The Exchange Club of East Dallas raised about $130,000 for public school children last month at its annual fundraiser, according to numbers finalized this week by the event chair.
The sum was the highest the group of about 50 men has raised since starting the event four years ago, event chair Tim Webster said. The group collected about $80,000 the first year, and the total has risen consistently ever since.
The organization raises about $200,000 annually, Webster said.
Proceeds were garnered primarily from a silent auction and table sales for the dinner featuring Voice of the Dallas Cowboys, Brad Sham. Cowboys writer Mickey Spagnola and sideline reporter Kristi Scales conducted a Q&A with Sham, and the Exchange Club named one of its five scholarships in his honor.
Funds from the event will be used to provide East Dallas students with need-based scholarships that can be renewed for four years. Money will also be used to pay for a big project at Woodrow Wilson, J.L. Long or one of the eight elementary schools that partner with the group. In the past, the Exchange Club has paid for playground equipment and new seats in an auditorium.
Since 1948, the Exchange Club of East Dallas has helped meet the needs of more than 7,000 children by providing 2,000 coats, 20,000 books and 3,000 eye exams.
“We’re focused on the kids of East Dallas and increasing our impact at each school,” Webster said.
