-
- Sam Coats, The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, Bailey Hutchison, Tom Gilchrist. Photo courtesy Steve Foxall/Dallas Arboretum
-
- Ben Weber, Marilyn Weber, Laura Bush, Jim Ryan. Photo courtesy Steve Foxall/Dallas Arboretum
-
- Rena Pederson and Kay Bailey Hutchison. Photo courtesy Steve Foxall/Dallas Arboretum
-
- Dallas Arboretum Awards Party with Laura Bush and Kay Bailey Hutchison. Photo courtesy Steve Foxall/Dallas Arboretum
-
- Mary Brinegar, Kay Bailey Hutchison. Photo courtesy Steve Foxall/Dallas Arboretum
-
- Dallas Arboretum Awards Party with Laura Bush and Kay Bailey Hutchison. Photo courtesy Steve Foxall/Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum honored former first lady Laura Bush and The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison during the Great Contributors Awards last month.
The Great Contributors Award is bestowed on individuals whose contributions have made an important positive impact on the state, country and world as the Dallas Arboretum works to contribute to Dallas recognition from throughout the world.
The event’s honorary co-chairs, Ben and Marilyn Weber, introduced both honorees to the 200 guests.
Ben introduced Bush as “a champion of key issues in the fields of education, health care and women’s rights,” and “the proud founder of Texan by Nature.”
Bush remarked on being an outdoor enthusiast and thanked Dallas Arboretum president and CEO Mary Brinegar.
“The reason I agreed to accept this award tonight is so I could come on stage to recognize the true greatest contributor in the room – and that’s Mary Brinegar,” Bush said. “Mary brought her passion for education to the Arboretum, furthering the nonprofit’s mission to build and maintain a public garden that promotes the art, enjoyment and knowledge of horticulture, while providing opportunities for education and research.”
Marilyn then introduced Hutchison before her moderated conversation with journalist Rena Pederson. During the conversation, the two discussed world affairs, particularly Poland, NATO, Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan and more.
“Kay, thanking you for your many contributions that have brought positive change and strength in leadership to our country,” Marilyn said afterward. “The Dallas Arboretum is honored to present you with our Great Contributors Award with our heartfelt appreciation.”
