By Rachel Gross Weinstein

Bette Midler’s career as an actress, singer, comedian, producer and philanthropist is legendary. She will share her story as the keynote speaker at the Woman-to-Woman luncheon next month.
The event, hosted by Jewish Family Service (JFS), will take place Thursday, May 1 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the program begins at noon.
All funds raised at the luncheon will benefit JFS for the services it provides like counseling, the food pantry, the job resource center, services for senior adults, the Special Needs Partnership and more.

“Bette believes and supports everything JFS does and we are excited to have her speak,” said Linda Garner, who is co-chairing the afternoon with Beth Konig, Sheryl Pidgeon, Laurie Platt and Cindy Ray Yablonsky. “The event is going to be very fun, lighthearted and entertaining. In addition, it’s all about educating the community about what JFS provides and the impact it makes on people. I want everyone to know that the dollars raised help so many people and that’s what is important.”
Founded in 2004 by Ethel Zale, the Woman-to-Woman luncheon occurs every two years and celebrates the power and impact of women. Past speakers include Susan Dell, Karen Katz, Joy Behar, Diane von Furstenberg and Marlee Matlin.
Born in Hawaii, Midler began her professional career in several off-Broadway plays, prior to her work in “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Salvation” on Broadway in the late 1960s. She made her film debut in “The Rose” in 1979 and also starred in “Down and Out in Beverly Hills,” “Beaches,” “The First Wives Club” and “Parental Guidance” among others.
Midler released her first album, “The Divine Miss M” in 1972 and has released 22 albums since. Over the years, she has won four Grammys, four Golden Globes, three Emmy’s and a Tony Award.
Along with her success in the entertainment world, Midler founded the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring parks, gardens and open space in New York City. The NYRP partners with various environmental and community organizations across the five boroughs to green the parks, focusing on underserved and economically disadvantaged communities.
“We have had wonderful women inspire us over the years and I know Bette will do the same,” Zale said. “She is a talented, wonderful woman. It is gratifying to know that JFS will benefit so much from this wonderful gathering of supporters. We cannot wait to see Bette, but the results the luncheon will yield is the most exciting and important part.”
When Zale started this event, 200 people attended. She is amazed with how it has grown and evolved through the years and the impact it makes.
Added JFS CEO Michael Fleisher: “We are absolutely thrilled to have such a high profile fundraising event that’s put together by five incomparable co-chairs and staff at JFS. This event continues the tradition of taking significant steps forward in raising money and educating people about the work we do and the resources we offer to anyone in need.”
Tickets for the luncheon are $250 each and sponsorships are available. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $25 each or five for $100. Another online auction will take place for one week after the event.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call 469-206-1664 or visit www.jfsdallas.org/woman.