Get to Know…Katy Bock & Sunie Solomon with LLS

KATY BOCK AND SUNIE SOLOMON

Explain the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission and how you got involved with the organization.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Katy Bock: I’ve attended the LLS St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon for over a decade. The event holds such a special place in my heart because of the wonderful lifesaving treatment, guidance and support LLS has provided to so many patients over the years. The St. Valentine’s Day luncheon has been around for 39 years and continues to raise critical funds in support of LLS’s mission. It is an amazing event to be a part of and an honor to chair this year!

Sunie Solomon: The LLS luncheon is special to me because I have witnessed first-hand the brutality of leukemia and the amazing lifesaving cures developed as a result of the funds raised by generous donors supporting this luncheon for 39 years. I watched as my first dental assistant endured the disease and the harsh treatments but overcame it and went on to have a full life and children. While I was grateful for the lifesaving treatment she received, I also thought that we must continue to fund new research and improve available treatments to improve patients’ quality of life. As a mother, I especially sympathize with those parents who have lost their sweet children to leukemia or other blood cancer and want to do all I can to help those impacted by these diseases. I am honored to chair the luncheon and support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission.

Tell us a little about yourselves and your background.

KB: I was raised in Arlington, Texas, went to college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches and have been in Dallas since I graduated. I started fundraising over 20 years ago to help the community and meet new friends. I enjoyed it so much I’m still doing it and have some of my closest friends from it. I married local jeweler Lawrence Bock, and we love spending time in Aspen and Cabo or hanging out at home.

SS: Like many Dallasites, I was not born here but arrived as soon as possible and have loved making Dallas my home for over 30 years. I was reared and educated in Arkansas at The University of Arkansas and later in Dallas at Baylor College of Dentistry. I have enjoyed a career as a periodontist in addition to being a mother and wife. I have been actively involved in serving various nonprofits through the years, including The Crystal Charity Ball, Cattle Baron’s Ball, Texas Ballet Theater, The Family Place, Community Partners, Dec My Room, and others.

What makes LLS so special and impactful to the Dallas community?

KB: LLS has been around for over 80 years, giving over $1.6 billion to its mission. The Dallas community is one of the most generous in the country and wants to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. Most of us have had a friend or family member pass away from one of these diseases. LLS has a record of breakthrough discoveries for treatments of blood cancers, and the Dallas community can be confident that their donations will make a difference.

SS: LLS is the largest cancer research agency specifically focused on finding cures and better treatments for patients with blood cancer. The Dallas community is paramount in supporting nonprofits not only with their time but with their money and resources. We couldn’t put on these amazing campaigns without the help of our wonderful Dallas friends.

What do you enjoy the most about being a part of the LLS organization?

KB: The St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon differs from most other luncheons. It’s upbeat and fun with a delicious menu, a beautiful fashion show from Highland Park Village, and an awards ceremony while spending time with good friends. We can do this while raising a lot of money for cancer research and bringing awareness to this dreadful disease that must be cured.

SS: I love that this event is the only one that happens around Valentine’s Day and is such a glamorous event with the partnership from Highland Park Village for the fashion show. Most people wear pink or red, which makes for a festive environment.

How does support from community partners help LLS have a greater impact?

KB: We are thrilled to have Highland Park Village as our Fashion Show Sponsor. Having one of the top shopping destinations in the world helps bring more attention to our event, which means more ticket sales and more funds for cancer research. Veronica Beard hosted our Kick-Off party, while Trina Turk will host our Patron Party. These are two Highland Park Village stores that will be featured in the fashion show at the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon!

SS: Having one of the best shopping destinations in the nation sponsor our luncheon and fashion show is such a privilege, as it will spread awareness and attract attendees and donors for this good cause.

How can people in North Texas get involved with LLS?

KB/SS: A way to support LLS is to purchase a ticket, table or sponsorship for the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon on February 13, 2023, at the Meyerson Symphony Center or by volunteering and donating to the event.

Lastly, where would we most likely find you in Highland Park Village?

KB: If I’m not at the Rolex store, I’m eating lunch with the Highland Park personal shopper, Liz Thrash, at Mi Cocina or Bistro 31. I love so many of the clothing stores in HP Village like Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren.

SS: I admit I eat most meals at all the Highland Park Village restaurants, so you can usually find me there at least once a day. Café Pacific is a personal favorite for lunch with friends.

Highland Park Village is proud to spotlight our very own dynamic personalities and community partners in the Village Voices series. Get to know our past features.