In early December 2021, more than 250 guests gathered to celebrate the Inaugural Unsung Hero Award honoring Scott Murray and benefiting the Scott Murray Scholarship Fund. The Fund provides financial assistance to individuals from the Dallas/Fort Worth area who have the desire to further their education but lack the necessary financial resources.
Former Dallas Cowboy Chad Hennings gave a moving speech about how Scott Murray is “the real deal, ” noting his decades of service on behalf of local nonprofits to raise millions of dollars. And in a surprise announcement, Scott agreed that The Scholarship Fund, founded in 1999, would become the Scott Murray Scholarship Fund going forward. It was a thrilling moment, receiving a standing ovation from the 250 people in attendance that night.
The Texas State Fair-themed event featured entrepreneur extraordinaire Jim Keyes as Emcee and was held at the Fair Park Briscoe Carpenter Pavilion, surrounded by reminders of State Fair glory from years past. Hunter Sullivan and the Hunter Sullivan Band warmed up the crowd for the first hour. Dinner did not disappoint with dishes from the favorite recipes of star chefs David Holben, Richard Chamberlain, Dean Fearing, Kent Rathbun, and Sevy Severson. The Founder of the Unsung Hero Award and Chairman of the Inaugural event is Bob Hopkins, author, educator, and board member of the Scott Murray Scholarship Fund.
The event raised $155,000 for the Scott Murray Scholarship Fund. Because of this success and continued fundraising efforts, the Fund plans to offer $100,000 in scholarships and financial assistance for the 2022-2023 school year to students in need. Assistance is available for students attending community colleges or four-year colleges and universities. Students may apply at www.scottmurrayscholarshipfund.org
A special thank you to honorary hosts:
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Durham
Mr. and Mrs. Chad Hennings
Mr. and Mrs. Stratton Horres
Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Johnston
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Keyes
Mr. and Mrs. David Martineau
Mr. Drew Pearson
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Schlegel
Sponsors included:
Ferris Wheel - $25,000
Sandra and Ron Haddock
Bumper Car - $20,000
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Durham – Durham Family Foundation
Roller Coaster - $10,000
Chela and Norman Abdallah
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Schlegel
Merry-Go-Round - $5,000
Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cooper
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Keyes
People Newspapers
Tilt-A-Whirl - $2,500
Mr. Michael Baum
Mr. Jeff Schmid
Mr. Donny Anderson
Dallas Sports Commission/Monica Paul
ETHEA/Dalton Divakeran
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Feld
Ms. Gigi Gartner
Mr. and Mrs. James Halpern
Mr. and Mrs. Stratton Horres, Jr.
J.M. Haggar Family Foundation
Mr. Jim Krohn
Mr. and Mrs. David Martineau
Ms. Courtney Rogers
Ms. Cindy Brinker Simmons
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Turner
UNT Dallas/ Monica Williams, PhD