Rob Giardinelli
Event Also Honors Dallas Philanthropist Peggy Sewell
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
THE SCENE: The Omni® Hotel in Dallas was the setting for one of North Texas’ most anticipated and best-attended luncheons of the year. Hundreds of North Texas’ best-known women leaders, entrepreneurs, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for The Milestones Luncheon. The annual event, benefiting the Junior League of Dallas, was an elegant afternoon of community, fun, and conversation that had guests talking about the festivities long after they ended.
and Susan McSherry
THE VIBE: The luncheon chic crowd featured patrons donning an array of bright colors and floral prints. The attire matched the spirit of the happy patrons as they kicked off the afternoon with a VIP reception where attendees had the opportunity to meet and mingle with the afternoon’s featured guest speaker, Alex Snodgrass.
The festivities then moved outside the Omni® ballroom for a jam-packed luncheon. Shelly Slater served as emcee, keeping the crowd entertained and the festivities moving at a fun, brisk pace. The program festivities commenced with an invocation by Bishop Greg Brewer.
As diners enjoyed their meals, they were treated to words from event leaders. Additionally, four luxury raffle prizes were awarded, including a $5,000 shopping Spree at Highland Park Village, a $5,000 Plains Capital Bank Card, a two-night stay at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern along with a NorthPark Center Valet Pass, and a $5,000 gift card to Bachendorf’s.
and Julie Bagley
and Cassie Crosby
Next, Dallas business legend and philanthropist Peggy Sewell was honored with the annual Sustainer of the Year Award for her longtime support of the Junior League of Dallas. After that, guests took a break to mingle and converse with others at their tables while continuing to enjoy their lunches.
The afternoon was capped off with a fun, witty conversation with three-time New York Times bestselling author Alex Snodgrass. During the discussion, moderated by Shelly Slater, Snodgrass captivated the crowd by sharing her journey from hobby blogger to bestselling author as well as balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. The conversation concluded with a lightning round of rapid-fire questions that had the attendees laughing, and ended the afternoon on a high note.
and Melissa Smreaker
THE NON-PROFIT: The Milestones Luncheon, co-chaired by Lauren Combest and Debbie Oates, raised funds for the Junior League of Dallas. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards providing over $1 million in annual grants to various causes in the North Texas Community. Founded in 1922, the Junior League of Dallas has nearly 4,000 members who contribute over 100,000 volunteer hours annually to 30 organizations.
