The 35th annual Planned Parenthood Awards took place on December 9, 2025, at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas. The event, organized by Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, attracted a full audience eager to celebrate achievements in reproductive health advocacy and recognize outstanding contributions to the community.
Pam and John Beckert served as co-chairs for the milestone occasion, which featured a prominent conversation with Barbara Bush, the former First Daughter and current Head of Social Responsibility for the NBA. Moderated by Tashara Parker, a five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, the discussion highlighted Bush’s reflections on her family’s legacy, blending humor with poignant personal anecdotes. She shared cherished memories of her grandmother, illustrating the deep familial commitment to social causes that has characterized the Bush family.
Awards Recognize Impactful Contributions
The ceremony also honored influential figures in the field of advocacy. The prestigious Gertrude Shelburne Humanitarian Award was presented to Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Ph.D., who delivered an inspiring acceptance speech. Booker-Drew emphasized her ongoing work supporting women and communities of color, detailing her collaboration with Planned Parenthood on a new initiative aimed at assisting women through perimenopause and menopause. Her speech underscored the vital role of advocacy in addressing health disparities in Texas and beyond.
In addition, the Katherine Ripley Print Media Award was awarded to The Dallas Morning News for its investigative series “The Standard of Fear.” This series examined the real-world implications of restrictive reproductive healthcare in Texas, providing a compelling narrative through personal stories and in-depth reporting.
Community Engagement and Continuing Impact
Following the awards ceremony, attendees participated in a city-wide dining event, where several local restaurants, including Le Bilboquet, Nonna, and Teak Tearoom, contributed a portion of their proceeds to Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas. This initiative extended the impact of the event beyond the Arts District and fostered community support for reproductive health services.
Notable attendees included local leaders and advocates such as Thana Hickman, Missy Falchi, and Ken Lambrecht, among others. Their presence underscored the event’s significance in promoting reproductive rights and health access across the region.
The 2025 Planned Parenthood Awards not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to advancing reproductive health and rights in Texas. With a successful turnout and community engagement, the event marked another step forward in the fight for accessible healthcare for all.
