Rob Giardinelli
Inspiring Talk With Cultural Icon Christie Brinkley Was A Highlight
By Rob Giardinelli Photography By Tamytha Cameron Photography
THE SETTING: The Fairmont Dallas was the setting for the swan song of one of North Texas’ most beloved annual luncheon events. Over 600 guests were on hand for the final Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon. Benefiting The Family Place, the afternoon was full of touching memories and conversation, culminating in a toast to celebrate the beloved event’s iconic three-decade run.
and Holly Krug
THE VIBE: The crowd featured a mix of elegant cocktail attire, prints, metallics, and jewel-toned ensembles. The “Voices of Hope”-themed event highlighted inspiring survivor stories and the collective power of small acts to create significant change in people’s lives. A delicate butterfly motif, which served as a nod to the ripple effect of compassion, floated through the room’s elegant color palette of lavender and plum. WeeklyFloral transformed the ballroom into a stunning purple-hued garden as attendees mingled before taking their seats for the main program.
The afternoon opened with The Family Place CEO Tiffany Tate leading a gratitude and reflection moment. The afternoon recognized community leaders who have gone above and beyond in helping those who raise awareness and provide support for victims of domestic violence. The Paige Flink Award was awarded to Genesis Women’s Shelter & Services CEO Jan Langbein for her decades of advocacy and partnership in helping end domestic violence.
Next, the Texas Trailblazer Award was presented to Effie Dennison, who has supported the organization by opening doors for women and girls through philanthropy and community. Dennison’s remarks deeply touched the crowd as she honored the courage of survivors to reclaim their stories.
A Mission Moment with survivor, author, and advocate Sabrina Greenlee followed. Greenlee brought tears to many in the room as she gave a powerful testimony to resilience. Earlier in the program, guests also viewed a short film featuring songwriter Lily Meola and her song Butterfly.
The song served as a throughline for the event’s theme. The afternoon culminated in a lively conversation between retired WFAA anchor and moderator Gloria Campos and cultural icon and author Christie Brinkley. Brinkley shared valuable insights on reinvention, advocacy, and how people can help end domestic violence, which emphasized the afternoon’s call to action.
As the afternoon closed and an audience filled with tears and hope, guests rose for a final ovation that served as a fond farewell to a landmark Dallas fundraising event that raised awareness and launched the organization into a new chapter with a renewed commitment to a future where every family gets to thrive in a safe environment.
THE NONPROFIT: The final Texas Trailblazers Luncheon, co-chaired by Kristen Cobb, Katie Samler, and Ellis Thomas, with Katy and Kyle Miller serving as honorary chairs, raised money for The Family Place. Since its founding in 1978, The Family Place has empowered survivors and works to stop family violence through direct services, community engagement, and advocacy.
Last year, The Family Place, Texas’s largest domestic violence service organization, provided life-saving and life-healing services to more than 44,000 people. The organization offers free, comprehensive programs for survivors in English and Spanish, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, medical and dental care, legal services, supervised visitation, and violence prevention in schools. Additionally, The Family Place provides court-ordered services for offenders to help them change abusive behavior and help end the cycle of abuse.
