April 19: Keynote Speaker Erin Gruwell, Freedom Writers Foundation at Rainbow Days 27th Annual Pot of Gold Luncheon
(Featured photo: Erin Gruwell, featured speaker.)*
Rainbow Days will host its 27th annual Pot of Gold Luncheon at the Westin Dallas Galleria on Friday, April 19, 2024 to benefit the programs of Rainbow Days.
The 2024 Pot of Gold Luncheon Keynote Speaker is Erin Gruwell. Erin Gruwell, a dedicated educator, author, and advocate for social justice, gained national recognition in 1998 when she and her students, known as the Freedom Writers, were featured on ABC’s PrimeTime Live. Despite facing poverty, gang influences, and violence, Erin guided all 150 Freedom Writers to graduate high school and pursue higher education, a remarkable achievement. Their inspiring story was captured in The Freedom Writers Diary, a bestselling book later adapted into the impactful film Freedom Writers, starring Hillary Swank. Erin’s commitment to equity led her to establish the Freedom Writers Foundation, receiving prestigious awards for her advocacy.
Through TV appearances, publications, and a PBS documentary, Erin’s message of hope and the power of education has reached diverse audiences. Whether in the classroom or otherwise, Erin’s powerful message of hope and possibility will resonate with any audience she encourages “to stand up, speak up and speak out.”
Rainbow Days is honored to have Donna and Terry Saad as the 2024 Pot of Gold Luncheon Event Chairs. In addition to serving as a member of Rainbow Days’ Executive Board of Directors, Terry is an Intellectual Property Attorney and Shareholder at Bragalone Olejko Saad PC and lives in Southlake with his wife Donna and their family. Donna is the Executive Assistant to President and CEO at George W. Bush Presidential Center.
The 2024 Pot of Gold Luncheon & Silent Auction will begin at 11 a.m. with silent auction bidding, and the luncheon program will begin promptly at noon. This year’s goal is to raise $302,500 for Rainbow Days to continue providing critical services benefiting thousands of at-risk and homeless children and youth across the Dallas area each year. Table sponsorships start at $2,500 and individual tickets for the luncheon are $250 per person, both of which are available to purchase online at Pot of Gold Luncheon 2024 | Rainbow Days or by phone at (214) 217-3833.
Rainbow Days is thrilled to have Abby Watersteet and Amy McCarrisk as the 2024 Pot of Gold Luncheon Silent Auction Chairs. Rainbow Days is delighted to welcome Abby back for her second year as Silent Auction Chair, alongside Amy’s tremendous contribution to this year’s event.
Abby Waterstreet is a community leader who resides in Southlake with her husband, Jack, and three kids. Her professional background includes sales, community marketing, and project management for non-profit and for-profit businesses. Abby enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and enthusiastically supporting her children in their sports activities.
Amy McCarrick is a dedicated mom of four girls and a lead volunteer in their school’s PTO while serving on the board. Amy actively fundraises for her daughters’ school and leads classroom activities. Amy is passionate about giving back to the Dallas community by serving with the National Charity League and various other organizations for the past six years. Amy enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, traveling, crafting, and giving back to her community.
The Pot of Gold Luncheon raises needed support for Rainbow Days programs through sponsorships, individual seats, auction bidding and donations. The annual luncheon is a cheerful and celebratory event that features an inspiring keynote speaker, special performances from the Rainbow Days children and moving program testimonials for an anticipated 500 guests in attendance. The Pot of Silent Auction, which will be filled with over $70,000 worth of fantastic items, will open online a week before the event on April 10 at April 19, 2024.
ABOUT RAINBOW DAYS: The 27th annual Pot of Gold Luncheon will benefit Rainbow Days, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded in 1982, Rainbow Days has a mission to help children and youth in adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures. Through support groups, life enrichment programs and critical needs services, Rainbow Days makes meaningful connections with at-risk and homeless children and youth and has positively impacted more than 263,000 kids in the Dallas area to date. For more information, please visit www.RainbowDays.org or call (214) 887-0726.
*Image courtesy Rainbow Days, Inc.
**Photo by Rob Wythe, Wythe Portrait Studio
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent Rainbow Days, Inc. and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles eBuzz.)
