Big Thought Backers Revel in Beating New York

The rivalry between Dallas and New York–on and off the gridiron–was a theme this morning when local bigwigs like Mayor Tom Leppert, DISD Superintendant Michael Hinojosa and former Cowboys fullback Daryl “Moose” Johnston gathered to pump up the Big Thought group, which supports local education. A few years ago, the Dallas nonprofit snagged upwards of $8 million for its Thriving Minds program from The Wallace Foundation, beating out some New Yorkers for the dough. Now Wallace is pondering whether to give Big Thought, led by CEO Gigi Antoni, another $4.3 million. At a breakfast for nearly 100 people at the Crescent Club, Hinojosa told the crowd, “I don’t want to tell Jerry Jones what to do, but we want to beat the [New York] Giants, so he might want to hire Gigi as his general manager.” Johnston piled on a few minutes later. “I grew up in western New York and played for the Cowboys,” he said, smiling. “So anytime we can get one up on the Giants–or knock Manhattan down a few pegs–I’m all for it.” The foundation is scheduled to make its decision next week.