Venus Williams to keynote luncheon

By Britt Carman

Austin Street Center will honor Gail Oliver Turner and Dr. R. Gerald Turner (pictured) with the Norm Hitzges Distinguished Service Award and the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department with the Community Leadership Award at its upcoming 26th Annual Humble Beginnings Luncheon. Presented by Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, the luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 16, in the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole, with tennis legend, entrepreneur and advocate for equality Venus Williams serving as keynote speaker.

This year’s theme, “Unlocking Hope: Where Healing Has a Home,” reflects Austin Street Center’s commitment to helping people experiencing homelessness build a path toward stability and permanent housing. Chaired by Lindsay and George Billingsley and Connie and Nick Babikian, the luncheon will bring together more than 1,000 attendees to celebrate the honorees and support solutions to homelessness in Dallas.

Gail Oliver Turner and Dr. R. Gerald Turner will receive the Norm Hitzges Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their longstanding commitment to service and the Dallas community. Gail has dedicated decades to organizations supporting women, children and families, including Austin Street Center, Genesis Women’s Shelter and New Friends New Life. Her civic and philanthropic involvement reflects a sustained commitment to helping neighbors access safety, support and opportunity.

Dr. Turner served as president of Southern Methodist University from 1995 to 2025, guiding the university through three decades of transformative growth while serving numerous civic and philanthropic organizations. Together, the Turners have made a lasting contribution to Dallas through their leadership in education, philanthropy and community service. The Dallas Fire-Rescue Department will receive the Community Leadership Award in recognition of its service to Dallas and commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents. The award celebrates the department’s dedication to protecting the community and responding to neighbors in times of crisis.

The luncheon serves as a critical fundraiser for Austin Street Center’s mission to help those experiencing homelessness transition to permanent, independent living. In 2025 alone, Austin Street Center served 2,731 individuals in shelter and housing programs, as well as more than 4,000 through its inclement weather shelter, and provided more than 40,000 rides through its Connector transportation service. It also supported 640 individuals in securing housing and 245 in securing employment.

“With thousands of our neighbors experiencing homelessness on any given night in Dallas and Collin Counties, this work is more urgent than ever,” said Daniel Roby, chief executive officer of Austin Street Center. “We are deeply grateful for the leadership of our co-chairs and the energy they bring to this year’s event, and we are thrilled to welcome Venus Williams as our keynote speaker. Together, they help elevate a message of urgency, hope, and action for our community.”

Previously announced keynote speaker Venus Williams (pictured) will join the celebration, bringing a perspective shaped by her achievements in sports, business and advocacy. A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist, Williams has championed gender equality and helped drive equal prize money at Wimbledon.

Sponsorships are available from $3,000 to $100,000, with individual tickets starting at $250. To purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities or learn more about the October 16 luncheon, visit austinstreet.org/humblebeginnings.