The Catholic Foundation celebrates Catholic philanthropy with record-breaking crowd at 32nd annual award dinner
DALLAS (Feb. 13, 2014) – Close to 1,400 guests honored Mike and Mary Terry at The Catholic Foundation’s 32nd Annual Award Dinner at the Hilton Anatole, making the 2014 dinner the largest in the Foundation’s history. Roger and Marianne Staubach served as co-chairs for the event.
The Terrys received the prestigious Catholic Foundation Award for their service to the community, particularly children and the homeless, while upholding Catholic values. In addition, the Notre Dame School received a grant in the Terrys’ honor. The Catholic Foundation also presented Phong Nguyen, a Cistercian Preparatory School student, with The Catholic Foundation Scholar Award and a scholarship for his senior year of high school.
“Mike and Mary Terry’s generosity and compassion have touched the lives of so many people in the community,” said Matt Kramer, Foundation president and CEO. “Their service to those in need provide a strong example of living out faith.”
Mike and Mary met and married while they were students at The University of North Texas. Upon graduation, Mike worked at Terminix, Inc., his family’s pest control company, while Mary worked at the Denton State School. Mike became president of Terminix at age 26, eventually expanding the company, growing it into a business with 250 employees. Today, Mike runs a local investment firm, M. Terry Enterprises, Inc. The generous couple established The Mike & Mary Terry Family Foundation in 2006. Led by a board of family members, the nonprofit foundation focuses on providing equal opportunities for all children, advancing youth through education and ensuring a haven for those in need throughout North Texas. Based on the belief that education is a game changer, The Mike & Mary Terry Foundation supports local organizations that enhance and improve the quality of life for inner-city children, youth and families, including the homeless and abused.
“Our foundation and The Catholic Foundation share a common commitment to Catholic education. We have partnered with The Catholic Foundation on several important initiatives, because we strongly believe that joining forces can do far more good,” said Mike, who has joined Mary in more than 20 years of service to Jesuit College Preparatory School and Ursuline Academy on various Boards, Foundations, Committees and Fundraising Campaigns. The Terrys also are dedicated to supporting local inner city Catholic schools.
Today, Mike is a trustee of the Jesuit School Board, and serves on the boards of Teach for America and St. Paul Medical Foundation Board, on the Advisory Council for The Catholic Foundation, and on the Cristo Rey Dallas Feasibility Steering Committee. Mary, a fourth generation Texan, has a family heritage of service and generosity which helped develop her philanthropic spirit. She has given her time to many organizations including the Junior League of Dallas and Ursuline Academy. She is currently involved with St. Rita Catholic Church, The Bridge, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School and is a trustee on the Notre Dame of Dallas School Board and the Jesuit Museum Board. Mary and Mike are both members of the Order of The Holy Sepulchre and are Honorary Co-Chairs of the “Our Faith Our Future” Capital and Endowment campaign for the Diocese of Dallas. They were honored with the 2009 Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropist of the Year Award and The 2012 Bridge Builder Award. “Who are we to be blessed like we have been? God has given us so much, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and to help others,” said Mary.
Mike and Mary attend St. Rita’s Catholic Church and have three children: Melissa, Michael, and Travis, one son-in-law, Dustin Pridmore, and three grandchildren.
The Foundation’s annual dinner is held to honor Catholic philanthropy and to bring the Catholic community together. Chartered in 1955, The Catholic Foundation was founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond the charitable needs of the moment. This independent, nonprofit corporation has dedicated its resources to compassionate charitable giving through grants provided by benefactors through its many planned giving programs. Over the years, the Foundation has provided $82 million through grants to various religious, educational and charitable organizations. For more information, visit catholicfoundation.com.