided instruction on the Charleston, the Lindy Hop and fox-trot.   Those not cutting a rug enjoyed the gaming tables, and vamping it up at one of the two photo booths sponsored by CultureMap, and then posting their mugs on social media with the dedicated #DMAspeakeasy.   For movie buffs, the 1974 classic, The Great Gatsby featuring Mia Farrow and Robert Redford, was playing in the Horchow Auditorium.

For something to nosh on, a cocktail buffet featured gourmet sandwiches and wraps such as crispy chicken biscuit with honey mustard, roasted vegetables on a Hoagie roll with sun dried tomato pesto, beef fajita wrap with jalapeno aioli, Monterrey jack cheese, grilled peppers and onions, tomato and goat cheese toast with balsamic glaze and Green Goddess veggie cup with baby carrot, celery, cucumber, broccoli and cherry tomato as well as desserts of lemon squares, mini S’mores brownies and strawberry shortcake on a stick.

The Bootlegger’s Lounge provided a perfect hideaway for VIP’s with craft cocktails, tunes by DJ Blake Ward, dedicated dancers from The Rhythm Room and private gaming tables.  The cocktail buffet included sweet and savory bites such as deviled egg salad toast with smoked salmon and avocado aioli, olive tapenade and goat cheese tart with tarragon pesto, honey roasted turkey and cranberry mayo on a corn bread muffin, oven roasted beef tenderloin on brioche with caramelized onions and house steak sauce, roasted potato and chive crème fraiche with crisp prosciutto, raspberry tarts, candied orange crème brule and chocolate soup and port -raised strawberries with puffed pastry croutons.

To encourage partygoers to enjoy the Museum’s permanent collection, the “Track the Bootleggers” scavenger hunt led guests throughout the Level 4 galleries searching for images that harken back to the 1920’s and early 30’s in the vast collection of American art.   Using a map featuring Prohibition-era facts as clues, participants snapped photos as they tracked down the bootleggers.  Upon completion, they shared their photo forensics to collect a sheriff’s badge.

Mid-way through the evening attendees gathered at the main stage for the announcement of the winners of the costume contest.  Contest judge and celebrity blogger Lily Kramlick-Taylor from Dallasites101 presented “Best Flapper” to Caitlin Hebert; “Best Dapper Dan” to Jeff Brown and “Best Couple” to Jonathan Smith and Kevin Donovan.  Each winner received a bottle of Ruinart champagne.

As the Singapore Slingers played their last song, partygoers gathered once more for the announcement of the winners of six fabulous raffle prizes:

• The Joule Hotel and Midnight Rambler Package: a one night get-away in deluxe accommodations at The Joule Hotel with complimentary overnight valet parking and a $75 gift card to Commissary and a $100 gift card for food and beverage at the premier craft cocktail bar, the Midnight Rambler. 
• Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck Dinner Package:  enjoy a lavish five course chef’s tasting menu for two at one of Dallas’ finest restaurants while enjoying a 360° view of Dallas.
• Celebrate the Repeal with a fully stocked bar:  Party-sized ice bucket filled to the brim with premium labels.
• Arts & Letters Live VIP Package for March 6th event featuring Peabody and Emmy-award winning journalist and producer Maria Shriver as she shares insight into the wisdom gleaned through her life’s journey in her latest book, I’ve Been Thinking…: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life.
• Arts & Letters Live VIP package #2 for April 6th event with Lidia Bastianich, best selling cookbook author, beloved television personality, and successful restaurateur.  Includes reserved front section seating for two and a hard-cover signed copy of My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family and Food.

• Two Tickets to the Turnpike Troubadours at the Verizon Theater on Friday, March 2.

Following, partygoers danced the night away as DJ Derek Lynn provided the vibe until the party came to an end.

For more information about the Dallas Museum of Art, visit dma.org.

About the Dallas Museum of Art
Established in 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) is among the 10 largest art museums in the country and is distinguished by its commitment to research, innovation, and public engagement. At the heart of the Museum and its programs is its global collection, which encompasses more than 24,000 works and spans 5,000 years of history, representing a full range of world cultures. Located in the nation’s largest arts district, the Museum acts as a catalyst for community creativity, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds with a diverse spectrum of programming, from exhibitions and lectures to concerts, literary events, and dramatic and dance presentations. Since the Museum’s return to free general admission in 2013, the DMA has welcomed more than 3.2 million visitors. For more information, visit DMA.org.

