2025 Educational First Steps Gala Announcement

Join Educational First Steps for the 2025 Gala

​Be part of an unforgettable evening with featured speakers President George W. Bush and Former First Lady Laura Bush, as they unite to support early childhood education in North Texas. Your presence will help transform the lives of children in underserved communities by ensuring access to high-quality early learning.

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Enjoy an inspiring night filled with powerful stories, renowned speakers, and opportunities to connect with others who believe in the power of education.

Together, we can shape a brighter future for all children.

Ritz-Carlton Dallas

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

VIP Reception ~ 4:45 - 5:45pm

EFS Gala ~ 6:00 - 8:00pm

Register here: 2025 EFS Gala | Educational First Steps

Inaugural Visionary Luncheon with President and Mrs. George W. Bush

This year marks the 35th anniversary of vision research at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest. To celebrate this milestone, President and Mrs. George W. Bush will speak together at the inaugural Visionary Luncheon on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Omni Hotel in Dallas.

The Retina Foundation of the Southwest depends on community support and donations to fulfill its mission to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment. Each year approximately 2,300 patients ranging from infants to seniors receive in-depth visual testing at no charge to advance our research and clinical trials that result in better treatments for eye disease.

 

Please join us for the inaugural Visionary Luncheon featuring a conversation between President and Mrs. George W. Bush, moderated by multi-Emmy-award-winning journalist, Shelly Slater. Our emcee is the Chairman/CEO of the Emmy Award-winning video/television production and A/V event company, Murray Media, Scott Murray. 

10:30 am Doors open and Registration begins

11:30 am Luncheon begins

1:00 pm Event Concludes

http://retinafoundation.org/visionaryluncheon/

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.”

Treasure Street Raises Over $1.2M for TSRH

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) celebrated its 90th birthday in October with more than 1,500 guests at Treasure Street, the hospital’s signature fundraising event. Friends from across the state joined in the momentous occasion that raised more than $1.2 million for the hospital. The 16th annual Treasure Street featured a live performance by Grammy-award winning artist Lee Ann Womack. Treasure Street honorary event chairmen were President and Mrs. George W. Bush, and the event chairmen were Carolyn & Karl Rathjen, M.D.
Hal Urschel; Christi Urschel; Linda Carter; Don Carter
Photo by Dana Driensky

In celebration of the hospital’s birthday, a nine-foot-tall birthday cake served as the centerpiece for the room. A champagne toast and traditional singing of “Happy Birthday” complimented the festive event. More than 200 unique items were available in the silent auction ranging from gorgeous jewelry to kids items and unique sports packages for party guests to browse.
Karl Rathjen; Carolyn Rathjen (2011 Treasure Street Event Chairman); J. C. Montgomery, Jr.
Photo by Dana Driensky

A highlight of the evening included an exhilarating live auction thanks to a donor who contributed a custom-made ranch and hunting buggy. After bidding reached an all time high on the item, he agreed to donate another buggy so that both bidders could receive one. The evening was a true celebration of the more than 200,000 patients the hospital has treated since it opened in 1921 and the generosity of the many friends who support the hospital’s mission. Stubbs Davis; Holly Davis; Lynn McBee; Allan McBee
Photo by Daniel Driensky

Treasure Street was established in 1996 by a group of TSRHC patient families with children affected by Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Through the years, event proceeds have provided important funds for the hospital’s TSC Clinic. These funds support advances in research such as the development of a commercial DNA test for TSC, a landmark breakthrough that benefits all children. Thanks to the support of Treasure Street, the TSC Clinic is a model clinic throughout the world today.

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital's Treasure Street 2011

The 16th annual Treasure Street, signature event of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC), will serve as TSRHC’s official 90th birthday party on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Under the leadership of 2011 Treasure Street chairmen, Carolyn & Karl Rathjen, M.D., the highly anticipated evening will include a variety of celebratory activities and feature a live performance by Grammy award-winning singer Lee Ann Womack. This is an annual charity event that you don't want to miss!

To help celebrate TSRHC’s rich history, President and Mrs. George W. Bush will serve as honorary event chairmen. TSRHC was fortunate to have the Bush’s serve as honorary chairmen of the hospital’s 75th birthday celebration in 1996, and is honored to have them involved again. Dodge Carter is the 2011 Treasure Street Board Chairman, and Margaret Carter and Harold Carter are the Honorary Board Chairmen. Susan and Stephen Butt and Betsy and Richard Eiseman, Jr., are Treasure Street event co-chairmen elect.

Treasure Street will take place under a large, climate-controlled tent on hospital grounds to accommodate the more than 1,200 attendees expected to attend. Guests will enjoy various food offerings, bidding in the silent auction, and a “90th birthday toast” complete with cake and champagne. Texas-born singer and songwriter Lee Ann Womack will entertain the crowd with a special performance.

New to this year’s event, Heritage Auction Gallery, the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer, will host an online auction as a prelude to the event, with proceeds benefiting Treasure Street. Items such as a Verdura Maltese vintage cuff, a one of a kind Victory motorcycle and Miranda Lambert concert package, complete with backstage passes, will be featured. Online bidding is currently open at www.ha.com/treasurestreet and ends Sunday, October 16.

For more information about Treasure Street, please visit the event website at www.treasurestreet.com. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are still available.

Ebby Halliday 100th Birthday Celebration

Each and every birthday should be special, but a 100th birthday celebration should be an extravaganza, and that is exactly what is going to take place for Ebby Halliday's big century party!

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is pleased to announce Ebby 100, the Ebby Halliday 100th Birthday Celebration benefiting this wonderful cause.

Halliday is not only a savvy businesswoman, but a volunteer extraordinaire in the Dallas community, yet her devotion seems to have no borders, nor does she lack youthfulness and giving. She stands by a quote said by her late-husband, which explains a lot about her character, "Do something for someone every day." That she does...

Come join in the festivities that the Steering Committee, led by Honorary Chairs President & Mrs. George W. Bush and Event Chairs Steve & Barb Durham, have worked tediously on with a solid committee for a night full of excitement!

The revelry includes a cocktail reception, fabulous seated dinner, a Dallas Symphony Orchestra concert with guest artist Mario Frangoulis, followed by a lavish dessert reception. The whole time, paying tribute to the lady of the evening.

The concert, honoring Ms. Halliday will provide college scholarships for Texas students administered by the Horatio Alger Association. Since 1984 they have helped their "heroes" of the future with over 70 million in scholarships.

What a fun sounding evening, so be sure to save-the-date! It will surely be a beautiful equivalent for an outstanding lady who has devoted so much to local community and beyond. This certainly will be an event you do not want to miss.

WHAT: Ebby Halliday 100th Birthday Celebration Benefiting The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 5:00 PM. Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets and for additional ticket information.

WHERE: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora Dallas, Texas 75201.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Email: ebby100@fanfares.com / Phone: 800.498.0843