Dallas hearts LLS

St. Valentine's Day Luncheon raises $640K for heartfelt cause in Dallas

Themed "XOXO Sending Love & Care," the 2025 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon & Fashion Show welcomed 650 guests dressed in shades of pink, purple, and red to the Meyerson Symphony Center on February 12. The beloved annual Dallas luncheon raises vital funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Co-chairs Courtney Petit and Caitlin Wilson led this year's event, with honorary chairs Mona and Grey Stogner.

Patrons sipped champagne and browsed items up for bid in the silent auction, including jewelry, home décor, artwork, staycations, and more.

Inside the Margaret McDermott Performance Hall, mistress of ceremonies, FOX4 evening anchor Clarice Tinsley, oversaw a heartfelt program that underscored the organization's mission to sending love and care to the 1.7 million people currently battling blood cancer across the country - a message echoed by Leukemia & Lymphoma Society president and CEO Dr. Anders Kolb.

LLS Red River Region executive director Leah Swanson presented the 2025 ICON Award to former U.S. First Lady Laura Bush. Mrs. Bush accepted her award and gave brief remarks regarding the Bush family’s personal commitment to the mission of LLS as President George W. Bush’s sister, Robin Bush, died of leukemia when she was just 3 years old.

“It was the great sadness of the Bush family that they lost their little girl," Laura Bush told the audience. "Fortunately, though, times have changed, and thanks to the incredible research of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and countless doctors, a blood cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence. Now there’s a treatment for leukemia and lymphoma, and the generosity of everyone in this room makes it possible for little girls like Robin to come back home to their families happy and healthy. Thanks to everyone for being here and thank you for supporting this worthy cause.”

Additional awards recipients included:

Dr. Robert (Brian) Berryman, a renowned oncologist with expertise in treating blood cancer patients, was presented with the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award.
Texas native and legendary Dallas actor, the late Larry Hagman, was recognized with this year’s Memorial Hero Award, which honors an individual in the community who has passed away and who battled blood cancer. His son Preston Hagman accepted the award.
Jude Cobler, the Spirit of Tom Landry Award, given to a youth who has battled blood cancer.

The event's fashion show, produced by the Jan Strimple, featured spring looks from Highland Park Village retailers, including La Vie Style House, Veronica Beard, Simkhai, Lela Rose and Carolina Herrera. The annual tradition of host committee members’ children modeling Valentine’s-inspired looks from Love Shack Fancy once again stole the show, complete with 12-year-old “mailman,” Jack, handing out valentines to each as they walked the runway.

The event concluded with a plated luncheon in the lobby and a selection of gourmet sweets courtesy of Make My Life Sweeter.

In total, the event raised an impressive $640,000 for LLS.

Among the notable attendees were Caroline Ross, Kate Leyendecker, Victoria Snee, Liz Thrash, Taylor Burnett, Charlotte Jones, Bina Palnitkar, Candice Romo, Bonnie Lance, Stacey Duran, Jana Paul, Lauren Gillette, Maggie Kipp, Claire Catrino, Kristin Hallam, Cathleen Griffith, Laura Price, Suzanne Horn, Samantha Wortley, Lola Thomas, Sharon Lee Clark, Amber Griffin, Mimi Sterling, Maddie Gander, Christina Rangel-Bautista, Sara Madsen Miller, Mackenzie Brittingham, Faith Baldwin, Todd Fiscus, Ceron, Meredith Ferrell, Megan Fill, Katie Walton, Destin Shore, Lisa Sadoughi, Katy Brooks, Holly Quartaro, Robyn Chauvin, Jon Mellon, Dawn Mellon, Christen Carroll, Lottye Lyle, Autumn Thomas, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Caroline Ross, Kate Leyendecker, Victoria Snee, Liz Thrash, and Taylor Burnett

Unlocking Hope

Edward Norton helps Dallas nonprofit raise funds to the tune of $1.16M

Photo courtesy of @atalisamuelphotography

Sumner Billingsley Tolbert, Scott Tolbert, Edward Norton.

What: Austin Street Center's 25th annual Humble Beginnings Luncheon

Where: The Hilton Anatole

The 411: More than 850 guests gathered on Friday, October 3, in celebration of Austin Street Center’s mission to end homelessness in North Texas.

Four-time Academy Award nominee Edward Norton headlined the nonprofit's signature event, which was presented by Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt and themed "Unlocking Hope."

In addition to being an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, Norton is also a long-time affordable housing advocate. He inspired attendees through a conversation with NBC 5's Brittney Johnson, telling stories from his work in housing justice and philanthropy, and helped drive a record-breaking finish by pledging to match the auction winner’s $10,000 bid for a Vega Longneck banjo.

Austin Street Humble Beginnings 2025 Brittney Johnson and Edward Norton.Photo courtesy of @atalisamuelphotography

Photo courtesy of @atalisamuelphotography

Sumner Billingsley Tolbert, Scott Tolbert, Edward Norton.

The funds raised will drive awareness around the issue of homelessness and how Austin Street Center has been working diligently to bring solutions and partnerships that help the city’s most vulnerable population find a permanent place to call home.

The Hon. Jeanne L. Phillips was honored with the Norm Hitzges Distinguished Service Award for how she champions Austin Street's mission at home and on the world stage through fundraising, strategic leadership, and heartfelt advocacy.

H-E-B received the Community Leadership Awardee, recognizing its commitment to serving our region’s most vulnerable through disaster relief, hunger programs, and other critical community initiatives.

“Celebrating 25 years of Humble Beginnings was an incredible reminder of the power of hope, generosity, and community,” said Daniel Roby, CEO of Austin Street Center. “Edward Norton’s message and kindness helped us exceed our goal and strengthen our mission to end homelessness in Dallas. The success of this year’s luncheon ensures we can continue providing essential care and pathways to permanent housing for those who need it most.”

Norton's generosity helped Austin Street Center surpass its $1.1 million goal, raising an incredible $1.16 million in total.

Attendees: Norm Hitzges, Lynn McBee, Barbara Adams, Catherine Bruff, Linda Roby, Julie Glasgow, Betty Culbreath, Frank Mihalopoulos, Carolyn Miller, Mary Ellen Lacy, Hailey Neher, Mary Danz Hitzges, Jennifer Atchison, Shalaundria Davis, Jennifer Sampson, Jeffrey Netzer, Kaileigh Johnson, Mabrie Jackson, Winell Herron, Maggie Phillips Abbott, Calee Landen, Diane Landen, Mary Tabor, Delia Johnson, Misaki Collins, Nakita Johnson, Steve Trese, Michael Cleaver, Sumner Billingsley Tolbert and Scott Tolbert.

austin street humble beginnings luncheon edward norton dallas homelessness norm hitzges luncheons