Jenna Bush Hager left her busy life in New York City to join her mother, Laura, in Dallas for the Junior League’s Milestones Luncheon. The contributing correspondent for the Today show followed in her mother’s footsteps as keynote speaker for the annual event that draws thousands of the city’s most philanthropic ladies.
Hager may have been the initial draw, but three other remarkable women stole the spotlight for a while.
Hager wasted no time making everyone laugh as she got to the microphone right at the strike of noon, saying they were running late and needed to get the show on the road. She even called out her own mother for not turning off her cellphone, to the delight of attendees such as Paige McDaniel, Joanna Clarke, Jennifer Sampson, Lynn McBee, Lisa Cooley, Christie Carter, Kristina Whitcomb, and Claire Emanuelson.
In addition registering for fun prizes like designer bags, shopping sprees, and staycations, and bidding in a silent auction for a chance to have lunch with Laura Bush, Junior Leaguers applauded 2015-16 Sustainer of the Year Dr. Kimberly J. Yamanouchi.
A recently retired anesthesiologist, Yamanouchi continues to reflect the mission of the league through her community activism, commitment to medicine, and philanthropic work with Children’s Medical Center, Dallas County Medical Alliance, Genesis Women’s Shelter, and Interfaith Housing.
Hager then welcomed Lindalyn Adams, Ruth Sharp Altshuler, and Deedie Rose to the stage for a candid chat about Dallas’ past, present, and future. Hager also quizzed them about their secrets to success as they juggled being mothers, wives, and activists in the community.
Adams won over the crowd with her servant’s heart and compassionate answers to all questions thrown her way. Altshuler had attendees rolling with her witty responses to Hager’s questions about everything from staying young to holding a job at a cannery. Rose, looking oh-so-chic in a pair of orange glasses, inspired us all to make learning fun as she raved about her time volunteering at Dallas Museum of Art.
“We are honored for the opportunity to listen and learn from three of Dallas’ most influential women,” JLD president Meredith Mosley said. “These women have made Dallas a better place to live and inspire each of us to continue to serve, in hopes of making a greater impact on the community at large.
“This luncheon also allows us to acknowledge the thousands of JLD members who together provide more than 130,000 hours of community service annually and make sure each donated dollar works its hardest to help those in Dallas who need it most.”
The Junior League of Dallas’ Milestones Luncheon helps the organization’s underwriting efforts, which allow them to grant $1 million to the Dallas community each year.
Lindalyn Adams, Ruth Altshuler, Deedie Rose, Jenna Bush Hager
