The Power of Legacy Lies in the Power to Changes Lives

Left to Right: Craig Menear, Kenneth Cooper, David Glass, Arthur Blank

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. The evening began with the story of a champion - our Well.Hero, Orville Rogers. At 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 who is on the cover of this month’s issue of Money magazine.

Laura DeFina, Orville Rogers

Following dinner, the board chairman for The Cooper Institute, Dr. Tedd Mitchell, 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 life-ready 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.”

Tedd Mitchell

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.”

Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper introduced the Legacy Award honoree, Arthur Blank, by focusing on his achievements in his home state of Georgia. 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 state-wide youth fitness assessment in all Georgia public schools.

Since the establishment of FitnessGram in Georgia, the state 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.

The Legacy Award is given annually to a champion of health and wellness, someone who takes on the mission of The Cooper Institute and helps make change. Few people have done as much in that regard as this year’s recipient. As Blank took to the stage, he also spoke of leaving a legacy.

2018 Legacy Award Dinner Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors: Kenneth and Millie Cooper, David and Ruth Glass, Drayton and Elizabeth McLane

Platinum Sponsors: The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Roger and Marianne Staubach

Gold Sponsors: PwC/Tom and Shelly Codd, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Lyda Hill, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated, Inc., Oncor,Gail and Steve Reinemund

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

Past Legacy Award Recipients: Left to Right: Ray L. Hunt, Lyda Hill, Roger Staubach, Drayton McLane, Jr.

“We all ask ourselves from time to time ‘What is the purpose of my life’ and ‘What have I done with my life?’ said Blank in his acceptance speech. “The legacy we leave matters.”

Blank credits Dr. Cooper’s book with changing his life, spurring him on to become a marathoner and saving him from an early death from cardiovascular disease.

“Without exercise, I wouldn’t be alive today,” said Blank. “The influence of his work [here] and around the world is incredible.”

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

The event was co-hosted by board members and executive chairs David Glass, owner of the Kansas City Royals, and Drayton McLane Jr., the owner of the McLane Group and last year’s Legacy Award recipient.

Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Scott Murray served as master of ceremonies and ended the evening with a heartfelt plea for support.

“The Cooper Institute mission is so vital to our future, our children’s future, and our grandchildren’s future. The gift of health is one of the greatest we can give.”

The Legacy Award Dinner raised over $700,000 for The Cooper Institute to support the mission and help build a healthier generation now and Well. Into the Future.

Left to Right: Scott Murray, Carole Murray, Nancy Ann Hunt, Ray L. Hunt

Carol Murphy, Stan Richards

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