Austin Bridge and Road, Longtime Heart House Funder Named Finalist of A Night of Light Awards

Heart House congratulates Austin Bridge & Road for being a finalist of
the 2018 Night of Light Awards in the Partner of the Year Category. The award recognizes exemplary strategic partnerships that have demonstrated significant change or created positive outcomes through such collaborative efforts between a corporate, foundation, or government entity. Heart House and Austin Bridge & Road joins CNM Connect, honorees and other finalists at A Night of Light awards Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

“I’m so encouraged by this announcement, as we are so very proud and grateful for ABR,” shares Lenita Dunlap, CEO of Heart House. “Austin Bridge & Road supports us through hands-on volunteering, charitable giving, and in-kind services. They host an annual field trip out to their facilities to learn more about the construction industry, allowing our students to meet the people behind the company. In turn, ABR owner-employees get the chance to connect with young refugees from Vickery Meadow – who one day, will be contributing community and business leaders themselves.”

“Through dynamic academic programs, art and play therapy, Heart House gives families the support they need to build new lives here in Dallas, ensuring success holistically, academically and beyond,” shares Richard Mills, Austin Bridge & Road President and Board Chair of Heart House.

Since 2000, Heart House has collaborated with area partners, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to provide holistic, year-round services such as learning clubs, art therapy and counseling to support the refugee and underprivileged children of Vickery Meadow. Annually, Heart House serves 240 students, free of charge, to families.

Vickery Meadow is one of the most densely populated areas of Dallas. To help address the traumas of fleeing war, persecution and life in refugee camps, Heart House provides a place for refugee children to move “From Chaos to Calm” through year-round, holistic programming, which supports academic, social-emotional learning, and character development. To learn more about Heart House and the work being done in the Victory Meadow community, visit www.HeartHouseDallas.org or email Lenita Dunlap at
[email protected].


Heart House is a nonprofit that provides safety, education and opportunity to refugee and underprivileged children. Heart House Dallas provides academic programs in which children are encouraged to grow, to meet their potential and fulfill their dreams.

Among their contributions over the last 18 years, Austin Bridge & Road hosts an annual golf event for which Heart House serves as its sole beneficiary. This year’s golf tournament happens Thursday, October 11 at Sky Creek Ranch Golf Course in Keller, Texas. With the generous support of ABR’s vendors and suppliers, more than $500,000 to-date has been raised for Heart House through the ABR annual golf tournament.

A Night of Light awards recognize excellence in the North Texas nonprofit sector. Winners receive a $5,000 cash grant in addition to a $2,500 scholarship toward CNM educational services, including public seminars and certificate programs. Since its creation in 2001, A Night of Light has awarded more than $475,000 in cash awards to 95 organizations.