March 2007
EO Golf Tournament to Support Bobby Blanchard
This year the EO of Dallas will be having their annual golf tournament in honor of Bobby Blanchard. A loving husband, father, son, brother, friend and zealot of life passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2007, from injuries sustained in a plane crash. He passed on from this world doing something he loved. He truly lived the credo “Seize the day.” He was a cheerleader for the entrepreneurial spirit, joining the Dallas chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) in 1999. EO is a global organization providing a network for entrepreneurs to collaborate with each other. Bobby took on increasing levels of responsibility it the organization, becoming its president in 2005. He had just completed his term as president and was becoming the area director for the organization. Bobby was a true innovator, launching several new programs and initiatives that will affect entrepreneurs not only in the Dallas area, but worldwide. Bobby was passionate about the relationships he built in EO. He became a friend to all who met him and was know for his quick wit, his smile and his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him.
Tournament Schedule:
- Date: Monday, May 21st
- Location: Cowboys Golf Club
- Registration & Lunch: 12:00
- T-time-1:30
- Dinner and Awards After Tournament!
We look forward to each of you joining us for this event in honor of Bobby. All proceeds will benefit the Bobby Blanchard Memorial Fund.
Bobby Blanchard Service
On Thursday, March 22, 2007 we laid to rest our friend and colleague Bobby Blanchard. Many members of the Dallas business community attended this event; with over 500+ people in attendance.
The service was a wonderful tribute to our fallen friend, celebrating his life. Six of his closest friends told their stories of Bobby over the years; recounting the humor and zest for life that Bobby showed throughout his career.
At times, it was very emotional and at others humorous. For all of us, it was the perfect remembrance of someone so special. Bobby touched so many people’s life in such meaningful ways that he will be missed for many years to come.
His company has changed their website as a tribute to Bobby. You can visit it at http://www.bsapr.com. Bobby is survived by his wife Jan and their two children. Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers by visiting the http://www.bsapr.com/memorial_fund.htm.
Bobby Blanchard Visitation & Memorial Service
Visitation
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Blanchard Schaefer Advertising & Public Relations
1521 N. Cooper St. #600
Arlington, TX 76011
6:00PM to 8:00PM (Open House)
Map
Memorial Service
Thursday, 22 March 2007
North Davis Church of Christ
1601 N. Davis Dr.
Arlington, TX 76012
2:00PM
Map
Memorial Account
In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been set up for Bobby’s twins, Zane and Maris. Donations can be sent to:
Smith Barney
1661 International Dr #200
Memphis, Tennessee 38120
More information on the Blanchard Flight Crash
The following is an expert from the pilot’s account of the accident,as told to the pilot’s parents…
Everyone is curious as to what happened. We heard conflicting stories and have now
been able to talk to Mike and the two other surviving passengers. They had planned a
lunch at the catfish restaurant. They had talked about weight and balance, runway length,
temperatures, and determined the aircraft was quite capable of that runway. All three
have same story about fact that a normal approach and touchdown occurred. Mike takes
pride in his landings (as do all pilots) and said it was one of his better ones and very
smooth. Shortly after touchdown the right wing dropped to the ground and the propeller
was digging into the dirt after what appeared to be a gear failure on right side.
That caused a quick turn to the right and they hit a tree or embankment that caused a
sudden stop. They said that on impact there was immediately fire and smoke in the cabin
of the aircraft. The door they could not open in front. Mike said he laid on his side and
literally kicked the door off the hinges for them to exit. The three escapees were
hollering and looking for the other fellow. Apparently his seat broke loose from the floor
and threw him against ceiling. He was just sitting quietly in his seat. Mike entered the
burning aircraft to pull the guy out and got badly burned while the fellow made no effort
to help. They surmised he was addled with trauma from the impact or whatever else
slowed him down.
All three survivors were taken to local hospital. Mike was airlifted to Dallas. One fellow
had no noticeable injuries and the other was released a couple or three hours later.
