With a fashionable posse of Houston support traveling in his wake, Jackson Hicks took center stage at the Business Committee for the Arts Awards ceremony in New York last week when Jackson and Co. was honored as one of the nation's 10 Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America.
This was the first time in the history of the prestigious awards ceremony that a catering company has been honored for its contributions to the arts.
At the black-tie dinner, held at The Boathouse in Central Park, the Houston-based company, founded by Hicks, was joined in the spotlight by firms including Bank of America, Chesapeake Energy Corp. and the Tampa Bay Times.
Offering congratulations to all winners was Robert Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, which sponsored the evening.
Shortly after the dinner, Hicks emailed, "Really a heartwarming evening to be recognized for supporting the arts, which frankly is something I feel is a privilege."
Joining Hicks in New York for the celebration were his partner, Milton Townsend; Susie and Joe Dilg, Vinson & Elkins managing partner and Business Committee for the Arts board member; Rice University Shepherd School of Music Dean Bob Yekovich, and representing the Houston Grand Opera family, which nominated Hicks, were managing director Perryn Leech, chief advancement officer Greg Robertson and HGO Endowment president Terrylin Neale.
As part of the praise for Jackson and Co., the program noted, "As a special event production and catering firm, Jackson and Co. supports arts organizations by providing in-kind products and services, underwriting, matching gifts and volunteers for arts and cultural organizations throughout the region."
