To kick off the 2013 Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon: Be the Connection To End Abuse, co-chairs Julie Rado and Barbara and Steve Durham welcomed Family Place supporters to Klyde Warren Park for a soiree under the sky.
"Our honorary chairs, Sheila and Jody Grant, have connected the Dallas community with this park — a safe and creative space, a family place — encouraging healthy families and healthy relationships," Barbara said.
Well-dressed guests — including Jennifer and Coley Clark, Regina Bruce, Amanda and Lloyd Ward, Stephanie and Travis Hollman,Maggie Kipp, Holly Davis, Greg Bosworth, andFamily Place Partners president Jennifer Burns — indulged in gourmet bites and mingled with members of the "Be Project," a Family Place program to empower youth to build healthy relationships and stand up against bullying and violence.
Later in the evening, Family Place executive director Paige Flink applauded Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings for urging men to get involved in the fight against domestic violence. "We need your support to continue these desperately needed services," she said.
"Though women and children represent the majority of victims, men are affected as well — as victims, as perpetrators, and as witnesses and bystanders."
The Family Place Texas Trailblazer Awards recognize community leaders who work to make North Texas a safer place. The annual luncheon raises funds to support the Family Place's programs to save victims of domestic violence and their children.
Cynthia Lowen, author and producer of the documentary Bully, will headline this year's luncheon, so mark your calendar September 26 at Omni Dallas. Sponsorships and individual tickets can be purchased online.
Linda Slaughter, Sean Magennis, Maria Magennis
