The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) recently hosted its 19th annual Women of Distinction Luncheon in Dallas last week. Held at the Hilton Anatole, the sold-out fundraising event honored several community leaders, as well as featured show-stopping performances and inspirational panels.
The luncheon kicked off with a live music performance of a song that was created by Dante Bowe, a GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist and CEO of TRUE Music.
Bowe teamed up with GSNETX to craft the anthem, which was driven by the musician’s “desire to offer a positive counter-narrative for girls growing up in a digital landscape saturated with unattainable standards and negative messaging,” according to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.
Throughout the event, GSNETX honored a number of recipients with awards, including the Mary Anne Cree Young Women of Distinction, which was given to high school students Aspen Cunningham, Kaaviya Shenbaharaman and Anushka Sridhar; as well as the Man Enough to Be a Girl Scout award, which went to Roland Parrish from Parrish Restaurants, among others.
During an extraordinary moment of recognition, Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," took to the stage to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award, which she received for her dedicated life of service towards fighting for social justice and equality.
“We are awestruck by the caliber of this year's honorees,” said Peggy Meyer, the event co-chair. “These men, women and young women have not only achieved personal excellence but have lifted others on their journey, embodying the spirit of Girl Scouting and the power of every individual to make a positive impact.”
At the end of the luncheon, GSNETX announced that it was able to raise over $500,000 during the event, with the proceeds going towards the various crucial programming that the nonprofit provides for over 19,000 girls in Northeast Texas.
"At a time when our world faces unprecedented challenges, the investment in girls and young women has never been more important,” said Jennifer Bartkowski, chief executive officer of GSNETX. "Women possess unique strengths and an inherent desire to elevate others that is vital as we navigate the complexities of the world today and work towards a future that values and benefits from diverse leadership."
