Luncheon benefits drop-out recovery schools

By Raquel Henry

Texans Can Academies honored longtime philanthropist Maurine Dickey, at the annual Texans Can Academies — Dallas Cares for Kids Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 20 at The Belo Mansion. The Cares for Kids luncheon is open to the public and annually recognizes individuals who exemplify family and community leadership while benefiting the students who attend the six Dallas-area campuses. 

Maurine Dickey (pictured at right with students) was recognized for her generosity to Texans Can Academies and dedication to helping children overcome obstacles. For more than six years, she served as chairman of the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, an agency that is devoted to the protection of children. In addition, she was chair of the Dallas County Child Welfare Board and served on the County Juvenile Board. 

As a former Dallas county commissioner, Maurine Dickey served two four-year terms from 2005 to 2013 with a focus on regional issues such as transportation and high-speed rail. 

She was the only county commissioner to have ever served on the Parkland Hospital Board of Managers. While a commissioner, she chaired initiatives such as the County’s Clean Air Task Force and the non-profit Prostitute Diversion Initiative and was vice president of the Texas High Speed Rail Corporation. 

Maurine Dickey and her husband, Roland Dickey, own Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, a franchised chain of 500 restaurants across the country. Dickey’s was originally established by Roland’s father in 1941, and the original store is on Knox Street and North Central Expressway in the Knox/Henderson district of North Dallas. 

The Dickey family and its family of restaurants takes pride in serving those who serve local communities through its foundation, Barbecue, Boots & Badges. Through the national campaign led by Maurine Dickey, local support benefits law enforcement and firefighters who put their lives on the line every day by serving the public. Barbecue, Boots & Badges creates partnerships between local law enforcement and communities that are crucial in orchestrating crime reduction programs and initiatives. Additionally, the foundation provides educational programs to the public that will enhance safety, build career awareness, encourage volunteer opportunities and provide funds to enhance these services. 

As this year’s Texans Can Academy — Dallas Cares for Kids Luncheon honoree, Maurine Dickey visited the Texans Can Academy — Dallas Oak Cliff campus to speak with the students about education and to provide them with helpful life lessons. She also treated a select group of students to lunch at the original Dickey’s Barbecue location. 

All proceeds from the 2019 Texans Can Academies — Dallas Cares for Kids Luncheon benefited students seeking a second chance and renewed hope of economic independence through a high school education at Texans Can Academies – Dallas. Texans Can Academies believes a high quality education for all students, especially those who have struggled in a non-traditional high school setting, is the key to ensuring economic independence and success. 

For more information about Texans Can Academies, visit TexansCan.org.