The long-lasting impact of the work by Child Advocates' court-appointed volunteers was center front at the annual Angels of Hope luncheon at the Westin Galleria as physician Dr. Jun Wei-Behr shared her story of escaping from child abuse thanks to the efforts of Child Advocates.
She recalled that with the help of her advocate, Shirley McElroy Webber, her family received a year of counseling (in her parents native tongue, Mandarin Chinese), which ultimately stopped the cycle of abuse and allowed the family to reunite.
Though Wei-Behr's was a moving and heartfelt story, the luncheon was for the most part upbeat, raising more than $350,000, enough money to fund court-appointed volunteers for more than 200 neglected and abused children.
Serving as chairs were Rosemary Schatzman and Phyllis Williams, who joined in congratulating honorees Kimberly C. David and Dolly Dawson Thomas, both long-term Child Advocates supporters.
Fashion is always an important aspect of the annual luncheon and on this day Neiman Marcus presented designs by Brunello Cucinelli and, following the luncheon, invited guests over to the neighboring store to get a closer look at his spring collection.
Supporters included Lucinda Loya, Stephanie Perkins, Sunny Haik, Ericka Bagwell, Lynda Lighthouse Transier, Jana Arnoldy, Amy Anton, Jared Lang and Child Advocates CEO Sonya Galvan.
