THE POWER OF LEGACY LIES IN THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES

THE POWER OF LEGACY LIES IN THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES.

The power of legacy lies in the power to change lives. That was the unofficial theme of this year’s Legacy Award Dinner benefiting The Cooper Institute. Held at the beautiful Belo Mansion in downtown Dallas, the event was a veritable who’s who of health and wellness champions, like this year’s Well. Hero, Orville Rogers.

At nearly 101 years old, Rogers has become a viral internet sensation for breaking 18 world records in track and field since the age of 90. “I read Dr. Cooper’s book when I was 50 years old, and I started running the very next day,” said Rogers.

Left to Right: Orville C. Rogers, Nina B. Radford, Arthur M. Blank, Kenneth H. Cooper

Dr. Tedd Mitchell, the board chairman for The Cooper Institute, spoke about the importance of building a better future by improving the health of our students. As the newly appointed chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, Dr. Mitchell knows all about preparing future generations to be lifeready adults.

“OUR COUNTRY’S FUTURE DEPENDS ON STRONG, HEALTHY PEOPLE TO GET THE JOB DONE,” SAID MITCHELL. “A HEALTHY WORKFORCE STARTS WITH HEALTHY YOUTH. FITNESS MAKES KIDS READY TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGES OF LIFE.”

Keynote speaker Craig Menear, CEO of The Home Depot, added to the discussion about building a healthier generation. “Legacy is built within,” said Menear. “The values we pass on are our greatest gift to the future.”

This year’s Legacy Award honoree is Arthur M. Blank. As the owner of the Atlanta Falcons and co-founder of The Home Depot, Blank was an instrumental force in making FitnessGram by The Cooper Institute the statewide youth fitness assessment in all Georgia public schools. “The legacy we leave matters,” said Blank in his acceptance speech. “Without exercise, I wouldn’t be alive today.”

Georgia now boasts improved fitness levels, reduced obesity levels, and higher SAT scores. It is a testament to the power of fitness and proof that healthy children are more successful.

Past Well.Hero. recipient Bob Shapard, Debbie Dennis

Carol Murphy, Stan Richards

Left to Right: Karen and David Spain, Shelly and Tom Codd

Left to Right: Oliver Blank, Nancy Blank, Angie Blank, Arthur Blank

2018 Legacy Dinner Silver Sponsors:

AT&T

Troy Aikman

Charles Anderson/Tedd Mitchell, MD

Sandra and Elmer Doty

Gallagher

Foley Gardere

The Richards Group

Margo and James W. Keyes

Orville C. Rogers

Westwood Wealth Management/ Meridith and Brian Casey

www.cooperinstitute.org/legacyaward