SMW Participants Begin the 2026-2027 Season with Annual Orientation

June 25, 2026

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The Society of Martha Washington welcomed its 2026-2027 debutantes, escorts, and pages for the annual Participant Orientation on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Celebre. The gathering marked an important first step in preparing participants and their families for the year ahead and the many traditions and events that make up the Society's celebration season.


Society President Tami Summers led an informative presentation outlining the responsibilities and expectations of participants throughout the year. Topics included the Society's Code of Conduct, participant roles and responsibilities, event protocols and proper attire, photography and publicity guidelines, ad sales, community service, social events, rehearsals, and preparations for the Colonial Pageant and Ball. Participants and parents also received guidance on the many activities and milestones they will experience throughout the upcoming season.


Several special guests joined the Orientation to help participants prepare for the year ahead. The Society's formal photographer was introduced to participants and families, while Grace presented models demonstrating appropriate hairstyles for the debutantes' colonial attire as well as the traditional ponytails worn by escorts. Members of the Ad Sales Committee were also on hand to meet the participants and parents they will work with during the upcoming ad sales campaign, providing an opportunity to make those important connections early in the season.



Guests enjoyed lunch provided by Blue Chip Catering while becoming better acquainted with fellow participants, families, Society members, and committee representatives.

The Participant Orientation provided a welcoming introduction to the traditions, responsibilities, and experiences ahead. The Society of Martha Washington looks forward to an exciting 2026-2027 season as this year's debutantes, escorts, and pages begin their journey toward Laredo's annual Washington's Birthday Celebration.

SMW’s 5th Annual Pink Walk Brings More Than 500 Walkers Together in the Fight Against Cancer

October 7, 2026
On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the Society of Martha Washington proudly hosted its 5th Annual Pink Walk at Texas A&M International University, bringing together more than 500 registered walkers for a morning filled with hope, remembrance, strength, and community. The SMW Pink Walk is the Society of Martha Washington’s annual community event dedicated to raising cancer awareness and supporting patients through fundraising, education, and community involvement. What began five years ago as an event focused primarily on breast cancer has grown to embrace and support women affected by all types of cancer throughout the Laredo community. Despite the rainy weather, the Laredo community showed up in an incredible way. Walkers, families, friends, supporters, volunteers, and sponsors came together at TAMIU, demonstrating that a little rain could not dampen the spirit or purpose behind this very special event. Fundraising remains at the heart of the Pink Walk’s mission. Last year, the event raised an incredible $40,000, and this year SMW set an ambitious goal of raising $50,000 to continue providing meaningful support and resources for local women and families impacted by cancer. A special part of this year’s event was recognizing the 2026 debutantes and escorts whose efforts helped make the Pink Walk such a success. Debutante Elizabeth Dora Bunn and her escort, Miller Molina, were honored for raising the most money through registered walkers and donations. Second-place honors went to debutante Ella Gonzalez and her escort, Flaviano Benavides. Their dedication, along with the efforts of all of this year’s debutantes and escorts, played an important role in the continued success of the Pink Walk. The Society of Martha Washington extends its heartfelt gratitude to every person who walked, donated, volunteered, sponsored the event, or helped spread the word. Each registration, donation, sponsorship, and step taken helps provide hope and essential resources to cancer patients while reminding those facing cancer that they are surrounded by a community that supports them. From approximately 150 walkers during its first year to more than 500 in 2026, the SMW Pink Walk continues to grow not only in size, but also in its impact. What began as a walk for breast cancer awareness has become a powerful community tradition supporting women affected by all cancers.  Thank you, Laredo, for once again walking with us, supporting our mission, and helping make the 5th Annual SMW Pink Walk such a tremendous success. Together, we continue to make a meaningful difference—one step at a time.

SMW Board Retreat at Martineña Ranch

October 7, 2026
On Thursday, September 24, Society of Martha Washington President Tami Dorsett Summers and President-Elect Monica Alexander Gonzalez visited first grade students at United Day School to share the mission of the SMW Pink Walk and explain how the annual event supports women in Laredo who are facing cancer.  During their visit, Summers and Gonzalez spoke with the students about why participants come together for the Pink Walk, the importance of supporting members of the local community during difficult times, and how the funds raised through the event help women with cancer right here in Laredo. The students also participated in a special rock-painting activity as part of the visit. The presentation came ahead of United Day School’s First Grade Chapel, which will be held on October 1. As part of the school’s Character Counts program, each chapel focuses on one of the program’s Pillars of Character and gives students an opportunity to support a local organization or cause. This month, the first-grade class is focusing on the pillar of Trustworthiness and has selected the Society of Martha Washington Pink Walk as the recipient of its chapel donations. The Society of Martha Washington is grateful to the United Day School first graders for choosing the Pink Walk and for learning at such a young age about the importance of caring for and supporting others in their community. Their participation is a meaningful reminder that even the youngest members of our community can make a difference in the lives of others.

United Day School First Graders Learn About the SMW Pink Walk

October 7, 2026
On Thursday, September 24, Society of Martha Washington President Tami Dorsett Summers and President-Elect Monica Alexander Gonzalez visited first grade students at United Day School to share the mission of the SMW Pink Walk and explain how the annual event supports women in Laredo who are facing cancer.  During their visit, Summers and Gonzalez spoke with the students about why participants come together for the Pink Walk, the importance of supporting members of the local community during difficult times, and how the funds raised through the event help women with cancer right here in Laredo. The students also participated in a special rock-painting activity as part of the visit. The presentation came ahead of United Day School’s First Grade Chapel, which will be held on October 1. As part of the school’s Character Counts program, each chapel focuses on one of the program’s Pillars of Character and gives students an opportunity to support a local organization or cause. This month, the first-grade class is focusing on the pillar of Trustworthiness and has selected the Society of Martha Washington Pink Walk as the recipient of its chapel donations. The Society of Martha Washington is grateful to the United Day School first graders for choosing the Pink Walk and for learning at such a young age about the importance of caring for and supporting others in their community. Their participation is a meaningful reminder that even the youngest members of our community can make a difference in the lives of others.