Wilkinson Center will host its 9th annual Can Do! luncheon as a virtual Lunch In on Friday, April 9, 2021 at noon.
Chaired by Jan Worrall, the event will be emceed by sports writer Tim Cowlishaw and will include a cooking demonstration by renowned Dallas chef Kent Rathbun and special appearances by former Dallas Stars Marty Turco and WFAA-TV sportscaster Dale Hansen. A highlight will be the recognition of Get Shift Done, recipient of the 2021 Can Do! Award, given to those who exemplify entrepreneurship in philanthropy and the “can do” spirit that makes great things happen in our community. Get Shift Done founders Patrick Brandt and Anurag Jain had the innovative idea to hire out-of-work restaurant employees to provide manpower to non-profit agencies that had lost staff and volunteers due to COVID-19.
Texas-native and Grammy award winner Norah Jones will perform a special recorded performance in her home just for Wilkinson Center luncheon attendees.
“We are so honored to recognize Get Shift Done with our annual Can Do! Award, sponsored by longtime supporters Ashlee and Chris Kleinert,” remarked Anne Reeder, executive director of Wilkinson Center. “Through the efforts of these workers, Wilkinson Center Food Pantry has been able to serve over 2,200 individuals per month during the pandemic. Their support helped not only our organization and the clients we serve, but many others throughout the community.”
Past recipients of the Can Do! Awards include Carolyn and David Miller, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, Bishop Lynch High School, Kathy and Larry Helm, Junior League of Dallas, Jesuit College Preparatory School, Dr. Joyce Pickering, ORIX Foundation, Kaden Newton, Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, The Real Estate Council, Regina Montoya, North Texas Food Bank, Carlin Morris, Communities Foundation of Texas, Anne and Terry Conner, The Women of Saint Michael, John and Ellen McStay and Highland Park United Methodist Church.
The 2021 Can Do! Lunch Inwill be held virtually on April 9, 2021 at 12 p.m. Individual tickets are $250 and include Kent Rathbun’s BBQ lunch for one, $500 - $1,500 ticket levels include Kent Rathbun’s BBQ lunch for two. Sponsorships begin at $2,500 and all levels will include lunch by Kent Rathbun delivered to attendees. For information contact the Wilkinson Center, 214.821.6380 or visit https://www.thewilkinsoncenter.org/event/can-do-luncheon-2019/.
About Wilkinson Center:
Wilkinson Center is just that – a center. A starting point for pathways that lead to better things. Since 1982, we’ve helped transform the lives of Dallas families in crisis by setting them on their paths. Whether it’s a path that leads to employment. Or a path that puts food on the table every day. Our formula for success is case management, a compassionate staff, dedicated volunteers and effective, individualized programming that provides food, adult education and jobs. And we believe we can all get from where we are to where we want to be much sooner if we move Forward, together. For more information, visit wilkinsoncenter.org.