Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1522887
Lift PAPERCITY PROMOTION FOR GENESIS WOMEN'S SHELTER F or the 31st anniversary of Genesis Women's Shelter & Support's largest fundraiser, the Genesis Annual Luncheon, chairs Maggie Kipp and Nancy Gopez cast Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph as the keynote speaker. The night prior, 90 donors gathered in a private home near Turtle Creek for an intimate patron party. The charming actress, who experienced flight delays, said she was determined to make it to Dallas to recognize Genesis' honorees, including honorary chair Nancy K. Best and award recipients Vic Drabicky (HeRo Award) and Janet Jensen (Jane Doe Award). At the Hotel Anatole the following morning, Genesis CEO Jan Langbein interviewed Ralph about her career arc over four decades in the entertainment industry, which crescendoed in 2022 when she won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary. As she did when accepting that honor, she took to song to convey her emotions, captivating the audience with bars of "Endangered Species," "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and "Believe In Yourself" from The Wiz. She didn't shy away from using that same powerful voice to advocate for more equitable education in underserved communities. Genesis, which offers women in abusive situations a way out, set an ambitious goal of raising $1 million at the luncheon, which donors not only met, but surpassed. Seen: Nancy and Randy Best, Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, Carolyn and David Miller, Robyn and Don Conlon, Mary Bowman Campbell, Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Nancy Carter, Michelle and Larry Corson, Betsy and Richard Eiseman, Shannon Graham, Kathy and Larry Helm, Donna and Scott Letier, Nikki and Crayton Webb, John Griffiths, Kristin and James Hallam, Laura Downing, Lynn McBee, Patti Flowers, Tanya and Danny Rice, and Melinda and Mark Knowles. Every Voice Sheryl Lee Ralph, Laura Downing Bob & Myrna Schlegel, Krystal & Luke Davis Amy Norton, Jan Langbein, Vic & Laura Drabicky Maggie Kipp, Nancy Gopez Teffy Jacobs, Cindy Stager, Amy Turner Patti Flowers, Amanda Ward Emily Freling, Elizabeth Dacus Ashlee & Chris Kleinhert Melissa Smreker Kate Bowman Nikki Webb Lynn McBee Melinda Knowles By Melissa Smrekar. Photography Kelly Alexander, Tamytha Cameron. 62