More than 1,000 guests showed their support for the Community Partner's of Dallas 11th annual Chick Lit Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole. And while Dallas loves a good cause, there's no doubt that a few extra seats were sold due to reality TV's favorite guilty pleasure Bethenny Frankel acting as this year's guest speaker.
Co-chairs Tricia George and Mary Martha Pickens and honorary chair Gail Corder Fischer welcomed guests to the event, which began with a VIP reception where select sponsors and luncheon attendees mix and mingled with Frankel, before the remaining guests gathered in the grand ballroom for a seated lunch.
While guests dined, the 2017 Partners for Children Award was presented to the Bitzer and Needleman families. Peacock Alley, a longtime partner of Community Partners of Dallas, was also honored for its commitment to meeting the philanthropic needs of our community. This year marks the 14th year that Peacock Alley has been the home of CPD’s annual toy drive.
CPD President and CEO Paige McDaniel then took the stage to thank everyone for coming and to tell guests a little bit more about the important work of Community Partners of Dallas and how important their donations were. She was followed by CPD board member Greg Nieberding, who introduced Frankel as a best-selling author, natural foods chef, reality TV star, businesswoman, and, most importantly, mighty mommy to Bryn.
Frankel took to the stage and did not disappoint. She talked about personal struggles of overcoming child abuse and other challenges in her youth, and she shared excerpts from her book, "A Place of Yes: 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want." And because it wouldn't be a Frankel-fest without a little Bravo banter, the original Skinny Girl dished on the drama that we all love to hate (or hate that we love).
Attendees — including Stephanie Stollenwerck, Lara Tafel, Nancy Rogers, Lisa Cooley, Sandy Moore, Katy Miller, Greg Nieberding, Laura Braun, Helaine Blizzard, Marybeth Conlon, Lynn McBee, Cindy Rachofsky, Christie Carter, Claire Emanuelson, and Susan Farris — left with fabulous favor bags that featured Mary Kay products, cocktail napkins from Paper Affair, and coupons from Peacock Alley, Zoe's Kitchen, and Bachendorf's.
Community Partners of Dallas has ensured safety and restored dignity and hope to abused and neglected children since its founding in 1989. The proceeds from the Chick Lit Luncheon help to provide crucial resources and support to the caseworkers of Dallas County Child Protective Services.
John Bitzer, Leslie Needleman, Jason Needleman, Mary Ella Bitzer, Meredith Needleman, Josh Needleman, Paige McDaniel
