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. 

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.

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

Norman Brinker honored at the Folsom Leadership Dinner

Friday night's Methodist Health System Foundation Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award Dinner honoring Norman Brinker was a truly special evening.  Mr. Brinker now ads this award to his library full of other prestigious awards including the Horatio Alger Award.  The past recipients of the Robert S. Folsom Leadership award include one of my favorite people, Nancy Ann Hunt.  Ross Perot, emcee of the evening's dinner, did a fantastic job of introducing his dear friend with gusto but the real show stopper of the evening was when Mr. Brinker made his entrance on his motorcycle!  He has such a love for life and a great spirit and this was a great way to show it off!  His wonderful wife, Toni, was looking as beautiful as ever and Mr. Perot honored her with a few moments of "You are the wind beneath my wings" being played over the sound system.  She deserves the award as much as Mr. Brinker does.  She is always by his side with a smile.

The Reception and Dinner were fantastic thanks to the wonderful work of April Box Chamberlain and her team.  She is a dynamo and she has a true flair for events.  We were honored to be a part of the celebration and look forward to hearing about who will receive next year's award!