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DINNER HIGHLIGHTS
Name and image change to
The Multicultural Alliance
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Keynote speakers:
Ms. Morgan Suder
and
Mr. Jason Suder
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Announcement of Emily
Trantham's retirement; Cheryl
Kimberling, PhD now serves
as President
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DINNER
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Wine donated by:
Greta and David Beckerman
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Piano Music:
Adrianne Richardson
Camp CommUNITY Advisor
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Strings:
Katie Howell-Chapman,
Orchestra Director
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Student
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Read about...
Tim Sear
Honoree
Wes Turner
Dinner Chair
Morgan Suder
and
Jason Suder
Keynote Speakers
Marvin Blum
Presiding Chair
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Wes Turner
2007 Dinner Chair
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The 56th Multicultural Alliance Awards Dinner, hosted Monday, April 16, 2007 at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in
Downtown, Fort Worth, was a huge success, and a landmark event in the history of this organization. Dinner Chair, Mr. Wes
Turner of the Fort Worth Star Telegram, welcomed an abundant group of supporters, and handed the spotlight over to
Reverend Carol Grant Gibson, Senior Pastor of St. Andrews United Methodist Church, for the introduction and to offer a
blessing of the meal.
As dinner guests enjoyed their meals, Mr. Turner thanked the Table Sponsors, offered recognition of past honorees and
board members in attendance, and offered a moment of silence in memory of the late Paul Ray, Sr., a 1994 honoree who
passed the Saturday before. He went on to introduce Chairman Marvin Blum.
Mr. Blum spoke briefly about his history and affiliation with The National Conference of Community and Justice. He touched
on the organization's various programs, and of its deep history in the roots of Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Chairman Blum
then proceeded to inform some of our top supporters that The National Conference for Community and Justice had changed
its name in order to better reflect the mission of the organization as a whole. The longstanding Fort Worth organization would
now be known as The Multicultural Alliance, and though the face of the organization in whole is a picture of continuous
growth, the core values, mission and purpose remain unchanged. Click here to view "A Letter from the Chair."
Mr. Blum then turned over the floor to keynote speakers Morgan Suder and brother Jason Suder, both Camp Anytown
Alumni, joyously shared their life changing experiences as Camp Delegates. A special thanks to both for their willingness to
share their stories with us all.
As the evening drew to an end, Mr. Turner made a final introduction - that of Mr. Tim Sear, Chairman Emeritus of Alcon, and
the 2007 recipient of the Alliance Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award. For words, none better can be offered than those delivered
on such a fine evening. For Tim Sear's introduction, Mr. Wes Turner's words are offered here, verbatim.
"There were many people who provided contributions to this introduction of Tim. None, however, were more meaningful or
captured the person who we honor tonight than the collective remarks of Tim’s four children [Adam, Katherine, Jason and
Daniel].
They write:
Given the nature of your event, and the purpose of your organization, the best information we can provide relates to the
general nature of our father:
Growing up in his home, we learned the importance, and the necessity, of acceptance. From as early as we can remember,
our home had a revolving front door through which people from all cultures, citizenships, religious affiliations, and race
passed. We often had guests from around the world; some Dad knew very well and were old friends, some were new
acquaintances. We were brought up to embrace these extremely interesting people, and learned to value their differences, a
personality trait we all still share today.
His mission in business was to make Alcon products available in every market in the world. He relished meeting the many
people involved - doctors, patients, business partners and Alcon staff from different cultures, and has visited over 90
countries in the process.
As children, and as adults today, we understand that he judges not so much on personal accomplishments, and occasional
failures, but on who we are as people. The many friends he has around town, around the country, and around the world
share these values, and many others have learned these values from him.
People who have worked with him in his many positions of authority have commented that acceptance and inclusiveness are
an essential part of who he is. This attitude permeates throughout an organization, as it did our family, and manifests itself in
an environment that demands respect of each individual, regardless of cultural, religious, or racial differences.
His children say that he lives a good life with an open mind, a warm heart and a sense of humor, navigating well the many
choices one makes along the way.
Tonight we honor a man who has enthusiastically embraced and invested himself and his family in our community..."
To this, Tim Sear humbly accepted the 2007 Alliance Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award, stating frankly, "I serve [regarding his
service to the Board of Directors of the Multicultural Alliance] with 39 incredibly dedicated and civic-minded people who share
and live the mission of The Multicultural Alliance."
Mr. Sear spoke of the mission of The Multicultural Alliance, stating that "no one faith, race nor specific ethnic group should
prevail in a country that has, for centuries now, welcomed all who are prepared to work hard and share the privileges and
obligations of a free people. At The Multicultural Alliance our constituents and our leaders come from every walk of life, and
demonstrate by daily example, that diversity and justice can prevail. This organization brings individuals together to create a
sum greater than the parts - to create positive change."
He concluded with a final piece of advice, and with a statement of motivation; "There can be no place in our lives for bigotry
nor racial slurs, whether spoken outright or thinly veiled as humor. Spot these obscenities for what they are - BIGOTRY."
"A final thought -," he added, "significant social change is never an accident:
It takes planning
It takes preparation
It takes dedication
It takes time
It takes funding
IT TAKES ALL OF US."
"I am privileged to be in such good company tonight, and accept this honor with humility and gratitude, and on behalf of the
many who have done so much more."
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