Carolyn Farb, D. Hum., h.c.

Carolyn Farb personifies the perfect volunteer whose commitment to hard work over the past three decades has set the standard for philanthropic efforts. She attests that no matter whatever energy and creativity she has put into a project, she has received much more in return. “I can be totally exhausted, but sparkling inside.” The key to her volunteer work is her hands-on involvement, as well as the leadership role she provides. Her dynamic vision, her intensity of purpose, and her total commitment distinguishes her as a role model for all volunteers. Her life exemplifies public service and is an example of the power of one individual's commitment to a cause.

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Dr. Carolyn Farb, h.c.

"The First Lady of Philanthropy in Texas"

Houston 's premier volunteer fundraiser and event creator, Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc exemplifies the essence of public service and philanthropy.  She is a native Texan whose passion shines not only throughout the Lone Star State, but internationally.  No one can equal her passion for embracing a cause, living it, breathing it, nurturing it and championing it until others become true believers as well.

Dr. Farb's fundraising style, spirit and successes have set national standards with each succeeding project with which she is involved, and it is rare to find an individual who won't be receptive to her causes.  One secret of her success is her total commitment and concentration, giving 200 percent of herself, her time and her considerable expertise.  Her tireless devotion to charitable fundraising is embraced with each new project.

Carolyn with Olympia Dukakis at "It's All Greek to Me", November 2010

From medical research, children's charities, and women's issues to the arts, education, and the environment, Carolyn's skill, talent and entrepreneurship as a volunteer fundraiser for hundreds of worthwhile nonprofit organizations has been fine-tuned to equal that of the best professional fundraisers in the world.  Locally, Carolyn has raised funds for UNICEF, which has raised funds for children globally for twenty-one years. She has worked with the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation, Houston Ballet Foundation, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, established the first Challenger Center for Space Science Education at the Museum of Nature Science and chaired two telethons for the United Cerebral Palsy and the Houston SPCA. Additionally, she has worked on behalf of I Have a Dream-Houston, San Jacinto Girl Scout Council, High School for Performing and Visual Arts, University of Houston, Northwood University, The Chinese Community Center, Children at Risk, Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre, Stages Repertory Theatre, the inaugural Indian Film Festival of Houston, established the first inclusive children’s playground in Memorial Park, San Jose Clinic, and has supported AIDS research efforts since the late 1980’s. She will serve as this year’s Honorary Chair for the World AIDS Day luncheon on December 1, 2010.

Dr. Farb's independent Texan spirit has led her to become the first gala chairperson to raise a million dollars in a single evening for the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research in 1983.  At the 1999 Quest for Excellence Award Gala, her visionary style tested the market and established a new benchmark in Texas fundraising by setting the top table levels for an event at $100,000.  The event benefitted the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Houston, netted more than $3 million and set a special event record for the institution and Texas.  Carolyn’s famous 'zero budget’ philosophy is followed in every event she undertakes.  “Marvin’s Million Dollar Evening,” a night of music with Don Henley and Lyle Lovett, raised over $1.5 million in support of breast and prostate cancer research for the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Carolyn serves on Mayor Anise Parker’s special cultural committee for the Houston’s international website.

In addition, she has served on numerous boards including: Chairman of the Board for UNICEF, the Northwood University Executive Board, the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Huffington Center on Aging, the Texas Innocence Network, Children of Nicaragua Rotarian Project and Rotarian International Efforts, and the Jefferson Awards Selection Committee.

Dr. Farb has raised in excess of $50 million benefiting several hundred charitable causes and non-profit organizations.  She is the author of  “The Fine Art of Fundraising,” a practical how-to guide for volunteers published in 2004 by Emmis Publishing, as well as “How to Raise Millions, Helping Others, Having a Ball.” In fall 2010, AuthorHouse will publish her latest book – Lucas Comes to America which will be a children’s book. 

Dr. Farb's honors are many and most recently include the President’s Volunteer Service Award from USA Freedom Corps, the Illustrious Modern Award from the Wedgwood Society, the Diana Award, YWCA Woman of the Year, I Have a Dream Dreammaker Award, the National Foundation for Crohn and Colitis Winter Ball Woman of Distinction Award and the Volunteers of America's Regional and National Service Awards.  In 1992, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center established the Carolyn Farb Permanent Endowed Lectureship in Neurofibromatosis, which brings distinguished scientists and researchers.  She was a Community Hero Torchbearer for the 1996 Olympics.  In 1998, she received the Children’s Medallion of Honor from UNICEF.  She was inducted into the Texas Philanthropy Hall of Fame in 1997.  In 2006, she was selected as the first Cadillac Texas Legend by Cadillac, The Houston Chronicle and KHOU-TV 11. In 2010 Dr. Farb received the San Jose Clinic Portrait of Compassion Award.   

She is committed to volunteerism for the greater good.  The key to her success is in her dynamic vision, her intensity of purpose and her total commitment to her causes.  Her hands-on planning and execution of every detail for a project serve as a role model and inspiration for all volunteers.  Her life exemplifies public service and is an example of the power of one individual’s commitments to a cause.  Carolyn Farb personifies the perfect volunteer and the meaning of a true philanthropist.

Her current projects have included funding a documentary on Camp Logan, and assisting the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to complete the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in Kinshasa, Congo; this hospital will be the city’s first new hospital in 44 years in a city with a population of 12 million.  She chaired the campaign for the Playgrounds without Limits which opens in December, 2006.  These inclusive playgrounds will improve the quality of life and play for children of all abilities.  The Vale-Asche Playground will be a landmark for Houston with the hopes of establishing “inclusive playgrounds” as a rule rather than an example.  In addition, Carolyn performed the role of Ida in "Die Fledermaus" for Opera in the Heights.  The Carolyn Farb Papers can be visited online at http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/uhwarc/00011/warc-00011.html.  For more information on the fundraising activities and projects of Dr. Farb, please visit www.carolynfarb.com. 

Carolyn Farb is a native Houstonian whose birthday is February 8.  She attended the University of Oklahoma.  In 2003, Carolyn received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Northwood University, fulfilling a life-long dream.  She is the mother of one son, Jake Kenyon Shulman, who passed away in 2004.  She is an avid art collector, loaning her pieces to museums across the globe.  She is supported by her best canine companions originally from the United Kingdom, Lucas, a fearless and energetic Lucas Terrier and his pup Maximillian.

• View Carolyn's resume (.pdf)

Civic:

2019

• Rotary Salutes America's Heroes, Downtown Rotary Club of Houston -- September 28, 2019

2017

• Honorary Chair, George Springer's 3rd Annual Bowling Benefit for Camp SAY, at Lucky Strike Lanes in downtown Houston -- June 11, 2017
• Impact Gala Honoree, University of Houston College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics (NSM), received the NSM Legacy Award, during the NSM 40th Anniversary Impact Gala -- April 8, 2017

2016

• Dallas Country Club, Stephens College. Honored to contributions to the archives of the prestigious Costume  Museum and Research Library Collection, on October 15, 2016. Works in the Collection date back to the 1730's.
• Autism Rescue Angels Honorary Chair on September 27, 2016
• John P. McGovern Health Museum Gala Honoree on September 16, 2016
• 2016 Launch of the Houston History Summer Issue at the Clayton Library Center in the Carriage House; Cover on September 14, 2016
• Recipient of the Daily Point of Light Award from Neil Bush on May 13, 2016
• Recipient of the Impact Award from Volunteer Houston on May 13, 2016
• Private Exhibition at Unix for artist Ingrid Dee Magidson on April 21, 2016
• Blue Cure Benefit Dinner Honoree on April 12, 2016

2015

• Hero of Creativity at the 40th Anniversary Party of Fine Art Magazine 2015 New York City at the World Bar at the United Nations Plaza.
• Presented the 2015 Otzi Award to Gus Parvizian at The Arthritis Foundation Bone Bash on October 24th
• The Community Artists’ Collective Luncheon the Inaugural Lester Marks Patron of the Year Award.
• Houston Business Journal Cover Story - Meet the First Lady of Philanthropy Carolyn Farb, January 2015
• Houston Chronicle "It Girls of 2015" - July 2015
• Blue Cure Foundation Benefit Dinner
  • Honorary Chair Dr. Carolyn Farb
  • March 26th, Omni Hotel Houston Regency Foyer and Ballroom 6:30-7:30pm Reception, Dinner and Program 8:00pm
  • Guest Speaker Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, John Mackey
• Presentation of “Emy” Award to The Deacons of Deadwood, President Kirk Lane
  • Devereux Foundation February 27th 2015 Hotel ZaZa 6:30pm Cocktail Reception, 7:30pm Dinner and Program, 9:00pm Live Auction, 9:30pm
  • Dancing to the Tunes of Gentle Lamb Experience
• Art Museum of the South Texas, Corpus Christi
  • Dorothy Hood: The Color of Being, El Color Del Ser
  • Underwriting Chair – Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc
  • Exhibition Opening Fall, 2015

