As the featured guest of Baylor Scott & White's Celebrating Women luncheon — Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and actor Kristin Chenoweth — demonstrates, you don't have to be big to be powerful.
But large can be a good thing, especially when we're talking about support and turnout. The Hilton Anatole's main ballroom was recently packed with generous patrons attending the luncheon's 20th anniversary.
Each year, Celebrating Women brings together more than 160 dedicated committee members and more than 1,300 supporters to increase awareness and generate funding for breast cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment across North Texas. Over the last 20 years, nearly $35 million has been raised.
This year, luncheon chairman Laura Downing and underwriting chairman Cheryl Joyner, along with honorary chairmen Margo and Bill Goodwin, were intent on raising that number.
After a stirring opening number from Ariel Campbell and Marquinn Middleton and the Miracle Chorale, it was time for president of the Baylor Scott & White Foundation, Rowland K. Robinson; James H. Hinton, CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health; and breast cancer survivor Lindalyn Adams to welcome the crowd.
Spotted sitting under the larger-than-life butterflies that floated over the tables were Lyda Hill, Lisa Troutt, Pat McEvoy, Karla McKinley, Shelle Sills, Aileen Pratt, Michal Powell, Connie Yates, SuSu Meyers, Robyn Conlon, Angie Kadesky, Leslie Diers, Christie Carter, Becky Good, Pam Perella, Lana Andrews, Gayle Stoffel, Sue Justice, and Anita Arnold.
The late Al G. Hill Jr. was honored with the Circle of Care award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the fight against breast cancer at Baylor Scott & White.
Robinson then welcomed Chenoweth, whose mother and aunt both battled breast cancer and inspired her to become an advocate in the fight against it. It only seemed appropriate that Chenoweth's latest album had just been released — titled For the Girls, it features songs originally recorded by Chenoweth's female idols (some of whom, like Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, even join her on the tracks).
A lively discussion followed, with plenty of ribbing about Chenoweth's Oklahoma upbringing (the luncheon took place on the eve of Texas/OU weekend) and how the actress took time off to care for her mother following treatment. Before leaving, the inspired audience rose to a standing ovation for the petite performer.
Laura Downing, Cheryl Joyner
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 