La Cima Club Honors Outstanding Community Member

The La Cima Club in Las Colinas presented Nell Anne Hunt with the 2018 La Cima Legacy Award on Tuesday, Jan. 29.

Mike Goff, the general manager of La Cima Club, served as the host for the evening.

“The La Cima Legacy Award recognizes individuals and organizations which have exhibited pioneering and visionary achievements in the City of Irving, the Las Colinas community and/or La Cima Club,” Goff said. “Since the year 2000, more than 20 distinguished individuals and organizations have been honored for achievements in one or more categories including economic, spiritual, youth, community service, cultural, education, sports and human development.”

Gary Morris, known to many as a skilled painter, is now retired. During the event, he gave his final painting to Hunt.

“[I want to] honor a pal of many years, to personally present this painting to someone who not only relishes our nation’s symbol, but is someone I admire,” Morris said.

Hunt, who has been attending the La Cima Club since it opened 35 years ago, has worn many hats in her lifetime.

“In Texas, when you say ‘Nell Anne,’ everyone knows who you’re talking about,” Ann Pfaff, co-chair of the La Cima Club Legacy Award Committee, said. “The only thing you have to worry about is are we talking about Nell Anne the builder? Nell Anne the school board member? Nell Anne the flag lady? Nell Anne the writer?

“Nell Anne is not only this, but a lot of things. After graduating from Texas Tech, she selflessly dedicated herself to the betterment of children educationally, emotionally and artistically by serving on the Irving School Board, by teaching and by volunteering at museums. She is renowned in the arts and has served on the cultural affairs council as a trustee for the Dallas Museum of Arts.”

Gay Lynn Millerman has known Hunt since they were in grade school.

“There are friends, there is family, and there are friends who become family,” Millerman said. “We became family many years ago. She has reminded me that throughout elementary school, she was usually the last one chosen to be on a sports team. When they chose softball teams, she was put in the far right field because nobody could hit the ball that far. On the other hand, when spelling bee time came, she was the first to be chosen.

“Even as a kid, I recognized she had an inner drive to learn and to lead. I’m so grateful to be on this lifelong journey with you, Nell Anne. You continue to be an inspiration for me and so many others.”

“To all of you, my dear friends, who have been so lovingly woven into the tapestry of my life, I thank you ever so much for being here tonight,” Hunt said. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve your friendship, your support, your companionship and your good humor, but I am so grateful for it. I am thankful to be on the journey with each of you, and I look forward to many more fun and special times in the future.”