Let’s be very brutal. Everything that is born will die. That’s a cold reality. It’s not a question of how good you’ve been or how rich you are. It’s just a plain fact that in most cases the body wears out despite the best technology and greatest love. But the true issue is how to face those final weeks, days and hours. It’s hard to undertake this step of life for the person as well as his/her family, but it must be addressed.
While some may consider hospice the kiss of death, it’s not. It’s a truly remarkable program with people who have compassion, resources and experience in making this transition easier for the individual and their family and friends.
Why bring this up? Because Presbyterian Communities and Services Foundation held its 4th annual Each Moment Matters luncheon benefiting 10-year-old Faith Presbyterian Hospice at the Anatole on Friday, November 1 to a sell-out crowd of 1,150 in the Chantilly Ballroom.
While keynote speaker Bishop T. D. Jakes with wife Serita by his side was the rock star surrounded by legions of fans and friends including Jan Miller and Presbyterian Communities and Services President/CEO Godwin Dixon, it was the 49 honorees who mingled among the crowd that were the stealth stars of the day.
For instance, when the doors opened at 11:42 and the guests started filling the ballroom, Jennifer and Rev. Dr. Joe Clifford moseyed on in like a couple on a date. In their case, it sorta was. Between Jennifer’s work at Communities Foundation of Texas and Joe’s non-stop work as senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church, their “time-off” is rare. Joe chuckled that he was home the night before for Halloween with his kids. They gave no sign of their being one of the 49, whose portraits lined the tables in the lobby.
What is the criteria for being recognized as one of the 49? Well, they are individuals, couples and families “who exemplify the following attributes:
- Compassion and excellence in daily living;
- Faith in serving others with joy, gratitude, respect and kindness;
- Courage in empowering, educating and giving hope to others;
- Integrity in maintaining a high level of ethics, reliability, trust and decency.
Once inside the ballroom, those portraits were individually presented on four mammoth screens. One of the mistakes for these occasion is the placement of the screens. Too often they are placed on either side of the stage. What’s wrong with that layout? Well, the people at the round tables facing the stage have their view for the main action. But if you are seated with your back to the stage, you have to rely on your flexibility to turn around and see what the heck is going on. And forget that plan entirely if you’re trying to eat at the same time.
But let’s face it — those mega screens cost a pretty penny, so the nonprofits can’t be faulted for scrimping in this area.
However, the Each Moment Matters folks were smart and knew that showcasing their fabulous 49 was a major part of the program, and so four screens were placed around the room.
Unfortunately, the video intro had a hiccup that caused it to stop-and-start-and-stop. This situation was followed by a voice over the PA announcing the Rev. Karl Schwarz, who gave the invocation. After a brief munching of lunch, the video was back and on its best behavior.
Following a welcome by Chair Dalene Buhl and Vice-Chair Linda Humphries, emcee/KDFW-CH. 4 anchor Clarice Tinsley explained how the honorees would be presented. While some may have been skeptical, thinking that the presentation of 49 would take a couple of hours, they soon learned that would not be the case. Clarice established the ground rules — honorees would be announced, come up, get their award and have their photos taken on either side of the stage. Then she issued a plea that she admitted would be tough on all concerned — hold your applause until the very end. As the process took place, it was obvious that hands were so tempted to come together, but everyone played by the rules as the 49 were recognized.
And just who were these 49? Of course, you want to know, so here goes:
- Audie Adkins
- Thelma and Arzell Ball, EdD
- Rev. Patsy and the late Rev. Ben J. Beltzer
- Mary and Frank Bonno
- Jacqueline and Guy Brown III
- John R. Buhl
- Carol Casey
- April Box Chamberlain
- Hak Ja and Ky Mo Chung
- Jennifer and Rev. Dr. Joe Clifford
- Betty and the Honorable Bill Coker
- Martha “Marty” and Russ Coleman
- Susan and John Cuellar
- Terry Flowers, EdD
- Jerome M. “Jerry” Fullinwider
- Robert E. Hall
- Cherry and David A. Haymes, M.D.
- Frank L. Higginbottom, D.D.S.
- John (Fox) Holt III and Jordan (Josh) Holt
- Joan and Chuck Hudson
- Betsy and Clyde Jackson
- Brenda L. Jackson
- Kara M. Janasak
- Dennis Jenkins
- Elaine and William “Bill” Johnson
- Mary and Charles Ku, D.D.S.
- Nancy Kurkowski
- The late Kerney Laday Sr.
- David Marquis
- Marianne and Thomas H. McConnell III, M.D.
- Sue B. and Rev. Dr. John M. McCoy Jr.
- Jane McManus
- Louisa O. Meyer
- Maryann Sarris Mihalopoulos
- Twila and Ted Moore, D.D.S.
- Betty Muse
- Charles H. Newby
- Cynthia Nott
- Janine Pulman
- Brad Soper
- The late Louis N. “Bill” Sparkman Jr.
- Wayne Spencer
- Mike Stanley
- Roena and Charles Tandy, M.D
- The Walker Family including: Sharon and Bob Walker, Sarah Walker Kinard and Matt Kinard and Amanda Walker
- Barbara Lord Watkins
- Beth Webb
- Marsha L. Williams
- Chief Justice Carolyn Wright
Following the presentation, Bishop Jakes told the audience “that one of [his] greatest accomplishments in life was being there for [his] mother every step of the way at the end of her life.”
As he explained, “We don’t get to choose how we come into the world or choose how we go. We are not just Americans. We are people and people deserve dignity. . . Love, dignity and support is what’s important. And that’s what Faith Presbyterian Hospice does.”
He revealed that it was “sitting by my mother while she was dying, I began writing about how we must all live life to the fullest, while we are vibrant and strong, so we can care for others.” That writing resulted in his book, “Maximize the Moment.”
Thanks to Bishop Jakes, the honorees and those gathered for the luncheon, more than $470,000 was raised.