19th Annual Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award Dinner

October 12, 2017 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

When

October 12, 2017 | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

What

On behalf of its Board of Directors, and Spirit Award Dinner Chairman, Lance Boudreaux, Houston Hospice is pleased to announce that Sally and Bob Thomas will receive the 2017 Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award on October 12, 2017 at a festive dinner celebration at River Oaks Country Club.

Sally Thomas was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and earned a BS in Geology from the University of Oklahoma. She worked as a geologist with Humble Oil Company when she met and married Bob Thomas. Following the birth of their four daughters, Sally has dedicated her life to her family and community. She organized and taught Red Cross and Girl Scout swimming programs for over 32 years; taking her synchronized swimming team all the way to the Junior Olympics in Nebraska. Sally is currently an Advisory Trustee of the Retina Research Foundation, and she has served as a member of the Interfaith AIDS Respite Team at St. Cecilia Catholic Church where she is also a Lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Sally has shared her love for geology as a docent at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Gem and Mineral Hall. She was President of Memorial Women’s Club, and Houston Hospice previously honored Sally with the Betty Evans Award for Service as both a patient volunteer and board president. In 2012, The University of Oklahoma recognized her as a Distinguished Alumna of the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy.

Bob Thomas was born in Maramec, Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BS in Geological Engineering. After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force as a pilot, including a combat tour during the Korean War. Bob returned to the University of Oklahoma for graduate studies and joined Tenneco’s domestic exploration and production operations as a junior engineer in 1956. His distinguished career culminated in his election as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 1990. Bob retired in 1994.

Like Sally, Bob has dedicated his life to community service. He served on the Houston Hospice Board of Directors from 2002-2012 and co-chaired two major fundraising campaigns. Bob has served as Trustee of the Houston Museum of Natural Science and as a member of the Board of Governors for Houston Forum.

Bob is a lifetime member and past Chairman of the Board of Stewards of Chapelwood United Methodist Church. He served on the church’s Building Committee and supervised the construction of a $25 million expansion of church facilities. Bob is currently serving as a Life Member of the Association Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Houston. He was elected to the Board in 1988 with past service including terms as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Board. Bob’s service to the YMCA has included leading major fundraising efforts in 1996, 2004 and 2005, helping The YMCA of Greater Houston become the third largest YMCA in the U.S.

Over the years, Bob’s distinguished career and dedication to community service have been acknowledged with several awards and honors including The American Gas Association Distinguished Service Award, The University of Oklahoma Regents’ Award, and the YMCA of Greater Houston David Allen Award (the highest award bestowed by the association on its volunteers). Bob was named a Distinguished Alumna of Oklahoma University Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, he has been designated a Lifetime Member of the Board of Stewards for Chapelwood United Methodist Church, and he was elected a Life Member of the Association Board of Directors for YMCA of Greater Houston.

“Sally and Bob have made a profound, positive impact on Houston Hospice and our entire community,” says Cynthia Nordt, Vice President of Development and External Affairs for Houston Hospice. “They personify the essence of the Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award. They have made Houston a better place.”

The public is invited to celebrate Sally and Bob Thomas as they are recognized for their unwavering service at the 19th Annual Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award Dinner on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at River Oaks Country Club at 1600 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, Texas. Dinner tickets and table sponsorships will help fund nonprofit hospice care. Visit www.houstonhospice.org or contact Cynthia Nordt at 713-677-7123 for tickets and table sponsorships.

Houston Hospice is the only nonprofit hospice providing physical, emotional and spiritual care for patients and families throughout Houston and 10 surrounding counties. To learn more about the services offered by Houston Hospice, visit www.houstonhospice.org or call 713-467-7423 (713-HOSPICE)

X
X