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Raise ’Em, Raise ’Em Texas Tech By Telea Johnson Stafford The Dallas Chapter of the Alumni Association marks a major milestone as the first chapter to raise a $100,000 scholarship endowment. If fundraising were a sport, the Dallas chapter highlight reel would span 15 years and close to as many presidents with memorable vignettes showcasing the early days of small social hours to the more ambitious signature events such as Red Raider Live and the coup de gras and top money earner The Quarterly Business Briefing. The Dallas Chapter, one of the largest and most active chapters of the Texas Tech Alumni Association, has seen steady growth in the endowment over the past 15 years, but nothing compares to the last two years. In just two years, The Quarterly Business Briefing is responsible for contributing more than $45,000, to move the needle across the $100,000 mark. The Dallas chapter has a colorful history. “There are colorful beginnings and interesting challenges that come along with winging it,” says David Thomas, former president of the Dallas Chapter. “If it weren’t for Jim Douglass providing comic relief and Bill Dean giving morale support when we needed it, some of those early events may not have happened. Now a Foundation Board member, Thomas shares the stories of near misses and close calls that could have prevented some of the early signature events. From the donated armoire that came up missing before being picked up by the winner of the silent auction to the last minute cancellation of the Red Raider Live headliner a few days before the event with 500 in attendance. The good news is that the armoire found its way back to the country club in time to be claimed by the buyer and the headliner who canceled was replaced by then unknown girl group that became the Dixie Chicks.
The current Dallas Board, back row, from left, are Nathan Nash (president), Heath Cheek, Carson Cullen, Brian Trulove and Katie Tellkamp. Front row, from left, are Lesley Jarrett, Dustin Elo and Elissa Luke.
The Dallas chapter has truly continued the passion started by the first wave of risk takers and give tips to other chapters on how they did it. “The Dallas chapter decided not to stick to the formula, trying something new gave an opportunity to grow,” said Heath Cheek, vice president of the Dallas Chapter. Cheek presented the idea of the Quarterly Business Briefing to the Dallas officers close to four years ago. Heath and the Quarterly Business Briefing committee spent close to 18 months planning the first event and the next 18 months executing and perfecting it. Very gracious, Heath gives most of the credit to a borrowed idea. Unlike the original concept established as a free/break even event, the Dallas Chapter set a goal for the first event of generating $7,500 and 100 guests. Within weeks of sending out the invitation, the first event featuring inaugural speaker Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys senior vice president reached $22,000 in sponsorship sales and 200 guests. “What worked for us was believing in the effort and faith that the Alumni base would support the idea and it proved to be true,” Nathan Nash, president of the Dallas Chapter. This support translates into sustainable scholarships that will be available year after year. Immediately, the Dallas Chapter can increase the number of scholarships awarded from one to four in amounts double to prior years. Scholarships are near to the hearts of the Dallas leadership, and the goal of making a larger impact in the lives of future Red Raider just got $100,000 closer. Derrick Morgan, membership development representative from 1999-2001, remarks on the quiet competition among the chapters during his time with the Alumni Association. All of the chapters had their eye on reaching the $100,000 milestone, some with carwashes and others with casino nights. “It is a great accomplishment for the Dallas chapter; I know other chapters are taking notice,” says Morgan. “It will be great to see who takes the challenge to be next.” Sponsorship opportunities are available for the quarterly business briefing by contacting Heath Cheek business@dallastechsan.org or online: http://www.dallastechsan.org/business/tickets.html
july/august 2010 T E C H S A N «
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