The Dallas Museum of Art is supported, in part, by the generosity of DMA Members and donors, the citizens of Dallas through the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Texas Commission on the Arts. 

Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep honored Hilda Galvan, Jones Day Partner-in-Charge and Dallas Regional Chamber Board Chair, with its inaugural Ignite Award at the first annual CEO Breakfast, on Thursday, February 22 at The Petroleum Club in Downtown Dallas.

As the over 100 attendees arrived, they were each gifted a Cristo Rey Dallas tie, for the gentlemen, or an orange pashmina scarf, for the women.   As guests took their seats, many donning their new accessories, Kelby Woodard, President of Cristo Rey Dallas, welcomed all to the first annual event.

Woodard first thanked event co-chairs David Moran, Jackson Walker Managing Partner and Michelle Vopni, EY Managing Partner, for their leadership for this first annual event.  He also recognized dignitaries in attendance, the Honorable Pauline Medrano, Dallas County Treasurer, and the Honorable Jennifer Bennett of the 265^th District Court, as well as the business leaders in the room, many of whom are part of the school’s Corporate Work Study Program, an innovative model of education that gives students a college prep education while earning work experience in a professional setting. 

Ms. Vopni followed and shared her own company’s positive experience as a Work Study partner, before Jasmine Chavez, a member of the Cristo Rey Dallas class of 2019,  took the podium with a special invocation. 

Chavez asked all to bow their heads as she read a powerful reflection written by classmate Daniel Venegas, who passed away during his freshman year.  His writing, entitled “Protect the Dream,” included his hopes and dreams for his own education and for his family.  In it he wrote, “I want to be someone meaningful in life, someone whose impact will be recognized.  I want to change the minds of people who might doubt me and prove that I can protect my dream each and every day.”

Following breakfast, John Stephens, senior executive vice president and CFO of AT&T, introduced Hilda Galvan, this year’s recipient of the Ignite Award, for her support of the three-year old college preparatory school and her commitment to providing opportunity and inspiration for its students.

After sharing Galvan’s many accomplishments, he introduced a video, which included personal and professional accolades from Dale Petrosky, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, and Tracy Merzi, Publisher of Dallas Business Journal.   A video highlight included a conversation between Galvan and Cristo Rey Dallas student Edward Rojas, where Galvan revealed personal stories about her first job between 7^th and 8^th grade working at a jewelry-making factory.  And from that experience she recalled that working there with many women who had families “emphasized the importance of getting her education. “

Galvan then came to the stage to accept her award of a gold Cristo Rey Crown and Globe pendant studded with sapphire presented by Stephens.  She thanked Cristo Rey Dallas leadership and its board of directors for the recognition.  She also recognized the Corporate Work Study Program partners and others in the room, who support Cristo Rey Dallas.

She said, “The commitment that each of you has made you to Cristo Rey Dallas and to the students will change their lives forever and will change the lives of their families for generations to come.  You have given them a gift of an education, but you have also given them pride and self-confidence in earning that education.”

She closed by encouraging others to say, “yes” to becoming or continuing to be a job partner with Cristo Rey, “an incredible organization doing incredible things.”

Kelby Woodard then came back to the podium to honor student Emmanuel Moreno with a surprise Grit Award, awarded to a Cristo Rey Dallas student who exemplifies perseverance in the workplace, classroom and beyond.

As Emmanuel came to the stage, Woodard also announced that in addition to the Grit Award, a silver coin designed with the Crown and Globe, Cristo Rey Dallas partnered with employer Lincoln Property Company to underwrite a $5,000 scholarship for him.

In closing, co-chair David Moran came to podium and asked for another round of applause for honorees Hilda Galvan and Emmanuel Moreno, before sharing his firm’s experience as a Work Study partner.  To the other company leadership in the room, he thanked those who are current partners and encouraged those who are not to consider supporting Cristo Rey Dallas as a Corporate Work Study Program partner.

Sponsors for the CEO Breakfast include AT&T; DeGolyer and MacNaughton; Deloitte; EY; William Hornberger/Jackson Walker; Jackson Walker; JLL; Jones Day; Locke Lorde LLP; PwC; Riveron Consulting; Sarah and Loy Shaw; John Stephens; Tenet; and Mike and Mary Terry.