2016 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award Recipient Announced

Methodist Health System Foundation has named R. Gerald Turner, president of Southern Methodist University, philanthropist, and education and community leader, as the 2016 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award recipient.

The award will be presented at a dinner on Wednesday, October 19 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. 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.

“We are very pleased to honor Dr. Turner with this prominent award. As the leader of my alma mater and a longtime Methodist supporter and board member, there is no one who understands the Methodist mission and values better than Dr. Turner ,” said April Box, Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO.

 

Sponsorships at $10k level and above are available now by contacting Methodist Health System Foundation Vice President Angela Nash at 214.947.4596 or angelanash@mhd.com. 

Rev. Mark Craig Received 2013 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

Music from the Dave Tanner Band welcomed more than 900 guests attending the 2013 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on September 24. Musical selections from Mama Mia and Jersey Boys were played in honor of this year’s recipient, community advocate and retired Senior Minister of Highland Park United Methodist Church Rev. Mark Craig. 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.

Each year, the event is personalized to honor the recipient, and this year was no exception. Dean Fearing, celebrity chef and friend of Rev. Craig, welcomed everyone as the Master of Ceremonies. “Tonight is all about Mark Craig and his favorite things. We want to say one thing you don’t hear nearly enough—‘thank you.’ That is our toast to you, Mark.” Rev. Steven Matthew, retired executive minister of Highland Park United Methodist Church, gave the invocation.

Rev. Mark Craig, April Box Chamberlain, President George W. Bush

President and CEO of Methodist Health System Stephen L. Mansfield, PhD, FACHE, greeted guests and said that this is Methodist’s largest fundraiser. “I believe that faith and healing, are inextricably linked. So it is a special honor for us to acknowledge Mark tonight on behalf of the thousands of patients who will be touched by your gift and your presence here tonight.”

Lana and Barry Andrews and Natalie and Mike McGuire served as event co-chairs. Barry Andrews said, “I want to recognize and thank the Folsom family in attendance, Sharon and Steve Folsom, Debbie Folsom Jarma and Don Jarma. I also want to thank the three past Folsom recipients in attendance including Nancy Ann Hunt, Troy Aikman and Mike Boone. And our sincere thanks to Jason and Brill Garrett who hosted a fantastic patron party in their home for our major donors. It’s been such an honor for Lana, Natalie, Mike and me to serve as this year’s Robert S. Folsom leadership award co-chairs and be part of Highland Park United Methodist Church. Thanks to everyone here tonight, we have raised a record setting total of $1.5 million.”

Barry and Lana Andrews

Following dinner, dramatic sounds of sirens and helicopters filled the ballroom as lights flashed and Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO April Box Chamberlain told the story of how more than 200 people may work together to save the life of one person who has an emergency.

Scheduled for completion in summer 2014, the one-of-a-kind new trauma and critical care center will expand the hospital’s emergency department ten-fold. The capital campaign is happening now for those interested in donating.

“We purposely chose 9/11 to break ground on this new critical care tower as a remembrance to those heroes who run toward the disasters,” Chamberlain added. “Tonight we honor Mark, another hero. But I think we can all agree that we can use another special responder who helped heal, strengthen and inspire our entire nation after 9/11, President George W. Bush.”

Ralph Babb, Barbara Babb, Dr. Stephen L. Mansfield

After the attendees gave him a standing ovation, President Bush said, “When Jim Francis first informed me that this year’s Folsom Award recipient was Mark Craig, I was pleased to accept the invitation to surprise and honor my good friend…and my preacher.” Rev. Craig has served as the Bush’s pastor and most recently gave the dedication prayer at the opening of the President George W. Bush Presidential Center in April. President Bush then shared the story of how one of Rev. Craig’s sermons provided inspiration for him to run for President of the United States.

Rev. Craig thanked President Bush and everyone in attendance. “First I’m humbled and honored to receive the award with Bob Folsom’s name on it. He is a great man, great family, he’s a great leader to Dallas and this community. He’s a great friend to many and most of you here today. This award isn’t about me; this is about a great hospital. Your support of Sammons Trauma Critical Care Tower is fantastic and all the money that you have given is wonderful. It’s the largest capital investment in southern Dallas in many, many years. That’s fabulous. Methodist Hospital is special. It’s special because it looks south and it has never left the south. That’s where the pain, that’s where the suffering is. It’s always been there to help people less fortunate than most of us.”

