RIP Ruth

Legendary Dallas philanthropist Ruth Altshuler dies at 93

Ruth Altshuler, Ken Altshuler, DHS Awards

Ruth Altshuler with her husband, Dr. Ken Altshuler, in 2015.

Photo by Kristina Bowman

Legendary Dallas philanthropist Ruth Altshuler died on December 8 at UT Southwestern Medical Center, due to complications from breaking her hip in October; she was 93.

Altshuler was raised in Dallas, the only daughter of Ruth and Carr P. Collins Sr. She was the first female chairman of SMU's board of trustees, the first woman to chair the United Way annual campaign, and the first female to serve as board chair of the local Salvation Army.

Southern Methodist University, from which she graduated in 1948, released a statement calling her a "one-of-a-kind dynamo."

"Dallas and SMU have lost a leadership giant," the statement said. "Our hearts are heavy, but our spirits are brightened by the memory of Ruth. She was a one-of-a-kind dynamo, who got things done for the betterment of all. She forever improved Dallas and the University she so dearly loved."

The university hailed her intelligence, decisiveness, legendary fundraising skills, and sense of humor. "Education, health, and services for some of the most downtrodden members of society were areas that attracted her support, but her generosity touched nearly every Dallas civic organization," said the statement. "Her influence, however, went far beyond Dallas. Altshuler was recognized nationally and internationally as a dedicated civic leader and philanthropist."

Altshuler served on the boards of several organizations, raising money for groups such as United Way, Salvation Army, and Goodwill. She received countless awards for her generosity, such as the 2016 VolunteeerNow Lifetime Achievement Award which honored her for her commitment to service in Dallas.

A statement from the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas said that "we at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas are heartbroken about the loss of our beloved friend and generous community leader. Ruth Altshuler's legacy and impact will live on forever. She’s touched countless hearts and lives, and will be greatly missed."

Former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush issued a statement, saying, "We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend, Ruth Altshuler. Dallas has lost an outstanding civic leader in Ruth. Ruth taught us the lessons of philanthropy, service, and friendship. She was charming, humble, talented, generous, and funny. We loved being with her, and we will miss her."

Her survivors include her husband, Dr. Ken Altshuler, two daughters, and a son.

A service will be held on December 14 at 2 pm at Highland Park United Methodist Church, followed by a reception in the Margaret Mack Ballroom at the Umphrey Lee Center at SMU. Her family requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made in her honor to the Salvation Army.

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Hot to trot

Equest Dallas patrons pony up record $700K at blue ribbon-worthy ball

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

A sold-out crowd of 570 supporters stampeded into Gilley’s Dallas on April 25 for the 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala. The Western-chic affair, always one of the most highly anticipated galas of spring, would have a record-breaking night.

Co-chairsKristin and James Hallam and honorary chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor welcomed patrons decked out in cowboy boots and hats to Gilley's, which had been transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest by event designer Steve Kemble. A “disco saddle” centerpiece even hung from the ceiling.

Emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton welcomed the crowed with a hearty "yee haw!" Equest founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her an Equest organization legend. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client.

New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to underscore Equest’s mission to provide equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling (much of it free of charge) to children, adults, and veterans. He shared the nonprofit's bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment.

His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord with the crowd, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and patrons did that in spades. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles stridently, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. Bidding got fast and furious live auction packages that included fabulous trips (with destinations such as France, Antigua, and Montana) and more. The most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Murad - ever the showman - auction off his own sparkling jacket. It fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber (who clearly loves a good statement piece).

In total, the gala raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history. The Blue Ribbon Ball's proceeds go directly to equine-assisted therapies and other services provided by Equest; for more information, visit the organization's website.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

After a night of sipping, dining, and fundraising, patrons tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the evening, were Donna Weitzman, Nancy Greenbach, Natalie Taylor, Therese Rourk, Anne Seanor, Courtney Conley, Maggie Spiegel, Tyler Bridges, Lea LaFortune, Lee and Paul Michaels, Ryan and Kelly Casey, Christina Eubanks, Megan Pharis, Julie Bagley, Laura Johnson, Parker and Katy Brooks, Sharon Lee Clark, Max Clark, Jordan Glasgow, Anna Gresham, Khaki Christopher, Jessie Dornak, Jeff Netzer, Lynn McBee, Sarah and Trey Pederson, Luis Araujo, Amy Green, Kayten Elder, Sila Grogan, Melissa Placet, Tayler Reiter, Danny and Tanya Rice, Tina and Michael Beasom, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.