The spring luncheon, featuring Kimberly Schlegel Whitman as keynote speaker and celebrating the organization's 40th anniversary, is a perfect time to learn more about this all-volunteer Dallas organization serving others across North Texas
Dallas lifestyle expert, author and philanthropist Kimberly Schlegel Whitman will provide the keynote address titled, “Adventures in Philanthropy: How Trying To Give Back Changed My Life And Career,” at the Dallas Junior Forum 40th Anniversary spring luncheon on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (silent auction at 11 a.m., lunch at noon, Whitman to speak at 1 p.m.), at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion, 2101 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75201. Luncheon chair is Mary Cartwright, and WFAA’s Jane McGarry is mistress of ceremonies.
“Kim Whitman represents a new generation of volunteers involved in service to others,” said Mary Cartwright, luncheon chair. “Her giving spirit matches Dallas Junior Forum's mission to benefit children, families and the elderly in need in the greater Dallas area, and her servant’s heart coupled with her creativity and enthusiasm will, without a doubt, inspire our attendees as we gather to celebrate 40 years of service in North Texas.”
Whitman, a graduate of Southern Methodist University, donates her time to many charitable organizations. She currently serves on the advisory board of New Friends New Life as well as the board of the North Texas Food Bank, where she is a member of the committee for the newly announced “Stop Hunger Build Hope” $55 million capital campaign and former chair of Food 4 Kids. She has also served on the board of the American Red Cross. Her honors include the American Heart Association's Volunteer of the Year Award, Northwood University's Distinguished Women's Award, Texas Woman's University's Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award, The Little Flower Organization of New York's Women Who Make A Difference Award, and the Women That Soar Award. Ms. Whitman has appeared on radio and TV, and in 2011, she became the Editor-At-Large of Southern Living Magazine. She has published seven books which will be available for purchase at the event.
The Dallas Junior Forum (DJF), a non-profit volunteer organization for women in North Texas that employs no paid staff, is one of nine chapters of Junior Forum – Texas based service organizations originating in Houston in 1959. DJF was founded in 1977 to create greater interest in civic, educational and philanthropic endeavors in the North Texas community through volunteer work focused on children, families and the elderly.
Organizations served by the Dallas Junior Forum include Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, The Ebby House, Juliette Fowler Communities, Frisco Family Services, Hope’s Door New Beginnings Center, Interfaith Family Services, Network, PediPlace, and the Ronald McDonald House.
“We have many members from the Park Cities, North Dallas, and Preston Hollow areas that are very involved and are working hard to recruit some new volunteers to join us! From preparing 8,000 meals each year at Ronald McDonald House to providing companionship to elderly residents of Juliette Fowler Communities, Dallas Junior Forum offers volunteer opportunities for a wide variety of interests,” added Cartwright. “Each year we support Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center as volunteers for the national Crimes Against Children Conference. We also enjoy setting up apartments for the working-poor residents at Interfaith Family Services while also staffing the in-house clothing boutique for adults seeking employment. At Ebby House, we sponsor and furnish bedrooms for the young women residing there, who were formerly in foster homes, and mentor them in life skills and career planning. There is truly something for everyone looking to make a difference in the lives of others, and we invite anyone looking to give back in the community to join us and consider becoming a member.”
Since it began 40 years ago, DJF has donated hundreds of thousands of volunteer service hours to the charitable agencies it supports. In 2016 alone, members volunteered more than 16,400 hours. Over the years DJF has donated more than $1 million in direct grants and non-grants to worthy non-profit organizations throughout North Texas.
“Monetary allocation for these grants has been a direct result of the profits from this annual fundraiser luncheon, various other fundraising events, and sales of our two award-winning cookbooks,” added Cartwright. “It is amazing to think what we accomplish with 171 members. With additional members, we can do so much more! We hope to see lots of new faces at our luncheon which also has an amazing raffle and silent auction including: a three night ocean view room at The Ritz Carlton on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; a gorgeous diamond cross necklace by Leland Jewelers; a special getaway at The Pearl Boutique Hotel, Rosemary Beach, Florida, with five-star dining at The Surfing Deer; a week in Tuscany at a privately owned Villa, one hour north of Florence, and much more!"
Tickets for the luncheon are $125. Sponsor levels range from $500 to $10,000 and up. Contact Valerie McMahan at 972-960-6666. Or email at djf.reservations@gmail.com . Visit http://www.dallasjuniorforum.org.
“I am so honored to be a part of the 40th anniversary celebration of this amazing group of ladies whose efforts across North Texas have impacted countless lives,” added Whitman. “These dedicated women are an inspiration and a blessing to everyone they encounter. It will be exciting to see what they will accomplish in the next 40 years.”