The Honorable Bobbie Mitchell to be sixth recipient of Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award
United Way of Denton County recently revealed that the Honorable Bobbie Mitchell will be the recipient of the 2018 Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award to be presented at the organization’s seventh annual UNITED Tribute gala celebration on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
“Bobbie is an icon in Denton County,” said Lyle Dresher, Board Chair of United Way of Denton County. “Her county-wide influence across government, civic, and charitable sectors deserves to be celebrated.”
Mitchell’s 30+ years in government service in Denton County began in 1985 with an empty nest and a water bill.
“My daughter left for college, and I needed something else to do,” explained Mitchell. “When my water bill went up, I went to City Hall (in Lewisville) to find out why and ended up volunteering for a board to find out the inner workings.”
With encouragement from her family, friends, and bosses at GTE, she entered the political arena. An appointment to the Board of Adjustment lasted two years before she moved to the Planning and Zoning Committee. Mitchell liked attending city council meetings and in 1990 was elected to the council.
In 1993, Mitchell threw her hat in the ring to be mayor of Lewisville and won. She retired from GTE after a 20-year career to be a full-time mayor, a position she held for seven years. In January 2000, she decided to run for Commissioner where she has served for 18 years.
“I love my job. I love what I do. I enjoy helping people,” explained Mitchell. “I have a heart for the people.”
Mitchell’s iconic role in local Denton County government is surpassed in stature only by her extensive community influence helping shape more than 30 nonprofits, groups, and organizations. United Way of Denton County is proud to be on this list with Mitchell being a charter appointee to two of the organization’s key initiatives: the Denton County Behavioral Health Leadership Team (2016) and the Denton County Homelessness Leadership Team (2017).
“United Way takes care of the ones who need to be taken care of,” said Mitchell. “They are working on issues that affect everyday life and meet people where their needs are.”
The Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award was established by the board of directors and lifetime members of United Way of Denton County in 2014 to recognize the highest level of community leadership, philanthropy and collective impact with time and resources. Recipients of this prestigious award are purposeful in promoting human welfare and have demonstrated active engagement in the community. They are caring and compassionate, engaging others in service while leveraging resources for the good of the community. Honorees of the Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award demonstrate persistence and creativity toward solving the most complex challenges within our community. Previous Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian awardees include its namesake, Dr. Bettye Myers, Janet and Joe Mulroy, Stan Morton, Debbie and Mark Merki, and Bill Patterson.
“Commissioner Mitchell’s tireless support of United Way dates back to the Greater Lewisville United Way era,” said Gary Henderson, President and CEO of United Way of Denton County. “She has been improving and transforming lives in Denton County for decades, and we are thrilled to honor her at UNITED Tribute.”
The seventh annual UNITED Tribute Gala featuring “Dancing with Our Stars” will be held on January 19, 2019, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center in Rayzor Ranch. This event pays tribute to the companies, employees, and community leaders who are part of the tapestry of United Way of Denton County.