2014

• Houston Galveston Institute
  • Champagne, Chocolate and Charity Presented to Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc
• Champion of Change Award
• Friday, November 7, 2014
• Arthritis Foundation’s Bone Bash
  • Otzi Award, from The Arthritis Foundation
    • It is the Arthritis Foundation’s great privilege to honor Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc with the Arthritis Foundation’s inaugural Ötzi Award at the 2014 Houston Bone Bash Gala.
  • October 25, 2014
• Bering Omega “Sing For Hope”
  • Concert and Dinner
  • Honorees Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc and United Airlines
  • Saturday, October 11, 2014
• Museum of Biblical Art Reception and Opening Gala
  • Dallas, Texas
• Chaired by Dr. Carolyn Farb, hc
• Mysteries, Signs and Wonders
• The Art of Barbara Hines, October 5, 2014
• 8th Annual International Financial & Leadership Summit
  • Economic Empowerment Through Diversity & Inclusion
  • JW Marriott Galleria, Houston Texas
  • Panelist and Honoree
  • October 2, 2014
• Stages Repertory Theatre – Xanadu Gala
  • Muse of the Arts
  • April 11th, 2014
• The Society Diaries
  • Lance Avery Morgan Featured Carolyn Farb’s Sublime Indian Birthday Soiree
  • May/June 2014 Issue

2013

• December 19, 2013
  • Selected as one of the Top Ten People of the Year in the Inaugural Issue of First Class Magazine.
• November 5, 2013
  • Crystal Ball Underwriter's Reception held at Carolina for the Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine.
• September 27, 2013
  • Co-Chair Inaugural Blue Cure Luncheon and Lecture Series Presented by the Fred & Mabel R. Parks Foundation Honoring Dr. Rod Paige with Guest Speaker Margaret I. Cuomo, M.D.
• May 11, 2013
  • Honoree for Virtuosi Orchestra Gala Concert and Dinner, Legends of the Future: Celebrating Motherhood.
• April 26, 2013
  • Mistress of Ceremonies for the 6th Annual Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show Benefitting Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.
• April 11, 2013
  • Northwood Distinguished Women's Luncheon at Carolina with Dr. Kevin Fegan, President of Northwood University, Cedar Hills Texas Campus.
• March 12, 2013
  • Participated in "Les Anges"- En Enfante Par la Main- Take a Child By the Hand Project in Senegal. French reality television show to air in June 2013, Producer Loic Bonnett.
• February 1, 2013
  • Recipient of the Emy Award from the Devereux Foundation at their Second Annual Gala "A Night in Spain."
• January 17, 2013
  • Reception held at Carolina for Dorothy Hood Retrospective and Monograph Launch. March 8- Award Presentation and honor to Dr. Carolyn Farb from Houston Shenzhen Sister City Association at Annual Dinner & Celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year.

2012

• December 12, 2012
  • Co-Chair for the 8 x 8 Holiday Art Exhibition Benefitting the Museum of Biblical Arts in Dallas, TX.
• October 2012
  • Underwriting Chair for the Dorothy Hood Retrospective and Monograph: El Color de la Ser/ The Color of Being
• May 4, 2012
  • Recipient of the Spirit of Dance Award from the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater Company at the 10th Anniversary Gala, "Lasting Impressions from a Decade of Dance."
• March 2, 2012
  • “Lucas Comes to America” Book Signing at HADA Antique Show
• February 27, 2012
  • Helping a Hero House Warming and Dedication for SGT Kendra Coleman
• February 26, 2012
  • “Lucas Comes to America” Book Singing at UP Restaurant
• February 23, 2012
  • “Lucas Comes Book Signing” at Christofle Benefitting Dominic Walsh Dance Theater
• January 14, 2012
  • IKONIC exhibit Carolyn Farb with photographer Jay Rusovich at Samuel Lynn Gallery in Dallas, TX.
• January 4, 2012
  • Hosted Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston Reception Honoring Artist McArthur Binion
• January, 2012
  • Executive Producer for “Jesse Sings Kinky” Album with Jesse Dayton, the Music of Kinky Friedman- due out soon.

2011

• December 10, 2011
  • “Lucas Comes to America” Book Signing at San Antonio Children’s Museum Benefitting Literacy San Antonio
• December 9, 2011
  • “Lucas Comes to America” Book Signing at Ericka Bagwell’s Home Benefitting Children’s AssessmentCenter
• December 6, 2011
  • “Lucas Comes to America” Book Signing at Rebecca & Drew Benefitting SNAP
• October 27, 2011
  • Ambassadress of Go West I: First Bilateral Contemporary Art Exhibit Between France and Texas.
• October 15, 2011
  • Spark of Life Foundation “A Night to Remember” Torch Award recipient
• October 14, 2011
  • “Lucas Comes to America” Book Signing at Neiman Marcus in the Galleria
• October 11, 2011
  • “Lucas Comes to America” Book Signing at Saks 5th Avenue Benefitting Memorial Hermann Hospital’s New Children’s Wing
• October 8th, 2011
  • “Lucas Comes to America” Book Signing and Reading at the Children's Museum of Houston
• September 10th, 2011
  • Artistic collaboration with photographer Jay Rusovich on the IKONIC exhibit
• August 31, 2011
  • Member of Finance Team for Governor Perry
• August 30th, 2011:
  • Co-Chair Helping a Hero National Gala
• Advisory Blue Cure Foundation
• Contributor Origin Magazine
• June 23, 2011
  • Auctioneer with Wade Wilson for Fodice Foundation Fundraiser at the Colton & Farb Gallery. Raised $20,000
• May 21, 2011
  • Recipient of the Harvey Houck, Jr. Award presented by Justice for Children
• April 27, 2011:
  • Guest Auctioneer at the Power of Roses benefiting the Rose Ribbon Foundation, raised $65,000
• April 16th, 2011
  • Chairman of the Vale-Asche Foundation Playground at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center. The Dedication took place on April 16th, 2011 with Mayor Annise Parker, Carolyn Farb, Susan and Asche Ackerman, Anna McCullogh, and Andrew and Laura McCullogh in attendance.
• April, 2011
  • Author of children's book Lucas Comes to America.
• March 28, 2011
  • World Premiere of Becoming Kinky: The World According to Kinky Friedman
• March 26, 2011
  • 5^th Annual Children at Risk Gala
  • Co-Chair with Mary Jane Fortin – An Evening with Michael McDonald
• March 3, 2011
  • Table Talk 2011 Conversationalist for University of Houston’s Friends of Women’s Studies

2010

• October – December 2010: On the board of the Global Houston Website - Chairman of the Committee
• December 7, 2010: Hats Off to Houston hat donor
• December 1, 2010: Honorary Chair- World AIDS Day Luncheon
• November 20, 2010: “It’s All Greek to Me… An Evening with Olympia Dukakis” Chair
• November 6, 2010: Texas NF Honoree at the 30^th Anniversary Celebration
• November 6, 2010: the Texas NF Association presented the Inaugural Volunteerism Award named for Dr. Carolyn Farb to Reggie Bibbs
• September 26th, 2010: Recipient of the Indian Film Festival of Houston Philanthropy Award for dedicated years of service to the community at large as well as worthwhile charities.
• San Jose Clinic, Portrait of Compassion Honoree May 15^th, 2010
• Honorary Chair, Wine and Roses Gala benefitting the American Diabetes Association May 10^th, 2010
• Chair, 4^th Annual Children at Risk Gala “An Evening with Randy Travis,” June 11^th, 2010
• Chair, Playground Without Limits Campaign 2010, Houston Parks Board, West Gray Multi-Service Center
• 20^th Annual Texas Neurofibromatosis Endowed Lecture at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center with Dr. Kathryn North June 14^th, 2010
• Recipient and Honoree of the Wilhelm Schole International Cosmopolis Award May 11^th, 2010
• Chair of 2^nd annual Northwood University Peace Through Business Initiative, 2010
• Jefferson Award Board Member
• Co-Producer “Becoming Kinky: The World According to Kinky Friedman”
• Children’s book to be published by Authorhouse, Fall 2010. “Lucas Comes to America.”

2009

• Chair -- Firebird Soirée Gala honoring Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., Artistic Director, Texas Ballet Theater ... event benefits the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater on October 17, 2009. The 2009 inaugural opening night gala was sold out before invitations were printed

• Honorary Chair for the inaugural Indian Film Festival Gala on September 26, 2009.

