NASHVILLE, TN.- The late David K. “Pat” Wilson will be presented the 2007 Jane and Guilford Dudley Philanthropic Award of Excellence at the annual Cheekwood Society Celebration on Thursday, November 8 at Cheekwood.

Each year, the Cheekwood Society Celebration is held to thank significant donors to Cheekwood and present the Dudley Philanthropic Award of Excellence. The award, first presented in 1994, goes to community leaders who have dedicated visionary resources and time for the betterment of Cheekwood.

“As a long-time donor to Cheekwood and past Chairman of the Board of Trust, Pat was instrumental in providing significant gifts to help increase the viability and visibility of Cheekwood,” said Jack Becker, Ph.D., president of Cheekwood. “We are grateful to Pat for his outstanding contributions to Cheekwood.”

Passionate about art and gardens, Pat made important contributions to a variety of exhibitions and gardens. Pat was a Swan Ball patron for many years and supported the capital campaign to enhance Cheekwood in the late 1990s. He also was a contributor to the gardens and was an Antique & Garden Show benefactor. Pat was an incredible philanthropist to many other community organizations as well. His generous gifts have impacted the lives of thousands of Middle Tennessee residents in so many ways.

“The Cheekwood Society Celebration is a perfect setting to honor Pat. We are pleased to be able to recognize him for his many contributions,” said Jim Shaub, Chairman of Cheekwood’s Board of Trust.

Always a diplomat, Pat had that rare gift of providing the right advice or strategic thinking. In years ahead, his legacy to the arts will continue to give so much. He was a true philanthropist in every sense of the word. Pat’s widow, Paula, and his three sons, Bill, Blair, and Justin, will accept the award in his memory.

Past Dudley Philanthropic award honorees include Mrs. Horace Haworth, 1994; Mrs. Walter Sharp, 1995; Mr. & Mrs. Albert Werthan, 1996; Mrs. Guilford Dudley, 1997; Mr. Monroe Carell & Mrs. James C. Bradford, 1998; Mrs. Douglas Binns, 1999; Mr and Mrs. Billy T. Sumner, 2000; Roberta Lochte-Jones, 2001; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Diehl, Jr., 2002; Sigourney Cheek (Mrs. James Cheek), 2003; Alice Ingram Hooker (Mrs. Henry Williamson Hooker), 2004; Alyne Massey (Mrs. Jack C. Massey), 2005; and Betty Stadler (Mrs. James R. Stadler), 2006.