Wilkinson Center’s Annual Can Do! Luncheon
2023 Can Do Luncheon

by Laura Ingrim

Wilkinson Center’s 11th annual Can Do! Luncheon, presented by The Rosewood Corporation, will be held on April 3, 2023, at the Dallas Country Club. This unique seated luncheon celebrates entrepreneurship in philanthropy and the “Can Do!” attitude that makes great things happen in our community. But what exactly is “entrepreneurship in philanthropy?”

In the business realm, entrepreneurship is creating or developing an enterprise for financial gain. An entrepreneur is someone who enacts change, often by innovating new products or processes. An entrepreneur is a risk-taker, a person who forges a new pathway forward. Famous entrepreneurs include Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs, Sara Blakely, Mark Zuckerberg, and all those hosts you see on the TV show Shark Tank.

But innovation is not unique to for-profit businesses. Charities and other nonprofit organizations have been designing creative solutions to societal problems for hundreds of years. And that is where the phrase “entrepreneurship in philanthropy” comes from. Who is using that “Can Do!” spirit to positively impact the community in new and innovative ways?

Wilkinson Center is fortunate to have had so many wonderful partners and supporters in our 40-year history. Our annual Can Do! Luncheon is our way of recognizing and acknowledging the amazing people who are creating a stronger community, both within Wilkinson Center’s programs and in the greater DFW area.

The Can Do! Luncheon gives awards in four categories:

  1. Individuals: This award highlights an individual, couple, or small group who is effecting change in the local community. We are excited to announce Beth and Chuck Thoele as this year’s recipients.
  2. Organization: This category includes both businesses and nonprofit organizations. We choose to recognize an entity with a strong history of giving back to the community in a meaningful and lasting way. The 2023 awardee is Celanese.
  3. Client: Each year, Wilkinson Center honors one of our own clients who has achieved success and stability. We take great pride in the hard work of all our clients and are thrilled to celebrate their many accomplishments. This year’s client awardee is Maricruz Lopez.
  4. Kids Can Too!: While many award ceremonies just focus on adults, Wilkinson Center sees the great work that kids are doing to better the community. The Kids Can Too! award is a lovely reminder that our smallest neighbors can sometimes make the biggest impact. The 2023 awardee is Ursuline Academy of Dallas.

Wilkinson Center is excited for this year’s Can Do! Luncheon, co-chaired by Liza Collins and Rachel Stephens, with honorary chair Betty Regard. This uplifting event is sure to bring smiles, fun, and fellowship as we celebrate entrepreneurship in philanthropy right here in North Texas. Tickets and tables available at https://bit.ly/CanDo2023. We hope to see you on April 3rd!