• Luncheon Co-Chair for the partnership of Economic Empowerment of Women and Northwood University’s Peace Through Business 2009, assisting women in business from Afghanistan and Rwanda create business plans and in turn Pay it Forward to others in their countries on June 5, 2009.

• Chair for Stand-up for Houston’s Children with CBS’ The Late Late Show Host, Craig Ferguson benefitting Children At Risk on April 3, 2009.

• Chair for An Evening with Patsy in support of Stages Repertory Theatre’s 30th Anniversary Gala on January 29, 2009.

  2008

  • Carolyn Farb Endowed Lectureship for Neurofibromatosis at M.D. Anderson – December 15, 2008 – A T & T Auditorium – Speaker – Dr. Roger Packer
  • NAACP Freedom Fund Awards – Presidential Award Recipient – October 24, 2008

• 2008 Honorary Chair for Top Cats and High Tails benefiting The Houston Humane Society at The River Oaks Country Club on October 3rd, 2008

• Co-Chair for UNICEF's 2008 The Mystique of India Gala benefiting The U.S. Fund for UNICEF at Hotel InterContinental on September 19, 2008

• Judge for The Red Bull Art of Can VIP Gala at the Houston Galleria on July 11, 2008

• Keynote Speaker at The Mad Hatter Luncheon benefiting Meals on Wheels Program on May 14th, 2008 at Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas

• Honoree at An Evening With Legendary Woman benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters presented by Women that Soar and Philanthropy World Magazine on May 18th, 2008 in Dallas, Texas.

• Celebrity Performer with professional dancer, Eddie Stutts for Houston's Dancing With The Stars benefiting The Monarch School dancing the tango at The Hilton Post Oak on May 1st, 2008.

• Honorary Chair for The Butterfly Luncheon benefiting Houston Hospice at the Hobby Center on April 30th, 2008.

• Recipient of the Houston Alumni Organization Chair's Award. Honoree at The University of Houston's Houston Alumni Organization 54th Annual Award's Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Houston on April 17th, 2008.

• Co-Chair at The Helping a Hero Gala benefiting the Wounded Hero Program, Hyatt Regency Houston on April 13th, 2008

• Judge for The Red Bull Art of Can at the Winter Street Studios on April 9, 2008

• Chair, Welcoming Luncheon for UNICEF President and CEO Caryl Stern to Dallas hosted by Del Frisco's Restaurant on April 3, 2008 in Dallas, Texas

• Chair, Welcoming Dinner for UNICEF President and CEO Caryl Stern to Houston hosted by Rob Taylor on April 2, 2008.

• Chair, Welcoming Luncheon for UNICEF President and CEO Caryl Stern to Houston hosted by Del Frisco's Double Edge Steak House on April 2, 2008.

• Honoree representing UNICEF at Darfur: Photojournalists Respond Exhibit Holocaust Museum Houston on March 12, 2008

• Co-Chair for UNICEF's It's In The Bag Luncheon featuring Lana Marks on March 5, 2008

• Benefactor at the UNICEF/Malawi Benefit hosted by Madonna/Gucci, A Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF in New York City on February 6, 2008

• Keynote Speaker for UNICEF Benefit Bangladesh Festival Sidr Relief Fund for the Bangladesh Association of Houston at Stafford Civic Center on January 26, 2008

• Recipient of the First Annual Special Bob Hopkins' Founders Award at The Philanthropy World Hall of Fame Gala at The Fairmount Hotel in Dallas, Texas on January 18, 2008

2006

The ARC of Greater Houston, The Celebration of Life Gala, Honorary Chair, March 24, 2006 featuring world renown chefs and music by the Orchestra Swoon.

• UNICEF Design's of Hope Gala, April 9, 2006, Chair, benefiting UNICEF's programs to provide care and support to orphans and children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. The Gala had a concert featuring Broadway Star Michelle Williams and Grammy winning composer/lyricist Richard M. Sherman. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Jane Curtain.

• HRC Gala, April 29, 2006, Honorary Chair with Bob Devlin. Carolyn introduced Mr. Kyan Douglas, Bravo's hair and beauty expert on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

• A Starry Night Gala, Co-Chair with Scott Murray sponsored by Philanthropy World Magazine.

• Honored as the first of twelve Texas Cadillac Legends, June 6, 2006; Special aired on KHOU Channel 11

• Chair, Playgrounds without Limits campaign under auspices of Houston Parks Board.
  

  2005

  • Co-Chair of UNICEF's Designs of Hope event benefiting children and families affected by the South Asia tsunami tragedy.  The event raised over $500,000 with only 42 days planning time. (March)
  • Designed jacket for the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, “The Dream Collection 2005: Dream of a World Without AIDS, A Dream as Big as Texas” (March)
  • Honorary Chair for “A Starry Night Gala” benefiting Philanthropy and Volunteerism in Education (January)

  2004

• Hosted “Hope Lives Here”: UNICEF's Campaign Against AIDS Cultivation Dinner with Lang Lang, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Marvin Girouard, Honorary National Board Member of the U.S. Fund & Chairman of Pier 1 Imports, Charles Lyons, President of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.  The dinner helped to launch the $5 million Texas campaign to fight the AIDS pandemic worldwide. (November)

• Honorary Chair, Texas Justice Alliance benefit presentation of “The Exonerated” at the Alley Theater (September)

• Honorary “Pink” Chair, The Pink Ribbons Project, dancers in motion against breast cancer (September)

• Honorary Chair, TALA GALA, Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts supporting the Philip Johnson Endowed Chair at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston (June)

• Honorary Chair “An Evening with His Majesty Reza Pahlavi of Iran” benefiting the US Fund for UNICEF. The event raised over $150,000 in six weeks. (May)

• Event Chair Committee, David Carr's Race for Kids benefiting Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas (May)

• Chair, Lotus Arts de Vivre exhibit benefiting The Carolyn Farb Endowed Lecture in Neurofibromatosis, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, in memory of James Warren Baxter (May)

• Participated as a Celebrity Chef to benefit the ESCAPE Family Resource Center 23rd Annual Celebrity Chef benefit (April)

• Honorary Chairperson for the 2004 Irving Symphony Orchestra High Cotton Stomp – High Cotton Gala (March)

• Celebrity Poker Event for Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation (January)

  2003

• Board of Trustee (Emeritus) for the Harris County Hospital District Foundation (December)

• Honorary Chair, 8th Annual Blueprint Ball College of Architecture University of Houston benefiting Philip Johnson Endowed Chair at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture (October)

• Consultant to “A Tribute to Mary Nell Reck” to benefit the Pink Ribbons Project, Dancers in Motion Against Breast Cancer and to establish the Mary Nell Reck Culinary Scholarship (May)

• Participated as a Celebrity Chef with sculptor Jesus Morales to benefit the ESCAPE Family Resource Center 22nd Annual Celebrity Chef benefit (April)

• Co-Chair of the Northwood University benefit, “An Evening with Phyllis George: Honoring the Life Accomplishments of the Late Eleanor Searle Whitney McCollum” (April)

• Co-Chair of the Northwood University benefit, “A High Texas Tea with Carol Channing” to celebrate the publication of her new book, Just Lucky I Guess: A Memoir of Sorts (February)

  2002

• Honorary Chair of the 6th Annual Philanthropy in Texas Hall of Fame Gala (November)

• Co-Chair of The Rainforest Gala (November)

• University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, 2nd Annual Eckhard Pfeiffer and Carolyn Farb Scholarship Recipient Luncheon (November)

• Participated as a Celebrity Waiter for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Texas Gulf Coast Chapter benefit, “Houston, It's a Monopoly” (October)

• Honorary Chair of the Humble Intercontinental Rotary Club “Sixth Annual Colors of Our Hearts Gala,” benefiting the children of Chinendega, Nicaragua (September)

• Honorary Co-Chair of the 2nd Annual Culinary Endowment and Scholarship benefit, “Champagne and Chocolat” (September)

• Co-Chair of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center benefit, “Fran Drescher: Cancer Schmancer” to celebrate the publication of her new book, Cancer Schmancer (May)

• Participant in the Cancer Fighters of Houston 20th Anniversary “April in Paris” Luncheon and Fashion Show (April)

• Co-Chair of the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, Philip Johnson Endowed Chair Campaign (April)

• Co-Chair of the Northwood University benefit, “Three Weeks in Paris: Lunch with Barbara Taylor Bradford” (April)

• Participated as a Celebrity Chef for the ESCAPE Family Resource Center 21st Annual Celebrity Chef Benefit (April)

• Participated as a Conversationalist at the University of Houston Women's Studies Program, Friends of Women's Studies “Table Talk” (March)

  2001

• Created a wreath with Nino Shbeeb/Lexis Florist for the DIFFA Wreath Collection (November)

