Dallas Cowboys Linebacker and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame inductee Justin Durant hosted a private reception and toy drive at Olivella’s Neo Pizza Napoletana in Victory Park on December 15 to benefit The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas-Oak Cliff Club.
The mood was decidedly merry and bright when 65 people donated more than 100 toys to Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas-Oak Cliff Club. Durant’s friend and two-time Superbowl Champion Bethel Johnson joined the festivities.
Justin’s fondness for Boys and Girls Clubs dates back to his own youth when he was enrolled in his hometown Boys and Girls Club.
“I grew up in the Boys and Girls Club in Florence, S.C., so I felt the need to give back,” Durant said. “I wanted to partner with chapters here in Dallas to try to give back and do something with the community. I should have been doing it before. Now I’m trying to make up for lost time.”
Nearly 70 people attended, including Dallas Cowboy Justin Durant, former New England Patriot Bethel Johnson, Josh from 102.1 The Morning Edge, Jasmine Sadry from 102.1 The Edge iHeart Media, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill Jr. and, of course, representatives from Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.
“On behalf of over 6,000 youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, we are extremely grateful for the generous support provided by Justin Durant’s Toys for Tots at Olivella’s Neo Pizza Napoletana and now for Charity Giveback benefitting our Oak Cliff Club,” said Charles English, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. “This holiday season will be especially bright and happy for the many families that have entrusted their children to us. Justin’s generous gift ensures that we can continue to provide critical and results-based programs. We are sincerely grateful.”
Presenting sponsors included Macallan, Snow Leopard Vodka and Brugal Rum (Edrington America), Olivella’s Neo Pizza Napoletana, The Landings St Lucia with additional support provided by Robert Half International, D4SM, Luv Your Events, Nike, W Hotel, Yeroc Eyewear, Schuyler 4, Haupt Shirts, Phil’s New Money Friends, Jenny Meets Penny, Megan Averbuch, Fashion Stylist of Belles and Rebelles, Jen Abrams Style, Unity Vintage Jean Co. and Marlyn Schiff.
