You're the Tops! A 25th Anniversary Celebration of Women Serving the Community

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By Tori Pfeifer

Since opening their doors in 1985, The Prenatal Clinic in Bryan College Station has had the opportunity to serve more than 20,800 women in the Brazos Valley. As an organization dedicated to helping women in need, the clinic celebrates other women who choose to help and make a difference in their community as well. On April 27, the clinic is hosting the annual You’re the Tops Luncheon to honor 13 women who work every day to selflessly serve their community.

This year’s honorees include: Rae Adams, M.D., Sheree Boegner, Ann Boyle, Mildred Ray Davis, Bonnie B. Denny, Denise Fries, Diane Holt, Gloria Jean Kennard, Carmen Maxwell, Laura Mooney, Kathy Holmes Ritter, Karen Smith, and Marilyn Maynard Wright.

You’re the Tops has had more than 300 honorees and focuses on celebrating women who come from a variety of areas, interests, and backgrounds, and were nominated by someone in the community. The clinic accepts these nominations and does a blind review to ensure each honoree is chosen based solely on the work they do for the community, says Executive Director Lynn Clary Yeager.

“The reality of it is that it’s a true community-nominated event,” Yeager says. “It’s a celebration of women who choose to make a difference.”

In addition to the many sponsors who donate to the clinic’s cause, the luncheon is coordinated by a committee of volunteers who have been responsible for the event’s success over the last 25 years, Yeager adds. Many of the committee members are previous honorees who have since found a passion for the clinic. “They wanted to work on our behalf and make this a successful event because it’s our major fundraiser each year,” she says.

In the past, the clinic has raised as much as $103,000 at a single luncheon. 100 percent of the proceeds raised go towards the benefit of the clinic and every woman who walks through the doors.

The fundraiser directly influences the clinic’s ability to treat patients and provide the care they need for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child.

“The remarkable thing is seeing how people band together, how they care about people in our community who need help,” says Yeager.

Yeager adds that The Prenatal Clinic staff welcomes everyone seeking care regardless of who they are or where they come from, which represents their mission to care for everyone and to provide excellent care. All services are provided by board-certified family practice physicians and advanced practice nurses — both with obstetric components — from the Texas A&M University college of medicine and the college of nursing; the clinic has also collaborated with various charities and agencies in the community.

“The most important takeaway is knowing that we can make a difference,” Yeager says. “Just by attending a luncheon, buying a ticket, making a donation, or supporting through a sponsorship, we know that we impact the lives of babies … and that what we do today impacts lifetimes.”

The Prenatal Clinic’s You’re the Tops Luncheon is on Saturday, April 27, at 11:30am at the College Station Hilton on University Drive, and anyone is invited to attend. Individual tickets are available for $50 at www.bcsprenatal.org.

Rae Adams, M.D. Dr. Rae Adams was born and raised in Comanche, and attended Texas A&M University. She received her M.D. from Texas A&M’s college of medicine and completed her residency at the Texas A&M family medicine Residency program. She is currently a board-certified family medicine physician at The Texas A&M Health Community Clinic and The Prenatal Clinic.

Sheree Boegner Sheree Boegner was born and raised in Bryan, attended Texas A&M where she earned a degree in horticulture, and is currently a student in the nonprofit management certificate program at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Boegner is a business specialist and community advocate at Wells Fargo. She founded the Sassy Shoe Social in 2009 and is a very active volunteer with a number of other organizations. Boegner has been honored as a Girl Scout Woman of Distinction and Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, among others.

Ann Boyle Ann Boyle spent her childhood in Kentucky. Living as an Air Force spouse, she taught English wherver her husband was stationed. She has lived in College Station since 1993. Boyle has worked with many churches to provide for low-income families and homeless families. She’s recently worked to start a new ministry at Christ United that is designed to provide rest and relief for caregivers. She also leads a Pilates class that she adapts to meet the physical needs of participants. Boyle has been described as a “servant leader” by her peers.

