Bobby Lyle Receives 2014 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

Bobby Lyle would prefer no surprises, but he had an evening packed with delightful astonishments on November 19. That’s when Methodist Health System Foundation honored him as the 2014 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award recipient on the 10th anniversary of its signature fundraiser.

 

Established in 2005, the award recognizes individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulate the achievements of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom. Because of Lyle’s commitment to education, he designated that the funds raised, which totaled just more than $1.5 million, would go to support medical education at Methodist, including residency and post-graduate fellowship training for physicians.

Carolyn and David Miller, event co-chairs; Mitch and Linda Hart, event co-chairs; Honoree Bobby Lyle, Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, honorary co-chairs; April Box Chamberlain, Methodist Health System Foundation president and CEO; Dr. Stephen Mansfield, Methodist Health System president and CEO

Each year, the event is personalized to honor the recipient, and this year was no exception. The first surprise was the Master of Ceremonies, Lt. Colonel William Mockabee of The Salvation Army, a friend who led the Dallas office before being promoted to Sri Lanka and New York’s headquarters. “Tonight is all about Bobbly Lyle and his favorite things. His favorite food, his favorite people, his favorite work, his favorite business ventures, his favorite work, his favorite business ventures—well, you get the idea. This guy is nonstop energy and work, especially in service to help others.”

Dr. William Lawrence, Dean of SMU Perkins School of Theology and Lyle’s great friend, gave the invocation. David Miller, event co-chair, welcomed an audience of more than 800, including many of Lyle’s friends who surprised him by coming from near and far to honor him. Honorary Co-chairs were Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt and Renda and Rex Tillerson.

 

Linda and Mitch Hart, event co-chairs, brought another surprise “friend” on stage as Linda told a story. “About 20 years ago in Nevis when Bobby and Mitch were playing a round of golf, Bobby’s errant golf shot caused his ball to fly through a palm tree and hit a monkey in the head causing it to fall from the tree. At Bobby’s 70th birthday party, we presented him with a monkey we named Little Bobby B., and he wondered what he was going to do with it. We finally told him that his real gift was a donation to the Dallas Zoo to have the next monkey born at the zoo named Little Bobby B. Tonight, we’ve brought you a descendant of Little Bobby B. named Mikey.”

Linda and Mitch Hart with monkey on his back

April Box Chamberlain, Methodist Health System Foundation president and CEO, presented Bobby with a stuffed “Bobby B.” monkey.  A tribute video included congratulations from Dr. Ken Blanchard, Pat Currie, Ray Hunt, Dr. Marc Christensen, Brent Christopher, Brent Jackson, Jim Gibbs, Dr. Gerald Turner, Rex Tillerson and more. Following the video, the Circle Ten Boy Scouts Silver Eagle Band made a surprise entrance and played the SMU fight song as the Boy Scouts organization is near and dear to his heart.

 

Chamberlain and Mockabee then presented the Folsom Award to Bobby Lyle. “April and I are proud to present you as tonight’s ‘Most Interesting Man in the World’ and recipient of the 2014 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award, Bobby B. Lyle.” The audience gave Lyle a standing ovation.

 

Lyle graciously accepted the award and gave closing remarks. “Mike Boone (2012 honoree) told me that receiving the Folsom would be like an out of body experience, and he was right. Thank you to Methodist for this recognition. To be included is truly humbling. There will never be anyone who appreciates it more than I do. I met Bob Folsom when I was a 29-year-old at SMU’s Cox School of Business. Bob was a friend, an investor, a role model, so this award is something I will treasure.” He added, “I’m so impressed with the medical community, with the men and women ensuring our good health. Methodist stands like a beacon offering state of the art medical care.”

 

For information about supporting the next Robert S. Folsom Award, please contact Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO April Box Chamberlain at 214-947-4555. More information is available at Foundation.MethodistHealthSystem.org/Folsom.