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

October 7, 2026

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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.

SMW Colonial Ladies Lunchoen 2026

October 7, 2026
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Society of Martha Washington continued one of its cherished traditions with the annual Colonial Ladies Luncheon, held at 11:30 a.m. at Dona Rosa, a beautiful historic home in downtown Laredo. The Colonial Ladies hosted the luncheon in honor of the 2027 debutantes, continuing a longstanding SMW tradition of celebrating each new debutante group. Remarks were led by 2026 SMW President Elva Chamberlain Puig and 2026 Martha Washington Nydia Sanchez Weathers. Veronica Casillas Castillon gave the invocation, and Minnie Dora Bunn Haynes shared the history of the Colonial Ladies and the significance of this special tradition within the Society of Martha Washington. A highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the SMW gold medallions to each debutante. Each medallion is personalized with the debutante’s initials and the date engraved on the back, creating a special keepsake to commemorate her debutante year. Miranda Alicia Leal received her medallion from Annabelle Uribe Hall; Anna Gabriela Jordan from Irma De La Miyar Deutsch; London Regina Montserrat Beckelhymer from Anna Benavides Galo; Alessandra Rempe Slaughter from Julia Catherine Casso; Carolina Andrea Leyendecker from Tami Dorsett Summers; Ella Alessandra Gonzalez from Linda Lopez Howland; Andria Amrit Alston from Tina Holliday Cerda; Ava Graciela Botello from Brenda Botello Martinez; Elizabeth Dora Bunn from Betty Bunn Moreno; Sophia Ella Garcia from Veronica Casillas Castillon; Carisa Elis Lopez from Dr. Minita Ramirez; Zoey Bella Buitron from Carole Weber Wilson; and Triana Maria Bolado Garcia from Minnie Dora Haynes Rodriguez. Another special moment during the luncheon was the presentation of the diamond SMW pin with diamond halo to 2027 Martha Washington Tina Holliday Cerda. The pin was presented by Minnie Dora Bunn Haynes, marking a meaningful milestone in her role within the Society of Martha Washington.  The Colonial Ladies Luncheon remains a beautiful SMW tradition that brings together generations of members while celebrating the debutantes and the history, friendship, and traditions of the Society of Martha Washington.