DONOR PROFILE
Moody Foundation’s
Philanthropy Finds
Hope in Hope Lodge
Jeff, Carmen, Kathryn and Evan York
The Moody Foundation sees a chance to nurture
hope and lift the human spirit through Hope Lodge.
Society to build a Hope Lodge on the
campus of Baylor University Medical n its mission to benefit present and Center and the caring environment it future Texans, the Moody Foundation to those battling cancer, as the Moody
would offer, he immediately wanted has found a unique and sustainable Foundation steps in as a supporter of this
to be a part of it. He and his wife, new home for its goodwill: the American
Carmen, made a generous gift to Cancer Society Gene and Jerry Jones
help give hope a new home in Dallas. Family Hope Lodge in Dallas.
“You can’t believe the number
“The best philanthropic investments
And now, that Texas spirit is extended
important project.
“The Moody Foundation is proud to
collaborate with the Baylor Scott & White
Dallas Foundation and the American
of people who get sick and then meet fundamental human needs, build Cancer Society to provide this life-
their lives are in complete financial community, nurture hope and lift the changing service to cancer patients in
ruin,” Jeff said. “You often need to live human spirit. Hope Lodge is a perfect the greater Dallas area,” said Francie.
somewhere else during treatment, fit for that investment model. The name “We encourage everyone to join us
which can last for long periods of says it all,” noted Francie Moody-Dahlberg, in this collaborative effort to support
time, and many can’t afford to do executive director and chairman of the Hope Lodge, so they can continue to
that. Hope Lodge is something Moody Foundation. offer cancer patients free lodging and
absolutely critical — we need this.” Established in 1942 by W.L. Moody,
Jeff was astounded to think of Jr., and Libbie Shearn Moody as a way
additional services for many, many years.”
When guests of Hope Lodge are
the number of people who could be to share their good fortune and make a welcomed to their “home away from
positively served by this 50-room difference in the lives of the people of home,” they will step into this caring
facility that is offered free of charge Texas, the Moody Foundation has granted environment via the Moody Foundation
to them. He asked his team of legal more than $1.5 billion to organizations Lobby. The Foundation not only provided
and financial advisors to jump on the throughout the state that have educated, support to bring this area to life, but also
opportunity quickly to help him find a healed, nurtured and inspired generations lent its name to it, signifying to all who
way to support this mission. The idea of Texans. The foundation has had a role step through the doors that this area is
of Hope Lodge spoke to him in a way in building many universities, hospitals, imbued with a welcoming Texas spirit
that nothing else had before. museums and libraries that have helped and support from across the state.
Jeff remarks on his gift with words
from his good friend, Tom Kindred,
shape the Texas we know today, bringing
education and inspiration to generations.
“The Foundation hopes that all the
patients and their families who need the
who is in his 90s. “Tom said, ‘One day, services and respite of Hope Lodge will
every single worldly possession you find it’s their ‘home away from home’
own will be owned by someone else. during treatment. We hope they find
So you better think of what you can comfort in its welcoming and embracing
do while you’re here that will last.’” environment,” explained Francie.
That notion means a lot to Jeff,
who wrote it down and repeats it
often. His chance for his personal
ministry of helping others find a
new home in Hope Lodge means
the world to him.
“It’s a gift,” Jeff said of Hope
Francie Moody-Dahlberg
Executive Director and Chairman
of the Moody Foundation
Lodge. “It’s a monumental move
for thousands of people. It’s not
about the money, it’s about what it
does, and it’s about drawing people
together. It’s about the hero’s
journey that all of these patients and
caregivers take.”
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SUMMER 2019