This Photo Queen Always Has Time to Give: Dallas Philanthropist Nancy Gopez Goes From Wanting New Friends to Changing Lives

This article is part of a promoted series and not produced by the editorial staff.

They are entrepreneurs and art patrons, executives and serious philanthropists. And they all effect change in Dallas in a personal way. PaperCity is zooming in on NorthPark Center’s 2018 Luxury Ambassadors as they embark on a year of supporting charities close to their hearts. This is the fifth in a 10-part series.

Nancy Gopez

Senior accountant, Brinker International; co-chairman, St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show

Cause: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Why The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society matters. I am thrilled to hear that survival rates have quadrupled over the years for blood cancers. I loved hearing about the successes of the treatments that came from the AML Master Trial, the results of the T-cell immunotherapy, and how the oral chemotherapy, Gleevec, has paved the way for new treatments that are leading to cures. All three of these have been funded by LLS, among many other trials.

An avid volunteer. I started volunteering to meet people — all my college friends were getting married and couldn’t go out as much. I started with The Family Place … that led to the Evergreen Gala and Junior League of Dallas and it expanded from there. At the time, I just wanted to make a few new friends.

I had no idea how getting involved would change my life and give it so much meaning and happiness.

You have a camera in hand at all the parties. My dad always took pictures growing up, so I knew the impact of capturing memories that way. I started taking party pictures in junior high and have continued taking them to document fun times. Then when social media popped up, it was a great way to share with friends and give some awareness to the charity.

Sage advice. A great piece of advice I learned was by example. I was lucky enough to start working for Brinker International when it was a small company. Although I didn’t work directly with them, Doug Brooks and Kenny Dennis were such wonderful human beings and leaders. By their example, they taught me to try to be gracious, kind, and respectful to everyone.

Qualities of the best friend. Being dependable, trustworthy, loyal, non-judgmental, empathetic, helpful, and fun.

The importance of giving back. In fifth or sixth grade, I remember collecting money door to door for Easter Seals. I’m not sure how I learned about it, but I still remember my little square box I covered in Easter Seal stickers. At first, I was surprised and happy when neighbors gave money — and then I got more confident as I went on.

More about this series: Dallas is a city famed for giving back. Each year, NorthPark Center recognizes our city’s most influential philanthropists who are making differences in our community to garner further exposure for their favorite charities. 

NorthPark Center Luxury Ambassadors are hand-selected for their contributions and efforts in the areas of visual and performing arts, children’s causes, and research in health and sciences. Each year-long ambassadorship offers the opportunity to partner with NorthPark Center for various initiatives and events benefiting their favorite North Texas non-profit institutions. 

The program was formed in 2016 as an extension of the shopping center’s “Fifty Years of Giving” anniversary celebration in 2015.