On December 9, 2025, the 35th annual Planned Parenthood Awards took place at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to the AT&T Performing Arts Center. The event, co-chaired by Pam and John Beckert, celebrated significant contributions to reproductive health and advocacy in the region.
Among the highlights was a lively discussion featuring Barbara Bush, activist, author, and former First Daughter, who now serves as the NBA’s Head of Social Responsibility. Bush engaged in a candid conversation moderated by five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Tashara Parker. During the dialogue, Bush shared anecdotes from her family life, offering a blend of humor and heartfelt reflections, particularly about her grandmother’s unwavering dedication to family and social causes.
Honoring Excellence in Advocacy
The ceremony also recognized outstanding achievements in advocacy and journalism. The Gertrude Shelburne Humanitarian Award was presented to Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Ph.D., who emphasized her commitment to supporting women and communities of color in her acceptance speech. Booker-Drew highlighted her collaboration with Planned Parenthood on a new initiative aimed at assisting women through perimenopause and menopause, furthering her extensive advocacy work in North Texas and beyond.
Another significant award, the Katherine Ripley Print Media Award, was bestowed upon The Dallas Morning News for its investigative series titled “The Standard of Fear.” This series critically examined the real-world impacts of restrictive reproductive healthcare in Texas, featuring compelling first-person narratives that shed light on the struggles faced by many.
As the awards concluded, attendees continued to support the cause by dining at various participating restaurants across 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, effectively extending the event’s impact beyond the confines of the Arts District.
This year’s Planned Parenthood Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also fostered a community commitment to reproductive health and advocacy, underscoring the ongoing importance of these issues in society.
