Thanks to generous contributions from dozens of prominent corporations and thousands of individuals, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has raised more than $1 million through its Unite Dallas Relief Fund, set up immediately following the tragic events of July 7. Funds will provide support, including mental health services, for those affected, and initiate efforts to heal divisions within the community.
“The response from both corporations and individuals has been Dallas at its best-- swift and generous,” said Jennifer Sampson, CEO and President, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “We are committed to healing our community and laying the foundation for a successful, just and united future in North Texas. Together, with our service providers, civic leaders and community partners, we will Unite Dallas.”
A special Unite Dallas Task Force, led by UWMD Board Chair Anne Motsenbocker, JPMorgan Chase’s Managing Director & Head of South Middle Market, and Vice-chair John Stephens, AT&T’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will guide where the resources raised are distributed. One hundred percent of the fund will be disbursed to non-profit organizations to support those affected. With the input and guidance of Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Police Chief David Brown, United Way will identify the most urgent needs through a grants process. Grant applications will be released in mid-August. United Way has made an initial contribution from the fund to support the upcoming “Let’s Talk” Dallas Police and Youth Forum, encouraging an open dialogue between young people and police department representatives.
“We are exceedingly proud of our city and its leadership, as well as the corporate community’s commitment to help Dallas heal and move forward,” said Anne Motsenbocker. “The Unite Dallas Relief Fund will dedicate the necessary resources to long-term recovery through the trusted, community-building work of United Way.”
Corporate partners providing resources include: AAA, AT&T, Bank of America, BBVA Compass Bank, BB&T, Celanese Corporation, Central Market/H-E-B, Copart, Deloitte, Dex Media, East West Bank, EY, Fluor Corporation, Grant Thornton LLP, Haynes and Boone LLP, JCPenney, Jones Day, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG LLP, Lockheed Martin, Nationwide Foundation, Pioneer Natural Resources, Tenet Healthcare, Texas Instruments, US Bank and Wells Fargo.
“It should be a source of great pride that our community is coming together like never before to solve problems and heal wounds,” said Richard Holt, Bank of America Dallas market president. “Bank of America is proud to lead in our support for the Unite Dallas Relief Fund, and together with other business leaders, we’re helping United Way of Metropolitan Dallas deliver supportive services to the victims and families of this tragedy and uniting our community.”
Individual contributions have come in through United Way’s digital donation site and a national “text to give” campaign by AT&T. The Unite Dallas Relief Fund will continue accepting donations throughout the grants process. To contribute, please visit www.unitedwaydallas.org.