The Dallas Historical Society is changing things up a bit for its fundraiser luncheon. It will be returning to the Fairmont on Friday, November 17 (aka the Friday before Thanksgiving), but it will have a new moniker. Instead of the “Awards For Excellence in Community Service,” it will be “Dallas History Makers Awards For Excellence.”
But the purpose will remain the same — to recognize and honor individuals and organizations for their contributions to the quality of life in Dallas in such categories as Arts Leadership, Creative Arts, Education, History, Humanities, Philanthropy, Sports Leadership and Volunteer Community Leadership.
Joining Luncheon Co-Chairs Daniel Murchison and Laura Woodall will be The Collins Family (Dick Collins, Calvert Collins-Bratton and Genevieve Collins-DeCarme and Dwight DeCarme) as honorary co-chairs.
Board Chair Dr. Roy Washburn revealed the 2023 class of awardees will include the following:
- Dallas Historical Society Benefactor of the Year – Stan Graff – Committed to the Dallas Historical Society and its work in education and preservation of history, specifically Texas history;
- Arts Leadership – Gail Sachson – Committed to the arts as a planner, organizer, fundraiser, collector, historian and educator serving as chair of the Dallas Cultural Affairs Commission, founding Inspire Art Dallas and serving on countless boards benefiting the arts;
- Creative Arts – Lyric Stage – Preserving and developing the great American musical with a commitment to bring exemplary productions to the heart of Dallas at the historic Majestic Theater;
- Education – Dr. Carine Feyten – Chancellor of Texas Woman’s University and serving many of Dallas’ educational organizations with a deeply rooted commitment to educational excellence and equal access opportunities;
- History – Talmage Boston – Dedicated to advancing historical knowledge and inspiring others to learn, enriching our understanding of the past and strengthening our connection to the present;
- Humanities – Friends of Aldredge House – Supporting the operations of the Aldredge House, a living example of history and crown-jewel of Swiss Avenue, providing creative performance pieces and speaker series;
- Jubilee History Maker – Michael Boone – Embodying community spirit and civic leadership that have made a positive impact on public education, the arts, and business in Dallas;
- Sports Leadership – Brad Sham – The voice of the legendary Dallas Cowboys football team for over 40 years, and beloved leader in the Dallas and national sports scene and
- Volunteer Community Leadership – Tori Mannes – Long-time dedication to bettering the lives of families and the future generations of Dallas through education and leadership.
In addition to a three-course luncheon, videos honoring the awardees and the presentation of the awards, the luncheon will end with the traditional champagne toast created by the late historian and author A. C. Greene.
Table sponsorships range from $1,500 to $12,500, with individual sponsorships starting at $600 including one ticket to the patron party and preferred seating. There are a limited number of individual tickets available going for $175 and $300.
* Graphic provided by Dallas Historical Society ** Photo credit: Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio