Andre Gurode of the Dallas Cowboys has recently partnered with Promise House to demonstrate that his passion extends beyond the football field and into the North Texas community. Entering his ninth season with the Dallas Cowboys, Gurode is a four-time (consecutive) Pro Bowl selection and one of the top offensive players in the National Football League. It is this drive to pursue excellence in every aspect of his life that has recently prompted him to focus on another one of his priorities—community outreach. Throughout his career, Gurode says that he has “always felt strongly compelled to develop an organization aimed at building strong kids and strong communities”. Through the founding of his new charity, The Center of Attention Foundation, Inc., this dream has been brought to life.

 

After researching and visiting several prospective agencies with which to partner, Gurode immediately connected with the mission of Promise House. “My goal was to find a partner that we could put our efforts toward and could benefit from available and prospective resources. At first, I thought this would be a difficult decision, but as soon as we walked into Promise House there was something special in the atmosphere. I went in to learn more about Promise House, and partnered with them before I left! I'm very excited about the partnership and look forward to accomplishing our goals in order to enrich the quality of life of these amazing children.”

 

During Gurode’s visit to Promise House, he had the opportunity to tour the agency, learn about our programs, and hang out with some of our remarkable teens from the Emergency Youth Shelter Program. The teens had a blast, asking him all kinds of questions and getting autographs. Watching Gurode interact with our teens was truly touching, as his kind and humble manner quickly made the residents feel comfortable opening up to him. 

 

To celebrate this new partnership, The Center of Attention Foundation hosted its first annual weekend of fundraising events, June 4-6, 2010. The first event, a private, black tie Casino Royale Celebrity Gala held on June 4, included live music, delicious food, and a rousing live auction. Additionally, two Promise House clients, Lorena and Ryan, were invited to share their stories. On June 5, clients from the Emergency Youth Shelter Program, Transitional Living Program, and Street Outreach Program joined Gurode for a celebrity kickball tournament, where they met numerous professional athletes and other celebrities. The Foundation also hosted a party at the A Loft Hotel, after the kickball tournament, and a weekend wrap-up brunch at Le Méridien Hotel on June 6, 2010.

 

Promise House is thrilled to have the support of such a recognizable, successful public figure as Andre Gurode. His list of athletic achievements and desire to help others are truly admirable, and we look forward to seeing what this partnership can accomplish in the future.

 

For more information about Andre Gurode or The Center of Attention Foundation, visit www.andregurode65.com.