While Second Thoughts Theatre and Texas Trailblazer Awards patrons worked the valets, caterers and donors south of LBJ, the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award patrons gathered at Ashlee and Chris Kleinert’s home-sweet-home in Preston Trails on Monday, October 3.
Angela and Brad Cheves and Ashlee Kleinert
At times it looked like a besuited SMU pep rally, with Fred Hegi, Carolyn and David Miller, Caren Prothro, Folsom kids (Debbie Jarma, Diane Frank and Steve Folsom) and Mitch Hart on the patio overlooking the golf course.
Gail Turner looked right at home seated with Jan Hegi and Lottye Lyle. On the other hand, Gail’s husband,/2016 Folsom honoree/SMU President Gerald Turner, looked like someone preparing for a root canal. As he told the group, he’s much more comfortable handing out awards than receiving them.
Gerald Turner, April Box and Chris Kleinert
Just before remarks were made, hostess Ashlee saw a problem dropping. It seems that with the sun setting, the home’s auto-shades were setting, too. The problem? The lowering shades were blocking the glass doors leading to the patio. As Ashlee scurried to raise the situation, host Chris smoothly commented, “That’s what you get when dumb people live in a smart house.”
While getting the guests’ attention at most gatherings can be a challenge, it wasn’t at this one. There was an excellent PA system in place and a stage just high enough for the speakers to be seen by all present.
John Scovell
Stephen Mansfield
Kelli Ford
Ray Hunt
After Chris welcomed the 100 or so guests including Pat and Pete Schenkel, John Scovell, Margaret and Lee Jackson, and Methodist Health System CEO Stephen Mansfield, he introduced Methodist Health System Foundation President/CEO April Box, who reported that according to policy, the honoree could designate where the funds raised by the dinner would go. For Gerald, who will be feted on Wednesday, October 19, at the Hilton Anatole’s Grand Ballroom, it was a natural choice — the programs offered through the Methodist Dallas Medical Center Golden Cross Academic Clinic, which uses the services of medical residents and fellows to care for uninsured and under-insured patients who are in need of primary care and struggling with chronic diseases.
Ray and Nancy Ann Hunt, Lottye and Bobby Lyle, April Box, Gerald and Gail Turner and Kelli and Jerry Ford
Following the remarks, Gail and Gerald gathered with April and 2016 Folsom co-chairs Kelli and Gerald “Jerry” Ford, Lottye and Bobby Lyle and Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt for a group photo.
Ray and Nancy Ann Hunt, Lottye and Bobby Lyle and Kelli and Jerry Ford
After the right-official photos were done, the co-chairs cut up a bit. While Kelli and Jerry posed perfectly, Ray did a kick and newlyweds Lottye and Bobby did a kiss and hug.