Barbara Bush Inspires at 35th Planned Parenthood Awards in Dallas

The 35th annual Planned Parenthood Awards took place on December 9, 2025, at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas. The event, hosted by Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, attracted a full audience eager to celebrate achievements in community service and advocacy for reproductive health.

Co-chairs Pam and John Beckert led the morning program, which featured a prominent live conversation with activist, author, and former First Daughter Barbara Bush. The discussion, moderated by five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Tashara Parker, provided a platform for Bush to share insights from her life and work.

During the conversation, Bush, who currently serves as the NBA’s Head of Social Responsibility, reflected on her family’s legacy. She shared anecdotes that ranged from humorous family moments to touching memories of her grandmother, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to family and social causes.

The event also honored notable individuals for their contributions to women’s health and advocacy. The Gertrude Shelburne Humanitarian Award was presented to Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Ph.D. In her acceptance speech, Booker-Drew highlighted her extensive work on behalf of women and communities of color. She discussed her collaboration with Planned Parenthood on a new initiative aimed at supporting women through perimenopause and menopause, situating this effort within her broader advocacy and philanthropic leadership in North Texas.

Another highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Katherine Ripley Print Media Award, awarded to The Dallas Morning News for its investigative series titled “The Standard of Fear.” This series examined the consequences of restrictive reproductive care in Texas, utilizing first-person narratives to convey the impact on individuals’ lives.

Following the awards, attendees enjoyed a day of dining at various participating restaurants throughout Dallas, including Le Bilboquet, Nonna, Teak Tearoom, Mirador, and Lovers Seafood and Market. These establishments generously donated a portion of their proceeds to Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, extending the impact of the event across the city.

Numerous notable figures were present at the awards, including Thana Hickman, Missy Falchi, and Ken Lambrecht, among others. Their participation underscored the community’s commitment to supporting reproductive health initiatives and the ongoing work of Planned Parenthood in the region.

The Planned Parenthood Awards continue to be a significant event, celebrating individuals and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and families across Texas.