Over the course of the last year, the Dallas philanthropic community has energetically rallied around the legions of frontline health care workers confronting the challenges presented by COVID-19. Notably, Dallas philanthropist Annette Simmons, through the Annette Simmons Provider Relief Fund in honor of Dr. Eugene Frankel, has given generously to support a variety of services for caregivers and staff, ranging from childcare to mental health care to meal deliveries. And Cathy and Craig Glick have contributed meal gift cards to staff working countless hours at Clements University Hospital.

“UT Southwestern continues to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe during this public health crisis …Supporting them makes all of us stronger."

“UT Southwestern continues to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe during this public health crisis,” said Mrs. Simmons. “Together with their families, these professionals selflessly care for so many across DFW and North Texas. Supporting them makes all of us stronger.”

Nurses, technicians, nutrition service specialists, and patient shuttle drivers are among those who recently benefited from Mrs. Simmons’ generosity, which to date has provided nearly 6,000 meals and 2,000 grocery deliveries containing pantry staples and prepared meals from Central Market.

Mrs. Simmons’ gift also will bolster a new recognition program at UT Southwestern called the Spirit of Caring Awards. The awards will honor employees who embody the institution’s core values in pursuit of excellence in patient care.

UT Southwestern’s caregivers also recently received heartfelt thanks from Cathy and Craig Glick and Eatzi’s Market and Bakery. The Glicks and Eatzi’s joined forces to provide 1,000 caregivers and support staff working in Clements University Hospital’s emergency department and COVID-19 units with Eatzi’s gift cards for meals and treats to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their families.

As a member of UT Southwestern’s President’s Advisory Board, Mrs. Glick saw firsthand the sacrifices UT Southwestern’s frontline providers have made in caring for patients with COVID for the last year. “Craig and I wanted to do something special to let them know how much we appreciate what they have done, day in and day out, to care for our North Texas community,” Mrs. Glick said. “We are so grateful.”

“Community support of those at the UT Southwestern frontline has been invaluable both in filling central needs and in the “thank you” it represents,” said Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President of UT Southwestern. “The generosity of friends like Annette Simmons and Cathy and Craig Glick are special examples of the many acts of kindness that have fortified our staff as they continue to provide compassionate care during challenging times.”

• Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Administration, and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Medical Science.