October 15, 2009-  The Texas Trailblazer Awards luncheon, co-chaired by Maggie Cooke Kipp and Lillie Young, set new records at The Family Place, reaching new heights in fundraising for the luncheon.

          The luncheon spotlighted Candice De Long, the 15th woman to be accepted into the FBI (now retired) and author of Special Agent: My Life on the Front Lines as a Woman in the F.B.I, as the keynote speaker and Ebby Halliday Acers as Honorary Chair.
          Paige Flink, Executive Director, The Family Place, welcomed these Texas Trailblazer Awards recipients and presented their awards:

          Linda Pitts Custard received the Texas Trailblazer Award, which recognizes a local woman who has achieved significant success despite the obstacles she has faced along the way. She is a woman who has accomplished a "first" and opened the doors of opportunity for other women. She has made significant contributions either in her community, business or profession. No matter what her accomplishments, however, she is a woman who has blazed a trail for others to follow.

          Jason Witten, # 82 of the Dallas Cowboys, received The Family Place Man of Influence Award before the luncheon because he was in practice camp. He sent a wonderful video, showing him in action with the kids and a heartfelt message to luncheon attendees and The Family Place. The award recognizes a North Texan who is leading by example to make domestic violence a “community issue” rather than a “women’s issue.” Through his lifestyle, he is setting a standard of compassion, support and commitment that promotes healthy relationships.

          The Family Place Youth Service Award and Scholarship was given to Katie Chrisman. The award honored her for being an outstanding leader in her high school community. She has participated in The Family Place Students Tackling Abusive Relationships Together (START) Program for a minimum of one year, acting as a mentor to educate her peers about healthy relationships in an effort to prevent teen dating violence and sexual assault.

          The Family Place Advocacy Award recipient was Mary Kay Inc.  Anne Crews accepted the award on behalf of everyone at Mary Kay Inc., which, along with Nancy C. and Richard R. Rogers, was the luncheon’s presenting sponsor.  Also attending on behalf of the organization were Suzanne Holl, Carrie Adams, Kris Johnson, Melody Rogers, Kathrina McAfee, Crayton Webb, Gary Jinks and Nathan Moore.

           This award recognizes an organization that has played a vital role in furthering the mission of The Family Place to stop the suffering of women and children victims of family violence in North Texas. By providing generous financial and volunteer support and promoting awareness with employees, associates and peers, the Advocacy Award recipient is a strong voice speaking out for victims of family violence to improve our community’s response to their critical needs.

          The event would not have been possible without the support of underwriters such as Linda and Bill Custard, Bank of Texas, Hitachi, Citi, Lane Gorman Trubitt, Ruth and Ken Altshuler, Ebby Halliday REALTORS, The Expo Group, Hoblitezelle Foundation, Jackson Lewis, PlainsCapital Bank and Towers Perrin.  The chairs thank their entire committee, in-kind sponsors, friends and family for their untiring support, as well.

          For more information about The Family Place and this event, contact Family Place Event Manager: Emily Santillan  (214) 443-7717 or email at essantillan@familyplace.org Link to the website for info.:
http://www.familyplace.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=249&srcid=191

Event Audience and Goal:
The Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon is generally comprised of corporate sponsors, table hosts, philanthropists, media, and accomplished men and women in the North Texas community. The event raises funds to support the comprehensive programs of The Family Place and ensure that life-saving services will be available to women victims and their innocent children for years to come.