16th Annual Destiny Awards Receives An Amazing Match For St. Philip’s School & Community Center

By Ohsocynthia @OhSoCynthia
photos c/o St. Philip’s School and Community Center
The 16th Annual Destiny Awards Luncheon garnered historical success with a match donation of $250,000 from Gradus for St. Philip’s School and Community Center. The event raised more than $900,000 on Friday, March 4. Over 700 guests attended the monumental luncheon this year where St. Philip’s also celebrated it’s 70th year of ministry, education and service in the South Dallas community. The event featured a moderated interview of Oscar nominated, Emmy, Tony and SAG award winning Viola Davis by WFAA reporter Rebecca Lopez. Ms. Davis captivated and inspired guests with her message as she described her path to success out of abject poverty “My passion was bigger than my circumstances,” Ms. Davis stated. This year’s Honorary Chairs were Pat and Emmitt Smith, the two were 2015 Destiny Award Luncheon keynote speakers. Longtime friends, supporters and board members, Sherrelle Evans-Jones and Paula Mitchell, were the Event Co-Chairs. Abigail and Todd Williams received the first Humanitarian Award, which recognizes exceptional work toward bridging relationships between diverse communities. The two are both phenomenal educational philanthropists in the DFW metroplex. St. Philip’s Alumni and current student at Uplift Williams Predatory School, Alexander Huerta presented the inaugural award.  St. Philip’s School & Community Center St. Philip’s is a private Christian school in southern Dallas serving over 200 students PreK2 to 6th grade (2-12) and a multi-faceted community center providing numerous athletic, educational and social services to approximately 3,000 children, youth and adults annually. For more information on St. Philip’s School & Community Center, visit www.stphilips1600.org.