Dallas Community Foundation

Giving Back to Help Others
Tony and Pearl Proal have made a lasting mark on the Dallas Community.

Tony and Pearl Proal came to Dallas in 1934. For many years they operated a bicycle shop and worked together cleaning office buildings in town. Pearl was a mail carrier for a time. Tony and Pearl were often seen riding their bicycles and walking together through town, but they were private people, who lived quietly and simply.

When Tony passed away in 1986, Pearl was surprised to learn that, over the years, together they had grown a substantial estate. But finding “wealth” didn’t change a thing about Pearl. She continued to live as simply as before, even as she contemplated what to do with what she had.

Pearl loved Dallas. She and Tony had gotten so much from the community and she wanted to give back. With no children and no close relatives, she wanted to leave most of her estate to the community in ways that would help the people of Dallas. When she found out about the Dallas Community Foundation, she knew that was the way she could leave an enduring legacy.

Pearl worked closely with the Foundation to create a Fund in her will that would honor her and Tony and support programs and services they cared about. When she passed away in 2002, she left $628,519.10 to the Foundation, to establish the Anthony and Pearl Proal Fund. Since then, the Proal Fund has awarded thousands of dollars to support a wide variety of services and organizations in Dallas, including the Polk Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, the Leander Quiring Foundation (which supports Polk Adolescent Day Treatment Program) and many programs providing help to seniors.

Tony and Pearl’s story shows how caring people in our own community, through the Dallas Community Foundation, can make a lasting difference. They will be long remembered not only for how they lived, but for their legacy of caring and help.

Why give to the Dallas Community Foundation?

It is a meaningful way to give back to your community. It is an investment that makes a difference today and tomorrow. The Foundation offers a broad-base support mechanism, connecting those who care with causes that matter in the Dallas area.

Dallas area graduates have received over $200,000 in scholarships. Over $180,000 has been distributed through grants to local non-profit organizations to directly address local needs. But the scholarships and grants we give are only possible because of the financial contributions of people like you! No amount is too small or too large. It is the act of giving and not the size of any donation that matters. You can give with confidence, knowing that your donation will be managed responsibly and will truly make a difference in your community. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

How are Foundation funds managed?

With diligent oversight and carefully guided investment, the fund has grown steadily since 1994 and is now valued at over $1,500,000. Funds are invested independently through Becker Capital Management, an investment firm located in Portland, Oregon. By pooling resources into an investment fund, we can realize a greater return to support both current and future needs.

In What Areas Do We Invest?

We invest in the many diverse programs and activities that directly address needs in the community, particularly in the arts, those in need, sports and recreation, and education. We have supported organizations such as the Dallas Arts Association, Delbert Hunter Arboretum, Polk County Historical Society, VORP, Dallas Food Bank, Sable House, Kid’s Inc., Dallas Skate Park, Friends of the Dallas Library, Lyle Reading Buddies, etc.

We also invest in the post-secondary education of Dallas area graduates. In addition to administering 13 scholarship funds, the Foundation sponsors two annual scholarships.

How can I contribute?
We can accept gifts of money, securities, life insurance, and real estate. A fund may be established for designated purposes, organizations, institutions, or agencies; for a special field of interest; or without restriction. Designated or restricted gifts are subject to prior approval by the Foundation board of directors. Due to the constantly changing conditions and needs within the community, undesignated funds are generally the most desirable since they provide the Foundation with the greatest flexibility. About 25% of the Foundation’s total assets are unrestricted funds, given by donors to be used for local programs and activities at the board’s discretion.

You may also consider the Foundation in your estate planning as a way of leaving your mark on the Dallas community.

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Contact the Dallas Community Foundation for more information. We will be more than happy to work with you and your professional advisors at no cost or obligation to you and in complete confidence. Please consult your professional advisor for legal, financial, or planning advice.

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