On December 9, 2025, the 35th annual Planned Parenthood Awards took place at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas. This milestone event attracted a full house as attendees gathered to celebrate advocacy and humanitarian efforts in reproductive health.
Pam and John Beckert co-chaired the event, which featured a live conversation with activist and author Barbara Bush, the former First Daughter and current Head of Social Responsibility for the NBA. The discussion was moderated by Tashara Parker, a five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist. During her address, Bush shared anecdotes about her family, blending humor with heartfelt reflections on her grandmother’s unwavering commitment to family and social causes.
The ceremony honored notable figures in the community, including Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew, who received the Gertrude Shelburne Humanitarian Award. In her acceptance speech, she highlighted her extensive work supporting women and communities of color. Booker-Drew also discussed her collaboration with Planned Parenthood on a new initiative aimed at assisting women through perimenopause and menopause, showcasing her broader advocacy efforts in North Texas and beyond.
A significant recognition was awarded to The Dallas Morning News, which received the Katherine Ripley Print Media Award for its investigative series “The Standard of Fear.” This series examined the severe implications of restrictive reproductive care policies in Texas, providing essential first-person narratives that shed light on a critical issue.
Following the awards ceremony, the celebration continued throughout Dallas, as participating restaurants such as Le Bilboquet, Nonna, and Lovers Seafood and Market donated a portion of their proceeds to Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. This initiative extended the event’s impact beyond the confines of the Arts District, engaging the community in support of vital reproductive health services.
The gathering attracted various influential figures, including Thana Hickman, Missy Falchi, Ken Lambrecht, and Abigail Sinwell, among others, who joined in recognizing the importance of advocacy and support for women’s health initiatives.
The Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas Awards not only celebrated achievements in reproductive health but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to address the needs of women and families in the region. This year’s event emphasized the power of community engagement and the collective effort required to advance reproductive rights and health care access.
