More than 150 prominent Dallasites showed up to the elegantly decorated Grand Hall at Texas Discovery Gardens to honor Jan Pickens with the prestigious 2013 Flora Award.
Guests — including Ebby Halliday Acers, Caroline Rose Hunt, Dee Wyly, Peggy Sewell, Nancy Dedman and Billie Leigh Rippey, Debbie and Nicky Oates, Rick Blanton, and Susan White — enjoyed a welcome cocktail or two preceding a four-course meal by Cassandra Fine Catering.
This was a decadent way to begin the evening’s events, which included an introduction of Pickens by last year’s recipient, Barbara Hunt Crow, and the presentation of the award, which was designed by deBoulle.
This award recognizes outstanding citizens who have demonstrated a commitment to beautification, education, and the advancement of the environment and quality of life. And this active philanthropist is busy making a difference in our community.
“Jan Pickens is tireless in her quest to raise money and awareness for the causes she holds dear,” said co-chair Courtney Love. “Her work with the Salvation Army is revered, and for Texas Discovery Gardens, it was Jan who took the Flora Award from a simple tea and turned it into the elegant event it is today. She has grace, elegance and a deep faith — there is no one more deserving of this award than she.”
In addition to the Salvation Army and Texas Discovery Gardens, Pickens also supports and works with the Junior League of Dallas, the Crystal Charity Ball committee, Women’s Guild of the Dallas Society for Crippled Children, United Way, the Dallas Woman’s Club, Dallas Historical Society, M.D. Anderson, United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Dallas (for which she received the 2003 Distinguished Service Award), Meals on Wheels, and many more.
Most recently, the Dallas Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi honored her with the 2012 Founder’s Day Award for Community Service.
Funds raised through the Flora Award help Texas Discovery Gardens’ staff achieve their mission to teach effective ways to restore, conserve and preserve nature in an urban setting, with a focus on gardening organically and sustainably.
Caroline Rose Hunt, Robert Backbill
