Hadassah’s Dallas chapter marked its 100th birthday on April 7 with a celebration attended by nearly 100 members along with regional and national leadership.
“I am in awe of what the women of Dallas Hadassah have accomplished over the last century. It is truly an honor to represent who we are today,” Hadassah Dallas President Dorothy Zarbo told the Texas Jewish Post in the lead-up to the event. “I’m so proud of our lasting and very special group that advocates and is hands-on in so many meaningful ways,”
Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz gave a powerful keynote speech at the centennial celebration, where Hadassah Greater Southwest President Karen Kessler spoke about the immediate needs facing Israel and the Hadassah Medical Organization.
Event chair Jo Reingold, local chapter past president and former regional board member, spoke of the many accomplishments that the chapter can be proud of over the years.
“This event is to recognize, appreciate and honor all that we have achieved in the last 100 years and that is no small task. Our chapter, and its amazing membership, has done so much,” Reingold told the Texas Jewish Post. “As we move on, we’ll continue to raise awareness, give support and build relationships among ourselves and throughout the greater Hadassah community.”
Zarbo also spoke about helping to found the Lillian Wald Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Council in Dallas 25 years ago.
Highlights of the chapter’s accomplishments over the years include bringing the Check It Out breast cancer awareness program into the community, starting a business and professional women’s interest group, hosting professionals from the Hadassah Medical Organization and honoring physicians in Dallas with Doctors of Distinction galas.
In recent years, the chapter has also formed an Evolve group for younger members in Dallas and held successful health and wellness programs on diabetes, breast cancer, ophthalmology, heart health and Covid. In the near future, the chapter is planning programs around Jews by choice and caring for caregivers, and starting an Educators & School Personnel Council.
Read more about the Dallas centennial in the Texas Jewish Post.