Two things Ginni and Richard Mithoff share is giving joy to others, both in expressing their love of family and friends and investing countless hours in community service. The couple met at the University of Texas, married in 1968, began their family while finishing their educations, and now are proud parents of Michael (and his wife Melissa), Caroline (and her husband Scott) and three grandchildren.
Ginni’s service to her community is a full time job. She is president and vice chair of the Harris County Hospital District Foundation and active with the Society for the Performing Arts, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Children’s Museum of Houston, University of Texas Health Science Center Development Board, Houston Ballet, Planned Parenthood, and the Children’s Health Advisory Committee. She and Richard, along with Michael and Melissa, presently are chairing the Children’s Museum of Houston capital campaign. She was named the 2006 Women of Distinction Ambassador by Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.
Richard, consistently named one of the nation’s most respected trial attorneys, represented Harris County in tobacco litigation helping secure a $2.2+ billion judgment on behalf of Texas counties and hospital districts. He requested that $10 million from the fee he earned in that case be retained by Harris County to fund children’s health programs. He is a member of the Board of Visitors for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and on the board of the University of Texas Health Science Center Development Board. He was awarded the Jurisprudence Award by the Anti-Defamation League in 1997 in recognition of his persuasive talents and energy fighting for the principles enshrined in the Constitution and the League’s mission–justice and fair treatment for all.
In 2006 the Harris County Hospital District honored the couple’s philanthropic endeavors by naming Ben Taub Hospital’s world-class trauma center the Ginni and Richard Mithoff Trauma Center. They have received the Children at Risk Accolade and Samaritan Spirit Award in recognition of their advocacy for children, health, and education.