More than 200 Salesmanship Club of Dallas devotees gathered at the home of Alan and Randy Engstrom for a private dinner with Goldie Hawn — a prelude to the Changing the Odds Conference. The spotlight was certainly on the blonde superstar, but as much as guests adored her sweet charm and bubbly presence, it’s Hawn’s charitable work that made the crowd swoon.
The newly inducted president of the club, Charley Spradley, thanked co-chairs George Bramblett and Margo Goodwin for their leadership and spoke about the importance of telling the Salesmanship Club’s story, which is about more than red pants and the HP Byron Nelson. Spradley said, “There’s another part that deserves telling” before showing a video highlighting the J. Erik Jonsson School, established by the Salesmanship Club to change the trajectory for disadvantaged families and children through educational and social programs.
In between a three-course meal by Stephan Pyles, Michelle Kinder gave a powerful speech about the organization’s deep understanding of working with families to create a positive path. She quoted Martin Luther King Jr. with the words, “The day we become silent about things that matter is the day things begin to end” before thanking Hawn for her commitment to changing the odds.
Bramblett welcomed Steve Blow and Hawn to the stage for a Q-and-A session. Before the interview, the beautiful blonde stood tall and expressed her passion for helping the kids in this world.
She shared her experience visiting the Jonsson school and brought us back to the time when she decided to start her own 501c3, The Hawn Foundation, and the MindUp program that focuses on social and emotional education. Hawn explained: “This program was dreamed up by me but created by doctors and teachers — and bringing these people together to create an environment for children that makes them want to come to school.”
After sharing heartfelt words, Hawn sat down to answer Blow’s questions. Here’s what we learned:
- Her favorite role was Lou Jean Poplin in Sugarland Express.
- Kurt Russell “still keeps [Hawn] interested.”
- Hawn absolutely adores her family.
- She still radiates happiness.
Among the VIPs were Marianne Staubach, Elaine and Neils Agather, Lynn and Allan McBee, Skye and Bill Brewer, Joyce and Larry Lacerte, David Hayden, Mike Miles, Brent Christopher, Caroline Rose Hunt, Debbie and Don Snell, Ashley and J.J. Gomez, and Nancy Dedman.