• Chair of the Humble Intercontinental Rotary Club, “Fifth Annual Colors of Our Hearts Gala,” benefiting the children of Chinendega, Nicaragua (September)

• Honorary Chair of the 1st Annual Culinary Endowment and Scholarship benefit, “Champagne and Chocolat” (September)

• Served as judge for an art contest for the San Jacinto Council, Girl Scouts of America Tenth Anniversary Urban Campout (April)

  2000

• Created a wreath with Keith White for the DIFFA Wreath Collection (December)

• Hosted a reception in honor of the Northwood University Distinguished Women of 2000 (November)

• Hosted a reception to help launch UNICEF's Maternal Neonatal Tetanus Campaign in honor Dr. François Gasse, UNICEF Senior Project Officer for Immunizations.  The Texas campaign raised over $400,000. (October)

• Honorary Chair of the Humble Intercontinental Rotary Club, “Fourth Annual Colors of Our Hearts Gala,” benefiting the children of Chinendega, Nicaragua (September)

• Served as Pink Fairy Godmother for the 2nd Annual Pink Ribbons Project, Dancers in Motion Against Breast Cancer benefit, “Rosa Caliente 2000: An Evening of Dance and Performance” (May)

• Participated as a Celebrity Waiter for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation benefit, “A Night in Rio” (April)

• Honorary Chair for the AIDS Foundation Houston benefit, “AREA at Vine Street” (April)

• Hosted a reception in honor of Prince Michael of Kent and the Flying Hospital/Ecumenical Hospitaller Order of Saint, John Knights of Malta (February)

  1999

• Participant at the Council on Alcohol and Drugs Annual Luncheon (October)

• Chair of the Humble Intercontinental Rotary Club, “Third Annual Colors of Our Hearts Gala,” benefiting the children of Chinendega, Nicaragua (September)

• Co-Chair of the first event for the United Cerebral Palsy Guild, “An Evening of Art and Compassion,” featuring the works of Texas Realist artist Trent Tate (September)

• Visited Chinendaga, Nicaragua, to view the devastated area and meet the children for whom the “Colors of Our Hearts” annual galas benefit (June)

• Chair of the University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics benefit, “Quest for Excellence” honoring Eckhard Pfeiffer, which raised over $3 million (April)

• Honorary Chair of the Mr. Sportsman Gala Dinner for Interfaith Charities, which provides leadership scholarships for deserving young people. (April)

• Provided leadership support to help raise awareness and funds in response to the Kosovo crisis for UNICEF.  Campaign raised over $100,000. (May)

  1998

• Provided Sponsor level support for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF benefit, "Be A Saint, Bond for Children: A Night with Sir Roger Moore, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador" which raised $250,000 in 8 weeks for the Hurricane Mitch emergency relief efforts in Central America. (December)

• Honorary Co-Chair of the Pink Ribbons Project, Dancers Against Breast Cancer benefit, “Hot Pink Houston” (November)

• Participant in the National Kidney Foundation Auxiliary, 30th Annual Mother Daughter Fashion Show and Luncheon, Dallas (September)

• Chair of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF benefit, "An Evening with Vanessa Redgrave, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador," which raised over $150,000 in six weeks to benefit UNICEF's children's projects in the Caspian Sea region. (May)

• Chair of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF benefit, “An Evening with Maxim Vengerov” (May)

• Chaired the I Have a Dream Houston 1998 Dream Maker Gala (April)

  1997

• Provided leadership support to help raise awareness and funds for the UNICEF concert starring Nana Mouskouri, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Over $100,000 raised.

• Chair of the 3rd Annual Houston SPCA Pet Telethon (August)

• Co-Chair of the 2nd Annual Thyroid Society for Education and Research benefit, featuring Joe Piscopo, which raised over $80,000 (March)

  1996

• Chair of the 2nd Annual Houston SPCA Pet Telethon (October)

• Provided leadership support to help raise awareness and funds for the UNICEF "Olympic AID" gala in honor of the centennial games in Atlanta. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Vendela and Johann Olav Koss attended. $100,000 was raised to help children in war torn countries.

• Chair of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center benefit, “Marvin's Million Dollar Dream,” which raised over $1.3 million for breast and prostate cancer research. Music superstars Lyle Lovett and Don Henley headlined the evening. The event was heralded by the Houston philanthropic community as the most talked about gala honoring the accomplishments of President Emeritus Dr. Charles A. LeMaistre. A sell-out crowd of more than 1000 attended, with a silent auction display of 100 dream items. (August)

• Honorary Chair of the I Have A Dream Houston, 1996 Dream Maker Gala (April)

• Hosted the Underwriter Dinner for the benefactors of the Zoo Ball (April)

  1995

• Chair of the 1st Annual Houston SPCA Pet Telethon, which raised over $189,000 and was the most successful animal telethon in the United States (October)

• Professional Consultant to the Child Development Center of the Houston-Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute; launched the Brick Campaign that raised $15,000 (October)

• Consultant and Coordinator of the 1st Annual Thyroid Society benefit, “A Tribute to Don Nelson” (August)

• Honorary Chair and Emcee of the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation benefit, “Excellence in Youth” (April)

• Special Advisor to the Epidermis Bullosuma benefit, “Wishes, Wines and Wildlife” (March)

• Chair of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Art Event at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Glassell Junior School (March)

  1994

• Honorary Chair of the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation benefit, “Excellence in Youth,” which awards scholarships to deserving young people (May)

• Mistress of Ceremonies for the I Have A Dream Houston, Inaugural Dream Maker Gala (April)

• Co-Commentator with Sylvan Rodriquez for the I Have A Dream Houston “An Evening at the White House” (April)

• Provided leadership support to help raise awareness and funds for UNICEF's Rwanda emergency programs.  $100,000 raised in six weeks.

• Special Event Coordinator and Event Co-Chairman for the Advocates for Incest Survival benefit (April)

• Chair of the Children's Miracle Network Telethon and creator of the concept of Hermann Hospital “Hermann Heroes” (February)

  1993

• Became a founding member of the UNICEF Texas Board of Directors.

• Participant in the Houston Post Santa's Helpers “Christmas in July” campaign (July)

• Special Funding Projects Coordinator for the San Jacinto Council, Girl Scouts; spearheaded the Camp Tejas Revisited Campaign and led girls door to door selling cookies (April)

• Hosted the Friends of the Ronald McDonald House Spring Coffee, with 216 new members and a record $9,000 raised. (March)

• Host of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston “Star-A-Thon,” a national telethon that raised $600,000 locally (January)

  1992

• Provided leadership support to help raise awareness and funds for UNICEF's event starring Placido Domingo and Linda Ronstadt.  $500,000 raised in support of UNICEF's programs throughout Mexico.  (November)

• Chair of the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation benefit, “I've Got a Crush on You,” which raised $70,000 (May)

• Co-Chair of the Downtown Houston Association benefit, “Heart of the City Gala” to honor businesses and individuals who contributed to the revitalization of downtown (February)

  1991

• Chair of the Change, Inc./Barney's New York benefit, to raise funds for Change, Inc., artist Robert Rauschenberg's foundation to aid struggling artists (September)

• Served on the Judging Committee for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters's benefit, “Houston's Best Dressed Men”. (March)

• Vignette Designer for the Hospice at the Texas Medical Center benefit, “Desserts and Designs”. (February)

• Co-Chair of the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation benefit, “My Heart Belongs to Daddy: Men's Fashion Extravaganza and Luncheon,” which raised $100,000 to support research and establish a neurofibromatosis clinic at MD Anderson Cancer Clinic. (February)

• Participated as a Celebrity Waiter for the 10th Annual Star Serve Teen Health Clinic benefit. (January)

  1990

• Chair of the United Cerebral Palsy “Star-A-Thon '90: Sportsmania Auction” (January)

• Provided leadership support to help raise awareness and funds for UNICEF's event starring Audrey Hepburn, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Michael Tilson Thomas and the

• New World Symphony Orchestra.  Raised over $100,000 for UNICEF programs in Mexico.

  1989

  • Honorary Chair of the Houston premiere of Beehive at the Alley Theatre to benefit the Bering Community Service Foundation (August)
  • Chair of the University of Houston Athletic Department benefit, “Tribute to Excellence” honoring Carl Lewis and Hakeem Olajuwan that established scholarships in the names of Mary G. Cullen and Lucille Melcher (August)
  • Co-Chair and Host of the opening of the Greater Houston AIDS Alliance, Thomas Street Center Clinic, a publicly supported clinic for persons with HIV and AIDS (July)
  • Honorary Chair of the Leukemia Society of America, Houston Police Department 8th Annual Bike Relay, which raised $101,101 (July)
  • Participant in the Crescent Moon Foundation's “Warren Moon Celebrity Tennis Tournament” (July)

  1988

• Campaigned on behalf of Victoria Herbert and her pet pig Jeffrey Jerome to bring
  attention to the plight of the homeless in Houston.

