As COVID-19 started changing the fundraising world of North Texas last year, the Dallas Historical Society‘s 39th Awards for Excellence in Community Service celebration was changed from the usual November luncheon fundraiser at the Fairmont. Organizers decided to postpone the event to Thursday, February 18, and move it to an evening affair at the Hall of State in Fair Park.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has forced that plan to be scrapped, too. Instead they’ll try again for a November date at the Hall of State.
According to organizers, “Although we regret cancelling this date, the Dallas Historical Society’s Awards for Excellence in Community Service will return November 2021, exact date TBA. A full celebration of honorees and acknowledgement of our supporters is central to the event. In these challenging times, when we wish everyone to be mindful of safety of their interactions, we do not feel that all of these goals are simultaneously possible. Our task ahead is to work with board members, sponsors and community partners to determine the best options for the new date.”
It will still be the 39th Awards for Excellence in Community Service and it will still honor the following area leaders:
- Jubilee History Maker Award – Cece Cox for her leadership and advocacy in the LGBTQ community through her tireless commitment to civil rights for over 30 years.
- 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.