A Dallas Who's Who Met To Fete Jim Keyes At The Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award Patrons' Party

At a patrons’ party for roughly 100 people inside the swank Hall Arts residence of Kathryn and Craig Hall, the prominent philanthropist David Miller at one point walked up to Craig Hall, the Dallas entrepreneur and co-host of the gathering. “I’m David Miller,” he said. “I met you a long time ago.”

Ray Hunt, Jim Johnston and David Miller*

Formal introductions like that rarely seemed necessary at this gathering chock-full of who’s who types. The party was held Wednesday, May 1, for patrons of the 2024 Roberts S. Folsom Leadership Award dinner honoring James W. “Jim” Keyes, the former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster. Miller and his wife Carolyn Miller were two of the 2024 Event co-chairs, along with Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt and Lottye and Bobby Lyle.

Nancy Ann Hunt, Suzanne Johnston and Carolyn Miller*

Surrounded by upscale art, towering glass walls and spectacular views of downtown Dallas below, guests including Pete Schenkel, Linda and Mitch Hart, Denny Holman, Gail and Jerry Smith and Lydia and Dan Novakov filled the main room of the Halls’ home, while others took to the terrace.

Drinks and hors d’oeuvres were served and a string trio was playing until 7:15 p.m. sharp, when Craig summoned the party-goers to attention with a brief and humorous welcome.

“I work for Kathryn Hall,” he said, to a ripple of laughter. “I’ve never seen so many people in ties since the pandemic. Now I’m going to turn this over to my wife, who’s much better at … everything!”

Kathryn told how Jim and his wife Margo Keyes were longtime friends of the Halls, and how everyone should read Jim’s new book, “Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands.” Then she added, “Jim is a perfect recipient of the Robert Folsom Award. Folsom was a symbol of leadership, integrity and commitment to our city, and Jim naturally demonstrates many of Bob Folsom’s strongest attributes.”

With that she gave way to Methodist Health System Foundation President James M. “Jim” Johnston, who agreed with her assessment of the 2024 Folsom Award recipient. Jim said that Keyes possesses the qualities of “character, honor, integrity and giving back to the city.”

He also recognized several Methodist leaders, including foundation Chairman Steve Folsom; Methodist Health System CEO Jim Scoggin and his wife, Missy Scoggin; and Methodist Health System President Pam Stoyanoff.

Craig and Kathryn Hall and Margo and Jim Keyes*

Jim announced that the 2024 event — scheduled for Friday, May 17, at the Hilton Anatole — had already raised a little over $1.6 million, “with the aspiration to raise more.” Keyes has “graciously designated that the proceeds from this year’s event support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Dallas Medical Center,” Jim added.

Then it was time for Keyes to speak. He recalled how Bobby Lyle had invited him to breakfast at the Park City Club “just to catch up,” but soon enough had asked Jim to be the 2024 honoree. He accepted and picked “gratitude” as the event’s theme. He was grateful for the event chairs, Jim went on, as well as for Robert Folsom himself.

“Bob Folsom was Dallas,” Jim said. “When Margo and I came here 35 years ago, we fell in love with Dallas and are so proud of this city. We want to do more. This is a place where you can do anything. You can think big. And the bigger you think, the bigger it gets.”

The Folsom Award, recognized as one of Dallas’s largest fundraising events, has raised more than $22 million since 2005 to benefit the programs and services of Methodist Health System.