The Boysville Board of Directors is pleased to present the Arthur O'Krent Humanitarian Award to Gordon V. Hartman on March 29, 2012 at the Pearl Stable.
Gordon Hartman is a philantropist and former businessman who was born and raised in San Antonio. At age 15, while attending a local seminary, he started his own landscaping business. By age 19, he had earned and saved enough to begin his homebuilding business and by the age of 23, had started a land development company.
From his small efficiency apartment, Gordon founded Gordon Hartman Homes in 1983 and began to build homes for low to moderate income families. Over the next 22 years, he grew his company into the largest locally owned homebuilding and land development enterprise in San Antonio.
In 2005, Gordon sold his companies. That same year, he established the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, to which he and his wife, Maggie, have donated $15 million to date to pursue their dream of helping children and adults with special needs. Their devotion to this cause is inspired by their 17-year-old daughter, Morgan, who was born with cognitive and physical special needs.
In 2007, Gordon recognized the tremendous need for accessible outdoor facilities for individuals with special needs, so he made another dream come true -- the April 2010 grand opening of Morgan's Wonderland, the world's first ultra-accessible family fun park designed with special-needs kids and adults in mind, as well as their family members, caregivers and friends. This unique park has now welcomed more than 100,00 guests from all 50 states and 33 countries. Gordon's conviction that families of special needs individuals have increased demands on both their financial and emotional resources has led to his commitment to maintain free admission to the park for those with special needs.
Also, in 2010, the STAR Soccer Complex began operations adjacent to Morgan's Wonderland. This 75-acre soccer facility hosts tournaments, league play, and regular practices for teams from across Texas which helps provide funding for programs, operations and expansion at Morgan's Wonderland. Plans to bring professional soccer to San Antonio have also been finalized with the San Antonio Scorpions FC beginning pro soccer play next season with all proceeds also benefiting Morgan's Wonderland.
In August 2011, Gordon opened a school -- Monarch Academy. This school will provide students with special needs a unique learning environment that will enable them to reach their maximum individual potential. Initially, the school will serve students ages 12 - 24 and plans for expansion in the future call for a 21,000 square foot learning facility on a 2-1/2 acre site adjacent to Morgan's Wonderland.
The Arthur O'Krent Huminitarian Award is given to an individual who, by civic action, demonstrates love and concern for the well being of children within our community. Gordon joins a distinguished group of past recipients that includes Fully Clingman, Tom Frost, Governor Dolph Briscoe, Dr. Dale Wood, Edith McAllister, Reverend Buckner Fanning, Rosemary Kowalski, Bill Greehey, Judge Peter Sakai, Ruben Escobedo, Harvey E. Najim and Dr. George and Kymberly Rapier.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Diamond Sponsor - $10,000
* Two premier tables of eight at the dinner
* Company recognized at the event and on the website
* Company recognized in all promotional materials
* Designation as Diamond Sponsor in program
Platinum Sponsor - $5,000
* One premium table of eight at the dinner
* Company recognized at the event and on website
* Company recognized in all promotional materials
* Designation as Platinum Sponsor in program
Gold Sponsor - $2,500
* One reserved table of eight
* Company recognized at the event
* Company recognized in all promotional materials
* Designation as Gold Sponsor in program
Silver Sponsor - $1,500
* One reserved table of eight
* Company recognized in all promotional materials
* Designation as Silver Sponsor in program
Individual Tickets - $125 per person
To register on-line, please click here
The event will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Pearl Stable. For more information, call (210) 659-1901.