JUST IN: Rev. Mark Craig To Receive Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award

Apr 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The recipient of the 2013 Robert S.  Folsom Leadership Award was just announced. Receiving the prestigious award on Tuesday, September 24, at the Hilton Anatole will be Highland Park United Methodist Church’s Rev. Mark Craig.

Rev. Mark Craig

Rev. Mark Craig

While the September fundraiser for the Methodist Health System  is still a summer away, April is going to be a busy one for Mark, who will be retiring this month from his duties at HPUMC. Despite giving his final sermon as HPUMC pastor on April 21, he will “give the prayer for the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on Thursday, April 25.”

Talk about six degrees of separation. In addition to HPUMC being Laura and George Bush’s “home church,” Laura received the Folsom Award in in 2008.

If you need a refresher course on all of Mark’s accomplishments, check out this info provided by Methodist Health System:

“Community advocate Mark Craig is retired Senior Minister of Highland Park United Methodist Church, one of the largest and most mission-oriented churches in the nation. He is a passionate leader, an engaging speaker, and an innovative problem solver.  Craig’s ministry career spans over 40 years including establishing Custer Road United Methodist Church in Plano in 1980 and serving there as Senior Pastor for 15 years before being appointed Senior Minister at Highland Park in 1995.

“Through the years, Craig has received personal invitations from former President George W. Bush to preach at the gubernatorial inauguration in 1999, the private family service prior to Bush’s first presidential inauguration as well as the sermon at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. before his second presidential inauguration. He served on the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees and is a long-standing member of the Board of Trustees at Southern Methodist University.

“A  long time friend and colleague, SMU President Dr. R. Gerald Turner reflected on Craig’s time at HPUMC, ‘When we both arrived in the summer of 1995, we mutually committed to strengthening the role of Highland Park United Methodist Church as the ‘campus church.’ Through his close work and relationship with the Perkins School of Theology, his making the facilities of the church available to University departments, and his efforts to make church services address the needs and interests of students, faculty, and staff, the church has grown both in number and in importance to the University community.’

“Under the leadership of Mark Craig, the 15,000 congregants of Highland Park United Methodist Church brought his vision to life over the past 18 years most notably in the area of selfless service to the local Dallas community. In 2005, HPUMC was the first institution in Dallas to make a sizable financial commitment to the City of Dallas, ultimately raising over $4 million toward the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Craig also played an integral part in driving the largest home building commitment in the history of Habitat for Humanity including 300 domestic and international home constructions. Rev. Craig played a significant role in the fundraising effort that led to the $4.5 million renovation of historic St. Paul United Methodist Church in the Arts District.  HPUMC’s recent renovation of Munger Place Church has resulted in a vibrant new worship community, a key part of the broader East Dallas revitalization effort. In addition, Rev. Craig has offered leadership in creation of an orphanage in Costa Rica and an expansive special needs program at HPUMC.

“Mark Craig graduated with a Masters of Divinity from the Duke University Divinity School. He and his wife, Dr. Sandra Craig, reside in Dallas and have two grown sons and a daughter whom they adopted in China.”

Proceeds from the 2013 Folsom event will benefit the Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.

Photo provided by Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award
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Roberts S. Folsom Leadership Award Patron Party For Mike Boone Reaches New Heights At The Ritz-Carlton

Oct 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Trevor and Jan Rees-Jones

Jan Rees-Jones teases that she and husband Trevor are like Lisa and Oliver on TV’s “Green Acres.” She’s a city gal and he loves the country life. That explains the twosome having a penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton and a land-line home in other parts of Dallas. But it was the Ritz residence with its two terraces overlooking downtown Dallas and toward Fort Worth, a mind-boggling collection of western art and furnishings that would send any interior decorator swooning, that was the place to be Tuesday night.

Rees-Jones western art

The only thing missing were jokes about lawyers. You know, how many does it take to . . .. That’s because Dallas’ finest legal eagles were filling the Rees-Jones nest in the sky for the Methodist Health System Foundation‘s Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award patron party. The reason for all the barristers and other influential types like Toni Brinker, Gerald Ford, Jim Francis, Sarah and

Mike Boone

Ross Perot Jr. is one of Dallas’ great attorneys — Mike Boone — will be presented the award on Tuesday, October 30, at the Hilton Anatole.

However, despite the splendor of the surroundings and the heady crowd, there was a certain tension in the room about staying close to the timeline. At 8 p.m., the second presidential debate was to take place. Jan laughed at the thought of guests feeling a need to scurry home to watch the debate. “We’ve got lots of TV’s here,” she said, indicating they could just settle back and watch it at the Rees-Jones place.

April Box Chamberlain

Methodist Health System Foundation President/CEO April Box Chamberlain looked like a homecoming queen when it was revealed that a record-breaking amount ($1.45M) had been raised for Mike’s designated group — Methodist’s neurology operations.

Host Trevor admitted that his relationship with Mike was not due only to their recent professional dealings [“I was very fortunately put in touch with Mike Boone. He doesn’t need a new client, but he has helped me in a way that’s beyond belief. … He must be the first cousin to the Energizer Bunny. … I don’t think he (even) has an assistant”], or their both being honored with the Folsom Award. Rather, Mike was the referee when Trevor played on a fifth-grade YMCA football team. Trevor smiled and said of Mike, “So, he must be really old.”

