Genesis Annual Luncheon keynote speaker Maria Shriver’s priorities were right in place on Monday, May 4. Having arrived late Monday afternoon, she headed to Genesis Women’s Shelter loaded with questions about the residents, their stories, etc.
Lacerte library
Because of that tour, she was delayed from the cocktail reception and the Jane Doe Dinner at Joyce and Larry Lacerte’s home, where the Dallas Morning News was being honored for its year-long “Deadly Affection” series.
Josh and Amber Ragsdale, Jan Langbein and Crayton Webb
Another highlight of the seated dinner in the Lacerte library was the acknowledgment of W.H. Adamson High School football coach Josh Ragsdale, who was the recipient of the 2015 HeRO Award. In addition to “taking a public stand against domestic violence by serving as a role model, mentor and change agent for W.H. Adamson High School football players and the greater Dallas community.”
Joining Josh was his wife Amber, who is expecting a baby in August to join their household that includes twin daughters. Josh admitted that he had been worried that he was to be the last of the male Ragsdales until Amber sprung the news that the next baby would be a boy.
Pam Perella, Beth Thoele and Robin Bagwell
Ashlee Kleinert and Nancy Ann Hunt
Among the folks enjoying the three-course dinner (Romaine and Bibb lettuce with bright spring vegetables, feta crumbles, shaved scallions and honey balsamic vinaigrette; herb seared filet with jumbo shrimp, wild mushroom demi and garlic aioli, garlic new potatoes and grilled asparagus spears; and chocolate tulip cup with crème brulee for dessert) were Genesis Advisory Council member Beth Thoele with Pam Perella, Nancy Ann Hunt, Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, Robin and Norm Bagwell, Genesis Women’s Shelter CEO Jan Langbein and Nikki Webb with husband/HeRO Chair Crayton Webb.
Luckily, Maria made it in time for coffee and dessert.
But it was an early evening, since the annual Genesis Luncheon was the next day with more than 1,500 expected at the Hilton Anatole.