NEW + NOW > Get to Know | Village Voices > February 1, 2021
SHARE:

Get to Know…Louise Griffeth of LLS

KKS Village Voices Feature

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

I first became involved years ago when my dear friends, Janet Evans and Rusty Duvall, started the first luncheon to raise money for Leukemia research. The mission of the LLS became personal when my husband, Guy, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma over six years ago. There is no cure for these blood cancers yet, so staying in remission after Guy’s six months of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant has been our goal. He has been in an MDA Trial for the past three years that they think will keep him in remission longer. Research and new treatments are key for us and for all families who are in their, sometimes scary, “new normal” of life with blood cancers. We are grateful for the hard work of raising funds for this good cause!


Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Guy and I met on a blind date when I was attending The University of Texas. He had graduated from UT the year before and was coming down for the Texas-SMU football game. It was Halloween weekend 1970. Mutual friends thought we would have fun together and we did! I finally found someone who liked to dance as much as I did! We married two years later and after I graduated. We celebrated our 48th anniversary on September 30, 2020.

Guy was born and raised in Dallas and I grew up in Tyler, but I quickly fell in love with my new home. We have two grown sons: Spence, who is a stand-up comic in LA, and Teal, who works for Lincoln-Harris commercial real estate and has a side business called YUM TUMS DALLAS that makes delicious gluten-free muffins. Teal brought a precious daughter-in-love and artist to our family, Annie Griffeth! She has been a blessing to us all!


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

I really appreciate how people and businesses in Dallas partner with area non-profits to make this city a place of caring and hope for all its citizens. Philanthropy is encouraged and appreciated here.


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

Besides helping to raise needed funds for research, I have enjoyed getting to know some of the staff and volunteers of this year’s committee led by the amazing Melinda Knowles. They are such caring, committed people and have true hearts for others that inspire me.


How does support from community partners like Highland Park Village help LLS have a greater impact?

We could not do it without the support of generous community partners like Highland Park Village. Highland Park Village has a long history of philanthropy and supporting good causes. It is one of the reasons I shop there. I determined years ago to shop or do business with the places in Dallas that were active in building up our community. Fortunately, Highland Park Village and many of its stores and restaurants are generous contributors, so it is the first place I go!


What are some ways people in North Texas can get involved with LLS?

They have many campaigns and different fundraising events for everyone in Dallas/Fort Worth as well as volunteer opportunities! They have the upcoming St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show taking place virtually Thursday, February 11 – tickets are available at www.SaintValentinesDayLuncheon.org.


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

The St. Michael Women’s Exchange—the women of our church, Saint Michael and All Angels, volunteer in this fabulous store and monies earned are then given back to the community through a long list of deserving agencies who are addressing dire needs. Carolina Herrera, Etro, MARKET, Jimmy Choo and Alice + Olivia are definitely favorites of mine because of the wonderful, generous people who work there and the beautiful fashions they sell. Even during the pandemic, I have enjoyed eating outside at Bistro 31, Café Pacific, The Honor Bar and Mi Cocina! I do love the exquisite jewelry of William Noble. Bill is also involved in some of my special causes. And, of course, what would we do without Deno’s.

 

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.

RELATED POSTS