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Over 20,000 Families Are Served Annually by The Heroes Foundation’s Sports and Leadership Programs
Dallas Stockbroker Charlie McKinney “wanted to do something positive for the local Dallas communities.” This “something” turned out to be the launch of the “Mike Modano Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game.” The Heroes Foundation was formed with a mission to help Dallas-area kids.
After 10 years headlining the event, Hall of Fame Dallas Star Mike Modano retired. But a new star in Dallas had arrived. Dirk Nowitzki of the World Champion Dallas Mavericks has held the reigns for the celebrity fanfare since 2011.
The Foundation worked in partnership with the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department to build and operate the Mavs Ballpark. It became Dallas’ premier youth baseball field. Located in downtown Dallas, 25,000 young people per year play at the Mavs Ballpark. The success of the partnership with the city of Dallas and the involvement of Mark Cuban and Dirk Nowitzki enabled another opportunity. The Heroes reach expanded to another sport…basketball.
Today as a result of the executive leadership of McKinney, along with Brian Nadurak and Trina Terrell, and philanthropic spirit of Mark Cuban, the Heroes continues to expands its offerings.
The Mark Cuban Center is now one of the top basketball facilities in the nation and a hub for service to the community
Heroes acquired an old YWCA in Southern Dallas. And after a large-scale remodel, Heroes Basketball was born. Its offerings soon expanded again. Lacrosse training and other types of programs serving the local community were added. This includes life skills development courses and personal health and wellness instruction. The Texas Department of Public Safety also opened its first-ever urban recruitment office at the Center. Hoping to broaden its outreach footprint, the office allows Texas State Troopers to connect directly with community members.
The Texas Department of Public Safety also opened its first-ever urban recruitment office at the Center. Hoping to broaden its outreach footprint, the office allows Texas State Troopers to connect directly with community members.
More than 450 students have participated in the Center’s year-round internship programs. The program is open to college students studying Sports Management, Health, Exercise, Wellness, Fitness, Physical Therapy, Personal Training, Business Administration, Sports Journalism or Marketing. Students receive hands-on experience. And they get community service hours, college credit or a stipend if the qualify for financial assistance.
The Center started working with the North Texas Food Bank during the pandemic, but the need has continued.
In partnership with the North Texas Food Bank and the City of Dallas, the food distribution events continue. The Mark Cuban Foundation, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation and The Heroes Foundation offer additional financial and physical support.
Most recently, the Center celebrated moms, bonus moms and mom figures with a Center Table Mother’s Day mobile food pantry event. Free and open to the public, the event provided food boxes for more than 500 families honored mothers with gifts and entertainment fanfare. And father figures are next. The annual Father’s Day event at Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center happens this month.
AND MORE HEROES:
Hero Philanthropist Venise Stuart Encourages All To Get Involved With Their Community
Venise was a guest on the People Pursuing Passions podcast.
Hear the 30 second trailer
The World Literacy Foundation Seeks Nominations for Tomorrow’s Heroes
Nearly 60% of children from low-income backgrounds don’t own a single book and struggle to rea. The World Literacy Foundation is looking for people aged 15-25 to become a local voice for literacy.
Registration for the Youth Ambassador Program is now available. The 4-month youth leadership development initiative will provide training and support, to enable youth volunteers to advocate and talk about the falling rates of reading skills. The program teaches leadership skills and participants benefit from connection to 600 other young people around the world working in 52 countries and making a difference for 500 million people each year.
