Trevor Rees-Jones Receives the 2011 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

Oct. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- Methodist Health System Foundation presented the 2011 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award to Dallas businessman and philanthropist Trevor Rees-Jones at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on October 5. Established in 2005, the award recognizes individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulates the achievements of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom.

Jim Francis, event chair of the Folsom Leadership Award, welcomed 700 attendees and announced the evening's surprise emcee. "It's my privilege to introduce my close friend, who is also a great admirer of Trevor Rees-Jones and someone who President George W. Bush, our Honorary Chair, refers to as ‘the architect,' my friend Karl Rove."

Karl Rove said, "It is an honor to be with you all this evening to celebrate the leadership of Trevor Rees-Jones. What a true Texas and Dallas icon. He is what servant leadership is all about, and one can look around and see by the support in this room that you all feel the same way."

Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO April Box Chamberlain thanked Mr. Francis and Mr. Rove. "Thanks to Jim Francis, along with our Honorary Chairs President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, and the incredible generosity of everyone in this room, I am pleased to announce this event honoring Trevor Rees-Jones has raised more than $1 million to benefit Methodist Health System."

She added, "In honor of the mission and vision of the Rees-Jones Foundation, proceeds will be used to support Methodist Health System's Pastoral Care Ministries. As a faith-based health system, Methodist strives each day to serve God by ministering to those most in need in our community. Our chaplains, seminarians, and religious lay-workers of all faiths provided more than 130,000 pastoral visits last year alone, continuing Methodist's 85-year legacy of faith and healing."

Dr. Reverend Ron Scates, senior pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation followed by dinner. During dinner, chart-topping Texas vocalist and favorite of Trevor Rees-Jones, Randy Rogers, performed for the guests.

After an exciting video montage featuring programs and services at Methodist, President and CEO of Methodist Health System, Dr. Stephen Mansfield, said, "Methodist has an 85-year legacy of faith and healing for the communities we serve. And it is truly a partnership with our community. Last year alone Methodist provided almost $83 million in uncompensated charity care. And the need continues to grow. So thank you for your gift that will serve even more people each year."

A tribute video included congratulations from President George H.W. Bush, former Dallas Mavericks Coach Avery Johnson, business leaders H. Ross Perot, Jr. and T. Boone Pickens, Dartmouth College President Jim Yong Kim, and numerous friends and family.

After the video, Karl Rove said, "Methodist Health System Foundation Board Chairman Steve Folsom and I are proud to present your 2011 Robert S. Folsom Leadership recipient Trevor Rees-Jones."

Rees-Jones said, "I can't tell you how honored I am. I am so fortunate and blessed. Thank you to Methodist, for your service to our community. I gratefully accept this award on behalf of my wife Jan, sons Trevor and David, the Rees-Jones Foundation and all of you who work for Methodist. As stewards, we're called to share of our resources, and to provide for others spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. Methodist provides quality, compassionate healthcare, particularly in South Dallas, and I'm honored to be accepting an award bearing Robert Folsom's name."

As Methodist's largest fundraiser, the Folsom events have raised more than $7 million over the past seven years to benefit Methodist Health System's programs and services. Past Folsom Leadership Award recipients include Robert S. Folsom (2005), Nancy Ann Hunt (2006), Troy Aikman (2007), Laura Bush (2008), the late Norman Brinker (2009), and Pat and Emmitt Smith (2010).

About Methodist Health System
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated care to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Midlothian Health Center, and Methodist Family Health Centers are part of the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 2010 Methodist Health System provided more than $82.6 million in unreimbursed charity care. Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org.

Methodist Health System is a nonprofit organization. For those interested in supporting the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award or other vital health care and community programs, please contact the Methodist Health System Foundation at 214-947-4555 or visit online at www.MethodistHealthSytem.org/Foundation.