• 1988 Participated as a Celebrity Model in the Citizens for Animal Protection Humane Society, “Celebrity Paws Gala” (October)

• Honorary Chair of the Women's Club of Houston benefit for the Star of Hope Mission (October)

• Host of the KUHT Channel 8 Houston Public Television 18th Annual TeleAuction (April)

• Guest Host of the Arthritis Foundation Telethon on KHTV Channel 39, which raised over $180,000 (April)

• Co-Host of the Cancer Fighters of Houston “Fifties Fundraising Evening” (April)

• Chair of the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, “Challenger Center Benefit Concert,” which raised $250,000 and established Challenger Learning Centers in Space Science Education across the nation (March)

• Participant in the American Cancer Society benefit, “Jail and Bail” (March)

• Participant in the Achievement Rewards for College Students benefit, “Celebrity Dinner Auction” (January)

  1987

• Hosted a dinner to benefit the Volunteers of America, “Christmas Food Basket Program,” which raised $86,550, fed 3000 families, and provided toys to over 3200 families (December)

• Chair of the Bering Community Service Foundation, “An Evening of Hope,” which raised $150,000 and was the first successful fundraiser in Houston for persons with HIV and AIDS (October)

• Chair of the L'Alliance Française Bastille Day Ball, which raised $90,569 to benefit the Leonardon Scholarship Fund of L' Alliance Française (July)

• Chair of the Business Arts Fund, “Folies du Ciel,” in recognition of the Houston business community's support of the Business Arts Fund (May)

• Participated as a Celebrity Chef with former Houston Oiler John Schuhmacher in the Houston ESCAPE Center benefit, “6th Annual Benihana Celebrity Chef Show-Off” (May)

• Chair of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF benefit to launch the "Child Survival Campaign".   Raised over $250,000.

  1986

• Chair of the Volunteers of America, “Food Basket Drive,” which provided food, clothing and other services to more than 2000 families during the holiday season, and fed nearly 10,000 people with a budget of $55,000 (December)

• Chair of the Volunteers of America, “Ham It Up Hambassador Event,” which raised $3,500 for the Toy Fund (December)

• Hosted a coffee/tea for residents of the Holly Hall Retirement Home (December)

• Participated as a Celebrity Model for the Cancer Fighters of Houston benefit, “To Russia with Love” to raise funds for the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research (November)

  1985

• Honorary Chair of the Celebration of Toys benefit, “Champagne Tea” (December)

• Creator of the 1st Annual Episcopal High School “Canine Follies,” benefiting scholarship programs; raised $50,000 the first year, $107,000 the second year, and by 1992 the benefit auctions raised $400,000 (October)

• Mistress of Ceremonies with Tony Randall, 2nd Annual Myasthenia Gravis Foundation Gala (February)

• Consultant to the Health Care Dimension Casa de Ninos Hospice for terminally ill children. (January)

  1984

• Honorary Chair and Host of the Harris County Medical Society Membership Coffee (October)

• Chair of the Ms. Foundation, “Stars of Texas Gala,” starring Gloria Steinem, Marlo Thomas, Phil Donahue Dabney Coleman, Loretta Swit, and Marvin Hamlisch to benefit the Ms. Foundation for Women (June)

• House Hostess of the River Oaks Mothers' March Against Birth Defects (March)

• Host of the Cancer Fighters of Houston Luncheon/Coffee, with a record attendance to benefit the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research (January)

  1983

• Chair of the world premiere of Sudden Impact, starring Clint Eastwood, to benefit the American Paralysis Association; raised $150,000 for paralysis research (December)

• Participated as a Celebrity Model in the Scott and White Memorial Hospital Fashion Gala, Temple, Texas (August)

• Participated as a Gourmet Chef with Luci Baines Johnson in the March of Dines, “Gourmet Gala” (April)

• Chair of the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research, “A Million Dollar Evening,” headlined by entertainment superstars Ann-Margaret, Liza Minnelli, Crystal Gayle, Marvin Hamlisch, and Alan King. This event was the first in Texas to raise over $1 million in a single evening for a single charity (February)

  1979

• Participated with California fashion designer James Galanos in the March of Dimes, “Gourmet Gala” (March)

  1977

• Souvenir Program Chair of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation benefit, “Jack Benny Memorial Tennis Classic,” which raised $100,000 (April)

  1973 

• Invitation Chair of the March of Dimes Silver Anniversary Ball (March)

  1972

• Co-Chair of the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation Benefit Show (February)
  

  1970

• One of the organizers of the 1st Annual KUHT Channel 8 Houston Public Television TeleAuction, which raised $122,000 (March)

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• 1984 Polo Match in Houston with Hugh Downs and Up with People ---raising $100,000.
• 1986 Ravi Shankar in Concert at Jones Hall in Houston with Dominique de Menil and Carolyn Farb--- raising $100,000 for UNICEF’s programs in India.
• 1987 Masquerade Ball for National UNICEF Day Chaired by Carolyn Farb at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Houston with TV star Herve Villechaize from “Fantasy Island” --- raising $100,000.
• 1989 Dinner with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Houston raising awareness and funds for UNICEF’s programs on the continent of Africa.
• 1990 Audrey Hepburn Event at the Wortham Center in Houston with the late UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Audrey Hepburn and Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony Orchestra --- raising $250,000 for UNICEF’s programs in Mexico.
• 1991 Julio Iglesias in Concert on Valentine’s night at the Hyatt Regency in Houston --- raising $200,000 for the Gulf War Emergency.  Event was organized in 60 days
• 1991 Bangladesh Cyclone Emergency Relief Fundraising Events with Hakeem Olajuwon.  Raised over $250,000 for relief efforts.
• 1992 Placido Domingo and Linda Ronstadt in Concert at the Summit Arena and Gala at Neiman Marcus in Houston --- raising $500,000 net revenue for UNICEF programs in Mexico.  Event recognized as the “Best Charity Event of the Year” by the city of Houston.  Event was organized in 90 days.
• 1993 Treasures of the East Gala honoring UN Ambassador Jamsheed Marker at the Hyatt Regency Hotel --- raising $100,000 for Girls’ Education Programs in Pakistan.
• 1994 Gala honoring Hakeem Olajuwon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel --- raising $150,000 for the Rwanda Emergency.  Event was organized in 60 days.
• 1995 Opera Concert and Gala Dinner in Houston with Maestro Fernando de la Mora --- raising $200,000 for UNICEF programs in Mexico.
• 1996 Gala in Houston in support of “Olympic AID” in conjunction with the Atlanta summer Olympic games honoring UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Johann Olav Koss, Norwegian gold medalist for speed skating, and renowned Swedish Supermodel and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Vendela --- raising $100,000 for UNICEF programs for children in war-torn countries.
• 1997 Gala honoring UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Vanessa Redgrave at the Omni Hotel Riverway --- raising $200,000 for UNICEF programs in the Caspian Sea region.  Event was organized in 90 days and Chaired by Carolyn Farb.
• 1998 Concert and Gala at Music Hall in Houston with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Nana Mouskouri --- raising $150,000.
• 1999 Gala in Houston with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore and Lady Kristina --- raising $250,000 net revenue for UNICEF programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Event was organized in 90 days.
• 1999 Fundraising events at the Brownstone and at the Houstonian benefitting Kosovo War victims.
• 2002 Reception featuring Kazanjian Jewelry at the Hotel ZaZa.  Event Chaired by Carolyn Farb raising awareness and funds for UNICEF’s School-in-a-Box Programs.
• 2003 Gala in Houston honoring HRH Crown Prince Pahlavi and HRH Princess Yasmin of Iran --- raising $200,000 net revenue for UNICEF’s Earthquake Emergency Relief Programs in Iran.  Event was 100% underwritten and organized in 90 days.  Chaired by Carolyn Farb.
• 2004 Concert and Gala with Erykah Baddu in Houston --- raising $450,000 for UNICEF’s programs benefitting AIDS orphans. Event Chaired by Carolyn Farb.
• 2005 Concert and Gala in Houston honoring former President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush with a special performance by Academy Award and Grammy Award winning song writer and composer, Richard Sherman, and Michelle Williams formerly of Destiny’s Child --- raising $500,000 net revenue for Tsunami Emergency Relief.  Event Chaired by Carolyn Farb, Ingrid Moody, Becca Cason Thrash, Sultana Mangalji, and Neda Ladjevardian.  Over $1 Million dollars net revenue was raised in Houston for the Tsunami Relief efforts.
• 2006 Major Donor Cultivation Dinner hosted by Carolyn Farb in her home Carolina with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and world renowned pianist Lang Lang in support of UNICEF’s Maternal Neonatal TetanusPrograms.
• 2006 Gala and Fashion Show Remembering Audrey Hepburn with Jane Seymour at the InterContinental Hotel --- raising $350,000 for UNICEF’s AIDS Programs on the continent of Africa.  Event Chaired by Carolyn Farb.
• 2007 Major Donor Cultivation Dinner hosted by Carolyn Farb in her home Carolina  with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore and Lady Kristina in support of the Unite for Children-Unite Against AIDS Campaign.  UNICEF Houston raised $1 Million dollars in support of this campaign which was a model for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF nationwide.
• 2007 Grand Opening of Del Frisco’s Steakhouse at the Galleria in Houston.  Event completely underwritten and Chaired by Carolyn Farb.  1,500 guests attended the Grand Opening red carpet event.
• 2007 Fendi Luncheon and Fashion Show with Fendi President & CEO Gianlucca Flore.  Event Chaired by Carolyn Farb at the Sam Houston Hotel.
• 2007 Luncheon and book-signing event Chaired and Hosted by Carolyn Farb at her home Carolina with Guest of Honor Jenna Bush.  Funds raised for UNICEF Programs in Panama.
• 2007 Lana Marks Fashion Show and Luncheon Chaired by Carolyn Farb.
• 2007 Luncheon Event at Del Frisco’s in the Galleria Houston introducing new U.S. Fund for UNICEF President Caryl Stern.  Event completely underwritten and Chaired by Carolyn Farb. 
• 2007 Luncheon Event at The Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas introducing new U.S. Fund for UNICEF President Caryl Stern.  Event completely underwritten and Chaired by Carolyn Farb.
• 2007 Bangladesh Cyclone Relief Fundraising efforts with Hakeem Olajuwon, Carolyn Farb, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
• 2008 Gala Event Mystique of India at the InterContinental Hotel Houston.  Raised $750,000 net revenue for UNICEF’s Programs in India.  Event Created by and Chaired by Carolyn Farb.

