The who’s who of corporate philanthropy gathered at the Communities Foundation of Texas for the 13th annual Spirit of Entrepreneurship. More than 200 business, political and community leaders came to honor Trevor Rees-Jones, who was inducted into the esteemed Ring of Entrepreneurs.
The event was hosted by Entrepreneurs For North Texas, a program of the Communities Foundation. Dubbed “Wildcatter Risk, Philanthropic Return,” this year’s ceremony suited the Dallas oil and gas tycoon who is also known for his unwavering philanthropic dedication.
Rees-Jones is the founder, president and CEO of Dallas-based Chief Oil & Gas LLC and CEO of Rees-Jones Holdings LLC. In 2006, along with his wife, Jan, he founded the Rees-Jones Foundation, which supports programs, principally in the North Texas area, involved in human services for children, families, youth development, mental health and community benefit.
The foundation works to defend the welfare of children suffering from abuse or neglect, afford relief to those facing mental health challenges, provide youth with opportunities for enrichment and character development, encourage healthy families and communities, and promote the humane treatment of companion animals.
Rees-Jones joins a prestigious group of past inductees, including Ebby Halliday Acers, Ross Perot, Ray Hunt, Herb Kelleher, T. Boone Pickens, Jim Keyes, Bill Lively, Roger Staubach, Craig Hall, and Charles and Sam Wyly.
Guests — including Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Phyllis Cole, Nicole Weeldreyer, Patrick Brandt, Steve Thelen and Mahesh Shetty — many of whom have worked with Rees-Jones on both professional and philanthropic levels, mingled with his family and nodded in agreement with those honoring him.
“From his success as an entrepreneurial wildcatter to the strides he has made in his philanthropic efforts, Trevor has truly helped to promote positive social change,” said EFNT executive director Pam Gerber. “We applaud Trevor for his commitment to making a difference in North Texas and countless other communities nationwide.”
Entrepreneurs For North Texas is a Communities Foundation of Texas program that facilitates community involvement and philanthropy for small and mid-size companies that want to make a beneficial social impact in their communities.
Trevor Rees-Jones was inducted into the Ring of Entrepreneurs at a ceremony hosted by Entrepreneurs for North Texas.
