Lance Avery Morgan
Benefitting Community Partners Of Dallas, The Organization Pulled Out All The Stops For A Spectacular 20th Anniversary Celebration
By: Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass, Kelly Alexander, and Nate Rehlander
THE SETTING: Community Partners of Dallas celebrated its 20th annual Chick Lit Luncheon, presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, at the Hilton Anatole. Luncheon Co-chairs Brooke Bailey and Elizabeth Dacus, with Honorary Chair Leigh Anne Haugh, were joined by more than 1,100 attendees at the annual event, which featured a conversation with Fox4 Good Day anchor Paige Ellenberger and award-winning actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Lauren Graham.
Attendees arrived in colorful spring attire and mingled as they enjoyed the pre-luncheon reception in the Chantilly Ballroom foyer. In the nearby Wedgwood Ballroom, top sponsors gathered for champagne and a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Graham.
THE VIBE: At the appointed time, attendees took their seats in the ballroom as co-chairs Bailey and Dacus welcomed all in attendance at the 20th anniversary of the Chick Lit Luncheon. Community Partners of Dallas President and CEO Joanna Clarke also thanked all for attending the milestone luncheon, which began its first year at Brook Hollow Golf Club with just 400 attendees, to the now 20th anniversary year at the Hilton Anatole with over 1,100 in attendance this year. She also extended her gratitude to luncheon chairs and honorary chairs, past and present, who have collectively raised over $10 million and helped Community Partners of Dallas host more than 17,000 luncheon guests.
Community Partners of Dallas Vice President of Development and Communications, Samantha Eppler, followed to introduce the day’s moderator, Fox4 Good Day anchor Paige Ellenberger, and the much-anticipated featured speaker, Lauren Graham.
Ellenberger and Graham then settled into the Chick Lit “living room” for a memorable chat. Their thoughtful discussion covered topics from Graham’s role as the grandmother in Colleen Hoover’s new movie, “Reminders of Him”; her fond, and funny, memories of her time in Dallas as a graduate student at Southern Methodist University; her career beginnings; her iconic roles as mom Lorelai Gilmore on the popular TV series “Gilmore Girls” and as Sarah Braverman in “Parenthood,” her writing process as a bestselling author; and her longevity as an actor and her gratitude for continuing to be offered opportunities. As the day came to a close, attendees received a purple Chick Lit favor bag full of luxury goods and treats to commemorate the afternoon.
2026 Chick Lit Luncheon attendees included: Brooke Bailey, Elizabeth Dacus, Community Partners of Dallas president and CEO Joanna Clarke, presenting sponsor Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, honorary chair Leigh Anne Haugh, Mary Bowman Campbell, Paige McDaniel, Cathy James, Lisa Ogle, Greg Nieberding, LaVerne Nieberding, Jill Goldberg, Barrell Jones, Sandy Moore, Mary Parker, Kelley Schadt, Alison Malone, Sally Dutter, Anne Stodghill, Lisa Evans, Jeffery Netzer, Gail Fischer, Stacey Walker, Lisa Evans, Kim Quinn, Julie Bagley, Megan Steinbach, Jennifer Tobin, Angela Seaman, Ashley Allen, Monica Christopher, Meredith Camp, Lori Christensen, Madison Strode, Andrea Nayfa, Nancy Gopez and Tricia George.
THE NON-PROFIT: Since 1989, Community Partners of Dallas has ensured safety and restored dignity and hope to abused and neglected children by providing crucial resources and support to the caseworkers of Dallas County Child Protective Services. Community Partners of Dallas provides items such as winter coats, diapers and formula, holiday gifts, school uniforms, personal hygiene products, food and more, to send the abused children in our community the message that someone does care. Please visit www.communitypartnersdallas.org for more information.
10 Reasons The 20th Annual Chick Lit Luncheon Was A Milestone Moment In Dallas Philanthropy
1. A Celebratory Setting at the Iconic Hilton Anatole
The grandeur of the Hilton Anatole set the stage for a sparkling 20th anniversary affair, welcoming more than 1,100 guests in signature Dallas style.
2. A Literary Star Power Moment with Lauren Graham
From beloved TV roles to bestselling books, Graham brought wit, warmth, and candor to the stage, reminding guests exactly why she remains such an enduring cultural favorite.
3. A Dynamic Conversation Led by Paige Ellenberger
The lively, insightful exchange between Ellenberger and Graham struck the perfect balance between heartfelt and humorous, making the ballroom feel more like an intimate living room chat.
4. A Full-Circle Moment for Graham
Graham’s nostalgic reflections on her graduate school days at Southern Methodist University added a personal, Texas-tied layer to the afternoon.
5. From 400 to 1,100 Guests—A Legacy of Growth
What began as a modest gathering at Brook Hollow Golf Club has blossomed into one of Dallas’ most anticipated philanthropic events, now drawing over 1,100 attendees annually.
6. $10 Million Raised… and Counting
Over two decades, the luncheon has generated more than $10 million for Community Partners of Dallas, supporting thousands of children in need.
7. A Stylish Springtime Scene
Guests arrived in vibrant spring ensembles, transforming the Chantilly Ballroom foyer into a colorful runway of florals, pastels, and polished Dallas sophistication.
8. A VIP Experience Worth Toasting
Top sponsors gathered for champagne and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Graham, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the philanthropic proceedings.
9. Thoughtful Touches and Luxe Parting Gifts
The coveted purple Chick Lit favor bags, filled with curated luxury goods and treats, ensured guests left with a chic reminder of the meaningful afternoon.
10. A Mission That Matters
At its heart, the luncheon supports the vital work of Community Partners of Dallas, which has provided essentials, from school uniforms to holiday gifts, to vulnerable children since 1989, reinforcing a simple but powerful message: someone cares.
