Meet the Thelma and Louise of the social world and attend an event to combat mental health issues

When Dixey Arterburn and Ginger Sager met in 2012, they realized they had a lot in common. They both attended St. Michael & All Angels, had some of the same friends and were members of the Junior League of Dallas sustainers. One lives near Ursuline; the other lives near Hockaday. They became great friends, and now their families, including eight children between them, are friends too.

This year, the two are combining forces to co-chair the Beacon of Hope lunch benefitting Grant Halliburton Foundation and presented by the David B. Miller Family Foundation. The event, which is planned for Tuesday, March 10, at the Omni Dallas Hotel, raises funds and awareness to address mental health issues among youth in Dallas. Patrick J. Kennedy, a former U.S. Representative and founder of the Kennedy Forum, is the speaker. Here are interesting facts about Ginger and Dixey:

• Ginger was president of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League in 2013-2014.
• Dixey, who is from New Orleans, helped plan the DSOL Symphony Presentation Ball. Her favorite theme? Mardi Gras. She wore a purple gown.
• The two planned a white-tie ball for 1,300 guests including Gene and Jerry Jones, who had two granddaughters making their debut.
• Ginger recalled that at the end of the planning, “Jan Strimple, who was involved in the production of the event, greeted us at one meeting with, ‘It’s Thelma and Louise!,’ and it stuck. We wore t-shirts with Thelma and Louise printed on them.”
• Recently, they co-chaired the 2015 Salvation Army Fashion Show & Luncheon with First Lady Laura Bush and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price in attendance.
• In addition, the women have created New Orleans-style parties for the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and the parishioners of St. Michael & All Angels. As Junior League of Dallas sustainers, they’ve co-chaired the AT&T Stadium art tour, as well as an art and wine tour at Ginger’s home. “Thelma and Louise work so well together. It’s a blast because our talents instinctively complement each other,” says Ginger.

If you’re interested in attending the Beacon of Hope lunch, tables start at $2,500. Tickets start at $200. They can be purchased online at GrantHalliburton.org/boh.