Michael M. Boone Receives the 2012 Methodist Health System Folsom Leadership Award

Nov. 20, 2012 - PRLog -- Music from the Highland Park High School Bagpipe Corps welcomed more than 750 attendees to the 2012 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on October 30. Established in 2005 by Methodist Health System Foundation, the award recognizes individuals whose demonstrated commitment and excellence in community leadership emulates the achievements of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom. The bagpipes were in honor of this year’s recipient, Highland Park alumnus Michael M. Boone. A skilled lawyer and dedicated community advocate, Boone has worked for education reform throughout the state of Texas.

Event chairman Fred Hegi introduced many of Boone’s achievements by saying, “Mike quietly at times — and often not so quietly — has made a tremendous impact on this city and our state, just like Robert Folsom has done during his life.” Hegi continued, “Mike has left an indelible mark on education throughout this region and the state of Texas. He is the ‘go-to’ person for nonprofit organizations when a tough issue has to be addressed; he is a valued counselor and confidant to so many CEOs and boards of directors around the country; he’s there to help any friend regardless of the circumstance and time required; and he does all of this with the highest of integrity.”

Hegi then introduced a video message from former President George W. and First Lady Laura Bush.

“In every community, there are few individuals who stand out,” President Bush said. “You recognize them by their determination, passion, and unceasing work ethic. They have a habit of putting others’ interests above their own.”

Mrs. Bush, 2008 Folsom Leadership Award honoree, added, “Mike Boone is certainly the epitome of what the Folsom Leadership Award represents. It is especially meaningful to me that he has championed causes near and dear to our hearts: education and access to education in our schools and universities.”

Mrs. Bush then announced the evening’s surprise emcee. “We are pleased to introduce another longtime friend, tonight’s emcee, Karen Hughes,” she said.

Karen Hughes, former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and former counselor to President Bush, said, “Mike is a person of absolute integrity who tells you the way it is. He is loyal, a man who lives his faith; someone who is passionate about education and the future of Texas schoolchildren.” She then described his “Booneisms” — unique malaprops similar to President Bush’s “Bushisms.”

“My favorite Booneism: ‘He can carry himself off if anybody can,’” Hughes said. Booneisms continued to be a theme at the event, as each of the evening’s speakers shared their favorite.

Methodist Health System Foundation President and CEO April Box Chamberlain, CFRE, then took the stage and announced, “Thanks to Fred Hegi and the incredible generosity of everyone here, I am pleased to share that this event honoring Mike Boone ‘is making money hand over foot’ in the words of Mike Boone, and has raised more than any other in our history — $1.47 million — to benefit neurosciences at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.”

Each year, the event is personalized to honor the recipient, and this year was no exception. Wade Hodges, senior minister at Preston Road Church of Christ, where Boone is an elder and Sunday school teacher, gave the invocation. A Buddy Holly impersonator took the stage to serenade guests with Boone’s favorite songs as they dined on a delicious meal of steak, French fries, and coconut cream pie — all Boone’s favorites.      
After an exciting video montage highlighting the Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower project at Methodist Dallas, President and CEO of Methodist Health System Stephen L. Mansfield, PhD, FACHE, 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 $90 million in uncompensated charity care, and the need continues to grow.  Thank you for your gift that will serve even more people each year.”      

A “Law & Order”–style tribute video featuring state Rep. Dan Branch, Judge Harlin “Cooter” Hale, and Haynes and Boone Partner George Bramlett, kept the crowd laughing. The video included highlights of Boone’s career and community service as well as congratulations from many of his colleagues, family, and friends.

After the video, Hughes and Steve Folsom, Methodist Health System Foundation board chairman, presented the 2012 Robert S. Folsom Leadership award to Boone.

“I am deeply honored to accept this award,” said Boone. “The overarching reason for why we are all here tonight is to celebrate and show our support for the great work of the Methodist Health System. Your generosity will make a real difference and send a very resounding message — that Dallas values Methodist for everything it does in curing illness, relieving pain, and saving lives in our community. We could not get by without you.”

Boone ended his remarks with a tribute to his parents, saying, “To the extent that I have successfully contributed back to our community, I want you to know that all the credit belongs to my loving parents. They are the ones who shaped my character and made me who I am today.”

After Boone’s heartfelt speech, there was one last surprise: The doors to the Grand Ballroom were thrown open and the band from Boone’s beloved alma mater, Southern Methodist University, entered and played the fight song for delighted guests. As parting gifts, guests were also treated to fortune cookies bearing entertaining Booneisms.

As Methodist’s largest fundraiser, the Folsom events have benefited Methodist Health System’s programs and services such as trauma, indigent care, pastoral care, and women and children’s health.  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), Pat and Emmitt Smith (2010), and Trevor Rees-Jones (2011). The award has come to be recognized as one of Dallas’ most prestigious and has resulted in more than 4,000 new donors, and netted more than $8 million to benefit critical services at Methodist. “Many of you here tonight have been with us every year – and that is the greatest compliment of all,” shared Chamberlain.

A special thanks to the many sponsors and donors:

Platinum Sponsors
Kelli and Jerry Ford
Haynes and Boone Foundation   
Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt   
The Lupe Murchison Foundation   
Sarah and Ross Perot Jr.   
Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones   
Betsy and Jim Sowell   
Spacelabs Healthcare, Inc.   

Gold Sponsors
AT&T
Folsom Family   
Nita and John R. Ford
Hunt Consolidated, Inc./Hunt Oil Company   
Ashlee and Chris Kleinert   
The David B. Miller Family Foundation   

About Methodist Health System
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Methodist Health System (Methodist) has a mission to save and improve lives through quality, compassionate care for individuals and families throughout North Texas. Methodist Charlton Medical Center, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Methodist Richardson 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 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 http://foundation.methodisthealthsystem.org/folsom.