Dallas, Texas (July 24, 2008) -- The June Jones Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Southern Methodist University Head Football Coach June Jones, today announced the details of a charity benefit & auction, titled Mustang Legends for Charity, to be held August 23, 2008 at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
More than 15 former SMU football legends serve as honorary chairman for this nostalgic and fun event, including both members of the famed SMU “Pony Express” backfield -- NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson and current ABC and ESPN college football commentator Craig James. There also will be a special appearance by Notre Dame Football legend Rudy Ruettiger, the inspiration for the blockbuster film “RUDY.”
“Mustang Legends for Charity will connect the past of SMU Football with the present for the future,” said SMU Head Football Coach June Jones. “Most importantly, it will make a difference in the lives of others. I am truly grateful for the outpouring of support received for this meaningful event.”
Festivities will include a VIP cocktail reception, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., to run concurrently with a general cocktail reception and silent auction. A dinner, live auction and program will follow from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m., with entertainment by Robert Lee Kobb & The Local Heroes.
Proceeds from Mustang Legends for Charity will benefit the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education & Human Development, Gridiron Heroes and The June Jones Foundation. Blake Bozman and Dick Collins are serving as Co-Chairmen of the Event Committee and are joined by a dozen other committee members.
Mustang Legends for Charity is presented by Richard H. Collins and Paul and Penny Loyd. An additional 20 corporate and individual sponsors have also signed on in support of the event.
Sponsorships and tickets can be purchased online at www.MustangLegendsforCharity.com or by contacting Kevin Kaplan at kkaplan1@aol.com or (888) 599-4483. Only 10 tables remain.
About the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education & Human Development.
The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education & Human Development helps current and future teachers, counselors, therapists and the community harness the power of education through degree offerings, human development programs, continuing studies courses and faculty research on education-related topics.
A gift from SMU alumni Harold C. Simmons and Annette Caldwell Simmons established the organization, to provide endowment and crucial support for programs that address critical needs and opportunities in education.
The mission of the school is to integrate theory, research and practice of education and human development; promote academic rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration; educate students for initial certification and professional practice; and nurture collaboration across the academic community.
About Gridiron Heroes
Gridiron Heroes, a 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation, provides immediate and long-term resources and support to individuals sustaining a catastrophic spinal cord injury through activities associated with high school football. It is based in San Antonio, Texas.
On November 2, 2001, Chris Canales, a senior defensive back playing for San Marcos Baptist Academy, sustained a spinal cord injury during the fourth quarter of his final regular season game. Chris lay motionless on the field for 19 minutes. The next three weeks, Chris fought for his life. The following months he battled through rehabilitation trying to gain movement and learning how to function as a quadriplegic. Chris’ injury and the lack of any organized support system for families prompted his father, Eddie Canales, the Canales family, and former coach Mike Kipp to found an organization for families who were forced to deal with the consequences of this devastating injury.
About the June Jones Foundation
The June Jones Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for needy families of children with life-threatening illnesses as well as other charitable causes.
The emotional, physical, and spiritual impact of a seriously ill child has on a family cannot be measured. The June Jones Foundation is dedicated to lifting their spirits by providing grants and support.
The Foundation was established in 2004, by Southern Methodist University Head Football coach June Jones. Over $400,000 in grants and educational programming has been awarded since inception.