Stronger Together through Philanthropy: Weekly Message from Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of DAMC

If ever there was a time to support our non-profit community, it’s now. 

Thursday, September 17, 2020 is North Texas Giving Day. Thousands of non-profit organizations across the region, including dozens located in Downtown Arlington, are participating in this annual 18-hour online giving event. All contributions made through the North Texas Giving Day website from now until midnight tomorrow will be matched in part by the Communities Foundation. 

In Arlington, North Texas Giving Day comes alive virtually thanks to the Levitt Pavilion and Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. Through the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Facebook feed, you can tune in all day to see ATF presentations of $60,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations, including bonus grants, the People’s Choice Award, and a virtual Charity Showcase. 

Meanwhile, the Levitt Pavilion will host a full day of concerts live-streamed on its Facebook page. The concerts kick off at 11:00 am and include performances by Larry Gee, Hannah Kirby and Brad Thompson, Bri Bagwell, Ron Bultongez, and Radney Foster.

“Philanthropy is a critical component to the community's response and recovery during these times of uncertainty,” said Carolyn Mentesana, Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Executive Director. “Along with our first responders and healthcare workers, local charities are serving on the front lines of the community ensuring vital resources and other crucial community services are available to help those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Entrepreneurial Vision and Hometown Heroes Celebrated at Downtown Arlington 2020 Annual Meeting presented by Texas Trust Credit Union  

While there are so many people to acknowledge for their role in last week’s Downtown Arlington 2020 Annual Meeting presented by Texas Trust Credit Union, let’s begin with a hearty congratulations to our 2020 award winners: Ryan Dodson, Brandon Hurtado, and Arlington Fire Station #1.

Ryan Dodson, President and Managing Partner of Dodson Development, received our most prestigious Dream Builders Award. We grant the award to individuals whose remarkable legacy in Downtown have truly helped build up our city. As a commercial developer with an eye for adaptive revitalization, Ryan was the clear choice as our 2020 Dream Builder Award recipient. 

Brandon Hurtado, founder and owner of the wildly popular Hurtado Barbecue, received our Legendary Lionheart Award for his entrepreneurial energy, dedication to community, and the ways his new business has already become a legend in its own time. Finally, we presented Arlington Fire Station #1 our Golden Lantern Award, an honor given to non-profit organizations, public servants or residents who bring empathy and the human touch to their work. 

Thank you again to UTA faculty members Dan Cavanagh and Jamar Jones for their amazing musical performances in honor of those most impacted by COVID-19; Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams and University of Texas at Arlington Interim President Dr. Teik Lim for their remarks; The Band led by Tom “Willie Nelson” Cravens, Valerie Landry and Mayor Williams in a parody of On the Road Again; DJ Gurrl; our Board of Directors, particularly our outgoing members, for their years of service and leadership; and to everyone who tuned in to enjoy the show. 

Finally, a heartfelt thanks to the Levitt Pavilion for their incredible support as our production partners. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Levitt team has been leading the way in adapting to streaming technology, and their expertise now is second to none. We could not have produced our Annual Meeting without them. 

Viewed over 4,000 times and counting, this year’s event was truly meant as a love letter to everyone who makes Downtown such a special place and lifts us up through thick and thin. If you haven’t had a chance yet to view the Downtown Arlington 2020 Annual Meeting presented by Texas Trust Credit Union, please join us and click here.

Let’s Meet Up for the Game 

Three months ago, who would have thought that Fall 2020 would become a sports-watching season of fan-tacular proportions for those of us lucky enough to live in North Texas? 

It’s all getting started this Sunday, Sept. 20 when the Dallas Cowboys kick-off their 2020 NFL season at home in AT&T Stadium. Soon after, we’ll be Stanley Cup crazy as we cheer on the Dallas Stars who have advanced to the Finals for the first time in 20 years. 

Here’s something else we never expected from 2020: we may be going to the ballpark! Globe Life Field, the new home of our Texas Rangers, will host MLB Postseason games throughout October including Game One (and possibly Game Seven) of the World Series. Will there be fans in the stands for the first time in the ballpark’s history? We’ll be the first to know.

From December 3-12, the National Finals Rodeo will transform Globe Life Field and our city. As Mayor Williams said, "From cattle drives, museums and even the names of our professional sporting teams, our love of cowboy culture runs deep in Tarrant County. I can think of no better choice for the Super Bowl of rodeo than to be hosted here in the heart of North Texas.”

Where do we locals want to gather for the spectacle? This got us thinking: in every circle of friends, there’s always that one house where everyone wants to meet up before the game or after the show. The TV is in the perfect spot, the food’s always just right – not too fussy, but always delicious – and the conversation flows easily. It’s that place where everyone seems a little more relaxed, at home away from home.

When you put it that way, we know where we want go. Downtown Arlington. We’ve got the walkability, outside seating, great flavors, TV screens, and plenty of hometown hospitality. We’ve got Downtown Delivers to help you find the perfect patio, and Downtown Outdoors to guide you there.

This Fall, let’s meet up in Downtown Arlington. 

Live at the Levitt   

It’s so great to see live music return to the stage at the Levitt! For their Fall concert season, the Levitt Pavilion is hosting both live stream concerts and limited seating at their outdoor shows to give families and groups two socially-distant ways to enjoy great performances for free. Groups can include up to eight people in each of the “social squares,” but they must be reserved in advance.

Subscribe to the Levitt Pavilion e-newsletter, then watch for it on Tuesdays and click the link to reserve your square for each performance.