Dallas Non-Profits Gain 2005 ``Brains and Bucks'' with Local CEOs and Dallas Social Venture Partners; Is ``Executive Envy'' in Dallas on the Rise?

DALLAS -- Is "executive envy" on the rise? It may well be in Dallas as three East Dallas community service organizations tap the "brains and bucks" of local CEOs and executives through Dallas Social Venture Partners' community care initiatives, said Krista Weinstein, DSVP executive director.

"Agencies often find themselves consumed with serving community needs full time with little or no time to focus on a long-term vision, strategy and operations," said Weinstein. "Our goal at DSVP is to support these community organizations with Dallas' movers and shakers -- experienced business executives and community volunteers committed to share their brains and their bucks."

This year, for the first time in DSVP's history, the organization is helping eight agencies, with three new community organizations for 2005. DSVP has named the following executives as lead partners for 2005:

--George Ellis, president and CEO of Softbrands, and Steve Raab, CEO of The InSource Group, are lead partners for the Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC)

--Brice Tarzwell and Connie Stamets, both of whom are shareholders of Winstead, Sechrest & Minick P.C., are lead partners for LIFT Education (Local Initiatives For Tomorrow's Education)

--Karen Akin, owner of Apples to Zinnias, in Dallas, and Janet Mockovciak, community volunteer, are lead partners for The Wilkinson Center

Other DSVP lead partners include:

--Mike Gelhausen, owner of I.think Inc., lead partner for Advanced Placement Strategies (APS)

--Lisa Barbour, community volunteer, and Brad Whitlock, Partner, Jackson Walker L.L.P., are lead partners for the Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Center

--Michael Broder, Executive Vice President & CFO at Cross Timber Capital, is lead partner for Dallas Concilio of Hispanic Organizations

--Pete Meldrum, executive performance coach at Outcomes!, is lead partner for Educational First Steps (EFS)

--David Matthews, General Manager, Green Mountain Dallas is lead partner for Shared Housing

This year's new DSVP Investees are:

--LIFT Education - DSVP funds of $20,000 will be used to for a new LIFT(Local Initiatives For Tomorrow's Education) Education program which will offer highly focused mentoring preparing middle school students to make strong educational choices. LIFT Education runs two charter campuses, Peak Academy and North Hills, which serve underserved urban children in east Dallas and Irving. LIFT creates an environment that motivates students to increase their personal expectations while teaching them how individual choices and actions impact their lives. LIFT Education is led by Rosemary Perlmeter, executive director. She may be reached at 214-821-7325, or via e-mail at [e-mail].

--Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC) - DSVP funds of $20,000 will be used for TRAC, which serves North Texas' needs for young people growing up in state care and then "aging out." TRAC's goal is to increase the numbers of young people who have the necessary skills and resources to successfully transition from foster and juvenile care to adulthood and successful independent living. TRAC aims to improve the quality of life for emancipating youth. TRAC, led by planning director Evy Kay Ritzen, is located at 3108 Live Oak, Dallas, TX 75204 and may be contacted toll-free at 866-466-8722 or at [e-mail], www.traconline.org.

--The Wilkinson Center - DSVP funds of $20,000 will be used for The Wilkinson Center, an east Dallas ministry 501(c)3 non-profit that has served the most ethnically diverse sections of Dallas County since 1982. Housed at the Munger Place United Methodist Church, The Wilkinson Center depends on annual donations primarily from individuals, church congregations and corporations to continue providing service to the homeless, unemployed and underemployed citizens of east Dallas. It offers a food pantry, employment training, a career clothing center and more. The Wilkinson Center has served more than 250,000 citizens since its inception. The center, led by executive director Brian Burton, is located at 5200 Munger Street, Dallas, and may be contacted at 214-821-6380, or visit www.wilkinsoncenter.org.

DSVP, launched in Dallas in 2000, is one of 23 social venture partnerships in North America demonstrating the value and innovation of "venture philanthropy," an emerging philanthropic approach for business leaders, entrepreneurs and community volunteers who are committed to provide "dollars and sense - business sense" for community service agencies.

"This is really the next-generation model of business philanthropy," said Weinstein. "Often called 'engaged philanthropy,' it's an experience that lasts well beyond a corporate charitable giving requirement or some sense of duty. Our Partners are engaged and involved on a personal level, and get to use their experience, education and success to support these agencies."

Since its inception, DSVP has granted $950,000 to 11 community agencies, and presently has 89 business leaders and community volunteers as Partners. It is these Partners who fund the grants.

For press contacts and interviews, contact Roy Miller at 972-716-4070 x235, or via e-mail at [e-mail].