Via: My Sweet Charity
By: Jeanne Prejean
Following today’s virtual Texas Women’s Foundation 36th Annual Luncheon, an online birthday celebration was held for retiring TWF CEO/President Roslyn Dawson Thompson (aka Ros). It was a show of area leaders and friends who had known Ros through the years, both professionally and personally.
While no cake with candles was served up, there was a big surprise gift for the birthday girl.
As Board Chair Hilda Galvan and past Board Chairs Ashlee Kleinert, Ellenore Baker, Caren Lock and Shonn Brown recalled memories of working with Ros and valuing her friendship and leadership, 140 of the guests posted notes of congratulations to Ros, who had transformed the organization from the Dallas Women’s Foundation to today Texas Women’s Foundation. In addition to taking on the pandemic, her decade at the TWF had worked to solve many issues like economic challenges facing women and gender and ethnic diversity.
Before toasting Ros on a job very well done, Advisory Council Board Co-Chair Kalita Blessing and Ellenore announced that earlier in the summer it was decided to create an endowment to continue her legacy at the Foundation in Ros’ name — the Roslyn Dawson Thompson Endowment. When asked which area she would like it to support, Ros requested that it be used to “continue to support the economic security of women and girls for many years to come.”
The goal was mighty — $1M. But the results were $1,172,000 from 162 gifts for the endowment. Talk about a gift wrapped in friendship, admiration and support.
If you would like to join in the celebration or just support the initiative, you can donate here.