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.
