
Canon Sawyer
Bill & Peggy Sims
Peggy Sims’ love for Cook Children’s began at a young age and never faded. After many years of volunteering at the hospital, Peggy’s support for Fort Worth’s beloved children’s hospital continues as she fulfills her most exciting role yet: That of the 2024 – 2025 Jewel Charity President.
On March 1, 2025, Peggy and her fellow Jewel Charity Members will host the Jewel Charity Ball at the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. As Fort Worth’s most anticipated charity event of the year approaches, Peggy shared an exclusive sneak peek of her vision for the Ball and how all the glitz and glamour supports Jewel Charity’s mission to provide for the patients at Cook Children’s.
A Lifelong Love for Cook Children’s
Like many Fort Worth natives, Peggy remembers a time before the iconic blue peaks of Cook Children’s Medical Center existed, when Fort Worth was home to two independent children’s hospitals.
“When I was a little girl growing up in Fort Worth, I was always fascinated by the two hospitals that were just for children,” Peggy said. “I pretended to play hospital and used candy as medicine for my doll patients. That’s what I imagined at Cook Children’s Hospital and Fort Worth Children’s Hospital.”
Following a 1985 merger, Fort Worth’s two children’s hospitals became known as Cook Children’s Medical Center, where Peggy volunteered as a member of the Junior League of Fort Worth.
“After I married, I became a volunteer for the Cook Children’s Medical Center Mr. Yuk Poison Control Program,” Peggy said. “I had a chance to see the smiling faces of children as they learned about poisonous snakes, insects and chemicals. They loved the presentation, and I didn’t even need to give them any candy!”
As a member of the Cook Children’s Woman’s Board, Peggy continues to volunteer in the Enchanted Castle Gift Shop, where she finds joy in interacting with patients and their families.

Canon Sawyer
Collections Fine Jewelry, the 2024-2025 Jewel Charity Official Jeweler, will display a selection of jewels for guests to admire and purchase
“[At Enchanted Castle], I see a lot of smiling faces, even though some of the children are seriously ill,” Peggy said. “The staff, doctors, nurses, dogs, clowns and everyone involved in all of the special programs are incredible ambassadors to the children. It is such a blessing to see them doing what they are called to do at Cook Children’s.”
After many years as an active member of Jewel Charity, a nonprofit organization that fundraises exclusively for Cook Children’s, Peggy’s fellow members nominated her to serve as the 2024 – 2025 Jewel Charity President.
Each year, Jewel Charity Members host the Jewel Charity Ball to honor the donors, known as “Angels,” whose generosity supports their mission to provide for the patients at Cook Children’s. When selecting the theme for the 2025 Ball, Peggy found inspiration in one of her favorite places: standing on her family’s ranch, looking out at the Texas sunset.
“For me, the sunset symbolizes the promise of wonderful things to come,” Peggy said. “When I look around at the members, Angels, sponsors and friends of Jewel Charity, I see a future as beautiful and vast as a Texas sunset. I truly believe that the sky’s the limit when we come together to support the patients at Cook Children’s.”
The Sky’s the Limit
For the first time in the organization’s history, Jewel Charity will host a Texas-themed Ball on March 1, 2025.
Jewel Charity boasts an impressive history of larger-than-life entertainers including Earth, Wind, and Fire, Kool and the Gang and, most recently, Diana Ross. The 2025 Ball continues that tradition with a live performance by The Steve Miller Band, whose greatest hits include “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Abracadabra,” “The Joker” and “Jet Airliner.”

The Steve Miller Band
The Steve Miller Band performing live
Guests of the 2025 Jewel Charity Ball can expect to enjoy a special Texas twist on Jewel Charity’s classic black-tie gala. Ladies are expected to don their most elevated western jewels and accessories, while the gentlemen will sport their best boots and cowboy hats with their tuxedo.
“If anyone can show the world how to master boots, bling and black tie, its Fort Worth,” Peggy said. “Just remember, gentlemen – no jeans!”
Collections Fine Jewelry, Jewel Charity’s 2024-2025 Official Jeweler, will feature a selection of jewels for guests to admire and purchase. A handful of lucky winners will walk away with prizes from the Ball’s annual raffle and silent auctions including a Jeep Wagoneer from Roger Williams, two-year use of a Park Place Mercedes-Benz, custom his-and-hers boots from M.L. Leddy, luxury hotel stays at European destinations and more.
In collaboration with Vestals Catering, Peggy and the Ball Committee have curated a Texas-sized menu including salt and pepper-crusted tomahawk steaks with a flambéed whiskey barbecue sauce, green chili grits, lobster mac-and-cheese and many more delicacies from across the Lone Star State. The true showstopper, a bacon bar, will feature multiple variations of thick-cut bacon dressed and drizzled in flavors ranging from savory to sweet.
Finding joy in generosity
Through all the glamour, fashion and excitement, support for Cook Children’s remains at the heart of the Jewel Charity Ball. Since 1953, the organization has raised more than $83 million for Cook Children’s, making Jewel Charity the hospital’s single largest donor organization. Funds raised through raffle ticket sales, silent auction bids and individual Angel Donations will be donated to Cook Children’s at Jewel Charity’s annual Gift Celebration on March 26, 2025.
Peggy’s most treasured memory of her term as Jewel Charity President has been witnessing the community support for Cook Children’s, an organization she has loved for many years.
“There is such enjoyment in knowing that what we do benefits a wonderful cause,” Peggy said. “Knowing that our members and Angels are united in supporting Cook Children’s gives me so much joy.”
Peggy and her fellow Jewel Charity Members invite individuals, businesses and other organizations to experience the Jewel Charity Ball by making an Angel Donation. Visit jewelcharity.org to learn more.