Though technically a midday event, the Junior League of Dallas’ annual Milestones Luncheon on April 5 had strong morning vibes.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

Emcee and WFAA anchor Cynthia Izaguirre.

That's because its featured guest was Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, president of Rock’n Robin Productions, and a best-selling author.

VIPs descended on the Omni Dallas Hotel early for a private reception and photos, before all guests gathered in the Dallas Ballroom to begin the luncheon.

Emcee and WFAA anchor Cynthia Izaguirre welcomed guests and introduced Rev. Linda Roby, associate minister of pastoral care at Highland Park United Methodist Church, to give the invocation.

Milestones Luncheon co-chairs Linda Secrest and Sally Pretorius Hodge then thanked sponsors and announced the raffle, which offered a chance to win four prizes: a $5,000 Central Market gift card, a $5,000 Plainscapital Bank debit card, a wine tasting for 10 people at 55 Seventy, and a $5,000 Bachendorf's gift card.

Junior League president Christina Eubanks and sustainer president Candace Winslow then took the stage to present the Sustainer of the Year award to Kathleen Gibson. A video featuring touching tributes from Kathleen’s husband, daughters, colleagues, friends and family played before Kathleen graciously accepted the award and went on to detail the importance of the Junior League of Dallas in the community and in her life.

Gibson has been a vital member of the League for many years and has served in numerous leadership roles, and she has used her JLD training both in her nonprofit board involvement and in her career.

She is credited for transforming Southwestern Medical Foundation by forming committees for the board, governance, and leading a successful $1 billion capital campaign. Her fundraising placements within JLD prepared her well for this role. In addition, Gibson has chaired multiple nonprofit boards and served on numerous committees, again using the skills she learned through JLD training.

Izaguirre then led a personal chat with Roberts about challenges in her personal life and career, her connection to Junior League’s theme “BOLD: Building Our Legacy in Dallas,” advice on helping women get past their insecurities, guidance for leaders, the importance of patience and persistence, and other themes prominent throughout Robin’s three books.

The always popular lightning round included the fun question: "Who were you most nervous to interview, the Pope or Caitlin Clark?“ (The college star and new WNBA member, of course).

Spotted seated 'round the tables were Lynn McBee, Paige McDaniel, Christie Carter, Andrea Cheek, Diana Hamilton, Natalie Rogers, Jennifer Grinkle, Kim Cox, Breanna Turnley, Toni Patterson, Jan Baldwin, Carrie Hill, Catalina Maria Gonzalez Franco, Jess Bass Bolander, Karen Shuford, Patti Flowers, Anne Reeder Corley, Glenda Tomb, Lauren Combest, and JLD president-elect Tandra Allen.

Each year, the Milestones Luncheon raises funds for the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund, which serves as a platform to raise awareness for the programs and issues supported by the JLD and to recognize the impact and achievements of its volunteers.

Founded in 1922, JLD is one of the largest Junior Leagues in the world, as well as the largest and oldest training organization for women in Dallas. Active members range in age from 22 to 49 with approximately 85 percent of women employed outside of the home. The JLD provides leadership opportunities to nearly 4,000 women each year through more than 17,000 cumulative hours of experiential and formal training.

Proceeds from the Milestones Luncheon allow the JLD to grant approximately $1 million annually to the Dallas community.

The 2025 Milestones Luncheon will be held April 11, 2025.