Andy Cohen to entertain at the 13th Annual Chick Lit Luncheon

Community Partners of Dallas announced today tha Andy Cohen, New York Times best-selling author and Emmy Award-winning host and producer, will be the featured speaker for the 13th Annual Chick Lit Luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Anatole.  “We are so excited to announce Andy Cohen as this year’s featured speaker of the thirteenth annual Chick Lit Luncheon,” remarked Paige McDaniel, president and CEO of Community Partners of Dallas. “We look forward to him dishing on all things Bravo, in addition to sharing his experiences as a best-selling author and award-winning producer.” Leigh Anne Haugh and Amy Hegi will co-chair the annual fundraiser, with Amy Prestidge as honorary chair. I'd be shocked if the cast of the Real Housewives of Dallas were all not in attendance. Gini Florer, Emily Haddock, Liz Miller, Margaret Stafford, John Terlingo and Robert Weatherly will serve as the underwriting committee. As well, the 2019 Partners for Children Award recipient is Linda Perryman Evans and The Meadows Foundation. The Partners for Children Award is presented annually to an individual or an organization that has shown an ongoing commitment to the philanthropic needs of our community and whose years of service meet the needs of abused and neglected children.

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. The 13th annual Chick Lit luncheon will include a wine reception followed by a seated luncheon, presentation of the Partners for Children Award and remarks by Mr. Cohen. Tables begin at $2,500 and are on sale now; individual tickets will go on sale in early April if space permits. For more information, visit www.communitypartnersdallas.org.

Chick Lit Luncheon Announces Tim Gunn as Featured Speaker

Tim Gunn and Cynthia Smoot in April 2004

Tim Gunn

Community Partners of Dallas announces New York Times bestselling author and Emmy-winning co-host and mentor for Lifetime’s Project Runway Tim Gunn as the featured speaker for the tenth annual Chick Lit Luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel. Under the leadership of luncheon chair Kristi Hoyl, with honorary chair Brian Bolke, the 2016 Chick Lit Luncheon will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016, with a move to a new venue, the Hilton Anatole, to accommodate what is expected to be record-breaking attendance.

Long-time volunteer and supporter Jill C. Bee will be awarded the Partners for Children award for her ongoing commitment to the philanthropic needs of our community and years of service meeting the needs of abused and neglected children. A special Tenth Anniversary Champions of Hope award will be given to long-time Chick Lit Luncheon presenting sponsors Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel, for their unwavering commitment to Community Partners of Dallas and the children they serve.

While the luncheon has traditionally featured best-selling female authors, the ten year anniversary called for someone extraordinary. Tim Gunn, with his witty and frank observations on everything from style and fashion to the Kardasians, along with his signature catchphrase, “make it work,” is the perfect fit. The tenth annual Chick Lit luncheon presented by Dr. Robert and Lara Tafel will be held on April 1, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Anatole, Imperial Ballroom. The event will include a wine reception followed by a seated luncheon and remarks by Mr. Gunn. Tables begin at $1,750 and are on sale now; individual tickets will go on sale in early March. For more information, visit communitypartnersdallas.org.

Chick Lit Luncheon 2014 introduced me to my new girl crush: Julia Reed

Julia Reed

The good news about Dallas, is that there are so many different charities and organizations doing good in our community. The bad news about Dallas, is that there are so many different charities and organizations doing good in our community that I can't possibly attend every luncheon, gala, trunk show and party I get invited to! It's a good problem to have...

So, this year I've made a conscious effort to attend events I've never been to before and get to know new organizations. One of those organizations is Community Partners of Dallas. They invited me to attend their annual Chick Lit Luncheon at Brook Hollow Golf Cub. With a name like "Chick Lit Luncheon" I knew it would be an enjoyable day.

Boy, was I right.

The day started out as any luncheon would. CPD president and CEO Paige McDaniel came to the stage to recognize committee members, sponsors and attendees, including honorary chair Jennifer Altabef and luncheon chair Jennifer Morris. Morris followed by recognizing this year’s Partners for Children Award recipient, the Junior League of Dallas.

McDaniel came back to the stage asked guests to don the birthday tiaras that were placed on their chairs and sing Happy Birthday in honor of CPD’s twenty-fifth anniversary this year (you know I love a tiara! I kept mine on throughout the entire luncheon!), before showing a commemorative video highlighting the importance of volunteers throughout its history. Morris returned to the stage with a beautifully wrapped “birthday present” that was debuted to the audience as a pair of brightly colored stiletto heels, providing the perfect visual for the announcement that Community Partners of Dallas would be the 2015 beneficiary of Stiletto Strut sponsored by Neiman Marcus.