What: Fifth Annual Love Luncheon benefiting Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer
Where: Dallas Country Club
The 411: More than 400 big-hearted guests filled the ballroom of Dallas Country Club on February 10 for the fifth annual luncheon that supports families of children in the final stages of cancer. Event co-chairs Chelsea Hunt and Brittany Hunt had a day of sweet surprises in store for attendees.
The afternoon included a market-style shopping experience featuring local vendors, nail polish changes from MiniLuxe, Valentine’s-inspired cocktails, raffles, and the main event — a luncheon and onstage interview with former first daughter, humanitarian, and best-selling author Barbara Pierce Bush.
As guests dined on tomato bisque and chicken salad, Christina, Kate and Shelby Dabney took the stage for a heartwarming tribute to Clayton Dabney, the organization's namesake, who lost his battle with cancer in 1996, when he was just 6 years old.
NBC-5 anchor Meredith Land then moderated the keynote presentation with Bush, CEO and co-founder of Global Health Corps (GHC), a nonprofit that mobilizes a global community of young leaders to build the movement for health equity.
Bush, a Dallas native, discussed her family’s experiences in the White House, her current pursuit of a master's degree at Harvard University, and the work she is doing for global health initiatives. Looking on in the audience was her mother, former first lady and Dallas resident Laura Bush.
“Barbara, like all the Bush women, is extremely inspiring to us all,” said Leslie Ficke, executive director of Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer. “Despite her incredible background, she is relatable, personable and charming.”
Proceeds from the luncheon specifically benefit the organization's “Medicine of the Heart” outreach program, which supports its mission to provide financial assistance to families who have a child in the last stages of terminal cancer. They provide assistance that allows families to spend time together and create memories during their child’s final days.
Since its inception, Medicine of the Heart has distributed more than $8 million in last wishes, gifts, and financial assistance to more than 4,400 families across the United States.
Who: Honorary co-chairs Ann and John Delautour, Austin Hunt, Marshall Hunt, Shelby Goff, Michelle Hunt, Lauren Laughry, Meredith Needleman, Jenny Saphier, Elizabeth Scrivner, Lindsay Miller, Bela Cooley, Sterling O’Hara, Ashley Tiffany, Danielle Stephens, Vicki Roy, Kasey Bevans, Kate Ficke, and Diane Ficke Carter.
Meredith Land, Barbara Pierce Bush
Fly By Midnight.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Carter Brown.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Landon Richie.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Liliana Villarreal, Kelley Robinson, Brandon Wolf, Dustin Vyers.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Cynt MarshallPhoto by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Jason Lamoreaux and Black Tie Dinner beneficiaries.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company