Junior League Of Dallas Luncheon Featured "Good Morning America" Co-Anchor Robin Roberts

Pictured above: WFAA Anchor Cynthia Izaguirre with Robin Roberts

By Tricia White

JLD President **Christina Eubanks, “**Good Morning America” Co-Anchor and featured speaker **Robin Roberts,** JLD *Milestones* Luncheon Co-chair **Sally Pretorius Hodge,** and JLD *Milestones* Luncheon Co-chair **Linda Secrest**

Junior League of Dallas’ (JLD) annual Milestones Luncheon was held Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Omni Dallas Hotel and featured Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” president of Rock’n Robin Productions and best-selling author. Additionally, 2024 Sustainer of the Year Kathleen Gibson was recognized during the Luncheon.

Milestones Luncheon Co-chairs Linda Secrest and Sally Pretorius Hodge began the luncheon by thanking sponsors and guests.

“On behalf of the Junior League of Dallas, and my co-chair, I’d like to express our immense gratitude to the many donors and sponsors who support the League and who have made this luncheon possible,” said Co-chair Sally Pretorius Hodge. “We would not be able to do what we do without you!”

Junior League President Christina Eubanks and Sustainer President Candace Winslow then took the stage to present the Sustainer of the Year award to Kathleen Gibson. Kathleen graciously accepted the award and thanked her family and went on to detail the importance of the Junior League of Dallas in the community and in her life.

**Rev. Linda Roby, Gay Solomon,** Sustainer of the Year **Kathleen Gibson,** and **Bill Solomon**

Kathleen has been a vital Member of the League for many years including numerous leadership roles, and she has used her JLD training both in her nonprofit board involvement and in her career. She is credited for transforming Southwestern Medical Foundation by forming committees for the board, governance and leading a successful $1 billion capital campaign. Her fundraising placements within JLD prepared her well for this role. In addition, Kathleen has chaired multiple nonprofit boards and served on numerous committees, again using the skills she learned through JLD training.

*Milestones* Luncheon Co-chair **Linda Secrest** and JLD Sustainer President **Candace Winslow**

Christina congratulated Kathleen and spoke about the history of the Junior League. “Imagine, if you will, a time when the rights and roles of women were far more limited than they are today,” she said. “And in that era, a small, but mighty group of women came together with a bold idea. They believed that by uniting their effort, they could make a tangible difference in their community. And so, in 1922, the Junior League of Dallas was founded. Fast forward to today, and you have an organization that’s not just survived but flourished over the last century, now with thousands of members who are as diverse as the city we serve.”

Luncheon emcee and WFAA Anchor Cynthia Izaguirre invited Robin Roberts to join her on stage. Cynthia asked about Robin’s challenges in her personal life and career, her connection to Junior League’s theme “BOLD: Building our Legacy in Dallas,” advice on helping women get past their insecurities, guidance for leaders, the importance of patience and persistence, and themes prominent throughout Robin’s three books.

*Milestones* Luncheon Emcee and WFAA Anchor **Cynthia Izaguirre**

Each year, the Milestones Luncheon raises funds for the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund, whichserves as a platform to raise awareness for the programs and issues supported by the JLD and to recognize the impact and achievements of its volunteers. Proceeds from the Milestones Luncheon allow the JLD to grant approximately $1 million annually to the Dallas community.

Sponsors of the 2024 Milestones Luncheon included: Sewell Automotive Companies, Presenting Sponsor; Origin Bank, VIP Reception Sponsor; Central Market, Sustainer of the Year Sponsor; Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Program Sponsor; McShan Floral, Floral Sponsor; Gittings Photography, Photo Sponsor, and PaperCity, Media Sponsor.

ABOUT JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DALLAS

The Junior League of Dallas cultivates women leaders who collectively address the critical needs of the community. Founded in 1922, JLD is one of the largest Junior Leagues in the world, as well as the largest and oldest training organization for women in Dallas. Active members range in age from 22 to 49 with approximately 85% percent of women employed outside of the home. The JLD provides leadership opportunities to nearly 4,000 women each year through more than 17,000 cumulative hours of experiential and formal training. Uniquely member-run, JLD provides approximately 100,000 hours in volunteer service and more than $1 million in funding to area nonprofits each year. For more information, please visit www.jldallas.org or Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

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