When
October 10, 2025 |11:00 am
What
This fall, The Family Place will gather friends, longtime supporters and new voices to bid a heartfelt farewell to a beloved tradition: the Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon, held on October 10, 2025, at Fairmont Dallas.
For nearly 30 years, this cherished event has been more than a luncheon—it’s been a powerful tribute to the trailblazers who have helped shape our community. It has honored remarkable individuals, elevated voices of hope, and fueled critical services that change lives.
This year’s theme, “Voices of Hope,” carries that legacy forward. The Family Place will honor two extraordinary women who embody what it means to be a trailblazer. Effie Dennison, whose life’s work has focused on community, philanthropy and being an advocate for women, will receive the final Texas Trailblazer Award. Jan Langbein, CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, will be presented with the Paige Flink Award in recognition of her decades of leadership in empowering survivors.
Guests will hear from keynote speaker Christie Brinkley, the legendary supermodel, entrepreneur and advocate whose own journey of resilience and commitment to uplifting women resonates deeply with the mission of The Family Place. The luncheon will feature a mission moment with Dr. Sabrina Greenlee, founder of S.M.O.O.O.T.H., Inc., whose extraordinary story of survival and empowerment continues to inspire.
This year’s event is co-chaired by Kristen Cobb, Katie Samler, and Ellis Thomas, three passionate leaders who have long supported The Family Place and championed its mission.
“This luncheon has always been about trailblazers—leaders who’ve opened doors, cleared paths, and shown what courage looks like. It honors survivors whose strength continues to inspire us all,” said Tiffany Tate, CEO of The Family Place. “As we close this chapter, my heart is full of gratitude for every life changed because our community chose to walk alongside us. The spirit of the Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon lives on in every survivor who finds safety, healing and hope.”
Proceeds from this final luncheon will directly support The Family Place’s comprehensive services, including safe housing, counseling, legal support, skills training and violence prevention education—all provided free of charge in English and in Spanish.
Since its inception in 1996, the Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon has honored more than 40 remarkable leaders whose compassion and vision have helped transform the future for families impacted by domestic violence. This last gathering will celebrate all the voices and trailblazers who have built a lasting legacy.
The event will celebrate previous Texas Trailblazer Award honorees including: Elaine Agather, Charlotte Jones Anderson, Nancy Brinker, Gloria Campos, Linda Custard, Paige Flink, Beth Garvey, Mandy Ginsberg, the Honorable Kathryn Hall, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Margaret Jordan, Opal Lee, Kim Lody, Anita N. Martinez, Lynn McBee, Liz Minyard, Nancy A. Nasher, Melissa Reiff, Ryan Rogers, Lori Ryerkerk, Jill Soltau, Dr. Michael Sorrell and Dr. Carol Wise. We will also honor the memory of award winners who have passed: Ebby Halliday Acers, Colleen Barrett, Norma Lea Beasley, Vivian Castleberry, Caroline Rose Hunt, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Louise Raggio and Virginia Whitehill.
Learn MoreTickets
Sponsorship opportunities for the luncheon start at $3,000, with individual tickets available for $350. Seats are expected to sell out, so early commitment is encouraged. For more information on sponsorships, joining the host committee or purchasing tickets, visit
TicketsWhere
Fairmont Dallas
1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201