This past holiday period has been a poignant one for those left behind. An empty place at the dinner table. A “Just checking on you” phone call that wasn’t made. An annual family photo with one person missing.
This sorrowful end-of-year post provides a reflection of the people who left their imprint on family, friends and total strangers. Some had come from far-away places to settle in North Texas. They brought new talents and views that helped create one of the most vibrant communities in the country. Others were native born and exemplified Texas’ legendary can-do spirit and not only welcomed new ideas but helped to make them happen.
Despite coming from different walks of life, they all carved out a part of their time in supporting North Texas non-profits by sharing their talents and opening up their pocketbooks. But each of these people has provided a gift for others to appreciate. Their leadership, their generosity and their courage in tackling challenges have been an inspiration for others. MySweetCharity has included just a few of those whose support of North Texas non-profits was an investment in the future:
- Laurie Evans (December 8, 2023)
- Harry Parker III (January 20)
- Randall Goss (February 13)
- Linda Faulkner Johnston (February 14)
- Bobbie Wygant (February 18)
- Toni Brinker (April 7)
- William Herbert Hunt (April 9)
- Colleen Barrett (May 8)
- Mary Wells Lawrence (May 11)
- Scott Ginsburg (May 26)
- Jeff Kindig (May 31)
- Ellen Terry (June 12)
- Barbara Babb (June 27)
- Ramsey Jabbour ( June 29)
- Doug Adams ( June 30)
- Zac Crain (July 16)
- Katherine Bull (August 19)
- Julie Ford (October 23)
- Al Biernat (November 13)
- Pete Schenkel (November 27)
- Lester Melnick (December 29)
If you have the time, you might want to click on their names to read about their lives. And if you don’t have the time, try to make some. You might be surprised at their remarkable life stories. For instance, two of the women were major forces nurturing North Texas’ airline industry. Another served in the White House. Still another was one of the driving forces in the creation of TACA.