Fred Hegi

Another one who didn’t pull any punches in talking to the group about the honoree was dinner co-chair Fred Hegi, whose relationship with Mike started at SMU. “Mike and I go back a long time. Met 50 years ago at SMU. I was a green naïve freshman, and Boone was a hazing senior.”

Then, getting serious, Fred said what most already knew — Mike is the go-to guy for many non-profits with legal issues.

Marla Boone

With his wife Marla looking on, Mike then recognized Robert S. Folsom’s son, Steve, and kidded him that his dad had had the “longest eligibility” ever for NCAA football — seven or eight years.

Mike then told the group that Methodist System is so important to this area, especially for the Southern Sector. In touring the new trauma facility and talking to Dr. James Moody, he made the decision to direct the money raised from the evening to the neurological programs.

In keeping with the timeline, the talks were over promptly at 7:30, and the guests hit the elevator to make it home in time for the debate.

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Share-A-Date: 2012 Methodist Health System Foundation Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award

Jun 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Fred Hegi (File photo)

Tuesday, October 30: The deets have just been announced about this fundraiser for Methodist Health System Foundation. Event chair Fred Hegi revealed that the 2012 Methodist Health System Foundation Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award will be presented to Mike Boone at a dinner at the Hilton Anatole.

While many know Mike as the co-founder of Haynes and Boone, there are still many more who recognize him from his leadership and countless contributions in improving the education system. For his years of work, he has been recognized time and time again with countless accolades. 

The award is presented to individuals who have “demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership [emulating] the achievements of  former Dallas mayor Robert S. Folsom.”

Mike will be joining the ranks of Trevor Rees-Jones (2011), Pat and Emmitt Smith (2010), the late Norman Brinker (2009), former first lady Laura Bush (2008), Troy Aikman (2007), Nancy Ann Hunt (2006) and the award’s namesake Robert S. Folsom (2005).

Having raised more that $7 million since 2005, this year’s proceeds will go to the new Neuro Critical Care Unit at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.

For those who join the 2012 Folsom Leadership Circle ($10K), they’ll be treated to a patron party at Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones‘ home.

Hey, Mike, when it comes to picking out dessert for the dinner, check with Trevor. He picked a winner last year.

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Share-A-Date: 2011 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

Jul 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Trevor Rees-Jones

Wednesday, October 5: Years ago the world associated the name “Trevor Rees-Jones” with the bodyguard involved in Princess Diana’s fatal car accident. However, the name conjured up an entirely different face and type for North Texas locals. Their Trevor was a nice, young Highland Park fella who worked hard and had earned degrees from Dartmouth and SMU Law School. After a stint at practicing oil and gas reorganizing law at Thompson & Knight, he left law and plunged into the oil fields himself in 1984.

Now fast-forward. Dallas’ Trevor discovered a gusher of a success in the Barnett Shale and set about sharing his wealth with numerous nonprofits especially those involving children and health.

With all of this in mind, the Methodist Health System Foundation will present the 2011 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award to Trevor at a dinner in the Hilton Anatole Hotel. 

(For the new kids in the hood, the award recognizes individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulates the achievements of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom.)

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.” 

Chairing the event will be fellow Highland Park graduate Jim Francis, who has arranged for his good buds Laura and George W. Bush to serve at honorary chairs.

If you recall last year’s dinner honoring Pat and Emmitt Smith had a surprise presenter — Mark Cuban. Those Methodist Health System Foundation folks know how to honor VIPs.

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Pat and Emmitt Smith To Be Honored With Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award And A Very Special Friends’ Party

Sep 14, 2010 by 2 Comments

 

Photo provided by Methodist Health System

As if Pat and Emmitt Smith (pictured) haven’t had enough in their lives in recent months. His being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Pat getting ready any moment to deliver the newest Smith baby. His being honored at Friday night’s Super Bowl concert at Cowboys Stadium. Whew! Aren’t we worn out just thinking of all that?

 

Well, prepare yourself. It’s just been announced that the twosome will receive the 2010 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award at a dinner on Thursday, November 11 (Veterans Day), at the Hilton Anatole.

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 former Mayor Robert Folsom. 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.

Past recipients have included Mayor Folsom, Nancy Ann Hunt, Troy Aikman, Laura Bush and the late Norman Brinker.

Speaking of past recipients Troy and Laura, they’re v-e-r-y involved with the Smiths’ honor. Troy and his former teammate Daryl Johnston are co-chairing the event. Not shabby!

But Laura has pushed this one over the top by opening her home for a “special friends” reception on Wednesday, November 3, for major supporters.Okay, let’s get those special friends sending in their support. Just to visit the Bushes’ home is a moment, don’t you know!

In the past, each of these events has raised more than $1 million. Why do we suspect this one is going to top that number?

 

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Pat and Emmitt Smith Are Going To Have A Very Busy Fall

Jul 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment

This fall is going to be a busy one for Dallas’ #1 couples Pat and Emmitt Smith. As if Emmitt’s being inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and being in the spotlight at the North Texas Super Bowl XLV’s final concert, Pat is due to have a baby. Whew!

Now comes word that the twosome will receive the Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award at the annual dinner on Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Hilton Anatole.

Past honorees have included former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom (2005), Nancy Ann Hunt (2006), Troy Aikman (2007), Laura Bush (2008) and the late Norman Brinker (2009). Nice group to hang with.

BTW, each event has netted more than $1 million for Methodist Health System’s programs and services.

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