Fundraising events are taking place to raise money for Prism Health North Texas
DAVID TAFFET | Senior Staff Writer
taffet@dallasvoice.com
LifeWalk has traditionally been held the first Sunday in October, with a festival in Turtle Creek Park before and after a 5K walk through Oak Lawn through which individuals, teams and groups could raise money for Prism Health North Texas and other beneficiaries.
Like other events, the walk came to a halt with the pandemic. When LifeWalk returned last year, teams ramped up with their fundraising events, but then, the walk, itself, was canceled. Cost, number of volunteers needed and a variety of other reasons prompted organizers to do a “season of LifeWalk” without the walk.
That continues this year with some of the more popular events taking place as usual.
Prism Health North Texas will crown the 18th annual Miss LifeWalk at the Miss LifeWalk pageant from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, at Station 4’s Rose Room, 3911 Cedar Springs Road. The pageant will also serve as a major fundraising opportunity for LifeWalk 2023.
Proceeds will benefit Prism Health’s, mission to promote the health equity of North Texas communities through education, prevention, research and affirming personalized care.
While LifeWalk is no longer a 5K walk, the legacy of this event, which has raised more than $14 million since its inception in 1991, remains true. Following a transition to virtual events in 2020 and a series of events throughout the summer of 2021 and 2022, PHNTX will continue the legacy of LifeWalk and the advocates and allies who walked each year through various events.
The transition away from a traditional 5K allows Prism Health North Texas to directly apply more funds raised to its mission and services as the cost of facilitating an event of that scale has continued to rise, similar to the rising cost of healthcare across the U.S., organizers said.
“We look forward to seeing familiar and new faces at this year’s Miss LifeWalk Pageant, one of our most beloved annual fundraising events,” PHNTX Director of Annual Fundraising Ruth Hardesty said. “We invite Dallasites to come together for community, entertainment and connection in the Rose Room.”
The 18th Miss LifeWalk Pageant will be hosted by Heather Thomas, Miss LifeWalk 2012, and Bea Dazzle, Miss LifeWalk 2018. Judges will include favorite local queens Marsha Dimes and Lotta Pink, who will also perform for attendees.
“It’s been an honor to serve as Miss LifeWalk for the past year, especially as a result of dedication to fundraising for PHNTX and the wonderful services they offer the community,” reigning Miss LifeWalk Betty Sissonnet said. “I can’t wait for this year’s competition for a great cause.”
Competing queens will each perform a number and give remarks on their efforts to raise funds for LifeWalk. Special performers include several previous Miss LifeWalk winners.
Tickets to the Miss LifeWalk pageant may be purchased at the door for $10; VIP tickets that include seating near the stage and two drink tickets and raffle tickets are available at LifeWalk.org.
Individuals, team captains and team members can still register to fundraise for LifeWalk at LifeWalk.org.