I was told the Federal Aviation Agency has issued preliminary finding on accident and
say gear failure was cause. They stated that the pilot did everything right and that had
there not been an experienced pilot at the controls it could easily have turned over and
maybe taken all their lives.
Bobby Blanchard Tribute
The DRT meeting on March 20, 2007 will be a Tribute to Bobby and for all of us to share our stories and celebrate his life.
Also, here is a link to an article published today in the Dallas Morning News about the accident and Bobby.
In Memoriam of Bobby Blanchard (DRT Member)
On Saturday March 17, 2007 Bobby Blanchard died in a plane crash in Oklahoma. (See http://kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=6242588 for detail).
Bobby was a much loved member of the DRT and truly represented the spirit of the group. He was hard working, intelligent, entrepreneurial and generous of his time and resources. The DRT has lost someone very special and we will all miss him.
Most of us last saw Bobby on Thursday night at Javier’s. He had joined us that evening for drinks and dinner. His birthday was on that Friday and that night he had come to celebrate with all of us. As usual Bobby was happy and outgoing and funny. That night, Jim LaFontaine had sung happy birthday to Bobby in Italian. For all of us, it was a treat and Bobby was the most excited about it! (For rarely does Jim sing in public!).
It is hard to understand why the best and brightest of us are taken away so soon. Bobby, while not active in the past few months, was always willing to lend help, support and advice to any DRT member. If anything is to be learned from Bobby’s passing, it is that life is too short and that we each must savor its beauty and embrace our friends and family as if every day was the last. Bobby always lived his life to the fullest and set an example on how each of us can enjoy all that life has to offer!
Golf Tournament to help a kid with cancer, posted by Jim LaFontaine (DRT Member)
From Jim….
My friend’s step son was diagnosed with stomach cancer last year and recently underwent surgery. The surgery was successful in removing the tumor mass, but he will be undergoing a long treatment process of chemo and radiation. Jeremiah was a nationally ranked youth golfer and on his way to collegiate golf when this struck.
To help with some of the anticipated expenses a benefit golf tournament will be held on Sunday, April 15th 2007 at Bear Creek. The cost is only $400 per Team, $100 per person. Their are several sports celebs playing and helping out in the tournament. Among the celebs are Tony Romo, T.O., Terry Glenn. Jason Terry, and more.
Please call the 972-456-3200 to sign up your team for:
Jeremiah Gilbert Benefit Tournament
Bear Creek
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Crescent Spring Celebration posted by Penny Goldsberry (DRT Member)
Benefiting Big Thought
A group dedicated to inspiring, empowering and uniting children and communities through arts and culture.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
6 - 10 p.m.
at The Crescent Fountain
$75 per person
Complimentary valet and self-parking.
866.228.3243
http://www.crescentspringcelebration.com/
Rob Enright’s Company Nominated for Prestigous Award
The Ward Group has been nominated by its employees as one of the Best Places to Work in Dallas/Ft. Worth. This prestigious award is presented each year by the Dallas Business Journal to a select group companies based in the area.
“It is truly humbling to be nominated for such an honor, and it means so much more knowing that it comes from the people that I work with every day,” said Rob Enright, president of The Ward Group and DRT Member. “We have been blessed with a wonderful team of people and we try to create an environment and culture that allows them to thrive both professionally and personally.”
The Dallas Business Journal will host its 5th Annual Best Places to Work in Dallas- Ft.Worth Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 3, 2007, to celebrate all the companies recognized. The event will be held in Dallas at the Hilton Anatole. The rankings will be announced and the CEOs of the #1 ranked companies will be crowned with the coveted “White Stetson”.
“For the honored companies who make the list of Best Places to Work in Dallas-Fort Worth, this award of recognition lasts much longer than one day of celebration at the fun-filled Awards Luncheon. It recognizes the companies that make employee satisfaction their competitive edge. It adds value to a company’s reputation in the community and enriches their corporate culture by acknowledging the pride that their managers and employees enjoy simply by going to work every day.” (Dallas Business Journal)
John Cornelsen (DRT Member) Needs Your Support for WalkAmerica
