Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) held its 39^th Annual Luncheon on November 1^st 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.

Immediately 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 39^th 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 (see list at end). “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.”

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 8^th largest in the world – ranks 47^th 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.”

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.

Curry’s Select Remarks:

“You are now a part of the struggle and we’ve come a long way, but we haven’t crossed the finish line. Women fought to give you a voice. Use it.” Then she shared the story of her grandmother. “My grandmother wanted to vote in an election, but my dad and grandfather wouldn’t drive her to vote because she wasn’t going to vote for the candidate they both wanted her to vote for. Fine. She walked to the election site. Her candidate won.”

“Commit yourself to a life of service.”

“We have to balance risk-taking without fear. We have to step out and take a risk. Everyone has a purpose that only you can bring into the world – take smart risks, fight for the things that are part of your purpose.”

Carrie Freeman Parsons, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, closed the luncheon with thanks to all the participants, sponsors and attendees.

Special thanks to sponsors:

Initiator of Change: Quantum Connections

Influencers for Change: Target and The Suzanne Ahn Speaker Endowment Fund of Texas Women’s Foundation

Possibilities Partner Igniter of Change: Toyota

Pioneers for Change: Amazon, Ellenore Knight Baker and Roslyn Dawson Thompson, and Southwest Airlines

Incubators for Change: Goldman Sachs, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated.

Facilitator for Change: Haynes Boone

Energizers for Change: The Dallas Mavericks, Ernst & Young, Kimberly Clark, Texas Capital Bank

For additional sponsors, visit https://www.txwfluncheon.org/2024-sponsors. 

About Texas Women’s Foundation: As Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) nears its 40^th year, it is clear that now more than ever is the time to create more equitable communities to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld. TXWF raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $6 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and strategic/educational initiatives. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $85 million in Texas women and girls.

The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the gender lens investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) held its 39^th Annual Luncheon on November 1^st 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.

Immediately 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 39^th 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 (see list at end). “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.”

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 8^th largest in the world – ranks 47^th 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.”

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.

Curry’s Select Remarks:

“You are now a part of the struggle and we’ve come a long way, but we haven’t crossed the finish line. Women fought to give you a voice. Use it.” Then she shared the story of her grandmother. “My grandmother wanted to vote in an election, but my dad and grandfather wouldn’t drive her to vote because she wasn’t going to vote for the candidate they both wanted her to vote for. Fine. She walked to the election site. Her candidate won.”

“Commit yourself to a life of service.”

“We have to balance risk-taking without fear. We have to step out and take a risk. Everyone has a purpose that only you can bring into the world – take smart risks, fight for the things that are part of your purpose.”

Carrie Freeman Parsons, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, closed the luncheon with thanks to all the participants, sponsors and attendees.

Special thanks to sponsors:

Initiator of Change: Quantum Connections

Influencers for Change: Target and The Suzanne Ahn Speaker Endowment Fund of Texas Women’s Foundation

Possibilities Partner Igniter of Change: Toyota

Pioneers for Change: Amazon, Ellenore Knight Baker and Roslyn Dawson Thompson, and Southwest Airlines

Incubators for Change: Goldman Sachs, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated.

Facilitator for Change: Haynes Boone

Energizers for Change: The Dallas Mavericks, Ernst & Young, Kimberly Clark, Texas Capital Bank

For additional sponsors, visit https://www.txwfluncheon.org/2024-sponsors. 

About Texas Women’s Foundation: As Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) nears its 40^th year, it is clear that now more than ever is the time to create more equitable communities to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld. TXWF raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $6 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and strategic/educational initiatives. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $85 million in Texas women and girls.

The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the gender lens investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) held its 39^th Annual Luncheon on November 1^st 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.

Immediately 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 39^th 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 (see list at end). “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.”

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 8^th largest in the world – ranks 47^th 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.”

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.

Curry’s Select Remarks:

“You are now a part of the struggle and we’ve come a long way, but we haven’t crossed the finish line. Women fought to give you a voice. Use it.” Then she shared the story of her grandmother. “My grandmother wanted to vote in an election, but my dad and grandfather wouldn’t drive her to vote because she wasn’t going to vote for the candidate they both wanted her to vote for. Fine. She walked to the election site. Her candidate won.”

“Commit yourself to a life of service.”

“We have to balance risk-taking without fear. We have to step out and take a risk. Everyone has a purpose that only you can bring into the world – take smart risks, fight for the things that are part of your purpose.”

Carrie Freeman Parsons, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, closed the luncheon with thanks to all the participants, sponsors and attendees.

Special thanks to sponsors:

Initiator of Change: Quantum Connections

Influencers for Change: Target and The Suzanne Ahn Speaker Endowment Fund of Texas Women’s Foundation

Possibilities Partner Igniter of Change: Toyota

Pioneers for Change: Amazon, Ellenore Knight Baker and Roslyn Dawson Thompson, and Southwest Airlines

Incubators for Change: Goldman Sachs, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated.

