Bill Patterson joins fellow Lifetime & Board Member Ellen Painter as they review plans for the United Way of Denton County Community Complex
DENTON, TX (Jan 4, 2018) –United Way of Denton County announced today that Bill Patterson, longtime publisher and now owner of the Denton Record-Chronicle, will be the recipient of the 2018 Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award to be presented at the organization’s sixth annual gala celebration United TRIBUTE on January 20, 2018.
A United Way of Denton County Lifetime Member, Bill recently made headlines of his own by purchasing the Denton Record-Chronicle, returning ownership to its family roots. Immediately upon graduating from Oklahoma State University, Bill returned to Denton to begin his professional career at his family's newspaper. Thirty-five years later, he holds the title of Publisher and CEO of the Denton Media Company, the owner of the Denton Record-Chronicle.
A passionate advocate for the United Way of Denton County, Bill joined the Board in 1991, served as President in 1997, and led two Community Needs Assessment committees in 2011 and 2017. Bill is currently co-chairing United Way's capital campaign.
"You realize there are issues in your town," Bill said recently. "But you don't realize how deep the needs of low-income and underprivileged people are until you roll up your sleeves and get involved in United Way."
Throughout his career, Bill has never forgotten the community that helped him become successful. In addition to the United Way, Bill’s past leadership resume includes the Denton Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Denton Economic Development Investor Relations Committee. His involvement extends to Texas Woman's University and University of North Texas, having served on the TWU Foundation Board and on UNT's Athletic Council in the 1990s. In addition, he spent almost two decades on the board of Presbyterian Hospital of Denton.
“Bill was an easy choice to receive this year's award,” said Lyle Dresher, Board Chair of United Way of Denton County. “His impact on the landscape of Denton County as a businessman and community leader is unparalleled.”
The Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award was established by the board of directors and lifetime members of United Way of Denton County in 2014 to recognize the highest level of community leadership, philanthropy and collective impact with time and resources. Recipients of this prestigious award are purposeful in promoting human welfare and have demonstrated active engagement in the community. They are caring and compassionate, engaging others in service while leveraging resources for the good of the community. Honorees of the Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award demonstrate persistence and creativity toward solving the most complex challenges within our community. Previous United Way of Denton County Humanitarian awardees include its namesake, Dr. Bettye Myers, Janet and Joe Mulroy, Stan Morton, and Debbie and Mark Merki.
“A twenty-five-year commitment to improving lives in Denton County is what we are honoring,” commented Gary Henderson, President & CEO of United Way of Denton County. “Bill’s leadership in the boardroom and in the trenches, has made a profound impact on this community. He carries the Patterson family torch of service well.”
The sixth annual United TRIBUTE Gala featuring “Dancing with Our Stars” will be held on January 20, 2018, at the new Embassy Suites Denton Convention Center in Rayzor Ranch. This event pays tribute to the companies, employees and community leaders who are part of the tapestry of United Way of Denton County. Event sponsorships, tables and individual tickets can be reserved by visiting https://www.unitedwaydenton.org/United-TRIBUTE or by calling Emily at United Way of Denton County at (940) 566-5851 ext. 107.