We had a truly great 2019 National Day of Prayer Luncheon on May 2nd!
Over 400 of us gathered in the beautiful Statler Ballroom in downtown Dallas to “Highlight the Good,” and to experience the annual Thanks-Giving Foundation “community group hug”… and no one went away disappointed! I know that those that attended will want to relive every moment with me. For those of you that weren’t able to join us, read on to learn what you missed!
This year’s theme, “Highlight the Good”, served as a platform for recognizing the abundance of positive initiatives and positive people that make a difference in our community. No doubt that there is much work remaining to be done, but at the same time there are programs in every segment of our society that are making progress every day. We didn’t have to look far to find some important examples.
The event kicked off with The Thanks-Giving Foundation’s Board Chairman, Chris Trowbridge, welcoming the group and introducing our beautiful interfaith opening prayer medley delivered by Rabbi Ari Sunshine, Rev. Kathy Lee-Cornell, and Imam Azhar Subedar. Jim Recer, Honorary Luncheon Chair, offered greetings as well. Anahita Sidhwa closed the first segment of the event by reading the 2019 Presidential Proclamation.
After the lunch break, Kyle Ogden, President and CEO of The Thanks-Giving Foundation, provided his president’s remarks. An outstanding lineup of featured presenters followed. Grant Moise, Publisher of The Dallas Morning News, led off with an informative report on his early months leading this important institution. Bob Mong, President of University of North Texas, Dallas, came next and shared his observations about the area’s improving educational systems. Ty Bledsoe, AT&T’s Assistant Vice President, External Affairs, spoke of AT&T’s investment in the community and challenged others to join in. Almas Muscatwalla, Foundation Director and Rev. Rachel Baughman, Senior Pastor at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, discussed the good work being accomplished by Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square, the Interfaith Council of Thanks-Giving Square, and at houses of worship throughout the community. Rev. Dr. Neil Cazares-Thomas closed the event with a magnificently vivid closing prayer.
Our great event was made possible by our Lead Sponsors, Locke Lord and Texas Capital Bank; our Champion Sponsors Ron and Rebecca Gafford; our Gratitude Sponsors The Hall Group and Jennifer and Peter Altabef; and over thirty Clergy Table Sponsors and Table Sponsors! Special thanks go to our Host Committee, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council. These special people are acknowledged and appreciated in our event program.
Your support of The Thanks-Giving Foundation and our National Day of Prayer Luncheon is greatly appreciated. Please consider donating to the Foundation as we continue our work to bring diverse peoples together on the common ground of gratitude and to advocate for gratitude, virtue and goodwill in our community and beyond. Visit us at our magnificent home, Thanks-Giving Square, or online at www.thanksgiving.org.