2026 award recipient: Roland G Parrish
A graduate of Purdue University, Roland Parrish is a successful entrepreneur and McDonald’s franchisee. For him, business success was a pathway to give back to others in some very big ways.
Roland is best known for his focus on causes that support the education and welfare of youth in our community. He has initiated many events and initiatives in the Dallas area, including student competitions, scholarships, internships, and other opportunities for our young people.
A fan favorite is the “McMiracle on Highway 67 Christmas Bike Giveaway.”
Through the Parrish Charitable Foundation, Roland sponsors a four-year $250,000 fellowship with the Texas Rangers Baseball team’s Charlie Pride Internship. The Foundation also built, and supports, a medical clinic in Fort Portal, Uganda that serves 6,000 orphans each year.
As a leader in the DFW area, Parrish has served on numerous boards and committees including The Methodist Hospital Foundation and the Ronald McDonald’s House Charities of Greater North Texas. For his philanthropic spirit, he has received many honors including the 2024 Linz Award and a new park in east Oak Cliff to be called the Roland G. Parrish Park in the Cadillac Heights community.
We will close this preview of our 2026 Humanitarian Award recipient with his own words:
“I believe in providing educational opportunities. The gift that keeps on giving. If I can assist a student with attaining a degree or skill, so that they can live the American Dream; then hopefully they will reach out and pull someone else forward.”
Please plan to join us with your special guest to the 2026 Humanitarian Award Luncheon on April 22 in the Hitt Auditorium here at Methodist Hospital.