Spirit & Service
Newsletter
Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center Grand Opening
Last month, we reimagined what’s possible for the arts in South Dallas! As a community, we gathered for a new chapter at St. Philip’s to celebrate the grand opening of our new arts center. Page 3.
Govt. Shutdown Affects
Food Pantry
Due to the government shutdown, we are experiencing an influx of neighbors in need. The demand for food assistance is heightened and we cannot sustain all of our neighbors without your support. Page 4.
The 26th Annual Destiny Award Luncheon
Who's Who at Destiny:
Parrish Family Destiny Awards Speaker: Misty Copeland
Moderator: Lael & Peter Brodsky
Title Sponsors & Luncheon Chairs: Pamela Wills-Ward & Mitchell Ward
Underwriting Chairs: The Honorable Monica Purdy & Toby Purdy, Shonn Evans Brown & Maurice A. West
Speaker Sponsors: Jewel and Roland Parrish
Humanitarian Award Recipients: Fredye Factor
VIEW DONATION & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center Grand Opening
A Dream Realized at St. Philip's: Expanding the Arts in South Dallas!
What a night to remember! On a brisk October evening, our community gathered for the Grand Opening of the Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center, a celebration years in the making. The evening was filled with joy, reflection, and gratitude as alumni, families, and supporters witnessed this new chapter in South Dallas come to life.
The new facility was made possible through the generosity of donors who believed in the power of creativity to transform communities. It houses dedicated spaces for music, theater, dance, digital, culinary, and visual arts, featuring professional-grade studios designed to spark innovation and confidence in everyone who enters.
The Moody PFAC emerged from the historic We Believe Campaign, launched in the 2015-2016 school year, which raised over $11 million in funding for the new building.
Among the guests was Erykah Badu, Grammy Award–winning artist and proud St. Philip’s alumna, who shared heartfelt memories of growing up at St. Philip’s and watching her own children, Seven and Puma, experience the same love and foundation of faith during their time here.
The evening also introduced new partnerships with Tracy “The D.O.C.” Curry’s DOC Cares Dreams Experience Academy and Dallas Black Dance Theatre, expanding creative opportunities for our students.
Performances by alumni and a moving finale from Carmen Rodgers filled the Center with warmth and promise, a reminder that the arts are essential to a thriving community.
Visit our website to learn more about the Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center.
Govt. Shutdown Affects Aunt Bette's
Aunt Bette's Community Pantry operates as a client choice pantry serving over 500 households, 1,700 individuals, and distributes 700,000+ pounds of food each year.
Due to the government shutdown, we are experiencing an influx of neighbors in need. There is a significant and multifaceted impact on food banks that rely on federal funding and USDA programs, therefore, demand for food assistance is heightened.
We cannot sustain all of our neighbors without your support! We ask that you consider signing up to volunteer or donating goods. For more information about how you can strengthen our food pantry's efforts or to receive food, call 214-753-5600.
We need YOU to help fill our volunteer slots on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:45am-12pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-5pm. Click HERE to sign up to volunteer.
$6.8M Wells Fargo Grant in South Dallas
Recently, Wells Fargo made an investment of $6.8 million to power transformational work across housing, small-business growth, commercial property rehab, and workforce development in South Dallas. Their faith in our neighborhood and our Saint’s family dedication will fuel growth, opportunity, and revitalization right here in the Forest District.
We are honored to stand alongside our incredible partners, Cornerstone Community Development Corporation and Forest Forward, working together to uplift and transform our neighborhoods. Collaboration like this moves us all forward!
Community News & Updates
Our girls showed up and showed out at the Southwest Cheer and Dance Competition! Our 12U team won first place, 6U team 2nd place, and 4U team first place as well! Stay tuned as we advance to the National Cheer Competition in Florida in December.
Basketball Registration Open
Youth basketball registration is now open for boys and girls ages 4-14 from across the community. The cost is $125 per athlete, team regristation is $300. You can register and complete the parent's consent form via Quick Scores, or call 214-421-5221 for more information.
Are you or someone you know interested in coaching for St Philip's? Contact Mr. Collins at JCollins@stphilips.com.
Know a team wanting to participate in our Saturday basketball league? Contact Ms. Freeney at afreeney@stphilips.com.
The Best of Black Dallas Awards are back and St. Philip's was nominated by the community for the Best Non-Profit Award! Voting is open until November 18, 2025. Show your support and cast your vote daily. Click HERE to crown St. Philip's as the Best Non-Profit Organization of 2025.
Congratulations Saints Cheer
Community News & Updates
Second Fridays keep getting easier — and way more fun — for parents and kids! Youth from across the community hang out at St. Philip's for a FREE night filled with fun, activities, and mentorship. In collaboration with Dallas Professionals and Junior League of Dallas, they enjoy a safe, engaging space with networking, character building, and friends.
Through our partnership with Dallas Designing Dreams, we offer a variety of classes in the WeCreation Center, like sewing! With the leadership of experienced instructors, like Ms. Carla and Mr. Porter, community members of all ages are learning industry-relevant training and new creative outlets. Click HERE to learn more.
collide! Admissions applications for PK-8th
Check out our latest Senior Group Outing at Winspear Opera House! Courtesy of AT&T Community Partners Program, seniors attended a wonderful dance performance by the Ronald K. Brown company.
Are you ready to discover the power of community and giving back? Volunteer your time and talents with our school and community programs and see how your life changes.
Click here to explore current opportunities!
Fall in Love with Ruthie’s Cafe Autumn Menu!
As the weather cools down, warm up with something delicious from Ruthie’s new Fall Menu. Try their Autumn Crisp Chicken Salad Sandwich, Sweet Autumn Salad, or Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Ruthie’s Cafe is just down the street at 1632 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Suite 100—the perfect stop after drop-off, during lunch, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a purpose. Best of all, 100% of Cafe proceeds benefit St. Philip’s, so every bite gives back to the community we love.
