Texas Icons Luncheon 2026
October 9th, 2026
Omni Las Colinas Hotel
Texas Icons Luncheon
The Texas Icons Luncheon is Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation’s signature community event. Each year we celebrate Texans who are making an impact in their communities, annually we honor both an individual and company/foundation. Additionally, we have a celebrated Texan share their story with the audience.
Event Details
Date: October 9th, 2026
Check In Time: 11:00 a.m.
Luncheon Begins: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Omni Las Colinas Hotel
For more information, contact
Hannah Belle Stevens
Foundation Officer
Call
Thank you in advance for your support!
2026 Texas Icons Luncheon Co-chairs:
Katie Amotai and Sara Wardrup
2026 Texas Icons Honorary Chairs:
Jan and Steve Davidson
Judy Pierson
Tara Storch
2026 Texas Icons Speaker:
Jim Kruse of Blue Bell Creameries
Jim E. Kruse, a Brenham native, has built a distinguished career in business, community
leadership, and service. A 1992 Texas A&M University graduate with a degree in accounting, Jim began his career at KPMG before joining Blue Bell Creameries, where he held numerous leadership roles over more than 20 years. Since 2017, he has served as Chairman of the Board of Blue Bell Creameries and is also Market President for Citizens National Bank in Brenham.
The Kruse family’s connection to Blue Bell and Baylor Scott & White spans
generations. Jim’s grandfather, E.F. Kruse, became General Manager of the Brenham Creamery Company in 1919 and later renamed it Blue Bell. His father, Howard Kruse, served on the Scott & White board for many years and helped develop Blue Bell’s iconic Homemade Vanilla flavor.
Jim joined the Baylor Scott & White Central Texas Board in 2014 and continues to serve on the BSWH Brenham Hospital Board. He is also active in numerous community organizations and enjoys ranching, golf, hunting, fishing, and family activities.
2026 Individual Texas Icons Award Recipient:
Burnell ‘Burnie’ Stehman
2026 Corporate Texas Icons Award Recipient:
Toyota of Irving
Revisit the 2025 Event
Last year, our Texas Icons Luncheon was held on Thursday, October 9, at the Omni Las Colinas Hotel. Led by our outstanding Chairs, Melinda Gaurde and Naomi Jones, the event brought together supporters from across the community for an engaging program featuring then-Miss Texas and celebrating the impact of philanthropy in Western Dallas County.