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2004

Hosted Austin Museum of Art Director's Tour of Houston (May)

• Hosted Houston Grand Opera's National Patrons Weekend Brunch (May)

• Hosted National Museum of Women in the Arts Tour (April)

• Committee Member, Texas Film Hall of Fame (February)

• Hosted World-Renowned Field Archaeologist, Art Historian, Professor Iris Love to fund exhibit of rare ceramics and wall paintings of Greek and Roman periods. (January)

  2003

• Hosted a brunch featuring Jack Valenti, president of the Motion Picture Association of America and Founding Trustee of the American Film Institute, in support of the American Film Institute (May)

  2002

• Hosted a tour of house and art collection for the Friends of Margolis Art Gallery Art Tour (November)

• Co-Chair of the 2002 Annual Awards Luncheon of Young Audiences of Houston (May)

  2001

• Hosted a luncheon for British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes as part of the fundraising campaign for the Fashion and Textile Museum, London (November)

• Chair of the Houston Grand Opera benefit, “A Night at the Alhambra,” honoring writer, playwright, and sculptor Robert Wilson; the event included the first online auction for an HGO benefit, and raised a record $1.5 million (March)

  2000

• Member of the Board of Trustees and active participant in the campaign to raise funds for the renovation of the Rothko Chapel (June)

• Co-Coordinator in establishing the Van McFarland Memorial Scholarship for Painting and Sculpture at the Glassell School of Art (March)

  1999

• Advisory Committee member and Table Designer for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston benefit, “Fin de Siècle” (October)

  1997

• Hosted the Dracula premiere party for the Ambassador's Circle of the Houston Ballet Foundation (March)

  1996

• Table Designer for the Museum of Southern History Benefit Lunch (December)

• Co-Chair with Dominique de Menil of the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum benefit, “A Night at the Opera,” a supper party following the premiere of Four Saints in Three Acts that raised over $100,000 (January)

  1995

• Special Event Coordinator of the Endangered Species Media Project, “A Celebration of Earth and Life;” presented the first Dr. Richard J. Bauldauf Award to musician Kenny Loggins, and received Greetings from the State of Texas, Office of Governor George W. Bush. (April)

• Hosted the Houston Symphony Conductor's Circle Reception

  1993

• Host and Emcee of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts benefit, “Price Waterhouse Night of Stars,” which raised $64,450 (March)

  1992

• Hosted a FotoFest reception honoring artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade (March)

  1991

• Opened Carolina gardens to more than 11,000 visitors on the 56th Annual River Oaks Garden Club Azalea Trail (March)

  1990

• Chair of the Bill of Rights Committee, Texas Chapter of the American Committee on the French Revolution, which gave to the city of Houston a sculpture commemorating the Joint Bicentennial of the United States Bill of Rights and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (November)

  1989

• Hosted the 6th Annual Society for the Performing Arts, Score of Suppers “Great Gatsby Supper” (February)

  1988

• Chair of the Rice Design Alliance 15th Anniversary Gala, “A Step Back in Time” (May)

• Honorary Co-Chair of the Art League of Houston reception, 6th Annual Texas Artist of the Year (April)

• Hosted the 5th Annual Society for the Performing Arts, Score of Suppers “That's Entertainment Supper”(January)

  1987

• Host of the Theatre Under the Stars Anniversary Gala (June)

• Gala Committee Member of the Rice Design Alliance benefit, “Fight for Cite” boxing party to benefit Cite, the quarterly publication of the RDA (June)

• Hosted a dinner for the Society for the Performing Arts, “Wortham Week” (May)

• Honorary Chair of the Art League of Houston benefit, “Metalmorphosis,” honoring artist Charles Pebworth (April)

• Hosted the 4th Annual Society for the Performing Arts, Score of Suppers “A Night in the Caribbean Supper” (March)

  1986

• Hosted a reception honoring John Henry Faulk following the premiere of his one man show, Deep in the Heart, at Chocolate Bayou Theater (October)

• Honorary Chair of the Institute of Hispanic Culture 21st Annual Noche de Las Americas Ball (October)

• Program Chair of the Crescent Endowment for Texas Arts Gala benefiting TACA, an organization that provides funds for the performing arts in Dallas, and establishing the Rosewood Hotels Crescent Endowment for the Texas Arts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C. (April)

• Hosted the FotoFest “Fiesta Party” (March)

• Hosted the 3rd Annual Society for the Performing Arts, Score of Suppers (February)

• Project Coordinator, World Premiere Neotexanaissance, a concerto composed by Houstonian Paul Bryson English to commemorate the Texas and Houston Sesquicentennials, a tribute and affirmation of the vitality and greatness of the state of Texas (January)

  1985

• Hosted the Houston Symphony Orchestra Conductor's Circle reception honoring HSO conductor Sergiu Comissiona (November)

• Hosted the Rice Design Alliance Pre-Tour Gala (November)

• Bearer of the Colors for the Institute of Hispanic Culture 20th Annual Noche de Las Americas Ball (October)

• Chair of Texas Gifts of the USO 45th Anniversary Gala (September)

• Committee Member of the American Ballet Gala (January)

• Participant in the New Orleans Museum Benefit (January)

  1984

• Gifts Chair of the New York City Ballet Boating Party

• Executive Committee Member of the Houston International Film Festival

• Advisor to the Society for the Performing Arts

  1982

• Chair of the Archives of American Art Texas Project, “A Tribute to Miss Nina Cullinan,” which raised over $200,000 (October)

  1981

• Chair of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston benefit, “A Renaissance Evening,” which raised over $480,000; launched commemorative plate program (October)

• Creator of art piece, Winged Pegasus, for the University of Houston Blaffer Gallery

  1980

• Chair of the Houston Ballet Foundation, “Soirée on the Sewanee,” which raised a record $200,000 (March)

  1979

• Co-founder of the Society for the Performing Arts Angels, an on-going fundraising wing of the Society for Performing Arts; events raised $250,000.

  1976

• Stage Manager for the Music Theatre Guild of Houston production, “A Christmas Party for Special Children” (December)

  1973

• Chair of the Neiman-Marcus Coty Fashion Awards benefiting the Contemporary Arts Museum (September)

• Chair of the KUHT Channel 8 Houston Public Television Super Sports Night TeleAuction, which raised $252,264 (May)

  1972

• Co-Chair of the Alley Theatre Silver Anniversary Gala

• 1972 Room Creator of the Alley Theatre benefit, “Under the Big Top” (September)

  1971

• Entertainment Chair of the Nina Vance Theatre events at the Alley Theatre

• 1971 Co-Chair of the Alley Theatre benefit, “Lights Up” (October)

  1970

• Underwriter for performance of Houston Grand Opera's La Triviata at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C.

