–Donation to the Dallas Education Foundation will help performing arts teachers replace equipment following Winter Storm Uri–
DALLAS – May 27, 2021 – Following Winter Storm Uri’s historic freezing temperatures and flooding caused by broken pipes, six Dallas ISD campuses sustained significant losses to their performing arts departments. To help get these programs back up and running ahead of the 2021-2022 school year, Reliant presented a $115,000 donation to the Dallas Education Foundation to replace damaged equipment.
Teachers from Bryan Adams High School, E.D. Walker Middle School, Harold Wendell Lang Sr. Middle School, J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard, Lincoln High School and Wilmer-Hutchins High School rushed to set up makeshift classrooms and welcome students just a few days after they suffered extensive equipment damage from the storm. Recognizing the financial and program impact of replacing the equipment not covered by insurance, Reliant’s donation will fully support affected Dallas ISD performing arts departments with new musical instruments, speakers, instrument cases, uniforms, sheet music and more.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the most gracious donation of instruments and supplies for our band program,” said Terry Pogue, E.D. Walker Middle School band director. “This generosity will significantly impact hundreds of students for years to come and give them a chance to have experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives. This makes a brighter future for our program, school and most importantly our students.”
Mita Havlick, executive director of the Dallas Education Foundation also expressed her deep appreciation. “This donation from Reliant is a gift that will positively impact our students, and we hope it inspires others in our community to support our kids, their passions, and the arts.”
The donation is part of the $4 million commitment from Reliant and parent company NRG to address food and water shortages, temporary or damaged housing and the overall recovery effort across Texas following the winter storm.
“Dallas ISD’s performing arts programs empower our youth and create opportunities that enrich their lives. Reliant is delighted to give back to our community by supporting North Texas students and teachers,” said Andrea Russell, vice president of Reliant. “We hope our donation will have a lasting impact that enhances their programs and helps the affected classrooms get back to normal.”
The Dallas Education Foundation, the direct philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD, accepted the donation on behalf of the school district.
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About Dallas ISD
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its more than 143,000 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.
About the Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation is inspired every day by the creativity and innovation we see in our Dallas ISD classrooms. We believe our city and our communities are strengthened by each student who graduates ready to lead a successful life. As the non-profit, philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD, we align with the District’s strategic initiatives and partner with our city’s business leaders, residents and philanthropic community that enrich the lives of our students. For more information about the Dallas Education Foundation, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@FutureofDallas), or visit www.futureofdallas.atplaycreative.com
About Reliant, an NRG company
Reliant powers, protects and simplifies life by bringing electricity, security and related services to homes and businesses across Texas. Serving customers and the community is at the core of what we do, and the company is recognized nationally for outstanding customer experience. Reliant is part of NRG, a Fortune 500 company that creates value by generating electricity and providing energy solutions to more than 3.5 million residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada. NRG’s competitive residential electricity business, which includes Reliant, is one of the largest in the country. For more information about Reliant, visit reliant.com and connect with Reliant on Facebook at facebook.com/reliantenergy and Twitter or Instagram @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007.