Facilitator for Change: Haynes Boone

Energizers for Change: The Dallas Mavericks, Ernst & Young, Kimberly Clark, Texas Capital Bank

For additional sponsors, visit https://www.txwfluncheon.org/2024-sponsors. 

About Texas Women’s Foundation: As Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) nears its 40^th year, it is clear that now more than ever is the time to create more equitable communities to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld. TXWF raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $6 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and strategic/educational initiatives. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $85 million in Texas women and girls.

The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the gender lens investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

Rusty Taco is hosting the ultimate party. For two nights, DFW locals are invited to exclusive late-night events at the Rusty Taco’s Greenville location.

To celebrate the location’s new late-night hours, the events’ promotions will feature margarita pitchers topped with sparklers and Topo Chico cocktails. Guests can also enjoy a custom trucker hat press station, immersive decor perfect for social media, a live DJ, and games throughout the night.

WHERE: 4802 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75206

WHEN:

• Thursday, November 14 | 8:00 p.m. – Midnight
• Thursday, November 21 | 8:00 p.m. – Midnight

ABOUT RUSTY TACO:

Rusty Taco was created by founder Rusty Fenton, who with his wife Denise Fenton, opened the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas, TX in 2010. Rusty Taco is more than just a place for street tacos. Rusty believed in serving the community and creating a place where people from all walks of life can come together and feel welcome. Rusty Taco’s menu consists of fresh ingredients and flavors, alongside fan favorites like the signature queso, margaritas, breakfast tacos and street-style tacos made by hand with recipes created by Rusty, who famously said: “Tacos are the Most Important Meal of the Day®”!

Kicker Noah McGough, a senior at Jesuit Dallas, has been a consistent force throughout the football season. While he loves the sport and hopes to continue playing in college, he says football is not his identity.

“Before coming to Men of Nehemiah, I put a lot of emphasis on me,” admits McGough. “But learning about what these men have been through, and hearing their testimonies, I was compelled to do something to help them! Now, it’s less about me and more about what I can do to use the talents God has given me to help others.”

Throughout the 2024 high school football season, McGough has been bringing awareness to Men of Nehemiah, a faith-based, nine-month residential recovery program in Dallas, with every kick he makes. People have responded with donations and pledges for every point he scores to provide funds for counseling for the men and their families. More information is available at menofnehemiah.org/kick.

To date, McGough has scored 58 total points (four field goals and 46 extra points) for Jesuit Dallas. At $592 per point pledged, and $5,988 in donations McGough has already raised $40,324.

Jesuit Dallas completed their 2024 Football season last Friday with a compelling 56-14 win over Irving Nimitz at home.  The team goes into the Playoffs with a 6-4 record and will take on Arlington Bowie at Sam Houston High School in Arlington Friday, November 15^th.

“At Jesuit, we live by the motto Be Men for Others,” says McGough. “I am reminded every week to be God’s light to my community.”

Last year, McGough was recognized as one of the best kickers in the nation. He was the top kicker in Texas, making 17 out of 21 field goal attempts, and ranked number six in the U.S. His achievements include being named to the Texas Sports Writers Association's Class 6A All-State First Team Kicker and Player of the Year for All District 7-6A Special Teams. 

“Two years ago, I went to a Men of Nehemiah worship service,” explained McGough. “I really didn’t know how to praise God. I was timid. It’s cool how these men praise Jesus so freely. Now I want to go every Tuesday night and Sunday morning. I love getting to worship with them. Watching God move in their lives is life changing."

Men of Nehemiah combines Biblical discipleship with professional counseling and military discipline to restore lives that have been derailed by drug and alcohol addiction. The objective is to help each man become the person God intended him to be and reunite him with his loved ones and community. 

“Week after week Noah comes to All City Worship on Tuesday nights and our Bread of Hope service Sunday mornings,” said Jim Ramsey, Men of Nehemiah CEO. “Noah is drawing attention to our program and raising much needed funds. But, more importantly, he shows our men that he genuinely cares about them. When Noah walks into the room, the men respond like they would to a rock star.”

In 1994, Pastor Louis Harrell, a former US Army Colonel, founded Men of Nehemiah in New Orleans to deliver his wayward son, Louis Harrell, Jr., from the grip of addiction. Louis Jr. relocated to North Texas, where he launched Men of Nehemiah in South Dallas with the help of Roger McCasland, President and CEO of Operation Relief Center.

Today, Men of Nehemiah has helped more than 1,500 men find paths to recovery. Research compiled in 2022 affirmed that 61% of men who graduated from Men of Nehemiah prior to 2020 stayed sober for at least two years. More information is available at menofnehemiah.org.