1994

Consultant on the Feasibility Audit and Special Event Consultancy for the National Child 1995 Labor Committee, prepared in association with Douglas M. Lawson, Inc.

1991

• Hosted a fundraiser for Mayor Kathryn J. Whitmire's re-election campaign (November)

  1990

• Hosted a reception for Henry Kissinger benefiting GOPAC (November)

• Member of the Host Committee and Venue Coordinator of the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations MediaFest. Creator and Underwriter of the Houston's Hot fan that was distributed to each venue during the 1990 Economic Summit (July)

  1985

• Hosted a fundraiser in honor of Wendy Graham, wife of Senator Phil Graham

• Served on the Committee for the 50th Presidential Inaugural

  1984

• Formed Texans for Reagan Committee in Austin, Texas

• Hosted fundraising brunch for Senator Charles H. Percy's re-election campaign (January)

• Chair of the “Yuppie and Yumpie” fundraiser for Senator Phil Graham

• Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate campaign of Jack Lousma, former astronaut

• Hosted a cocktail reception in honor of the Foreign Minister of Costa Rica, The Honorable Carlos Jose Gutierrez and his wife in support of a newly formed foundation to keep the principles of democracy alive.

  1983

• Finance Committee member of Mayor Kathryn J. Whitmire's re-election campaign

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  Honors and Awards:

• 2015
  • 26 Most Beautiful Houstonians of 2015 (HTexas.com)
• 2013
  • October 27, 2013 Itinerant Gastronomy: Ground Control designed by Artist Mary Ellen Carroll in conjunction with the Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston. Invited as one of the 12 notable Houstonians to participate in a special intimate dinner for 12.

• Received the first annual JPMorgan Chase Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chinese Community Center on November 29, 2007.

  2006

• Houston Hospice, The Butterfly Luncheon Benefiting the Butterfly Program of Houston Hospice, Honoree. May 4, 2006

• Daughters of the American Revolution, April 13, 2006. Presented by Joanne Hook, Regent of the Alexander Love Chapter NSDAR. Chapter's Community Service Award Recipient.

• The University of St. Thomas Cookie Baking Club St. Alice Award, May 2, 2006 Beneficiaries, Houston Food Bank. The Crooker Center at The University of St. Thomas, Father Anthony faculty representative and Jason Perry, Chair.

• May 15, 2006, named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. In appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world. Presented a medallion and pin, by Galleria Area President Charles President.

  2004

• The American Friends of Versailles Executive Committee Member (June)

• Cinderella Honoree, Variety Club of Houston, The Children's Charity (April)

• Irving Symphony Award (March)

  2003

• Appointed Honorary Chair of UNICEF Texas Board of Directors.

• Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities by Northwood University for demonstrating the highest standards and values, and for serving as an exemplar to the students of Northwood University (May)

• Presented with the Philanthropist of the Year Award by the Young Professionals Association and the Colombian Folkloric Ballet at the 20th Anniversary Noche de Colombia Gala for dedication and successful volunteerism in nurturing good-cause projects in Latin America (April)

• Received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, presented by 18th Congressional District Representative Sheila Jackson Lee on behalf of the U.S House of Representatives, recognizing Carolyn Farb, Carolyn Bookout, and Northwood University (April)

• Recipient of The Challenger Center Seven Award recognizing individuals who have made a commitment to the Challenger Center for Space Science Education to “continue the mission” of the crew member of Challenger Flight 51-L. (October)

  2002

• Received the Macy's Heart and Soul Award in recognition of efforts to fight breast cancer (October)

  2001

• Received the David and Sybil Yurman Humanitarian Foundation Thoroughbred Award (November)

• Received the Window of Opportunity Foundation Lifetime Community Service Award (October)

• Received the Cancer Fighters of Houston, Circle of Roses Award

• Received The Muse Award recognizing a volunteer career of philanthropy and service to the community presented by General Director of the Houston Grand Opera, David Gockley

  2000

• Honoree at the Evin Thayer Scholarship Fund “Millennium Makers Series” (November)

• Presented with a sculpture by artist J.D. Peppers in recognition for work in support of the AIDS Foundation Houston (April)

  1999

• Received the Dr. Robert Graves Award from the Thyroid Society for Education and Research (May)

• Honoree with Governor Bill Hobby and Mrs. Hobby for the University of Houston Moores School of Music Society's 12th Annual Dinner Concert Gala for outstanding contributions to the arts and to the Houston community (February)

• Received The Best Award, Paris

  1998

• Received a Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Lee P. Brown on behalf of the City of Houston for meritorious service as a member of the Houston Library Board (October)

• Honoree at the Humble Intercontinental Rotary Club, “3rd Annual Colors of Our Hearts Gala,” for efforts benefiting the children of Chinendega, Nicaragua (September)

• Received the UNICEF Children's Medallion of Honor, presented by Vanessa Redgrave, Special UNICEF Representative, and a U.S. Committee for UNICEF Certificate of Appreciation (May)

• Recipient of UNICEF's Gold Medallion of Valour in recognition of philanthropic service to humanity worldwide.  (May)

  1997

• Recognized as a Houston Hero by DIFFA on their 10th Anniversary (November)

• Inducted into the Texas Philanthropy Hall of Fame (October)

• Honoree at the Houston Children's Charity benefit, “An Evening with Ray Charles” (October)

• Received the 1st Annual Ace of Hearts Award Harris County Medical Society, (February)

• Received Texas Flag which was flown over State Capital in appreciation and honor from the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation

  1996

• Recognized as a Northwood University Distinguished Woman for 1996, which honors individuals of highest achievement and leadership in academic fields integral to the unique educational philosophy of the school (October)

• Received the 1996 Dream Maker Award for Community Leadership at the I Have A Dream Houston benefit, for helping children achieve their dreams of success (April)

• Honoree at the Trinity Life Center, “Second Annual Robert Reid Roast and Toast: the Magic of Carolyn Farb,” benefit for neglected and abused children (June)

• Ran as Community Hero Torchbearer in the Torch Relay for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games (May)

• Received The Rose Award, presented by Dr. Dixie Mellilo (March)

  1995

• Received a Mayoral Proclamation in recognition of work as chair of the 1st Annual Houston SPCA Pet Telethon (October)

  1994

• Received the Bluebonnet Award for philanthropy at the 120th Annual Bluebonnet Ball benefiting Adult Programs of United Cerebral Palsy (April)

• Received the Caring for Children Award from the Houston Junior Cotillion

  1993

• Named an Honorary Fire Chief by the Houston Fire Department (September)

• Received a Texas Certificate of Appreciation from the Women's Chamber of Commerce

• Received the Visionary of Houston Award

  • Named to the Houston Chronicle Best Dressed List
  • San Jacinto Girl Scout Council Outstanding Volunteer of the Year (August)

  1992

• The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in May created and endowed the Carolyn Farb Permanent Endowment Fund for uncompromising dedication and perseverance in raising funds to find a cure for neurofibromatosis. This endowment fund supports the Visiting Professorship in Neurofibromatosis at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

• The Carolyn Farb Endowed Lecture Series/Visiting Professorships:

  1993 Robert Martuza, M.D. Georgetown University
  1994 John Mulvihill, M.D University of Pittsburgh
  1995 Martha Denckla, M.D. Johns Hopkins University
  1996 Allen Oliff, M.D. Merck Research Labs
  1997 Bruce Korf, M.D., Ph.D. Harvard Medical School
  1998 David H. Gutmann, M.D., Ph.D. Washington University School of Medicine
  1999 Tyler Jacks, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  2000 Luis F. Parada, Ph.D. U.T Southwestern School of Medicine
  2001 David Viskochil, M.D. University of Utah
  2003 Nancy Ratner, Ph.D. University of Cincinnati

  1991

• Received the Pacesetter Award from the Cancer League (December)

• Recognized as one of the 1991 Freedom Five by the Houston Freedom Society for achievements in community service, philanthropy, and public service (June)

• Received the Diana Award for Outstanding Community Service for Work with the AIDS Foundation Houston, the Greater Houston AIDS Alliance, and the Bering Community Center (May)

• Recognized as YWCA Woman of the Year (April)

• Recognized as a Woman of Distinction for 1991 at the Winter Ball benefiting the Houston Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (March)

• Named to the Houston Chronicle Best Dressed List

  1990

• Received a Recognition Award from the T.H. Rogers School Be an Angel Fund

• Named to the Houston Chronicle Best Dressed List

• Received the Challenger Seven Award

  1989

• Carolyn Farb Day proclaimed by Mayor Kathryn J. Whitmire, in recognition of efforts on behalf of persons living with HIV and AIDS (July)

• Featured in Eve Arnold, All in a Day's Work (New York: Bantam Books, 1989)

  1988

• Received the Volunteers of America National Outstanding Service Award (May)

• Received the All-American Award from the Cancer Fighters of Houston (March)

• Recognition by Governor William P. Clements, Jr. for outstanding volunteer service

  1987

• Received the Community Spirit Award from the Volunteers of America (June)

  1986

• Received the Illustrious Modern Award for achievement in the arts from the Wedgwood Society of Chicago

  1985

• Honorary Member of Alpha Chi Omega and House Hostess for Rush Party, University of Houston

  1984

• Listed in Notable Women of Texas, First Limited Edition (Irving, Texas: Emerson Publishing, 1984)

• Unanimously chosen by the Luminare Committee to serve as Queen Isabella for the Institute of Hispanic Culture 19th Annual Noche de Las Americas Ball benefiting the Institute's scholarship funds for talented and deserving students (October)

  1983

• Received honors from the Women's Fund for volunteer work and for the first successful raising of $1 million in a single evening in Houston, for the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research, “A Million Dollar Evening.”

• Named to the Houston Chronicle Best Dressed List

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July, 2013

• Authored “Dorothy Hood: An Artist for All Seasons” in HUM Magazine

 

Spring 2013

• Authored “On a Mission”- Artist Dorothy Hood in Fine Arts Magazine

 


2007

Houston Pet Talk, “Compassion” December

2005

• Book Signing Tour in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio

  2004

• Publication of second book, The Fine Art of Fundraising (Cincinnati, Ohio: Emmis Books: 2004)

• Author Interview with Li Cunxin, former principal dancer with Houston Ballet on his book “Mao's Last Dancer”

• Contributing Writer for Brilliant magazine. Interviewed artists Dixie Friend Gay (September 2004) Julie Speed (August 2004), James Surls (June/July 2004), Angelbert Metoyer (May 2004), Bob “Daddy-O” Wade (April 2004)

  1996

• Anchored Charity Profiles, a series of interviews with non-profit organizations on 1997 Access Houston

  1994

• Book Signing Tours in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Atlanta

  1993

• Publication of first book, How to Raise Millions, Helping Others, Having a Ball! (Austin, Texas: Eakin Press, 1993)

• Associate Producer of the film, Dorothy Hood: The Color of Life

• Served on the Benefit Committee for the film, Women Make Films IV

  1983

  Contributing Editor for Andy Warhol's Interview magazine. Interviewed Caroline
  

  1984

• Rose Hunt, Gloria Steinem, Carl Lewis, Steve Lundquist.

• Pro Houston, Television Pilot with Doug Johnson and Hanna Storm

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  Book References:

  • Texas Women, Texasblazers, Shining Stars and Cowgirls – Martana, 2003
  • Texas Women – Richard Pruitt & David Woo, 1984
  • Healthy Lifestyle Cookbook – Robin Leach
  • Houston Millennium Makers Series – Evin Thayer
  • Sixty Years of Interior Design – Brown
  • White Knight in Blue Shades – Agris
  • Architectural Digest – 1997
  • House & Garden – 1983
  • écram total – Jean-Daniel Lorieux – Du May

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  Media Appearances:

  Magazine Covers:

• ICON Magazine (October 2007)

• bRILLIANT (March 2004)

• Fundraising Management (July 2001)

• 002 Houston (May 2001)

• Houston Lifestyles and Homes (February 2001)

• Inside Houston (January 2001)

• Texas Woman (November 1998)

• Texas Monthly (August 1997)

• Philanthropy in Texas (1997)

• Philanthropy in Texas (March 1996 – Inaugural issue of the magazine)

• Air and Ocean Liners (1984)

  Magazines:

• 002 Houston ICON Magazine

• The Best Inside Houston

• Forbes 400 People

• Fort Bend Lifestyle Philanthropy World

• Houston City Magazine Philanthropy in Texas

• Houston Lifestyle Texas Monthly

• Houston Look Ultra

• Houston Pet Talk Vanity Fair

• Houston Metropolitan Washington Dossier

  Newspapers:

• Austin Chronicle Los Angeles Times

• Chatenooga News-Free Press New York Times

• Dallas Morning News New York Post

• Dallas Times Herald Paper City

• Houston Chronicle USA Today

• Houston Health and Fitness Washington Post

• Houston Post Washington Times

• Houston Press Women's Wear Daily

• London Financial Times

  News Features:

• London Financial Times (May 2003)

• Houston Lifestyles & Home (May 2002)

• Houston Business Journal (May 1997)

• Dallas Morning News, High Profiles (March 1996)

  Television Spots:

• 2007 Guest on Visions with Miya Shay, KTRK Channel 13, Houston, (November)

• 2004 Taste of the Southwest with Dean Fearing

• 2004 Lance Avery Morgan's Capital Culture television news feature on FOX/KTBC Austin

• 2003 Designing Texas with Jocelyn White

• 2002 Debra Duncan Show, Secrets to Eternal Beauty (July)

• 1996 The Sights and Sounds of Houston (August)

• 1996 Regency Caterers Commercial (May)

• 1990 Billy Joel Special and Q-Zoo Thanksgiving (November)

• 1990 Guest on Wash Allen's Wash Allen's Confessions, KRIV Channel 26, Houston (May)

• 1989 KHOU Channel 11, Houston Get Ready

• 1987 Mazda Commercial, KUHT Channel 8 Houston Public Television Teleauction

• 1986 Featured on two segments of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, hosted by Robin Leach; national audience

• 1985 Mystery Guest on Marvin Zindler's Guess Who, KTRK Channel 13, Houston, (September)

  Public Speeches:

• 2003 Commencement Remarks at Northwood University, Cedar Hill, Texas

• 2002 Clear Lake Metropolitan Ballet Fire and Ice Ball Committee

• 2001 Philanthropy in Texas

• Mayor's Literacy Leadership Awards Breakfast

• 2000 Opera Club

• 1999 “The Art of Giving”, The Coronado Club

• 1998 Houston Lighting and Power's Power Tools for Nonprofits, Fifth Annual Training and Networking Conference (Keynote Speaker of Opening General Section

• 1995 Texas Star Chapter of Women's American ORT Membership Recruitment Women's Council of Realtors FM 1960 Chapter

• 1994 American Prospect Research Association

• Junior League of Houston

• River Oaks Rotary

• Texas Women's Forum

• Tuesday Talk Series, Dallas, Texas

• Women of the Houston Club

• 1993 National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE) Conference

• River Oaks Breakfast Club

• 1991 Federation of Houston Professional Women

• Public Relations Society of America, Houston Chapter

• 1990 Bayou City Breakfast Club

• United Cerebral Palsy

• 1989 River Oaks Men's Breakfast Club

• 1988 Cancer Fighters

• Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum

• 1987 Conducted fundraising seminar for the Texas Business Women
  Volunteers of America

• 1985 Republican Women

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  Past and Present Memberships:

• Bayou City Chaine des Routisseurs

• Challenger Center Council of Advisors

• First International Dallas Grand Prix, Host Committee

• Greater Houston AIDS Alliance, Board Member appointment

• Harris County Hospital District, Board of Trustees

• Hermann Eye Fund, Board of Trustees

• High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Advisory Board

• Houston Ballet Foundation, Advisory Board of Trustees

• Houston Grand Opera, Golden Circle Member

• Houston Public Library, Board of Directors

• I Have A Dream Houston, Advisory Board

• Mayor Lee P. Brown's Transition Team Library, Member and Co-Chair

• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Board of Trustees

• New Orleans Museum of Art, Advisory Committee

• New York City Ballet, International Committee

• Nina Vance Alley Theatre, Board of Trustees

• President's Club, Republican National Convention

• Rothko Chapel, Board of Trustees

• Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation, Steering Committee

• Society for the Performing Arts, Board of Trustees

• Spain and Texas Sesquicentennial Committee, Board of Trustees

• Sun and Star

• Texas Women's Forum

• Theater Under the Stars, Board of Trustees

• UNICEF Houston/Galveston, Board of Directors

• University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Board of Visitors

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  Miscellaneous:

  2001

• Hosted a house tour as part of the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society's 2001 Annual Convention (October)

  1998

• Collaborated with Frank Martini, founder of Cadence Development, in developing a Special Event software package to answer the many requests for assistance and guidance on fundraisers, by both beginners and professionals.

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  Education:

• University of Oklahoma; studies included English, philosophy, and journalism

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  Personal:

• Carolyn Farb is a native of Houston, Texas. She is a passionate basketball fan and a serious art collector who loans works to major art museums and exhibits in the United States and Europe.