Celebrating Women, Baylor Health Care System Foundation's annual luncheon honoring breast cancer survivors, raised $2.2 million for early detection and treatment throughout Baylor Health Care System. The ninth annual luncheon was held on Oct. 16 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas.
In addition, a surprise announcement was made at the luncheon to establish the Mary Frances Smith Bright Conference Suite at the new Cancer Center at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas scheduled to open in 2013.
"We have literally thousands of people to thank," said Rowland K. Robinson, president, BHCS Foundation. "Philanthropy is the key to the success of our efforts, and we couldn't do the work that we do without the help of all our generous donors."
More than 1,350 guests attended the event and heard stories of women's struggles with breast cancer, told through humor and tears, including that of keynote speaker Geralyn Lucas, author of "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy."
Lucas, a 13-year breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed with the disease at the young age of 27 while working as a producer for ABC's 20/20. Her book is a memoir of her battle with the disease and was later turned into an Emmy-nominated Lifetime Original Movie. She now serves as director of corporate communications overseeing Lifetime Television's initiative Stop Breast Cancer for Life.
The ninth annual Celebrating Women luncheon was led by co-chairmen Sue Porter and Debbie Snell. Honorary chairs were Marilyn Augur and her daughters, Margaret Hancock, Ann Hardaway and Elizabeth Taylor. Nancy Carter was the event's underwriting chairman, and Michele Field Vobach was the corporate underwriting chairman.
The Circle of Care Award, honoring community heroes in the fight against breast cancer, was given to Nancy and David Burgher and Highland Hills United Methodist Church senior pastor Sheron C. Patterson.
Major donors to the luncheon include presenting sponsor Tom Thumb, corporate sponsors Wachovia, Saks Fifth Avenue and United Surgical Partners International, The Discovery Foundation in honor of Betty Smith Josey, Mrs. W.H. Smith, Hunt Consolidated Inc./Hunt Oil Company, Ruth Altshuler, The Marilyn Augur Family Foundation in honor of Marilyn's daughters, Margaret Hancock, Ann Hardaway and Elizabeth Taylor, The A.L. Chilton Foundation, Al G. Hill Jr. in memory of Margaret Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Key Donor Advised Fund at the East Texas Communities Foundation, Nancy C. Rogers/Mary Kay Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Jim Sowell in honor of Sue Porter, and The Wachovia Foundation.
CONTACT:
Ashley Howland
214-820-7540
ashlehow@baylorhealth.edu
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
