The sixth annual Appetite for Advocacy Luncheon drew more than 1,000 attendees to Sheraton Dallas — due in no small part, we're sure, to a certain keynote speaker: actress Ashley Judd.
Rather than talking about her career in Hollywood, Judd expressed the importance of supporting organizations like the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, the day's beneficiary. She spoke about her own intensive inpatient treatment program at Shades of Hope Treatment Center, which enabled her to heal from childhood grief and depression.
Guests — including co-chair Carla Cline, Ruth Altshuler, Rob Cline, Lisa Dean, Amy Fleck Simmons, Mary Blake, Chuck Meadows, Tara Rich, Candace Crawford and Craig Miller — dined on a light lunch as Judd praised DCAC for helping abused children and applauded attendees for aiding those neglected.
The charming actress — who has starred on Broadway, in numerous films, and, most recently, on ABC's Missing — is also a a passionate humanitarian. Judd serves on the board of directors of Population Services International, Defenders of Wildlife and Shaker Village.
She works with organizations around the world that focus on poverty alleviation, public health, human rights and social justice. Judd's illuminating and elegant exterior is a true reflection of her internal beauty.
"We were so honored to have Ashley Judd as our keynote speaker. Her inspiring message reinforced our efforts to bring the issue of child abuse to the forefront," said Lynn Davis, CEO and president of DCAC.
"The first step to preventing child abuse is awareness and education; together, we can make a difference in the lives of abused children and learn how we can all help keep children safe."
The compassionate crowd also gathered to honor two notable men for their dedication to DCAC: Jim Pasant, who received the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Award for his volunteer work, and Reade Quinton, who received the Lt. Bill Walsh Award for his vital work at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.
The Appetite for Advocacy Luncheon raised $320,000 for Dallas Children's Advocacy Center.
Reade Quinton, Bill Walsh, Ruth Altshuler, Jim Pasant
Natalie Boerder, Kaleta Blaffer-Johnson, Meredith Connally, Jennifer Cifuentes, Nathalie Barrera, Hayden Hrncir.Photo by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
A quartet played Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes during dinner. Photo by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio 