The Press Club of Dallas presented the 2014 Newsmaker of the Year Award to Michael A. Jenkins celebrating his international reputation as a theatre visionary. The sold-out Tribute gala “Playbills, Popcorn and the Press” was held Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, and featured performances by Broadway stars Cathy Rigby and Rachel York. 

Tony Pederson, immediate past president of the Press Club, presented Jenkins with a plaque, noting, “The Press Club of Dallas is pleased to honor Michael A. Jenkins as Newsmaker of the Year 2014 for his outstanding and lifelong contributions to the performing arts, his leadership of Dallas Summer Musicals, and his award-winning producing ability.  Michael has brought national acclaim through his dedication to philanthropy and education of young people in the arts, and for serving as an exemplary citizen of the City of Dallas.” 

Press Club of Dallas President Niki McCuistion welcomed everyone to the event, and KLUV Radio's Jody Dean emceed with tributes from Baylor College President Judge Kenneth Starr and others.  Honorary Chairs were Chuck and Cindy Gummer, with Pat Porter chairing the event.  

Underwriters for the event were The Ruth C. and Charles S. Sharp Foundation, Inc., Ruth and Ken Altshuler, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians, and Cindy and Chuck Gummer, honorary chairs.  

The mission and purpose of the Press Club of Dallas is to initiate, promote, foster and provide for cultural, literary, educational and social activities and undertakings in the field of journalism and related professions. Chartered by the state of Texas in 1951, the Club received its nonprofit 501 (c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service in 2012.