Members of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum recently gathered to honor one of its most dedicated patrons: Caroline Rose Hunt, who received the Founders Award at the council’s January luncheon.
The 92-year-old Hunt has always had a close association with the arboretum. In fact, she lived directly across the lake in a home now known as Mount Vernon, one of the most recognizable houses in Dallas.
Her first acts of philanthropy came when she, along with her brothers and sisters, gave money to build the Paseo de Flores. They named it after their mother, Lyda Bunker Hunt.
In addition to helping with fundraising efforts by simply having her name attached to the significant donor society, Hunt attends every dinner and private event for the council and the arboretum and has always voiced her support for the botanical garden. She even has a special rose bush named after her.
Most recently, and through the support of the Rosewood Foundation, she and her family funded the Dripping Springs Trail in the wetlands area of the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden in the name of her son, Bunker Sands.
“How lucky we are to have had her support continuously from our beginning days, and now to be able to share with others that significant monies given in the name of her society have helped the Dallas Arboretum achieve record heights and international recognition,” said presenter Sue Ringle. “It only seems right that she be named this year our winner for the Founders Award of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum.”
Among those in attendance to celebrate Hunt were Mary Brinegar, Lyda Hunt Hill, Sharon Walker, Dixie Marshall and Yvonne Crum.
Sue Ringle, Caroline Hunt
