Passion for the next generation involves instilling a sense of civic responsibility and engagement through philanthropy and volunteerism. Encouraging young people to be informed, active participants in their community helps shape future leaders who are committed to positive social change. Philanthropic donors and volunteers in Dallas do an outstanding job at setting an example.
Given the current economic climate, continually rising inflation, and increasing income inequality, even more families will line up this year at holiday events offering assistance. Passion for community by philanthropists and volunteers bring is what the spirit of Christmas is all about.
S. M. Wright Foundation Restores Stability to Families and the Community
Christmas in the Park draws some 40,000+ families who can pick new gifts, toys and home essentials.
Presented by the S.M. Wright Foundation, Christmas in the Park is now celebrating its 25th year. It plays host to nearly 1,800 volunteers who share the holiday season with their community. The effort is made possible by donors who fund Christmas for thousands of families in our metro area.
Photo by Dana Driensky.
Mav Celebrities Have a Heart for Philanthropy and Volunteerism
The Luka Dončić Foundation
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić and his Foundation held four holiday surprise events. Nearly 275 children, teens and newborn babies in North Texas and in his homeland of Slovenia benefitted.
Its mission is to ensure that children facing hardship are safe, healthy, cared for and loved no matter what.
The short video clips above illustrate the children’s joy that philanthropy and volunteerism bring during the holiday season–at home and in Slovenia brought.
Left: Dončić hosted and met up with 50 Southern Dallas kids for a Dallas Mavericks game.
Right: Never forgetting his native Slovenia, his Foundation provided cheer, toys, gifts, and parties for youth in various care and treatment centers. These centers serve youth who have faced significant hardships in their young lives and have been admitted in order to grow socially, emotionally and academically without the pressures of their often-tumultuous home lives.
Dončić provided gifts for babies and parents at the pediatric NICU unit at Cook Children’s Medical Fort Worth and financial assistance for the families who often need help paying bills during a baby’s often long hospitalization
Center Table Winter Harvest
The Mark Cuban Foundation, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation and The Heroes Foundation host holiday events bringing joy, fun and food to hundreds of families.
photos courtesy of The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation
As families drive-up to receive their food boxes, they saw live reindeer, a stilt walker, roller-skaters decked out in holiday costumes, and retired Dallas police officers dressed as superheroes. Festive music for the 2024 event was provided by Mariachi Aventurero Dallas.
The community in need also receives meals during Center Table’s Fall Harvest event. In partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, the Thanksgiving and holiday extravaganzas provide food boxes for up to 500 families at each event. And with colder temperatures around the corner, The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation also donated embroidered warm blankets to participating families.
Our 3-part blog series relates the important work that community volunteers make possible. And these efforts assure our city continues to shine!
