Dallas Arboretum’s Great Contributors Awards Event Honored Laura Bush and Kay Bailey Hutchison

 On November 15, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s annual Great Contributors Award dinner honored two remarkable Texas women —Laura Bush and The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison.

The Great Contributors Award is bestowed on individuals whose contributions have made an important positive impact on the state, country and world as the Dallas Arboretum works to contribute to Dallas recognition from throughout the world. Funds raised help the Dallas Arboretum fund the 100,000 school-age children who attend field trips; underwrite 25,000 tickets to provide access to the garden to those unable to pay; and provide upkeep for the 66-acre garden to remain ‘best in class.’

Will McDaniel (DABS board chairman elect), Marilyn Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Rena Pederson, Ben Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Jim Ryan (DABS board chairman)

Jim Ryan, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, welcomed 200 guests. “We want to thank all of you here tonight – for your support, sponsorship and friendship to the Dallas Arboretum. It’s my pleasure to introduce our event honorary co-chairs, Marilyn and Ben Weber, who will introduce this year’s Great Contributors honorees when our program begins.

Tom Gilcrest sang the invocation with two Texas favorite songs—"Deep in the Heart of Texas” and “God Bless America.” 

Sam Coats, The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, Bailey Hutchison, Tom Gilchrist 

Ben Weber introduced Laura Bush. “One of the most beloved and admired First Ladies of Texas and of the United States, Laura Bush continues to bring dignity and honor to our state and our country. A champion of key issues in the fields of education, health care and women's rights, Mrs. Bush remains committed to issues of global concern through her work at the George W. Bush Institute. As a lifelong conservationist, Mrs. Bush has visited more than 30 national parks and historic sites, spotlighting our country's national treasures and natural wonders. She is passionate about prairie restoration, native plantings and saving our migrating birds. Mrs. Bush is the proud founder of Texan by Nature, which brings conservation and business together to protect our state's people, plants and prosperity. I now introduce to you, former First Lady but first in our hearts, Laura Bush.”

Ben Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Marilyn Weber (DABS event honorary co-chair), Laura Bush (Great Contributor Award honoree), Jim Ryan (DABS board chairman)

Laura Bush remarked, “I am thrilled to be here to accept the Dallas Arboretum’s Great Contributor Award because, as I’m sure many of you know, I am an outdoor enthusiast. 

Well, the reason I agreed to accept this award tonight is so I could come on stage to recognize the true greatest contributor in the room – and that’s Mary Brinegar. Mary brought her passion for education to the Arboretum, furthering the nonprofit’s mission to build and maintain a public garden that promotes the art, enjoyment and knowledge of horticulture, while providing opportunities for education and research...so join me in giving a heartfelt thanks to the Dallas Arboretum’s Greatest Contributor, my friend, Mary Brinegar.”

Marilyn Weber introduced Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rena Pederson who moderated the discussion. “The Dallas Arboretum is pleased to bestow its Great Contributor Award to The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison. Her lifetime of service to our nation has been extraordinary. For 20 years, she served the State of Texas as a U.S. Senator, and for more than three years, she served as the United States Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). She has written three books, and continues to serve on many prestigious local, national and international boards. Recognizing her lifetime of service, the Dallas City Council named the city's Convention Center after her. Her alma mater, the University of Texas, proudly houses The Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law and Business.”

Ben Weber, Marilyn Weber, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Kathy Helm, Larry Helm 

Laura Bush was interviewed by Rena Pederson, known as a trailblazer for women in journalism and named by Texas Monthly as one of the most powerful women in the state. Pederson has written four books, served on the Pulitzer Prize Board for nine years and received national recognition as Vice President and Editorial Page Editor at The Dallas Morning News for 16 years.

Pederson asked Hutchison questions about the world affairs, particularly Poland, NATO, Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan and more. Hutchison had a front seat to many of these developments in her role and shared the history of these situations. The riveting conversation kept the audience engaged. 

Jim Ryan closed the evening. “Thank you for attending tonight to honor these great women. And thanks to each of you as you are also our Great Contributors and have continued to believe the dream of what we offer to our guests.”