Nicknamed "Angel," Anne Davidson Is a Beloved Champion of Children
As top sponsor of the upcoming Children’s Cancer Fund Gala on April 27, Davidson Remains Hopeful for a Cure for Childhood Cancer
While Anne Davidson is a familiar name in Dallas philanthropic circles, many may not be aware of her personal story and her deep passion for children – whether they are suffering from poverty and homelessness, abuse or disease.
“When my mother died suddenly from a heart attack, I thought to myself what difference would my life make if I passed away tomorrow?” said Anne Davidson.
Devastated by the loss of her mom, nicknamed "Bunny," and inspired by her caring heart, Anne Davidson created the Bunny Love Foundation. Established in 1996, its mission is to provide inspiration, support, and love for children in need. Davidson grew up without much money and has fond memories of her mother buying ice cream for the neighborhood children from the ice cream truck even though they could not afford to do so.
“My mother adored children, and to honor her memory, I wanted to give back and make a difference in the lives of children,” added Davidson. “My mother was also a singer, which inspired me to write songs and dress up as a guardian angel to go into shelters to bring joy and hope to children.”
Davidson has written 14 songs, one of which was performed at the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Gala. For the past 21 years, Davidson has been dressing as a guardian angel, complete with wings, and going into shelters to uplift the children with singing, dancing, and stories. She wants them to know they can be anything they want to be – giving them hope and joy. Davidson is an example of someone who has achieved the American dream. She came from a background with no money, put herself through school, and has achieved great success as a financial advisor – listed in both Barron’s and Forbes as one of America’s top financial advisors. To date, Davidson has given over $3 million to causes throughout North Texas including Buckner’s Children’s Home, Children’s Cancer Fund, Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center, Crystal Charity Ball, Dallas Casa, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, St. Jude’s, The Salvation Army, Vogel Alcove, and many others.
As top sponsor for the upcoming Children’s Cancer Fund Gala on April 27 at the Hyatt Regency downtown, Davidson is passionate about finding a cure for childhood cancer.
“Children’s Cancer Fund is giving hope to children,” said Anne Davidson. “Their purpose – raising funds for treatment programs and pediatric oncology research – is fantastic. Additionally, the joy of this event can be seen in the faces of the kids in the experience they have with the celebrities that evening.”
At the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala, 22 pediatric cancer patients, ages 5-15, walk the runway in fashions provided by Dillard’s during the gala’s fashion show, which is produced by RSC Productions and coordinated by Katy Sky Group. The children are paired with celebrities such as longtime honorary gala chairs Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. Staubach has been involved with this event for 30 years and Aikman for 21. This year is Children’s Cancer Fund’s “Sweet 30th Anniversary,” is celebrating 30 years of sweet smiles, sweet styles, and sweet stories of survival in a candy-themed wonderland.
“The Co-Chairs Candice Romo and Hollie Siglin are working so hard to make this event a success,” added Davidson. “It is my hope that the community will be inspired to join this important cause and attend this very important and heartwarming gala!”
The event is expected to raise more than $1 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment programs at Children's Health and UT Southwestern.
“I try to look toward the future, and it is my hope these diseases will go away. In my opinion, the most important thing Children’s Cancer Fund does is research.”
Tickets for the gala are available at www.childrenscancerfund.com/gala