It was turn out of heavy hitters for the 89th Annual Linz Award Luncheon presented by The Dallas Morning News, Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Foundation on Monday, April 16, at the Omni. No wonder since the recipient was attorney and longtime civic leader Tom Luce. He joined the ranks of previous Linz Awardees who were in attendance including Ross Perot, Ray Hunt, Lindalyn Adams, Walt Humann, Tom Dunning, Bob Thonton, Dolores Barzune, Caren Prothro, Ron Steinhart, John Scovell, Pete Schenkel, Erle Nye, Deedie Rose, Debbie Branson and Lyda Hill, who served as emcee for the annual luncheon. Here is a report from the field:
Sustaining members of the Junior League of Dallas organized the 89th Annual Linz Award luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel Monday, April 16, where presenting sponsors The Dallas Morning News, Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Foundation presented Tom Luce with the prestigious Linz Award. The annual Linz Award has been the Dallas area’s highest form of recognition of individuals whose civic or humanitarian efforts over the last decade or more have bestowed the greatest benefit to our city.
Community leaders gathered to honor Tom Luce and recognize him for the transformational contributions he has made with children’s education and mental health initiatives, not only in Dallas, but statewide and on a national level. The 88th Linz Award recipient Lyda Hill welcomed guests and introduced the St. Philip’s School and Community Center’s second grade choir, which opened the ceremony with a delightful performance of “God Bless America.”
Before guests like Barbara Moroney, Camille Grimes, Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata, Jennifer Tobin, Alicia Hall, Ken Luce, Andy Keller, Matthew Tucker, Jennifer and Peter Altabef, Ann and Alan Bogdanow, Dr. Charles Key, Margot Perot, Trisha Cunningham, Tim Norris, David Biegler, Toni Williams, Susan and Joel Williams, Helen Holman, Susan Luce, Ellen Tucker, Phyllis Steinhart, Gary Garcia, Lynn McBee, Sally and Thomas Dunning, Bea Humann, Pat Schenkel, Litty Turner, Catherine Turner Russell, Larry Barzune, Linda McFarland, Diane Scovell, Karen Shuford, Vera Thornton, Matt and Bitsy Hudnall, Jack Knox, Ellen and Don Williams, Gay and William T. Solomon, Peggy Carr and Pat and Claude Prestidge were served, JLD Sustainer President Ginger Sager and Linz Award Luncheon Chair Christina Norris welcomed attendees and acknowledged the sponsors who made the event possible.
Hillwood General Counsel Del Williams introduced the distinctive honoree explaining how through his many achievements Tom had earned and deserved this honor. Next, former President George W. Bush, who once appointed Tom as Assistant Secretary for Education, shared a heartfelt and congratulatory message via video. Then, The Dallas Morning News CEO Jim Moroney praised Tom for his acts of service in the Dallas community. Both Communities Foundation of Texas President/CEO Dave Scullin and The Dallas Foundation Incoming President/CEO Matthew Randazzo recalled their history with Mr. Luce, personally and professionally, and expressed how much he has inspired them in their own journeys.
As Tom accepted his award, the crowd that was full of high school friends, colleagues and family gave him a standing ovation. Before Tom began his remarks he lovingly recognized his wife of 58 years, Pam Luce, commenting that she has been the wind beneath his wings throughout his journey. Tom credited his accomplishments to the many leaders who had come before him noting that without the wave they created, he would not have had anything to ride on to reach this point. He encouraged the audience to be the changemakers, the leaders and the ones creating the waves for the next generation. As guests gathered to congratulate and reminisce with Tom, Ms. Hill closed the ceremony by thanking all who were involved and encouraged everyone who has ever wanted to do something to “just do it.”
* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron Smith