Each spring, business women and men from a variety of industries gather to share around the table what “A Time to Care” means to them as they navigate the challenges of creating a work-life balance. Held at The Junior League of Houston on Wednesday, April 18 the sold-out luncheon attracted almost 300 Houston business leaders. The event was hosted by breast cancer screening and diagnostic organization, The Rose and was intended to shine a light on the challenges a high number of women experience in seeking out or receiving care.
Presented by Comerica, the “Sixth Annual A Time to Care Luncheon” empowered women from a variety of industries in Houston to place a focus on their well-being. The event was Co-Chaired by Laura Schwinn, Board Member of The Rose Board and Meg Watel and emceed by Melissa Wilson, FOX 26 Houston Morning News Anchor. In total, over $116,000 was raised to support the fight against breast cancer in 40 Texas Counties and provide quality care to 600 women regardless of their ability to pay. While the event has made it possible for The Rose to continue working to provide access to care to uninsured women many still lack the resources they need to get screening, diagnostics and biopsies throughout Texas.
The afternoon began with the Junior League’s famous Cranberry Slushies served, networking among 250 guests and tours of The Rose’s 3D Mobile Mammography Health Coach. Keynote Speaker Karen Walrond shared wisdom on the topic, “Making Light and Quiet Activism: Why We’re Wired to Change the World.”
Waldron said, “There are three steps to engage in quiet activism, first you look for the things that bring you greatest joy in your life and then you amplify them by letting people know what you are capable of doing and what you’re passionate about. The last step is taking action, whatever it may be, to create light where people need it, and I know many attendees of the luncheon are already making light by just being here today.”
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Karen is a proud Houstonian, bestselling author, renowned photographer and TEDx speaker. She is the creative mind behind Chookooloonks, an award-winning lifestyle, travel, inspiration and photography destination blog.
Widely recognized as the leading provider in access to care for all, last year alone The Rose served 40,174 people of which 6,982 were sponsored patients. The luncheon simultaneously honored the efforts of women devoted to The Rose’s mission and those women in attendance who are breast cancer survivors. The Rose’s 3D Mobile Mammography Coach, Rosie, was also parked outside the doors of the venue and available for tours to all guests. The Mobile Coach has been on the road and serving the community since August 2017. It is completely booked for the rest of the year, which illustrates the pressing need for access to quality breast health care.
Among the guests were Pamela Lovett, Rochelle Jacobson, Maryanne McCormack, Anne-Laure Stephens, Peggy Roe, David Webber, Temple Webber III, Linda Lorelle, Sherri Sides, Rebecca Rush, Rose Carrabba and Terra Nicolay. The presenting sponsor was Comerica Bank, while additional sponsors and individual donors included Houston Methodist, The Jacobson Family Foundation, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Laura Schwinn, Texas Citizens Bank, Visible Changes/THAIR For You, Teresa Thomas and more.
