Teacher. Advocate. Inspiration. One of the most beloved and admired American First Ladies, for decades former First Lady Laura Bush has championed key issues in the fields of education, healthcare, and human rights. The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) has the distinct pleasure of welcoming Mrs. Bush as the keynote speaker of The Milestones Luncheon, presented by The Kohl Foundation, which will take place Thursday, November 6, 2014, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Ryan, a leading global tax services firm, is the speaker sponsor of this year’s Milestones Luncheon. The Luncheon will also recognize the 2014-2015 Sustainer of the Year, Regen Fearon.

“We are honored to have former First Lady Laura Bush speak at The Milestones Luncheon in November. The Luncheon’s purpose is to educate and inspire, and as a member of the Junior League of Dallas herself, we could not think of a more fitting person than Mrs. Bush to emphasize the importance of voluntarism, empowerment of women and improving our community,” said President of the Junior League of Dallas, Julie Bagley. “Her experience and passion for key issues such as education and healthcare relate directly to the programs and mission of the Junior League.”

The author of the bestselling memoir, Spoken From The Heart, Mrs. Bush also founded both the Texas Book Festival and the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. Today, as the Chair of the Women’s Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute, Mrs. Bush continues her work on global healthcare innovations, empowering women in emerging democracies, education reform, and supporting the men and women who have served in America’s military. Her enthusiasm and passion for education and empowering women is what makes Mrs. Bush most appropriate for the Junior League of Dallas’ Milestones Luncheon this year.

The Milestones Luncheon is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund and is a platform to raise awareness for the programs and issues supported by the JLD, as well as to recognize the impact and achievements of its volunteers. Proceeds from The Milestones Luncheon, along with general underwriting efforts, allow the JLD to annually grant $1 million dollars to the Dallas community.

Each year at the Luncheon, one esteemed member of the JLD receives the honor of Sustainer of the Year as a reflection of their commitment and dedication to the League. This year, the JLD is proud to recognize Regen Fearon as the 2014-2015 Sustainer of the Year. Mrs. Fearon continually reflects the mission of the JLD through her activism in the community, her commitment to early childhood education, and her charitable work with organizations like the Big Sister Program, ChildCareGroup, Commit and Dallas Assembly. As a League member, Mrs. Fearon has carried out numerous leadership positions and is devoted to doing her best for others. She has taken her Junior League experience and used it to further great causes in the Dallas community, making her the perfect fit for this award.

The Luncheon will take place Thursday, November 6, 2014, in the Imperial Ballroom (formerly known as Khmer Pavillion), at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Check-in will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a VIP reception and photo opportunity with former First Lady Laura Bush. The Luncheon will start at noon. Individual Luncheon tickets are $175, and Patron Luncheon tickets are $250. Table sales begin at $3,000. To purchase tables or individual tickets, please contact the JLD Development Office at (214) 357-8822, ext. 118 or visit www.jld.net/luncheon for more information.

ABOUT JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DALLAS

The Junior League of Dallas is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Founded in 1922, the Junior League of Dallas trains members for effective participation in the community and is dedicated to the belief that volunteer service is an essential part of responsible citizenship. Whether tutoring students, rocking infants, answering crisis line calls or serving on non-profit boards and coalitions, the 5,000 Junior League members provide more than 130,000 hours of community service each year, while making sure that each donated dollar works its hardest to help those in Dallas who need it most. Active members range in age from 22 to 49 and 74 percent are employed outside of the home. For more information, please visit www.jld.net.