Lance Avery Morgan
Event Inspires Attendees To Emulate Ebby Halliday’s Legacy Of Uplifting Women
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron
Vodi Cook Meagher, Sharon Lee Clark and Jessica Khan
THE SETTING: Recently, WiNGS Dallas hosted its event, Pop Fizz Clink – A WiNGS Fiesta, and was presented by Hudson Peters Commercial. The Cinco de Mayo-inspired brunch told the story of the women of WiNGS and raised funds to support WiNGS’ mission of empowering women, fighting poverty and impacting generations. Co-chaired by Melissa Cameron, Jane Rozelle Humphrey, and Vodi Cook Meagher, with Laurie Sands Harrison serving as honorary chair, the event delighted the senses.
THE VIBE: Attendees experienced a range of captivations, including tracks spun by DJ Christy Ray, brunch bites, and Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico dancers. Back by popular demand, the Mary Kay Lipstick Lounge was one of the popular activations. Guests could select up to two of the eight available shades of the Mary Kay Supreme Hydrating Lipstick, kiss a card, and have their fortunes read from their lip print. With their new lip color, guests drifted to one of three illustrators who drew their likeness.
The program for the event began with a performance by the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico dancers. Once all eyes were on the stage, Melissa Cameron, Jane Rozelle Humphrey, and
Vodi Cook Meagher welcomed the guests to the event before handing the microphone over to the Presenting Sponsor Michelle Hudson of Hudson Peters. As the representative for Hudson Peters, Hudson expressed her appreciation for WiNGS and the work the organization is doing to uplift women in the community. During the program, Kate Rose Marquez, CEO of WiNGS, presented the 2023 Ebby Empowering Women Award, which is awarded to individuals who honor Ebby Halliday’s legacy of empowering women.
Debbie Dennis, longtime WiNGS supporter and Chief Customer Officer, Senior Vice President, and Chief Human Resource Officer at Oncor, was named the 2023 recipient of the Ebby Empowering Women Award. Among other contributions to the community, Marquez noted Dennis’ skill at creating pathways for other women to rise up and flourish as well. Following Dennis’s remarks, guests watched a short but emotional video about WiNGS, which highlighted many of the incredible women who have participated in the Nurse-Family Partnership and Economic Advancement programs. The program concluded with the Mission Moment, where guests could pledge an additional donation to WiNGS. As hands went up, donors received a special handmade flower crown or lei – the perfect accent to the guests’ springtime brunch attire.
THE NON-PROFIT: Proceeds from the event benefits WiNGS programs that support women during change – including first-time pregnancies, economic and financial crises, or starting a new chapter – by providing the lift needed to carry them successfully into the next phase of their lives.Founded in 1908, WiNGS offers robust and immediate solutions to women in the Dallas community, constantly evolving to meet women’s changing needs. Formerly the Dallas YWCA, WiNGS has a long history of empowering women to lift themselves out of poverty and adversity while pursuing a new chapter for themselves and their children. The organization’s staff, coaches, nurses, and volunteers provide a tailored suite of services and resources – including financial literacy, one-on-one financial coaching, and the Nurse-Family Partnership – to help women gain the confidence and skills needed to start a new chapter, a new business or a new family.
