Philanthropy Circuit

Hollywood heartthrob Rob Lowe spreads a message of hope at the Celebrating WomenLuncheon

Photo by Steve Foxall
Photo by Kristina Bowman
Photo by Steve Foxall
Photo by Steve Foxall
Photo by Steve Foxall

You want to get the attention of a room full of women? Then put a stunning man on stage. That was the strategy during the Baylor Health Care System Foundation's 13th Annual Celebrating Women Luncheon at the Hilton Anatole, where the stunning man was none other than Rob Lowe.

You know Lowe. He's the West Wing star, Brothers & Sisters heartthrob and Parks & Recreation hyperactive guy. He also has been affected by breast cancer, the focus of the day's events.

The fundraising luncheon supports Baylor's breast cancer initiatives, from education and technology to clinical research and community outreach. Throughout the years, the event has raised more than $19 million.

Co-chairs Pam Perella and Pam Busbee recognized Mary Anne Cree and Sammons Enterprises Inc. with the Circle of Care award for volunteering and aiding in the campaign against breast cancer.

In front of a 1,350 attendees — including honorary chair Caren Prothro and underwriting chairmen Claire Emanuelson, Peggy Meyer, Jennifer Sampson and Robyn Conlon — the president of the Baylor foundation, Rowland K. Robinson, urged the men and women to continue supporting breast cancer awareness.

Although Lowe acts by trade, there's nothing more real than his experience losing his great grandmother, grandmother and mother to the disease. He shared his story with the impassioned crowd.

"There is so much hope in today's war on cancer," he said. "To talk to the doctors on the cutting edge is to come away with an optimism and excitement that is extraordinary."

He referenced the "walking miracles of medicine" — the survivors in the room — and stressed his belief that "better news is around the corner." With charm and sincerity Lowe turned star-struck guests into hopeful devotees.

On an even more positive note, Joel Allison, president and CEO of Baylor Health Care System, announced that Baylor University Medical School at Dallas would house the newest location for the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, which accommodates 50 cancer patients driving more than 50 miles away for treatment. Hope Lodge Dallas will also serve as the regional headquarters.

Among the uplifted attendees were Lynn McBee, Susan Palma, DeeDee Lee, Gillian Breidenbach, Muffin Lemak, Debbie Oates, Dwight Emanuelson, and Annette and Harold Simmons.

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Red-carpet events

TV and arts icons bring star power to top Dallas luncheons this spring

Courtesy photo

Mariska Hargitay

Fundraising luncheons in Dallas can be as glamorous and impactful as evening galas, often welcoming A-list stars from stage and screen to deliver keynote speeches that draw hundreds of philanthropic attendees. Spring 2026 events are no exception. This season's lineup of celebrity presenters includes legendary TV actresses, a ballet icon, and more. Here are seven spring luncheons bringing major star power to the table in Dallas.

Destiny Award Luncheon featuring Misty Copeland
February 27 at Omni Dallas Hotel
Ballet trailblazer Misty Copeland, the first Black woman promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre and one of the most influential artists in the world of dance, will headline the 26th annual luncheon benefiting St. Philip’s School & Community Center. The event begins with a student showcase, followed by a luncheon featuring an intimate conversation with Copeland (moderated by Lael & Peter Brodsky) about her rise in the world of ballet and her advocacy work. The luncheon, chaired by Pamela Wills-Ward and Mitchell Ward, is the school’s largest fundraiser, and this year will highlight the grand opening of the Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center. Tickets ($350) and more information are available here.

Beacon of Hope Luncheon featuring Steve Burns
March 13 at Omni Dallas Hotel
Steve Burns, the original host of the longtime Nickelodeon series Blue's Clues, will headline the 2026 luncheon benefiting Grant Halliburton Foundation. In a presentation titled “The Cost of Showing Up Happy: Burnout and the Wisdom of Asking for Help,” Burns will reflect on living with undiagnosed depression at the height of his fame and the lessons he has learned about burnout. The luncheon, which marks the nonprofit's 20th anniversary, supports youth mental health education and suicide prevention programs across North Texas. Amy and Michael Roseman and Meredith and David Camp are the event co-chairs, and Kevin Hall is president of Grant Halliburton Foundation. Tickets ($250) are available here.

Courtesy photo

Mariska Hargitay will be the featured presenter at the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support Luncheon.

Chick Lit Luncheon featuring Lauren Graham
March 27 at Hilton Anatole
Actress Lauren Graham, beloved for her roles on Gilmore Girls and Parenthood, will headline the 20th annual luncheon benefiting Community Partners of Dallas. Presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, the landmark event will feature a wine reception, seated lunch, awards presentation, and onstage conversation with Graham, also a New York Times bestselling author and SMU grad with local ties. The luncheon is chaired by Brooke Bailey and Elizabeth Dacus, with Leigh Anne Haugh serving as honorary chair. Community Partners of Dallas serves thousands of abused and neglected children annually across greater Dallas. Tables and platinum-level individual seats (starting at $1,000) are available on the website.

Junior League Milestones Luncheon featuring Priya Parker
April 10 at Fairmont Dallas Hotel
This year's Junior League power lunch will be headlined by acclaimed author, facilitator, and strategic advisor Priya Parker, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters. Mary M. Jalonick will be honored as Sustainer of the Year at the event, which is chaired by Krystle Craycraft, with sustaining chair Diana Hamilton. Following the luncheon program, Parker will host a book signing. The event benefits the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund, which supports the organization's many civic causes throughout greater Dallas. For more information, tables, and tickets ($300 or $500 for VIP), head here.

Educational First Steps Luncheon Featuring Leland Vittert
April 17 at Fairmont Dallas Hotel
Leland Vittert, chief Washington anchor for NewsNation and author of Born Lucky, will headline the inaugural luncheon benefiting Educational First Steps. The longtime journalist, who has reported from global conflict zones, will discuss his career and experience growing up with autism in an "unplugged" conversation that underscores the power of early intervention and family support. Chaired by Katie Rose and Shelby Sticksel Bliss, the event - which will also include a VIP "bellinis & bites" reception and meet-and-greet - will also honor United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the Morris Foundation. Educational First Steps works to strengthen early childhood education across North Texas. For more information and tickets (when they become available), visit the website.

Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support Luncheon starring Mariska Hargitay
May 8 at Hilton Anatole
Actress Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, will keynote the 33rd annual luncheon benefiting Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. Inspired by her iconic role as Captain Olivia Benson on the NBC crime drama, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which works to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The luncheon and awards presentation is chaired by Stephanie Bond and Angela Crates, and will raise critical funds for Genesis’ shelter and services for women and children escaping domestic violence. Sponsorships are currently available at the website.

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