The Dallas Historical Society’s annual Awards For Excellence luncheon is undergoing some major changes. While other organizations have gone the virtual route, the DHS wanted to have an in-person celebration to show off its digs at the newly renovated Hall of State in Fair Park. With fingers crossed to have such an event, the presentation of the awards will not take place in the traditional month of November. Instead, it has been moved to Thursday, February 18.
And to make it a truly memorable occasion, it will take place in the evening with Pegasus Bank serving as the presenting sponsor.
The 39th Annual AFE awardees include the following:
- Arts Leadership – Gayle Halperin for her commitment to the arts as an advocate, leader, administrator, mentor, and philanthropist, making Dallas a richer environment for all.
- Creative Arts – Jonathan Norton for his work as a homegrown, nationally recognized playwright whose rich characters and stories are inspired by growing up in Dallas.
- Education – Catherine LeBlanc for her dedication to education through her Catch Up and Read program which trains primary school teachers in new and effective reading techniques.
- Health/Sciences – Agape Clinic for providing free medical care to the medically underserved of Dallas for almost 40 years.
- History – Nancy McCoy for her extensive work as a preservation architect in the commercial, cultural, residential, parks, and educational sectors.
- Humanities – Alessandra Comini for her accomplishments as an art historian, lecturer, author, and professor for more than 40 years.
- Philanthropy – Diane Bumpas for celebrating Texas state history and Dallas heritage through her generosity of time, effort, and contributions.
- Volunteer Leadership – Rene Martinez for his long-term dedication to the betterment of Dallas through his accomplishments as an educator, political, and civic leader.
The 2020 Jubilee History Maker Award will be presented to Resource Center CEO Cece Cox for “her leadership and advocacy in the LGBTQ community through her tireless commitment to civil rights for over 30 years.”
According to Dallas Historical Society Board Chair Veletta Forsythe Lill, “These individuals have committed their time and efforts to the betterment of our community. Their accomplishments have contributed to our city’s rich history.”
Tickets aren’t available yet, but did want you to know about the changes and the awardees. Stay tuned.
* Photo provided by Resource Center
Lynne Richardson says
How thrilling to see these wonderful women taking their places in the panoply of Dallas’s leaders in Philanthropy!
I am so proud to live in a city, which appreciates all that the Awardees bring to us every day.
Congratulations All!