Spreading the love

Dallas hearts open wide to raise $1M at St. Valentine's Day Luncheon

What: 2026 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show

Where: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

The 411: On Wednesday, February 4, 850 guests descended on the Meyerson for the 42nd annual luncheon benefiting Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). Themed "The Heart of the Fight," this year's event was co-chaired by Megan and Keith Conlon, with honorary chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw.

Guests were dressed in their Valentine's-inspired reds, pinks, and florals, and did more than just wear their hearts on their sleeve. They opened their hearts (and pocketbooks) wide to raise more than $1 million to fight blood cancers.

The event started with a champagne reception and silent auction for sports memorabilia, jewelry, trips, and more. The program was emceed by Clarice Tinsley of Fox4 in the concert hall and included remarks by Blood Cancer United chief medical officer Dr. Gwen Nichols, who underscored the life-saving mission of the organization.

$\u200b2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon$ Blood Cancer United executive director Leah Swanson, Spirit of Tom Landry Award recipient Vivian Haddad, Lara Haddad and emcee Clarice Tinsley.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

The inaugural Linda Somerville Memorial Hero award - named for co-chair Megan Conlon's mother, who died of a blood cancer - was given to Gene Palma and accepted by his wife Susan and sons Alex and Charlie.

Additional awards included:

The 2026 ICON Award to Lisa Cooley
The Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award to Kathi Shuford
The Spirit of Tom Landry Award to Vivian Haddad

The event's fashion show, produced by the Robyn Chauvin, showcased spring looks from Highland Park Village retailers and included committee members’ children modeling Valentine’s-inspired looks from LoveShackFancy.

A luncheon of chicken on field greens and red velvet cake or lavender panna cotta followed in the lobby, and a coffee bar was offered as the day concluded.

$\u200b2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon$

Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon honorary chairs Clayton and Ellen Kershaw with co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon

Who: St. Valentine's Day Luncheon co-founders Rusty Duvall and Janet Evans, Blood Cancer United executive director Leah Swanson, Peggy Sewell, Aaron and Brittain Ewert, Alison Malone, Kristin Hallam, Courtney Petit, Kate Cutshall, Marty Petet, Destin Shore, Meredith Ferrell, Megan Filgo, Bessie Doffermyer, Katie Walton, Jennifer Dix, Mary Martha Pickens, Elizabeth Conroy, Lacy Lange, Emily Isom, Sarah Oliver, Ellie Skidmore, Julia Jenevein, Kate Leyendecker, Victoria Snee, Caroline Chandler, Kristi Harbord, Suhani Patel, Abbey Jennings, Tatianna Brannen, Emily Bowlin, Lindsey Emanuelson, Dwight Emanuelson, Claire Emanuelson, Sterling Evans, Peyton Dowd, Sarah Malloy, Pam Dyer, Erica Armijo, Diane Scovell, Allie Beth Allman, Venise Stuart, Patti Flowers, Phillip and Samantha Wortley, and hundreds more patrons and guests.

Ladies in rouge

Parisian style meets purpose at chic 2026 Go Red Luncheon in Dallas

Photo courtesy of AHA

Rosangela Zurawel, Cathy Amos, Anna Berman, Regina Bruce

What: 2026 Dallas Go Red for Women Luncheon benefiting the American Heart Association

Where: Fairmont Dallas

The 411: More than 600 North Texans convened Friday, March 6 for the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon, a stylish and mission-minded afternoon dedicated to raising awareness and funds for women’s cardiovascular health. This year’s “Hearts in Bloom” theme transformed the Fairmont ballroom into a chic Parisian-inspired garden party, awash in florals, soft café touches, and bold red accents — ooh la la.

Guests, of course, were dressed in shades of rouge.

The immersive afternoon began with a cocktail reception featuring activations such as Studio Calme chair yoga, a floral “Bloom Bar,” beauty touch-ups, and a live fashion sketch artist. Guests also learned Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, explored Research Goes Red initiatives, and participated in a moving Tribute Wall honoring loved ones.

Co-chairs Paola Arbour and Sandi Karrmann underscored the urgency of the cause, reminding attendees that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women - and encouraging them to “Go Red” by knowing their numbers and taking action. Emcees Kristin Diaz (anchor for NewsRadio 1080 KRLD) and Sam Gannon (sports co‑host with FOX 4 News) kept the program upbeat, and longtime supporter Stacy Nahas was honored with the 2026 Sandi Haddock Community Impact Award.

The program turned inspirational with keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Shepherd, who shared insights on prevention, early detection, and empowering women with vital health information.

With support from sponsors including CVS Health, Kimberly-Clark, and Texas Health, the 2026 Go Red campaign has raised $1.6 million, with momentum continuing to grow. Go Red supports lifesaving research, education, and advocacy for women’s heart health.

Who: Rosangela Zurawel, Cathy Amos, Anna Berman, Regina Bruce, David Harvey, Debbie Murray, Christina Reed, Dr. Carla Russo, Elizabeth Smith, Paola Arbour, Sandi Karrmann, Ellington Heis, Linda Pothoff, Everett Heis, Ashley Heis, Heidi Clement, Kelly Maxwell-Gomez, Catherine Whiddon, Daphne Henderson, Susan Wetzel, Stacy Nahas, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.

Photo courtesy of AHA

Rosangela Zurawel, Cathy Amos, Anna Berman, Regina Bruce

charity fundraisers health luncheons