Dallas Stars Light Up the Dance Floor in Support of Dallas ISD Educators
Dallas, TX (September 28, 2023) – The Dallas Education Foundation is thrilled to announce its star-studded lineup of participants for the upcoming Heart of Teaching annual gala, to be held on November 1st at the historic Longhorn Ballroom. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please visit our event page.
Texas House Representative Chairman Rafael Anchia exclaims, “Dancing Merengue/Salsa at the historic Longhorn Ballroom for a great cause? I’m in. It is a privilege to be part of DEF’s Dancing with the Stars of Dallas annual gala and fundraiser. My dance partner, Janna Robison, Director of Dance at Gaston Middle School, and I are looking forward to having fun, competing, and raising money to benefit our Dallas ISD students.”
Joining Rafael Anchia in this exhilarating evening are several of Dallas’ finest personalities: Dallas ISD Superintendent of School Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, WFAA Anchor Cynthia Izaguirre, Honorable Jennifer Staubach Gates, and Dallas Education Foundation Board President Victor Vital.
In a passionate statement, WFAA Anchor Cynthia Izaguirre shares her motivation, “I said ‘yes’ because I believe in our teachers and students. Furthermore, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Dallas ISD teachers who encouraged me and believed in me. So this is a no-brainer. Let’s dance and support the Dallas Education Foundation!”
The Heart of Teaching Gala promises to be an event filled with inspiration and entertainment. Attendees are invited to a cocktail reception from 6-7 pm, and then from 7-8:30 pm, guests will bear witness to awe-inspiring music and theatrical performances by Dallas ISD arts educators followed by the main event: Dancing with the Stars of Dallas, a fun and friendly competition. The evening will culminate in a finals round and an award presentation.
Victor Vital, the President of the Dallas Education Foundation and the Office Managing Partner of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, affirms his commitment, “As the President of the Dallas Education Foundation and the Office Managing Partner of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, I and the firm are deeply committed to championing this cause. The Heart of Teaching Gala unites this community to honor and uplift the very best within the Dallas Independent School District. Together we will accelerate student success and continue to empower and inspire the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring an equitable, thriving, and prosperous community for all.”
Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, our Dallas ISD Superintendent of Schools shared her excitement for the Heart of Teaching gala, “I’ll always show up for the Dallas Education Foundation because they always show up for our students, and the truth is that I am looking forward to dancing. This is going to be fun!”
Proceeds from the gala will support the Dallas Education Foundation’s to fund programs that support early learning, advance literacy, drive post-secondary success, and catalyze educators in Dallas ISD. Dr. Stephanie Elizalde emphasizes, “Our mission is to educate all students for success. Not some students. Not most. All. And the Dallas Education Foundation has proven itself to be a critical ally in this mission.”
Lastly, the Foundation is honored to have Ambassador Ron Kirk as its honorary chair for the gala. A highly-respected figure in the Dallas community, Ambassador Kirk is currently the Special Of Counsel for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. His illustrious career includes serving as the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and a member of President Obama’s Cabinet, Mayor of Dallas, and Texas Secretary of State. An ardent supporter of public education, Ambassador Kirk was, in 2006, a founding member and first board president of the Dallas Education Foundation. He and his wife, Matrice, are proud parents to Alex and Catherine, both Dallas ISD alumni.
The Dallas community is cordially invited to come together for an unforgettable evening, celebrating the best of Dallas while supporting the city’s future.
About Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) and serves as the direct and designated philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD. With a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success, our vision is a galvanized community whose resources support the transformative work that makes Dallas ISD the preferred choice for families across North Texas.
Aligning with the district’s strategic initiatives, DEF has granted more than $5 million over the last three years for the benefit of our Dallas ISD students, teachers, and schools, focusing on economic mobility by supporting early learning, advancing literacy, driving post-secondary success, and catalyzing our educators. To learn more, go to https://dallasedfound.org and follow us @dallasedfound on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Dallas ISD
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its more than 141,000 students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