Bonnie B. Denny Bonnie B. Denny learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and service from her parents. While she has volunteered for many causes, the closest to her heart is the Ronald McDonald House Charity. After moving to B/CS, Denny turned her efforts to bringing the charity to the community. Additionally, Denny volunteers for the Bush Presidential Library, the BVSO™, and many more. She has dedicated her life to family, friends, and serving others.

Denise Fries After graduating from Texas A&M in 1984, Denise Fries founded Fries Financial Services. Fries was the first female member of Kiwanis in the U.S. and the first female president of the College Station Kiwanis Club. In 2010, she founded Taylor Made Gluten Free Bakery after her daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease. She sold the bakery in 2018 and donated half the profits to the Community Foundation, establishing Taylor’s Fund for Celiac Disease Initiatives, and distributed the remaining proceeds to Taylor Made’s employees.

Diane Holt Diane Holt is a Georgia native who was raised in New Orleans. She graduated from Newcomb College and earned a master’s degree from Tulane. After moving to B/CS, she worked for both Texas A&M and Blinn College. During her 27 years in the community, Holt has volunteered for the Girl Scouts, Family Promise, the Salvation Army, and others. She is the first vice president of the College Station Noon Lions Club, chairing their leadership programs.

Gloria Jean Kennard Gloria Jean Kennard grew up in Bryan and attended the University of Texas. While working for Texas A&M, she received many honors. Kennard is a member of the Bethune Women’s Club and volunteers at the Bridge Ministry. She is a member of her church’s choir, assistant Sunday School Superintendent, and vice president of Women’s Ministry. She has dedicated her life to helping others, showing that individuals can make a difference when they put their beliefs into action.

Carmen Maxwell For the past 25 years, Carmen Maxwell has been the assistant director for Save Our Streets Ministry. Maxwell directs the SOS Teen Girls’ Ministry and the SOS Women’s Ministry. Maxwell has provided the leadership for many of SOS’s programs including summer job programs, job and leadership training, and much more. She is in demand as a guest speaker and was the featured speaker at this year’s You Are Conference where she spoke to more than 1,000 women.

Laura Mooney Laura Mooney grew up in Texas City, graduated from Texas A&M, and worked for the university before marrying and moving out of state. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, she lost her husband to an impaired driver. In the 1990’s, she began her relationship with MADD and has served as the state chairperson, on the National Board of Directors, and as the national president and spokesperson. Today, Mooney works in the Center for Alcohol and Drug Education Studies at TTI and volunteers for countless organizations.

Kathy Holmes Ritter Kathy Holmes Ritter grew up in Mathis and attended the University of Texas. Ritter discovered her passion for retail systems while working at Neiman Marcus and joined a software company, which led to worldwide travel. After moving to B/CS, she quickly became involved with Habitat, a church pantry, and the resident’s organization at Arbor Oaks. Since retiring, Ritter has devoted much of her time to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and is active in Habitat, Neal School, and the Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network.

Karen Smith Karen Smith became the CEO of Smith Dairy Queens in 2011 after her husband’s passing and quickly learned the business from the ground up. Smith has established a partnership with the Girl Scouts, and has supported Health for All, the Food Bank, and many others. Karen is a member of the Woman’s Club and is an Elder at First Christian Church. Her motto is to pray, never give up, and try to make a difference in someone’s life each day.

Marilyn Maynard Wright After growing up in Alvin, Marilyn Maynard Wright graduated from Texas A&M with a B.B.A. in Accounting. Following graduation, she became a CPA in public accounting for Texas A&M and finished her career at Prairie View A&M. Wright has been a CASA since 2011, working with foster children through Voices for Children. She and her husband are also active participants in mission trips, currently with medical missions in Peru. Wright also participates in numerous other activities including Emmanuel Light House Mission, First Presbyterian Church, and others.