Dallas Stars Light Up the Dance Floor in Support of Dallas ISD Educators
Dallas, TX (October 31, 2023) – Honorary Chair Ambassador Ron Kirk, the Dallas Education Foundation, and Dallas ISD are set to dazzle with the HeART of Teaching annual gala on November 1st at the historic Longhorn Ballroom. This year’s theme, “Dancing with the Stars of Dallas,” promises guests a blend of excitement, entertainment, and heartfelt tributes to the educators of Dallas ISD.
For the first time ever, area civic and business leaders are paired with Dallas ISD dance teachers for an evening of fun and friendly competition. Participants are pillars of our community and include:
• Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde
• TX State Representative Rafael Anchía
• Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins
• Honorable Jennifer Staubach Gates
• WFAA Anchor Cynthia Izaguirre
• Barnes & Thornburg Office Managing Partner Victor Vital
Lily Weiss of Dallas Fine Arts District, Charles Santos of TITUS/UNBOUND, and Ahava Silkey-Jones of Dallas College will serve as judges and offer color commentary throughout the night.
Voting is now open to the public at https://heartofteaching.muradbid.com; the top vote-getter will be crowned the evening’s winner and receive the famed Mirror Ball trophy.
Every vote purchased and auction item sold supports the Dallas Education Foundation to support Early Learning, advance Literacy, and drive postsecondary success for the 141,000 students of Dallas ISD.
Rep. Anchía and his dance partner Janna Robison, Director of Dance at Gaston Middle School, say they are set to perform a riveting Merengue/Salsa performance. “It’s not just about dancing; it’s about supporting our schools and making a difference,” Anchia said.
A Dallas ISD alum, Ms. Izaguirre, who is paired with Quan Powers, Director of Dance and Drill at Spruce High School, expressed her motivation to participate, “Dallas ISD teachers shaped me. This dance is my tribute to them and a vote of confidence in our city’s future.”
Mr. Vital, who also serves as board president for the Dallas Education Foundation, will be gliding across the dance floor with Iris Wyatt, Director of Dance and Drill at Lincoln High School. He emphasized, “This gala unites us in our mission to uplift the best within Dallas ISD. Our collective efforts pave the way for the future leaders of this community.”
Inviting the Dallas community to this grand celebration, the HeART of Teaching promises to be more than just an evening of entertainment. It’s commitment and contribution towards Dallas’s bright educational 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.