Michael M. Boone Receives 2012 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

Music from the Highland Park High School Bagpipe Corps welcomed more than 750 attendees to the 2012 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on October 30. Established in 2005 by Methodist Health System Foundation, the award recognizes individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulates the achievements of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom. The bagpipes were in honor of this year’s recipient, Highland Park alumnus Michael M. Boone. A skilled lawyer and dedicated community advocate, Boone has worked for education reform throughout the state of Texas.

Event chairman Fred Hegi introduced many of Boone’s achievements by saying, “Mike quietly at times —

and often not so quietly — has made a tremendous impact on this city and our state, just like Robert Folsom has done during his life.” Hegi continued, “He is the ‘go-to’ person for nonprofit organizations when a tough issue has to be addressed; he is a valued counselor and confidant to so many CEOs and boards of directors around the country; he’s there to help any friend regardless of the circumstance and time required; and he does all of this with the highest of integrity.”

Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Heather Hunt, Ashlee Kleinert

Hegi then introduced a video message from former President George W. and First Lady Laura Bush.

“In every community, there are few individuals who stand out,” President Bush said. “You recognize them by their determination, passion, and unceasing work ethic. They have a habit of putting others’ interests above their own.”

Mrs. Bush, 2008 Folsom Leadership Award honoree, added, “Mike Boone is certainly the epitome of what the Folsom Leadership Award represents. It is especially meaningful to me that he has championed causes near and dear to our hearts: education and access to education in our schools and universities.”

April Box Chamberlain, Michael M. Boone, Karen Hughes, Fred Hegi 

After the video, Karen Hughes, former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and former counselor to President Bush, and Steve Folsom, Methodist Health System Foundation board chairman, presented the 2012 Robert S. Folsom Leadership award to Boone.

“I am deeply honored to accept this award,” said Boone. “The overarching reason for why we are all here tonight is to celebrate and show our support for the great work of the Methodist Health System. Your generosity will make a real difference and send a very resounding message — that Dallas values Methodist for everything it does in curing illness, relieving pain, and saving lives in our community.”

Boone ended his remarks with a tribute to his parents, saying, “To the extent that I have successfully contributed back to our community, I want you to know that all the credit belongs to my loving parents. They are the ones who shaped my character and made me who I am today.”

Trevor Rees-Jones Receives the 2011 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

Methodist Health System Foundation presented the 2011 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award to Dallas businessman and philanthropist Trevor Rees-Jones at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on October 5. Established in 2005, the award recognizes individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulates the achievements of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom.
Trevor Rees-Jones (left) received the 2011 Methodist Health System Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award. He's pictured here with President George W. Bush, Honorary Chair (along with Laura Bush, not pictured) and Event Chairman Jim Francis.

Jim Francis, event chair of the Folsom Leadership Award, welcomed 700 attendees and announced the evening’s surprise emcee. “It’s my privilege to introduce my close friend, who is also a great admirer of Trevor Rees-Jones and someone who President George W. Bush, our Honorary Chair, refers to as ‘the architect,’ my friend Karl Rove.”

Dr. Reverend Ron Scates, senior pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation followed by dinner. During dinner, chart-topping Texas vocalist and favorite of Trevor Rees-Jones, Randy Rogers, performed for the guests.
April Box Chamberlain, president and CEO of Methodist Health System Foundation; Ray Hunt, supporter; Lisa Troutt, hostess for patron party for Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award.

A tribute video included congratulations from President George H.W. Bush, former Dallas Mavericks Coach Avery Johnson, business leaders H. Ross Perot, Jr. and T. Boone Pickens, Dartmouth College President Jim Yong Kim, and numerous friends and family.

Trevor Rees-Jones to Receive 2011 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

Methodist Health System Foundation will present the 2011 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award to Dallas businessman and philanthropist Trevor Rees-Jones during a dinner to be held at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on October 5, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. Established in 2005, the award recognizes individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulates the achievements of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom.

