Foundation raises funds, spirits

By Juliette Coulter

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) held its 39th Annual Luncheon on November 1 at the Omni Dallas. The luncheon raised nearly $750,000 to continue its important work of advancing the lives of girls, women and their families. 

Prior to the luncheon, TXWF donors and grantees gathered for a reception honoring the organization’s 2024 Community Grant Awards recipients. With support from donors, fundholders and philanthropic partners, more than $867,000 was granted to 23 deserving non-profit organizations serving women and girls in North Texas. 

The luncheon began with a powerful spoken word performance by Miss Texas 2024 Annette Addo-Yobo. As a first-generation American woman holding this title, Annette knows firsthand what it means to overcome obstacles. In her piece titled “Texas Woman,” she spoke passionately about the need for women to own their worth and carry their truth forward despite persistent inequities and barriers.

TXWF’s 39th Annual Luncheon Chair and Executive Vice President, Head of Community Development and Corporate Responsibility for Texas Capital Bank Effie Dennison, thanked Annette, welcomed guests and acknowledged event sponsors. 

“Guided by research that dives deeply into the economic issues facing women in Texas, Texas Women’s Foundation invests in grantmaking, advocacy and leadership training to help remove barriers for women and create opportunities for them to not only survive, but to thrive,” she said.

An inspiring video about the impact of the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center followed Effie’s remarks; and a video about Storytime Childcare highlighted the importance of quality, affordable child care for working families. Texas Women’s Foundation’s President and CEO Karen Hughes White, said, “Each one of you in this room — through your passion for Texas women and girls and your generosity of spirit — has the power to change lives. And it’s exactly what we’re going to ask you to do today. But first, I want to pose a question that I hope you’ll discuss at your tables over lunch: How can it be that our great state of Texas — with the strongest economy in the nation — and reportedly, the 8th largest in the world — ranks 47th out of 50 states across 25 different indicators for women’s economic security and success?” 

White introduced a video about the vital care a mother received from Health Services of North Texas when she needed it most — as she gave birth to her second child, Samuel. As the video ended with Samuel smiling brightly into the camera, White asked luncheon guests to support the Foundation’s mission by making a donation. 

After lunch service, Sousan Ortega, senior vice president, Field Operations for Target said, “It’s an honor to support today’s conversation that will highlight the great work of highly respected, Emmy Award-winning journalist Ann Curry, along with the host and Managing Editor of KERA’s Think, Krys Boyd (pictured above).” 

Curry shared her experiences as one of the few women reporters breaking barriers in newsrooms dominated by men. 

She’s used her platform to bring humanity to her stories and shine a light on people’s lived experiences. Despite facing resistance, she fought tirelessly to stand up for what was right. Throughout her journey, she would envision future women journalists and remind herself that “the women are coming” to help elevate the field. 

“You are now a part of the struggle, and we’ve come a long way, but we haven’t crossed the finish line.” Curry told the crowd. “Women fought to give you a voice. Use it.”