The Gift of Time
Big-shot Dallasites honor famous volunteer with prestigious United Way award
Major Dallas philanthropists gathered at the Hilton Anatole to honor Roger Staubach, recipient of the prestigious J. Erik Jonsson Award, the United Way’s highest volunteer honor. Caroline Rose Hunt, the 2013 recipient, presented Staubach with the award.
In a fun twist to the ceremony, moderator Babe Laufenberg invited Troy Aikman, Jennifer Staubach Gates (Roger's daughter) and Texas Instruments CEO Rich Templeton to “dish” on Staubach.
Gates admitted her father was not the first to learn of her decision to run for Dallas City Council. In fact, she said that Mayor Mike Rawlings told her dad of her decision before she had a chance to.
Aikman acknowledged his admiration and respect of Staubach — not only for his accomplishments on the football field, but also for what he has achieved since his days as a Dallas Cowboys quarterback. Aikman said that Staubach had been a great mentor to him in his public and private life.
When Templeton took the mic, he said that Staubach is the definition of the J. Erik Jonsson Award, named for president and co-founder of Texas Instruments, who also served four terms as mayor of Dallas and co-founded United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
In his acceptance speech, Staubach shared with the crowd how he first became involved with United Way more than 40 years ago. He was encouraged by Charles Sharp, the late husband of former J. Erik Jonsson winner Ruth Sharp Altshuler, who was in attendance to honor Staubach.
Roger also thanked his wife, Marianne Staubach, and daughters Stephanie Phillips, Jennifer Staubach Gates and Michelle Grimes, for their continued love and support.
Staubach is also serving as honorary chair for the “Live United. Forever.” Gala, which is set for February 7, 2015, at AT&T Stadium. The event will combine a private dinner with a public concert, celebrating the 90 years of service United Way volunteers have provided to the citizens of North Texas.