If you’ve never heard of Norman Borlaug, Community Partners of Dallas CEO Paige McDaniel will set you straight. The late agronomist “was known as the man who saved a billion lives for his revolutionary approach to plant breeding that resulted in a wheat variety that exponentially increase yields while actively resisting drought and disease. His green revolution breakthrough saved nearly a billion lives in rural parts of Mexico, India and Pakistan. He dedicated his life’s work to finding ways to end famine and feed the world’s hungry.”
As a result, Borlaug was “one of only six people awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1970), the Presidential Medal of Honor (1977) and the Congressional Gold Medal (2006).”
Upon his death at the age of 95 ten years ago in his Dallas home, Norman’s children released a statement that read, “We would like his life to be a model for making a difference in the lives of others and to bring about efforts to end human misery for all mankind.”
Irving-based Vizient Inc. took this message to heart and created the Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award.
So, why would Paige know about Norman? Well, she, CPD Development VP Joanna Clarke and CPD Corporate Relations Director Corinne Karp were in Las Vegas, where Vizient Inc. awarded CPD the annual Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award along with a $50,000 grant. On hand for the presentation was Norman’s daughter Jennifer Rhoda Marsh, Vizient Chief People Office Colleen Risk, Vizient Community Outreach Director Jennifer Lind and Vizient Associate Director of Community Outreach Stari Ewert.
Upon receiving the award, Paige said, “We are immensely grateful to Vizient, Inc. to be selected as this year’s recipient of the Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award. This generous award will help us continue to meet the immediate and urgent needs of the abused and neglected children we serve in Dallas County. Mr. Borlaug’s life’s work is an inspiration to all, and we are truly humbled to be recognized.”
Colleen explained the CPD’s selection this way: “The important work Community Partners of Dallas is committed to can’t be understated. From fulfilling children’s basic human needs to helping children in crisis, Community Partners of Dallas epitomizes the passion Dr. Borlaug had for his fellow man. It is an honor and a pleasure to recognize Community Partners of Dallas with the Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award.”
While the award will have a place of honor at CPD’s new headquarters, that $50,000 will go a long way toward helping Dallas County’s abused and neglected children.
* Photo provided by Community Partners of Dallas