Courtesy photo.
Individuals and organizations with East Dallas connections will be honored at the Dallas History Makers Awards for Excellence Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 20.
The luncheon is held by and benefits the Dallas Historical Society at Fairmont Dallas. It’s the Dallas Historical Society’s 44th annual award event that started in 1981 and recognizes those who serve the community.
This year, Dr. Robert Fine — who works near Baylor University Medical Center — is receiving an award in the Health/Science category for “his commitment to palliative care for end-of-life patients and their families, through lectures and teaching,” according to a press release.
“As the director of Baylor Scott & White Health’s 18 supportive palliative teams, he is an expert leader in this much neglected field,” according to the press release.
In the Volunteer Community Leadership award category is the Founders Garden Club of Dallas for its restoration and preservation of the Aldredge House Museum Conservatory. The Historic Aldredge House is located on Swiss Avenue.
Former state representative Harryette Ehrhardt is being honored in the History category “for her dedication to the preservation of historic structures and those whose stories helped build them, the staunch humanitarian is a symbol of how history can benefit our community,” according to the press release. Ehrhardt also helped establish the Constellation of Living Memorials pilot program that started at Warren Ferris Cemetery in Forest Hills and was one of the founders of the Texas Women’s Foundation.
See the rest of the award recipients below, as described by the press release.
Arts Leadership – Dr. Samuel S. Holland
Honored for being a long-standing champion of the Dallas arts community and as the Dean of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University, he has fostered an environment where innovation and artistic excellence thrive by bringing his leadership and musical accomplishments to the faculty and student population.
Business – Microchip Cookies
Honored for being founded by two “Mompreneurs in America” according to the Katie Couric Show, the Microchip Cookie is the world’s smallest chocolate chip cookie and has become an international sensation.
Creative Arts – Tomás Bustos
Honored for being a distinguished artist, educator, and mentor, Tomás Bustos founded the Fine Arts Sculpture Studio, nurturing emerging artists. In retirement he is involved inMasterpiece Relief for the Blind, which makes fine art accessible to the visually impaired through 3D relief sculptures.
Education – Mary Pat Higgins
Honored for her dedication to education as the former Head and CFO of The Hockaday School and currently the President and CEO of The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, her devotion to education in our community on civil rights, history, and social injustice is unparalleled.
Humanities – Donna Wilhelm
Honored for her thoughtful and deliberate support of mental health, conservation and education efforts, her involvement with the Dallas Theater Center, KERA, NPR Foundation, DFW World Affair Council, and SMU Meadows Data Arts, to name a few, has enhanced their services and programming.
Philanthropy – Hoblitzelle Foundation
Honored for approving over 3,500 grants to Dallas and Texas’s non-profit community since 1942. The Foundation has supported institutions that provide social, cultural, educational, and medical services.
Jubilee History Maker – Friends of the Katy Trail
Honored for a 25+ year commitment to transforming an abandoned 3.5-mile rail line that ran through the middle of Dallas into a flourishing outdoor amenity that offers Dallas a clean, safe,and beautiful trail. This public-private venture is a prime example of how such a partnership can benefit the citizens of Dallas. With millions of visits from the community each year the Katy Trail has become a recreational haven for Dallas.
