Dr. Carolyn Farb, h.c.

"The First Lady of Philanthropy in Texas"

    Carolyn Farb personifies the perfect volunteer whose commitment to hard work over the past three decades has set the standard for philanthropic efforts. She attests that no matter whatever energy and creativity she has put into a project, she has received much more in return. “I can be totally exhausted, but sparkling inside.” The key to her volunteer work is her hands-on involvement, as well as the leadership role she provides. Her dynamic vision, her intensity of purpose, and her total commitment distinguishes her as a role model for all volunteers. Her life exemplifies public service and is an example of the power of one individual’s commitment to a cause.

    Houston's premier volunteer fundraiser and event creator, Dr. Carolyn Farb, h.c., exemplifies the essence of public service and philanthropy. She is a native Texan whose passion shines not only throughout the Lone Star State, but internationally.

    In addition, she serves on numerous boards including serving as the Board Chair for UNICEF’s Southwest Region, the Northwood University Executive Board, The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, the Huffington Center on Aging, The Texas Innocence Network, Children of Nicaragua Rotarian Project and Rotarian International Efforts.

    Dr. Farb has raised in excess of $35 million benefiting hundreds of charitable causes and non-profit organizations. She is the author of “The Fine Art of Fundraising,” a practical how-to guide for volunteers published in 2004 by Emmis Publishing, as well as “How to Raise Millions, Helping Others, Having a Ball.”

    Dr. Farb's honors are many and most recently include President George W. Bush’s Volunteer Service Award from USA Freedom Corps, the Illustrious Modern Award from the Wedgwood Society, the Diana Award, YWCA Woman of the Year, I Have a Dream Dreammaker Award, the National Foundation for Crohn and Colitis Winter Ball Woman of Distinction Award and the Volunteers of America's Regional and National Service Awards. In 1992, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center established the Carolyn Farb Permanent Endowed Lectureship honoring her work with Neurofibromatosis, bringing distinguished scientists and researchers to Houston on an annual basis. She was a Community Hero Torchbearer for the 1996 Olympics. In 1998, she received the Children’s Medallion of Honor from UNICEF and the Gold Medallion of Honor in June of 2007. She was inducted into the Texas Philanthropy Hall of Fame in 1997 and will be recognized for her ongoing commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy in December by Philanthropy World. In 2006, she was selected as the first Cadillac Texas Legend by Cadillac, The Houston Chronicle and KHOU-TV 11. Most recently, Carolyn was selected to be a juror for The Jefferson Awards.

    She is committed to volunteerism for the greater good. The key to her success is in her dynamic vision, her intensity of purpose and her total commitment to her causes. Her hands-on planning and execution of every detail for a project serve as a role model and inspiration for all volunteers. Her life exemplifies public service and is an example of the power of one individual’s commitments to a cause. Carolyn Farb personifies the perfect volunteer and the meaning of a true philanthropist.

    Carolyn Farb is a native Houstonian. She attended the University of Oklahoma. In 2003, Carolyn received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Northwood University, fulfilling a life-long dream. She is the mother of one son, Jake Kenyon Shulman, who passed away in 2004. She is an avid art collector, loaning her pieces to museums across the globe. She is supported by her best canine companion imported from the United Kingdom, Lucas, a fearless, charming and energetic young Lucas Terrier pup.