This year’s 20th-anniversary tour, Life Elevated, kicked off a newly minted five-year strategic plan to elevate the Turtle Creek Corridor to a premiere urban green space and neighborhood. Turtle Creek Association (TCA) led all of Texas through the homes of local luminaries, featuring personal stories, architectural anecdotes, and glimpses into fine collections of art, heirlooms, and unique design. TCA President and CEO JD Trueblood talked with homeowners and designers, including the niece of the late Judy Pittman, also known as the “Queen of Turtle Creek.” With a rich history of devotion, Turtle Creek and the community were honored with an event that will be remembered for years to come.
Following the tour, the exclusive benefit reception was held inside the headquarters of the Perot Companies in Dallas. The exquisite event featured the Dallas String Quartet and flowers donated by The Garden Gate. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvre, cocktails, and a silent auction as an additional contribution to the TCA fundraiser. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event thanks in no small part to the Perot Family, who graciously offered unprecedented access to Perot Legacy Hall, which showcases the remarkable collection of historical artifacts from H. Ross Perot.
Perot’s memory lives on through wall after wall of awards, memorabilia, and art, inscribing his legacy and the unforgettable work he did for his country. As a naval officer, Perot was a servant to those impacted by war, even going as far as freeing two of his employees during the Iran hostage crisis in 1978.
“The Perot family's love of country and support for the military is on full display throughout the hall. Statues of military leaders stand in the sunlight; there is Perot's collection of coins from Medal of Honor recipients, and even Osama bin Laden's cane from Tora Bora, given to Perot by the elite Delta Force,” says Trueblood.
It comes as no surprise that the hall was filled with reverence as TCA’s reception attendees read letters from Perot’s work with veterans. The circumstance of the Turtle Creek benefit reception held at the Perot Companies campus couldn’t be more perfect. The fundraiser honors the commitment to enhancing and revitalizing the corridor, and Perot’s legacy exemplifies the humanitarian efforts that Turtle Creek inspires.
Overall, the event raised over $200,000, including a special donation of $20,000 from Sara Wilkins, to fund the upcoming Turtle Creek mural on Lemmon Avenue. The artist, Lauren Lewchuck, will capture the beauty of Turtle Creek’s history and undoubtedly inspire preservation from all in the community.
Trueblood expressed his thanks by saying, "We not only met our stretch goal of $200,000, but we shattered all previous TCA fundraising records. The generosity of those who love the corridor is simply beyond words. We are forever grateful."