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Celebrating Women 25th Anniversary
can change lives . Since its inception , this effort has raised more than $ 42 million for research , patient-centered care and advancements in early detection .
For Linda Custard , the Celebrating Women Silver Jubilee Presiding Chair , this cause is quite personal . Her mother passed away from breast cancer , and Linda also battled the disease . She expressed gratitude for advancements that Celebrating Women has helped fuel , including research , prevention and care .
“ Today , I am grateful for the bonds we as survivors and thrivers have with each other , for the leaders who have gone before us , and for all those in this room and our community who have supported the fight through their gifts .”
This sense of shared purpose was further acknowledged by recognizing all
25 years of previous Celebrating Women chairwomen , who collectively served as this year ’ s Council of Honorary Chairs . In a video , several past chairs shared how they became involved in Celebrating Women and reflected on the event ’ s impact on the community — and , in some cases , in their own lives .
“ These past 25 years could not have happened without the leadership , friendship and support of our former Celebrating Women chairs ,” said Kristi Sherrill , chief philanthropy and community affairs officer at Baylor Scott & White Health . “ They created a lasting legacy of impact .”
Gratitude for loyal donors and sponsors This year ’ s luncheon marked another major milestone : Tom Thumb and
Celebrating Women Silver Jubilee Presiding Chair , Linda Custard , addresses the crowd . |
Albertsons Companies Foundation marked |
or more this milestone year : Bellevue |
its 20th year as presenting sponsor . Their |
Foundation , the Mary Kay Ash Foundation |
two decades of support have made a |
and Mrs . W . H . Smith . |
lasting impact in the lives of North |
Texas women facing breast cancer . |
Shared stories highlight impact |
“ Celebrating Women is a |
The luncheon was a powerful |
mission that our people feel |
testament to the importance of |
connected to ,” Christy Lara , |
supporting breast cancer research |
director of public relations for |
and care , as evidenced by the |
Tom Thumb and Albertsons , |
many women who shared their |
said , adding that their |
personal experiences with the disease . |
dedication stems from a desire |
A video shown during the luncheon |
to make a tangible difference within their |
showcased the journeys of three breast |
community . “ It ’ s not just stats we ’ re here to |
cancer survivors : Donna Bowers , Mary |
improve ; it ’ s directly helping our neighbors , |
Morton and Carolyn Brown . |
our colleagues — and often — our very own |
Two of the women had shared their |
loved ones .” |
breast cancer journey during previous |
Christy expressed gratitude for other |
Celebrating Women luncheons , and the |
donors whose contributions fueled |
new video allowed them to update the |
critical advancements in breast cancer |
audience about how they ’ re doing now . |
care and research with gifts of $ 100,000 |
“ Last time you were here , we all kind |
Actress , advocate and breast cancer survivor Olivia Munn , this year ’ s featured guest , takes center stage .
1 . Randi Halsell , Angie Kadesky , Shelle Sills and Jill Smith ; 2 . Ben Renberg , Christy Lara and Kristi Sherrill ; 3 . Chris Zielke , Dr . Lucy Wallace and Peggy Meyer ; 4 . Jamie Powell , Michal Powell and Felicia Powell
1 . 2 .
3 . 4 .
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / WINTER 2024