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Showing posts with label Ruth Altshuler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ruth Altshuler. Show all posts

Monday, June 2, 2014

Sara Martineau Honored at the 3rd Annual Callier Cares Luncheon benefiting Callier Center for Communication Disorders

 Dr. Ken Altshuler and Ruth Altshuler; Sara Martineau, recipient of the 2014 Ruth and Ken Altshuler Callier Care Award
The 3rd annual Callier Cares luncheon, benefiting the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, was chaired by sisters Betsy Cullum and Sissy Cullum. The event honored Sara Martineau with the 2014 Ruth and Ken Altshuler Callier Care Award. Sara’s connection to the Callier Center began when she chaired The Crystal Charity Ball in 1993, the year that Callier received funding for the Cochlear Implant Program. In 1994, Sara joined the Foundation for the Callier Center board.
Dr. Thomas Campbell, the Ludwig A. Michael, M.D. Callier Center Executive Director and the Sara T. Martineau Professor in Communication Disorders, welcomed underwriters, sponsors and the sold-out crowd. Dr. Blair Monie, Pastor, Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, led the invocation followed by a delicious luncheon of Niçoise salad accompanied with a dessert of strawberry mousse and chocolate mousse.
Betsy introduced the informative video, which was personalized with patient stories and testimonies, and also “revealed groundbreaking research projects that will transform patients’ lives in the future.”
            Keynote speaker, Terry Price, Director of Music at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church and grateful patient, shared his heartfelt, moving story. Tinnitus had been haunting him for years, getting louder and worse in recent years to the point of interfering with his career and life. After consulting with various doctors, receiving brain scans and MRIs, and even trying alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, with no results, Terry was referred to Callier. He visited the center and underwent intense personalized evaluation and treatment. His life has been changed forever for the better, giving him hope for the future. His tearful story brought a standing ovation.
Dr. Campbell introduced Ruth Altshuler, a namesake of the Ruth and Ken Altshuler Callier Care Award with her husband, Dr. Ken Altshuler. Ruth shared personal stories of Sara’s accomplishments with Callier and thanked the Cullum sisters for their leadership and dedication to Callier. She read a passage from a letter that she wrote to Sara 20 years ago, remarking that Sara was a leader at that time and has continued supporting her community in so many ways.
 Dr. Ken Altshuler took the podium and presented the Ruth and Ken Altshuler Callier Care Award to Sara. Sara recognized her family, friends and supporters. She especially thanked her husband, David, who for the past 52 years has supported her as she has dedicated so much time to volunteering in the community. Quoting Gandhi, she said, “The future depends on what we do in the present.” Again, a rousing, standing ovation.
The Ruth and Ken Altshuler Callier Care Award is presented annually to an individual or group of individuals who has contributed significantly to the betterment of the community and to advancing the care of patients with communication disorders. Mrs. Martineau, past president of the Foundation for the Callier Center and longtime Callier advocate, was recognized for her passionate commitment to making life better for people of all ages with communication disorders. Proceeds from the event will benefit patients in need through the Callier Care Fund.
Ruth and Ken Altshuler created the fund to help children and adults who would otherwise be unable to afford treatment to overcome speech, language and hearing disorders.

Libby Hunt, former luncheon chair; Tucean Franks


Lois Wolf, Lauren Trahan, Andrea Wolf, Gabriela Jones

Rue Henry, Bennett Cullum, Linda McFarland
Terry Price, Director of Music at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, featured speaker; Dr. Linus Wright;  Dr. Thomas Campbell, the Ludwig A. Michael, M.D. Callier Center Executive Director and the Sara T. Martineau Professor in Communication Disorders.

John and Barbara Stuart, former luncheon chair

Betsy Cullum and Sissy Cullum, luncheon chairs

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Ruth Altshuler and the J. Erik Jonsson Ethics Award Luncheon

I just got back to the office from one of the most inspiring luncheons I have ever attended.  The 2011 J. Erik Jonsson Ethics Award was presented to Ruth Altshuler in the beautiful Martha Proctor Mack Grand Ballroom in the Umphrey Lee Center at SMU.

Just being in this beautiful room was a treat to itself.  Mrs. Altshuler told me earlier this week that the room was so ugly until Interior Designer Extraordinaire Emily Summers donated her time and services.  The room is so chic now!  The walls are finished in gorgeous gray Venetian Plaster and the white columns and mouldings are so fresh and cheerful.

But being in the room in such great company was truly special!  The luncheon, chaired by the stylish Nancy Strauss Halbreich, was attended by an outstanding group of Mrs. Altshuler's friends including the charming former First Lady Laura Bush and the accomplished Nancy Brinker.

Mrs. Bush applauded Mrs. Altschuler for her tireless efforts and fantastic sense of humor.  She said that she once described her as a "Grand Dame" of Dallas but Mrs. Altshuler said, "That's fine but I would prefer to be called a Cute Young Thing!"  Mrs. Brinker applauded Mrs. Altshuler for her leadership and for bringing out the best in others.

The most touching moments of the event came when Mrs. Altshuler's daughter, Sally Sharp Harris, shared stories of her mother's caring heart.  She told us about the people who were hurting and struggling that her mom would read about in the paper.  She would cry over their situations and then go and visit them in the hospital or have them over for Sunday Supper.  She remained friends with them for many years.   Mrs. Altshuler's accomplishments have been talked about for years but the way she reached out to people with out any fanfare or any eyes watching her is a true testament to her sincerity and genuinely kind spirit.

When Mrs. Altshuler had her turn at the microphone she dazzled everyone in attendance by calling all of her charming grandchildren up to the stage.  She then shared adorable stories of her childhood and she had everyone laughing.  I can't think of a lady more deserving for such a prestigious award!

The luncheon closed with Mrs. Altshuler's grandson's singing their tribute song to her.  Their successful band is called Warren Charles they clearly adore their gramma!  To top it all of, today is her birthday so we all sang "Happy Birthday to Ruthie" at the end of the event.

Congratulations Mrs. Altshuler!  You deserve it!