Pictured: Event Chairman Jim Francis, Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO April Box Chamberlain

Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO April Box Chamberlain said, “Trevor is a committed and dynamic leader who has enthusiastically used the fruits of his business success to improve in tangible ways the quality of life and life circumstances for those less fortunate, especially abused and neglected children. Along with support from his wife Jan, Trevor is the embodiment of community leadership and we are proud to honor him with this award.”

Chamberlain also announced the chairman and honorary chairs for the event. “We are also pleased to announce that Jim Francis will chair the Folsom Leadership Award, while President and Mrs. George W. Bush will serve as Honorary Chairs. Their commitment will help make this a special event, and most importantly, support Methodist’s efforts to improve and save lives of the patients in our care.”

Past Folsom Leadership Award recipients include Robert S. Folsom (2005), Nancy Ann Hunt (2006), Troy Aikman (2007), Laura Bush (2008), the late Norman Brinker (2009), and Pat and Emmitt Smith (2010). As Methodist’s largest fundraiser, the Folsom events have raised more than $6 million over the past six years to benefit Methodist Health System’s programs and services.

In honor of the mission and vision of the Rees-Jones Foundation, proceeds from the 2011 Folsom Event will be used to support Methodist Health System’s Pastoral Care Ministries. Chamberlain added, “As a faith based health system, Methodist strives each day to serve God by ministering to those most in need in our community. Our chaplains, seminarians, and religious lay-workers of all faiths provided more than 130,000 pastoral visits last year alone, continuing Methodist’s 85-year legacy of faith and healing.”

If you are interested in supporting the Robert S. Folsom Award or other vital health care and community programs, please contact Methodist Health System Foundation Vice President of Development Joy Duncan at 214-947-4552 or joyduncan@mhd.com. More information is available at www.MethodistHealthSystem.org/Folsom

Pat and Emmitt Smith Received 2010 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

From Left to Right: Emmitt and Pat Smith (2010 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award recipients),

April Box Chamberlain (President and CEO of The Methodist Health System Foundation),

and Mark Cuban (Dallas Mavericks owner and surprise emcee of the Folsom Leadership Award)

On November 11, 2010, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, Methodist Health System Foundation presented the 2010 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award to Pat and Emmitt Smith. The award recognizes individuals who show commitment and excellence in community service leadership.

Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO, April Box Chamberlain, expressed her gratitude by saying, “Many of you know a lot about Pat and Emmitt’s accomplishments in the sports and entertainment arena, but we are also here to celebrate this amazing couple’s escalating leadership and commitment to helping those less fortunate in Dallas. Because of your generosity and support, Methodist has raised $915,000 to benefit indigent care programs and services throughout Methodist Health System.”

As a surprise, Mark Cuban even made an appearance to help honor Pat and Emmitt Smith as they received their award:“As a longtime friend of Pat and Emmitt, I know the great things they have accomplished already, and they have just begun to make a lasting impact on Dallas. We are honored that they have chosen to set their sites to lift up others through this meaningful event tonight.”

Reception with President Bush

President and Mrs. George W. Bush hosted a reception for major donors to the 2010 Methodist Health System Foundation Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award on November 3^rd. President Bush and his wife proudly welcomed guests in honor of Pat and Emmitt Smith, the recipients of the leadership award, who definitely embody the great legacy of Bob Folsom! Pat and Emmitt Smith were chosen for their dedication to community leadership and President Bush was proud to honor them for their achievements. Pat and Emmitt Smith have contributed a great deal of their own time to help out the community of Dallas, and have always been humble in doing so. President bush, as well as many other guests, noted their modesty. Pat and Emmitt have asked that the funds raised from this year’s event go to help provide care to impoverished patients at the Methodist Health System! The Methodist Health System is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of those living in North Dallas.

Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award Dinner

Thursday, November 11, 2010

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Hilton Anatole Hotel

Emmitt and Pat Smith — 2010 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award Honorees

To purchase a ticket or table, contact Joy Duncan at 214-947-4552 or joyduncan@mhd.com.

The Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award is presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulates the achievements of Robert S. Folsom. Established in 2005, the annual award is named to honor former Dallas mayor Robert S. Folsom for his commitment to the Dallas community and his lifelong example of excellence in community leadership. Recipients of the award are selected for their accomplishments in making a lasting, positive change in the Dallas community and inspiring others to follow in their paths.