Welcome from the President and Luncheon Co-chairs

Photo by Gittings

welcome

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to the Centennial Milestones Luncheon!

Today, we are honored to be joined by our members, community partners, donors and featured speaker Martha Stewart to begin a celebratory week dedicated to commemorating the Junior League of Dallas’ first 100 years of service. The work of the JLD is only possible through the incredible commitment of our members. At more than 4,400 women strong, we are deeply committed to our mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. This year, we will give over $1 million of funding throughout Dallas and complete our Centennial project, the rehabilitation of the Juanita Craft Civil Rights House, in partnership with the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and the Friends of Juanita Craft House.

Our Sustainer honorees also perfectly exemplify the Junior League’s mission through their impactful work. Mrs. Laura Bush, our 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, has given back to our state and our country by serving as the First Lady of Texas, then later the First Lady of the United States. Our 2022 Sustainer of the Year, Veletta Forsythe Lill, has dedicated more than 20 years of service to the League and has been a beacon in the Dallas community with her service on the Dallas City Council and with dozens of nonprofits. We are excited to celebrate both of these amazing women and their many accomplishments.

As we celebrate this Centennial year, it is important that we reflect not only on what our members accomplished this year, but also how the League will continue this legacy. Over the lifetime of our organization, we have raised more than $40 million and provided nine million volunteer hours to the Dallas community. The League is known for rising to meet the needs of Dallas, and we are still rising to face a new century as an organization.

Thank you for your unwavering support for the Junior League of Dallas and for celebrating this milestone with us!

Christa Sanford

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FROM LUNCHEON CO-CHAIRS Photo by Gittings ISABELL NOVAKOV HIGGINBOTHAM and LYDIA NOVAKOV

As we gather to commemorate 100 years of the Junior League of Dallas, we invite you to take a moment to consider our history. From the 40 women in 1922 determined to build a better Dallas to the more than 4,400 members today, the Junior League has stood tall and strong, proud to take the lead in making Dallas a better place for all families and children. The Junior League continues to fulfill its mission of developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For a century, the women of the Junior League have been steadfast in their commitment to volunteerism and the funding of agencies. Our members go into the community to provide hands-on assistance to those who need it most. Our combined volunteer hours and dollars are a testimony to our efforts and set us apart in the community. As we celebrate this afternoon, we do so with respect for our past, and look forward to our future. Today we applaud and recognize all who have played such a vital role in the JLD's remarkable history – you, our generous donors, members past and present and the 2022 Milestones Luncheon Committee. Thank you for your tremendous contributions to our organization. We are honored to recognize a distinguished Junior League member, former First Lady Laura Bush, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her compassionate volunteerism and exemplary leadership. Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for your extraordinary service to our city, state, country and world.

We also recognize Veletta Forsythe Lill, our 2022 Sustainer of the Year, for her contributions and volunteer efforts through the League. Thank you, Veletta, for preserving Dallas’ history, championing the arts and public service. We welcome, our featured speaker, Martha Stewart, who demonstrates this same spirit familiar to members of the Junior League of Dallas. A true trailblazer, she proves repeatedly that commitment, dedication and hard work are the keys to success. We thank our Presenting Sponsor, the Kohl Foundation, our Speaker Sponsor, the Sewell family, and our VIP Reception Sponsor, Origin Bank, for your essential role in making the Milestones Luncheon meaningful. Your loyal support helps the JLD award almost $1 million annually in grants to make a difference in our community. We are truly grateful to serve together as your 2022 Milestones Luncheon Co-chairs. The Junior League of Dallas has been a part of our lives for decades. We embrace its mission and resulting impact, which transforms and betters lives throughout our Dallas community and beyond.

Isabell Novakov Higginbotham & Lydia Novakov