The Dallas Stars might have lost 3-2 last night on the road to the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. But there were no blues back home as the Dallas Stars Foundation made a surprise announcement of $2 million over the next five years to St. Philip’s School and Community Center.
The pledge was part of The Real Estate Council’s 31st annual FightNight—the commercial real estate industry’s glitzy philanthropic event featuring professional boxing, casino games, and Vegas-style entertainment. The announcement was made on stage by was announced on stage by Dallas Stars Foundation President Marty Turco, TREC Foundation president Bill Cawley of Cawley Partners, and Terry Flowers, headmaster at St. Philip’s. and Marty Turco.
“The Real Estate Council has been a longtime community partner in growing and supporting southern Dallas,” said Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings. “I am excited that the Dallas Stars Foundation has chosen St. Philip’s for its Legacy Project. Through this significant contribution and partnership, we can further the revitalization of this neighborhood and amplify the school and community center’s impact.”
The $2 million gift is part of the National Hockey League’s Legacy Project, in which NHL and local teams support community organizations in the host city of NHL events. The Dallas Stars will host the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, 2020.
“The impact of St. Philip’s School and Community Center in our city has been ongoing for decades,” said Dallas Stars President Brad Alberts. “The Legacy Project is allowing the Dallas Stars and the Dallas Stars Foundation to help further spotlight the incredible work of St. Philip’s and Dr. Terry Flowers. It is our responsibility as corporate citizens to use our resources to partner with community organizations to positively impact the city that we call home.”
The money will assist in building a new multi-sport athletic complex and provide funds for after school and summer programming, according to a release.
“St. Philip’s is blessed to call the Dallas Stars a partner in our endeavor to ensure South Dallas is a healthy, thriving community in our city,” Flowers said.
The $2 million from the Dallas Stars Foundation adds to TREC’s Catalyst Project efforts, which was launched in 2017 and has invested more than $1 million in grants and pro bono services to revitalize the Forest District in Southern Dallas. TREC members are currently helping to renovate a 12,000-square-foot retail center and restore the historic Forest Theater’s facade.
