With Dallas Blooms in full array, the Dallas Arboretum was picture perfect for HHM Health‘s debut of the “Healing Hands Luncheon” on Thursday, March 31. Matching the look of the day’s sold-out fundraiser were guests in floral dresses and bright colors. Why, featured speaker Heisman Trophy winner/NFL Hall of Famer/native son Tim Brown was a real standout in a hot pink jacket.
Thanks to WFAA Sports Anchor Joe Trahan‘s chat with Tim, subjects covered everything from sports to the importance of healthcare. And speaking of healthcare, the Caroline Rose Hunt family was presented with the inaugural Healthcare Innovator Award. Here’s a report from the field:
The weather gods were smiling on the premiere HHM “Healing Hands Luncheon” at the Dallas Arboretum’s on Thursday, March 31. The breezy, somewhat chilly morning gave way to a sunny, albeit cool, setting for the VIP reception outside the Arboretum’s A Tasteful Place overlooking the Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake and thousands of orange, yellow and pink tulips colorfully ablaze during the annual Dallas Blooms festival.
Following a reception and photo opportunity with featured guest speaker Tim Brown, the 300-plus guests moved indoors to Rosine Hall for a sold-out seated lunch and presentation of the inaugural Healthcare Innovator Award which was presented to the Rosewood Foundation which also sponsored the VIP reception. Margot Perot was Luncheon Presenting Sponsor.
WFAA sports anchor Joe Trahan served as master of ceremonies and introduced Gina Betts and Amy Wilson, both of whom were event co-chairs with their husbands, Ken Betts and Paul Wilson. Gina and Amy took the stage, sans spouses, and thanked Honorary Chairman Pam Busbee as well as a large contingent of Crystal Charity Ball committee members in attendance like Christie Carter, Leslie Diers and Candace Winslow.
The 2020 Crystal Charity Ball designated HHM Health, then known as Healing Hands Ministries, as a beneficiary and the non-profit received $650,000 in funding for the finish out of the third floor Women and Children’s Health Center in the Vickery Meadow neighborhood.
Joined by The Rosewood Foundation President John Dziminski and VP Lynn Fisher, Caroline Rose Hunt‘s son Patrick Sands and her granddaughter Julia Sands Cunningham accepted the award referencing her family’s passion to assist the vision-impaired by establishing a vision clinic at HHM Health. Since its inception in 2020 (how appropriate!) approximately 2,000 patients have been served by the clinic “with quality vision healthcare.” HHM Health CEO Brian Hawkins presented the award and introduced a brief video showing the recently launched expansion
Luncheon was followed by an informal Q&A with Joe visiting with Tim on a variety of topics beginning with health care. Tim talked about his idea of healthcare, based on his father’s philosophy was “only going to the doctor when it’s an emergency” while was growing up in Dallas.
Tim elaborated that his years in the professional football world and, as a father of four children, now “dictate” his advocacy for preventative medicine and individual responsibility for one’s healthcare. Joe reminded the audience of Tim’s distinction as the first African American man from Dallas to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame which was met with applause.
That was followed by Tim’s explanation of how he maintained a stellar reputation at Notre Dame and later with 16 years as an LA Raider which he attributed to “great coaches” and a sense of dedication instilled by his parents. Tim and Joe congratulated the “health care heroes” who work at HHM Health throughout their conversation.
* Photo credit: Tamytha Cameron