Jean and Mack Pogue

The Pogue Family quietly supported Children's Health and UT Southwestern for decades. Now, the family has committed a historic $100 million to the new Dallas pediatric campus.

Almost six decades ago, Mack Pogue founded Lincoln Property Co. through a handshake deal.

The son of a cotton gin farmer, Mack (or “Big Mack” as he was known by his grandkids) grew Lincoln into one of the largest real estate companies in the country and ultimately shaped Dallas — a city that he loved.

As part of his love for the city, he and his wife, Jean, quietly for decades supported the region’s leading pediatric hospital, Children’s Health℠, and UT Southwestern Medical Center, totaling $200 million in philanthropic gifts to the two health systems. The couple’s support to fund innovative treatments and lifesaving research has impacted North Texas children now and for decades to come.

But the couple’s most transformative gift came shortly before Mack’s death earlier this year: a historic $100 million donation to help fund the construction of the new Dallas pediatric campus.

In May, colorful confetti poured over Jean and her children (along with grandchildren and a great grandson!) as Children’s Health and UT Southwestern team members, physicians, leaders and grateful families gathered at Children’s Medical Center Dallas to thank the family for the generous gift and remember the legacy of Mack.

“Mack and I have had the blessing of being able to support Children’s Health and UT Southwestern for many years, knowing how much they impact the well-being of patients and communities they serve,” said Jean, who grew-up six blocks from Mack in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

“Our family is proud to play a part in helping build the new Dallas pediatric campus. We’re beyond grateful for the difference it will make for future generations of children.”

To recognize the Pogue Foundation gift, the nearly 34-acre site for the new hospital campus will be named Pogue Park, in honor of Jean’s love for flowers and nature. The park will encompass the outdoor grounds surrounding the new facilities and will include sprawling green spaces intended to support compassionate healing and reduce stress in a restorative and natural environment.

“It’s not only about the $100 million; it’s about people who can see what needs to be done ... and have said ‘I want to be a part of that,’” said Christopher Durovich, President and Chief Executive Officer at Children’s Health, at the May event.

“To me, one of the most important things is to ensure children in our community have access to the best care,” Jean said. “Mack and I both love Children’s Health. And for Mack, when he believes in something, he gets stuck on it.”