Press Club of Dallas Tributes Michael A. Jenkins as 2014 'Newsmaker of the Year' Tonight

The Press Club of Dallas will present the 2014 Newsmaker of the Year Award to Michael A. Jenkins celebrating his international reputation as a theatre visionary, Dallas Summer Musicals producer, world-wide theme park developer, and Broadway impresario. This exciting evening of music and tributes brings together theatre legends, friends and colleagues to pay homage to Jenkins' vigorous, creative leadership as DSM enters its 75th year of entertaining Dallas with extraordinary musical theatre.

The Tribute gala will be held at the Music Hall at Fair Park tonight, November 13 starting at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event, featuring performances by such Broadway stars as Cathy Rigby and Rachel York, are officially sold out.

Belo Distinguished Chair in Journalism at Southern Methodist University Tony Pederson, immediate past president of the Press Club, said, "The Press Club of Dallas is pleased to honor Michael A. Jenkins as Newsmaker of the Year 2014 for his outstanding and lifelong contributions to the performing arts, his leadership of Dallas Summer Musicals, and his award-winning producing ability. Michael has brought national acclaim through his dedication to philanthropy and education of young people in the arts, and for serving as an exemplary citizen of the City of Dallas."

Press Club of Dallas committee members are thrilled with the generous support received for the November 13th "Playbills, Popcorn and the Press" fundraiser. KLUV Radio's Jody Dean will emcee the gala and tributes are expected from such dignitaries as Baylor College President Judge Kenneth Starr. Honorary Chairmen are Chuck and Cindy Gummer, and Pat Porter is chairing the event.

Underwriters for the event are The Ruth C. and Charles S. Sharp Foundation, Inc., Ruth and Ken Altshuler, and Cindy and Chuck Gummer, honorary chairs. Donors include Joel and Diane Allison, The Bartner Family Foundation, Lucy and Henry Billingsley, Gene and Kathryne Bishop, The Bozman Family, Mrs. Sis Carr, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dr. Gary and Sheila Cook, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cooper, Dolorie and Paul Corley, Cottrell Foundation, Peggy Dear, Earth Day Texas, Dr. Jack and Deb Graham, Rick and Donna Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Ron W. Haddock, Dr. and Mrs. O.S. Hawkins, Andy Horner, Caroline Rose Hunt, Dr. Robert and Amy Jeffress, Gemey and Mickey Kaliff, Mark and Patty Lavvorn, Sara and David Martineau, Dr. and Mrs. John McCoy, Jr., Lester and Cynthia Melnick, Jim and Barbara Moroney, William H. Pitt Foundation, Jack Pogue, Marjorie Purnell, Billie Leigh Rippey, Ken and Marilyn Sandstad, Carol and Don Spies, and Steve and Sandy Watson.

The Michael A. Jenkins Tribute Host Committee members are Cindy and Chuck Gummer, Honorary Chairs; Joel and Diane Allison; Ed and Donna Bratton; Dr. Gary and Sheila Cook; Dr. and Mrs. Ken Cooper; Paul and Dolorie Corley; Dr. Jack and Deb Graham; Dr. O.S. and Susie Hawkins; Andy Horner; Dr. Robert and Amy Jeffress; Mark and Patty Lovvorn; Steve and Jennifer Metzger; Jim and Barbara Moroney; Jack Pogue; Rick and Susan Rogers; Ken Sanstead; Carol and Don Spies; Judge Ken and Alice Starr; and Steve and Sandy Watson.

The Tribute committee members are Pat Porter, Chair; April Bosworth (Events and Florals); Cindy and Chuck Gummer; Phyllis Hammond; Jo Ann Holt; Paulette Hopkins; Wendy Jenkins; Brian Mayes; Liz Oliphant; Tony Pederson; and Sandy Watson.

The mission and purpose of the Press Club of Dallas is to initiate, promote, foster and provide for cultural, literary, educational and social activities and undertakings in the field of journalism and related professions.

Chartered by the state of Texas in 1951, the Club received its nonprofit 501 (c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service in 2012.

The Club has a tradition of service to its members and the community through its longstanding programs, including providing college scholarships to aspiring journalists. Four North Texas students are currently receiving scholarships.

In addition to scholarships, the Club offers networking and professional development opportunities through programs and workshops, forums on news-making topics, book signings and actively supports the First Amendment and the public's right to know. The Club helps the public understand the historic and current roles of journalism and its emerging and evolving forms of delivery.

The Press Club has members from all major news media in North Texas plus professionals in advertising, public relations, corporate communications and various genres of digital media. The Press Club's goal is to support truth, trust and transparency in journalism and all communications.

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